(This is an unauthorized fan fiction site and is not affiliated with Random House in any way. No profit is being made from these pages. I want to offer my thanks to Susansuth for her expertise and pointing out the things that need to make this story even better. You rock my friend. Thanks.)

 

The Christmas Miracle

 

Part I

Twenty-three-year-old Trixie Belden sat alone in the living room at Crabapple Farm. It was two weeks before Christmas and she had so much to do, but didn’t think she would be able to get it done.

She knew it was taking longer than she expected for her strength to return. She had been injured on Halloween when a tree branch had fallen during a storm. She had been pinned to the ground, breaking a couple of her ribs and in the process, puncturing one of her lungs. A tear had also been found in her stomach wall.

Trixie recalled waking in the hospital a week later. Her boyfriend at the time, James Winthrop Frayne II, was with her.

She had been so glad to see him. He had been wonderful for the past six weeks as she recuperated at home. He kept her company and they spent a lot of time talking. A smile crept across her face as she thought about the topic they continually discussed: their wedding. A week after she had been released from the hospital, Jim had proposed to her and she had readily accepted.

She thought back to when they had told their parents the news.

All the Beldens: Helen and Peter, Brian and Honey, Mart and Di, and Bobby, made their way up to the Manor House a few days after Jim had proposed. Jim had driven down and had taken Trixie back because she couldn’t make the walk yet, heeding the doctor’s orders not to do anything strenuous for fear of aggravating her injury.

After having a quiet dinner with Jim’s adopted parents, they gathered in the living room. Trixie stood with Jim’s arms around her waist as the others settled into chairs. She was nervous. She wasn’t sure how everyone was going to react when they told them the news.

“There’s a reason we wanted everyone here together tonight,” Trixie said.

“What is it?” Helen asked.

“Are you all right?” Brian asked quickly.

“I’m fine.” Trixie took her time. She knew she had to do this right. She felt Jim give her a gentle squeeze.

“What we wanted to tell you is that I proposed to Trixie a couple days ago,” Jim said.

Trixie saw everyone staring at her expectantly. She pulled her left hand out of her pocket and showed them the ring. “I said yes.”

Everyone congratulated them and started questioning them about the details. Jim put his hands up, getting them to quiet down.

“Trixie and I have decided on a date,” he said. “We have been through so much that we don’t want a long engagement.”

“So, when’s the date?” Honey asked.

“Valentine’s Day,” Trixie answered.

“That’s so soon,” Di said.

“But that’s what we want.”

“We’ll need to get working on the plans then,” Madeleine said. “The caterers, the florists, the banquet hall...”

“Mother, I know you want to make this wonderful for us, but the ceremony and reception will suit us,” Jim said. “We don’t want anything extravagant.”

“You don’t want my help?” Madeleine asked, hurt.

“We didn’t say that,” Trixie answered quickly. “Neither of us want anything grand. Just a quiet, family and friend oriented ceremony. But we do hope you would help us with the plans.”

“I’d be honored,” Madeleine said, smiling.

“What will you need me to do?” Helen asked.

“To help as much as you can.” Trixie smiled at her mother.

“I’ll help with whatever you need.”

Trixie smiled, thinking how everyone was doing their part to make their wedding perfect. She couldn’t wait to marry Jim. It seemed like time was moving slowly, but she knew it seemed that way because she was anxious for their wedding day.

A knock on the kitchen door interrupted her daydream. She got up from the couch and went to see who it was. She smiled as she recognized Jim. She quickly opened the door, letting in the cold air and Jim. As soon as he was inside, she closed the door.

“It’s cold out there,” Jim said, rubbing his hands together.

“It’s warm in here,” she said.

“It sure is.” He leaned toward her and gave her a kiss. “How are you?”

“Good. I’m glad you’re here.”

“Is everything all right? Are you feeling all right?”

“I’m fine.”

“Then what is it?” Jim asked, slipping his coat off and hanging it on the hook by the kitchen door.

“I missed you.”

Jim pulled her into his arms, giving her a hug. “I missed you too.”

“I’m glad you’re here,” Trixie mumbled into Jim’s chest.

They made their way into the living room and sat down on the couch. She leaned against him. “I can’t believe how much is involved in planning a wedding.”

“Are you feeling overwhelmed? If you are, we could have Mother take over some of the details.”

“There are some things I just can’t decide on.”

“If you can’t decide on something right now, set it aside and move onto something else. Not everything needs to be decided today.”

“I know. But I’d rather get it all planned now.” She sighed. “It’s not like I can do anything else.”

Jim tightened his hold on her. “I have a feeling you’re going stir crazy here at the farm.”

“I think you’re right. The only time I’ve been out of the house is to go to see the doctor, or that dinner the night we announced our engagement.”

“Maybe we can do something,” Jim suggested.

“I doubt Moms and Dad would go for it. They’ve been pretty overprotective of me since I’ve come home from the hospital.”

“We could at least ask. They may agree if they knew how you’re feeling.”

“I guess.”

“So, what plans were you working on for the wedding?”

Trixie grabbed the papers off the table and settled back against Jim. “I was just going over everything.”

“What’s been taken care of?” Jim asked, taking one paper from her.

“Well, Moms is making the wedding cake. Honey is making the alterations to Moms’ wedding dress, and Di is designing the wedding invitations. She said she would have them to us this weekend so we can send them out.”

“And from this list, we’re having the ceremony here at the farm with the reception following at Manor House.” He turned the paper over. “We have Pastor Marcus performing the ceremony.”

“Our wedding bands have also been ordered.” Trixie looked at Jim. “I’m glad you convinced the jeweler to come here with the different bands.”

“He was very understanding and glad to help.”

“That was one thing I was really concerned about.”

“What still needs to be done?”

“The flowers, food, and what Honey and Brian will wear since they are standing up with us.”

“Trix, I’ve got an idea. You have so many people helping you, why don’t you let Mother take care of the flowers and food?”

She leaned back and looked at him. “Do you think she would mind?”

“I think she would be thrilled. I think she may be feeling left out since everyone else has been doing something.”

“I never meant for her to feel left out,” Trixie said quickly. “I’ll ask her for her assistance. She has so much experience dealing with large social gatherings that this is probably second nature to her.”

“Large social gatherings?” Jim asked, a twinkle in his eye.

“You know what I mean,” Trixie said, nudging him in the ribs.

“I know.” Jim kissed the top of her head. “And she’ll make it perfect for us.”

Trixie settled her head back against Jim’s shoulder. She knew that, with everyone’s help, their wedding would be perfect

* * * * *

 

The next afternoon, Trixie straightened her skirt as she stood in front of the mirror. She wanted to make sure there were no wrinkles, since she was waiting for Jim’s adopted mother, Madeleine Wheeler.

The doorbell rang and Trixie took one last look at her reflection before she went to answer it. She pulled the kitchen door open and ushered Madeleine in.

“Thank you for coming, Mrs. Wheeler,” Trixie said closing the door.

“You said it was important,” Madeleine said, removing her scarf and coat.

“It is,” Trixie said. “I would have come to you, but with the doctor’s orders, it’s kind of hard to get out of the house.”

“I understand,” Madeleine said, handing her coat to Trixie to be hung in the kitchen. “Is everything all right?”

“It will be,” Trixie said. “Please come into the living room and have a seat.”

Trixie led her into the living room and they settled on the couch. Trixie decided to get right to the point. “Mrs. Wheeler, the reason I asked you to come by is important. I was hoping you would help with the wedding.”

“Really?” Madeleine asked, surprised.

“I know how important family is to Jim, and it would make us happy if you would help.”

“Trixie, I am flattered you would want my assistance. But what could I do? You already have everything taken care of.”

“Actually, we’re having trouble deciding on the food and flowers,” Trixie said. “With the doctor’s orders, there’s no way I can go to the florist and look at the different arrangements.”

“Are you sure you want me to do this?”

“Yes, I do. We’re going to be family. I want my entire family to help me to prepare to marry the man I love.”

Madeleine smiled. “I’ll help you.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll talk to the people and get some suggestions. Then we can decide together.”

“Thank you.”

“Trixie, as I said, I’m flattered to help. If there’s anything else I can do, please let me know.”

“I will.”

“Well, I need to get going. Matthew and I are heading to Europe for a few days.” Madeleine tapped Trixie’s hand. “Now, don’t worry. As soon as I get back, I’ll take care of the food and flowers.”

“Thanks again.”

“I’m glad to do it, Trixie.”

* * * * *

 

That evening, Jim arrived at the farm in time for dinner. They quietly talked through the meal. Once they finished, Trixie and Jim went into the living room and settled on the couch.

Trixie leaned her head against his shoulder as the news was turned on. Jim asked softly, “How did it go with Mother?”

“Really well. She was ready to help. I’m glad she agreed.”

“I’m glad you talked to her.”

“Jim, Trixie, we’d like to talk to you,” Peter said, entering the living room with Helen.

Trixie turned the television off as she sat up and looked at her parents as they settled into the armchairs. She asked, “What’s going on?”

“Well, honey, we know you’ve been having a hard time staying inside all the time,” Helen began.

“And we know you haven’t complained about it one bit,” Peter continued.

“There’s nothing I can do, because there’s too big of a risk since my lungs are still healing,” Trixie said. Jim reached over and took her hand in his.

“We understand that,” Helen said.

“We’ve talked to Dr. Ferris,” Peter said. “He said he wants to see you tomorrow. He said he might start letting you take some trips outside, other than your trips to visit him.”

“You mean I might be released from this prison?” Trixie asked.

Helen laughed. “This is better than a prison.”

“I know, but you can’t believe how it feels to want to go outside, but to know that you can’t.”

“Hopefully the doctor’s decision will be a good one,” Peter said. “But whatever Dr. Ferris decides, you have to accept.”

“I know.”

“Good,” Helen said, and they left the living room.

Once they were alone, Trixie said, “I know this will be good news.”

“Don’t jump the gun,” Jim said as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “You don’t want to be disappointed if he says you can’t.”

“I guess you’re right. Knowing my luck, he will decide to keep me locked away so I’m safe inside.”

“Who knows. But if he does give the go ahead, what’s the first thing you want to do?”

Trixie looked at Jim. “I want to go out on a date with you. Just the two of us.”

“Anywhere in particular?” Jim pulled her close.

“It doesn’t matter as long as it is away from here and we’re together.”

“That can be arranged once the doctor okays it.”

“I can’t wait.”

* * * * *

 

Two days later, Trixie was in White Plains with Honey, finishing her Christmas shopping. She had to find gifts for her parents and Bobby. She had already gotten gifts for her brothers and their wives.

As they made their way through the mall, Trixie realized how nice it was to be out. She was so glad the doctor had given her the go ahead to venture out of the house as long as she took it easy. She was following the doctor’s instructions and enjoying herself.

Her thoughts drifted to the previous day when Moms dropped her off at Ten Acres Academy following her doctor’s appointment. She had been so excited with what the doctor had told her that she wanted to tell Jim.

She went to his office and greeted his new secretary, Julie. Once she knew Jim was there, she went to the door and slowly pushed it open. She peeked around the door and saw he was in deep thought as he stared at several papers in front of him.

She quietly closed the door and looked at Jim. She smiled. “Hey there.”

Jim looked up and smiled at her. “What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to see you,” she said, making her way toward him.

He got out of his chair and moved around the desk to greet her. “I guess the visit to the doctor went well.”

“It did.” Trixie wrapped her arms around Jim’s neck. “Dr. Ferris said that I can start increasing my activities as long as I don’t overdo it.”

“That’s great.” Jim wrapped his arms around her, giving her a hug. “So, what’s going to be your first trip?”

“I don’t know yet. But it will be somewhere.”

Jim leaned back and looked at her. “How about we schedule that date?”

“Is this weekend good for you?” Trixie asked with a bright smile.

“I think it’s long overdue.”

Trixie and Jim kissed.

“Trixie, what are you thinking about?” Honey asked, interrupting her thoughts.

She looked at Honey sheepishly. “I’m sorry. I was...”

“Thinking about Jim,” Honey finished.

“Guilty.” Trixie smiled.

“I understand. He’s probably as excited as you are.”

“He is. He couldn’t wait to plan a date for us.”

“I think you’re looking forward to it yourself.”

“I am.”

“So, where are you going?” Honey asked as they sat down on one of the benches in the mall.

“I’m really not sure. I left all the details up to him.” Trixie turned to Honey. “I honestly don’t care what we do as long as we’re together.”

“So, what shopping do you need to do?”

“I need to get a few more gifts to finally be done.”

“Any ideas?”

“I want to get Moms the perfume she likes, and Dad a novel he’s been wanting to read. As for Bobby, he’s getting a gift certificate for some music.”

“I think that works. Bobby is hard to buy for.”

“Don’t I know it! Are you and Brian almost done shopping?”

“We’re pretty close. We’re planning to finish next week when he’s got a day off.”

“I can’t wait to be finished.”

“Have you gotten Jim his gift yet?” Honey asked.

Trixie smiled at her best friend. She had ordered Jim’s gift a week after he proposed. She had seen it in a magazine and knew it was perfect for her husband-to-be. “He’s already taken care of.”

“What did you get him?” Honey asked quickly.

“You’ll just have to wait and see.”

“Spoilsport.”

Trixie grinned. “Well, I guess we better finish up,” Trixie said, switching subjects. “Moms doesn’t want me gone too long on my first trip.”

“You’re right. Besides, there’s a storm predicted for tonight, and I don’t want to get stuck in it.”

“Then let’s go.”

* * * * *

 

Trixie felt the hair being brushed off her forehead. She took a breath and opened her eyes. She turned her head to the left and smiled when she saw Jim sitting on the bed beside her. She said softly, “Hey there.”

“Hey yourself,” Jim said, taking her hand in his. “It looks like you had a busy day.”

“It was nice.”

“Honey said you two had a good time.”

Trixie pulled herself up slightly and looked at her watch. It was almost dinnertime. She looked back at Jim. “Will you be staying for dinner?”

“Of course. Your mom sent me in to wake you. It’ll be going on the table in a few minutes.”

“That’s nice,” she said listlessly.

“Aren’t you hungry?” Jim asked brushing a curl off her forehead.

“Not really. But I should eat something.”

“Didn’t the doctor say your appetite would return with your strength?”

“He did, but I’m still limited to what I can eat. The doctor is slowly adding items.” Trixie knew the doctor’s orders were for her own well being. The tear in her stomach wall had not been too severe, but the doctor didn’t want to take any chances that it could reopen after being sutured.

“How long until you can eat anything you want?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Maybe by the wedding?”

“I hope so.”

“Well, I guess there’s nothing wrong with that. We’ll just have to go with the flow,” Jim said. “We can’t have you losing anymore weight.”

Trixie knew Jim was right. Since the accident, she had lost 10 pounds. But she had noticed that the weight loss hadn’t increased anymore in the past week.

“Yeah.” Trixie looked at Jim. “How are things at the school?”

“Busy. The kids and staff are getting ready for the annual holiday program. They’ve put in a lot of time, and I think it will be great.”

“They do seem excited. That’s all they talked about the other day when I was there.”

“You will be there for the show, right?”

Trixie smiled. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Good.”

“I’m glad you came over early,” Trixie said, tightening her hold on his hand and her face growing serious. “I need your help with something.”

“What is it?”

“I need help deciding on a gift for your parents.”

“You don’t have to give them anything.”

“I know. But I want to. They have both been terrific through all this. I just want to thank them.”

“I think that’ll be nice.”

“So, you’ll help me?”

“Of course.”

“Good. You don’t know how much I’ve been fretting this.”

“We’ll come up with something.”

Trixie smiled at Jim and then gave him a kiss. “I knew I could count on you.”

“Trixie! Jim! Dinner!” Moms yelled.

“Come on,” Jim said, pulling the covers off her. “Let’s get something to eat to build up your strength.”

Trixie smiled as Jim took her hands and helped her to her feet. As he wrapped his arm around her waist and they started down the hall, she couldn’t wait for the two of them to finally be married.

* * * * *

 

Two days later, Trixie and Jim were sitting in an Italian restaurant in White Plains for their “date”. Trixie was excited that it was just the two of them for a change. Trixie had slipped into a black sleeveless dress with a matching sweater. She was the perfect match to Jim in his black suit jacket and pants with white shirt and blue tie.

They were seated near the roaring fire, discussing several things. Jim said, “You know, this is your first Christmas back in Sleepyside in several years.”

“I know,” Trixie said. “It feels good to be back home.”

“How did you celebrate Christmas there?” Jim asked, leaning forward.

“Well, it was a lot different than what I grew up with.”

“How so?”

“The biggest change was the lack of snow. The temperature was in the 70s, and the sun was shining. I had a hard time getting into the spirit of things.”

“Did you spend Christmas Day alone?”

“No. A couple friends I made at school invited me to dinner and I joined them.”

“I have to admit the holidays were awfully quiet without you here,” Jim said. “They just didn’t seem as special.”

“I missed being here as well. I know I could’ve come home, but I just decided to stay at school. After I made the decision to stay once, it was easy to keep making the same choice.”

“Did what happened to us before you left play a part in your decision?” Jim asked quietly.

“Not really,” Trixie said. “I had been offered hours at the store where I was working, and I wasn’t going to pass up the hours or the money.”

“I can’t believe you worked through the holidays,” Jim said.

“Well, several of the other employees had plans to go home for the break. The owner was going to be short-staffed and would be spending all his time there not being with his family. So, instead of him missing celebrating with his family, I volunteered to put in the extra time.”

“That was nice of you,” Jim said. “I guess what we did as Bob-Whites stuck with you.”

“I guess it did.”

At that moment, the waiter approached the table and placed their entrees in front of them.

As they ate, Trixie watched Jim. She knew he was someone special. He had always been there for her while growing up. She knew she could always count on him.

“Hey,” Jim said, getting her attention.

She looked at him. “Did you say something?”

Jim set down his fork. “Are you all right? You had a far off look on your face.”

Trixie smiled at him. “I’m fine. I was just thinking.”

“I hope it wasn’t anything bad.”

“It was actually something nice.” She reached over and took Jim’s hand in hers. “I’m glad we came here.”

“So am I.” Jim caressed her hand with his thumb. “I’ve missed it being just the two of us.”

“Well, in about two months, it will be just the two of us.”

Jim’s smile got bigger. “I can’t wait.”

“Neither can I.”

Jim squeezed her hand.

Trixie picked up her fork and nibbled on her entree. She was a little hungry for the first time in several weeks. She had eaten very little all day so she wouldn’t disappoint Jim. As she ate her pasta with sauce, her gaze once again returned to Jim. She realized there wasn’t a single thing about him that she didn’t love. She knew they were meant to be together.

This is so right, she thought. We were meant for one another. I’ve known it since the day we met in the old Frayne mansion. As much as I hate to admit it, even though we were apart for those five years, my heart belongs to him. It will never belong to anyone else.

When the waiter came to take their plates, Trixie had eaten half her meal.

“It looks like you were hungry,” Jim said as he finished wiping his mouth and setting his cloth napkin back on his lap.

“Just a little. I didn’t want to...”

“I understand,” Jim interrupted. “You don’t have to explain to me.”

Trixie smiled. “Thanks, Jim.”

Jim returned the smile. “So, are you up for some dessert?”

“No thanks. But go ahead and get something if you want.”

“Actually, I ordered something special for us tonight.” Jim leaned back in his seat. “And here it comes now.”

Trixie turned slightly and saw the waiter carrying a plate with her favorite dessert, chocolate chip cheesecake. The waiter set it in front of her and left them alone. Trixie looked at the plate. It looked good to her, but she couldn’t eat it.

“Jim, it looks great, but...”

“Let me explain,” Jim said sliding his chair closer to her. “I knew you might not be up to eating this, so that’s why I ordered it for me. But, I would like you to at least taste it. Then, when you are feeling better, we can come back and really enjoy this.”

Trixie leaned over and gave him a kiss. “You are so wonderful.”

“I think you’re wonderful too.” Jim returned the kiss. “Come on, let’s eat.”

* * * * *

 

After dessert, Jim helped Trixie slip her coat on. They made their way along the streets, looking at the holiday lights. Trixie leaned against Jim as he wrapped his arm around her waist.

“You know,” Jim said, breaking the silence. “I’m not sure I can last these two months until we’re married.”

“I know. I love being with you. When we’re apart, all I can think about is you.”

“Same here.” Jim stopped them and turned her to face him. “Trixie, I...”

Jim’s phone started ringing.

He groaned. “Why now?”

Trixie giggled. “Just answer it. Then you can say what you were planning.”

Jim pulled his phone out and answered it. “Hello?” He looked at Trixie. “Honey, why are you crying? What’s wrong?”

In the streetlights, Trixie saw Jim’s face go pale. He started swallowing hard. Jim closed his eyes.

“Honey, stay at the farm. Trixie and I will be there soon.” He paused. “Everything will be all right. I’ll see you soon.”

Jim shut off the phone and shoved it into his pocket.

Trixie put her hand on Jim’s arm. He opened his eyes and looked at her. She softly asked, “What is it?”

“Mother and Dad are missing.”

* * * * *

 

Trixie stared out the window as Jim made his way back to Crabapple Farm. She was shocked that Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler were missing. It didn’t seem possible. She knew Jim’s parents were in Europe for a few days on business. They were expected to return in time for the holidays.

They have to be all right, she thought. They have to be fine. This has to be a bad dream. They can’t be missing. They must have the phones off so they can’t be reached or they are out of range. That has to be the answer.

Jim pulled into the driveway. Trixie could see Brian’s car parked right up to the garage. Jim stopped behind Brian’s car and got out.

After helping Trixie from the car, they made their way into the kitchen. Trixie saw Honey sitting at the table between Brian and Helen. Honey looked up when they stepped into the room.

Honey jumped to her feet and hurried to Jim. He pulled her into his arms and held her tight as she started to cry. Trixie moved to Helen who stood up and wrapped her arm around Trixie’s shoulder. She looked at Brian and noticed his face was pale. She didn’t like the look.

After a few minutes, they all settled at the table.

Trixie asked, “What happened?”

Honey took a breath trying to calm down. “I got a call from one of Daddy’s vice-presidents. He had received a call from the airport they were supposed to land at.” Tears streamed down Honey’s face. “The plane never made it there.”

“Maybe the plane landed at another airport,” Helen suggested.

“If it had, Daddy would have called and let someone know.”

“Honey, they have to be all right,” Jim said, trying to sound reasonable.

“But why haven’t they called?” Honey cried. “They should call.”

Jim squeezed her hand. “They may not be able to. The plane possibly had to set down somewhere and the phones aren’t working. When they can, they will call.”

Honey looked at Jim. “What if they’re hurt?”

“Honey,” Brian said. “You have to think positively. All we know is what we’ve been told. We can’t jump to conclusions. We just have to wait until we know something definite.”

Trixie looked at Jim. He seemed to be elsewhere.

“Why don’t all of you stay here at the farm?” Helen suggested. “If news comes, then we’ll be together.”

“Thanks, Moms,” Brian said. He looked at Honey. “Let’s go into the living room. These chairs aren’t the best for you or the baby.”

“Okay.” Brian and Honey went into the living room with Helen.

Trixie looked at Jim. His face was white. She had never seen him like that before, and it scared her. She reached over and took his hand in hers. It was ice cold. He didn’t respond at all. He just started at the table.

“I’ve got to go,” Jim said, suddenly getting to his feet. He turned and left the house.

Trixie sat there, stunned at his sudden departure. She didn’t know what was going on with him. She looked out the window in time to see Jim back his Jeep out of the driveway. Then he was gone.

“Where’s Jim?” Helen asked getting Trixie’s attention.

Trixie looked at Helen. “He left.”

“Where is he going?”

“I don’t know. He didn’t say anything.” She looked at Moms. “I should go find him. He shouldn’t be alone.”

Helen moved over to the table and sat beside her. “I know you’re worried about Jim, but I think you should give him a little time to sort out his emotions. This is a shock, and he’s going to need you to get through this.”

“But shouldn’t he have stayed here with the rest of us? We can get through this if we stick together.”

“Jim may want to deal with this on his own.” Helen put her hand up before Trixie could say anything. “Don’t worry. He’ll be back. And when he does, he’ll be ready to talk.”

“I hope you’re right,” Trixie said. But she had a feeling something wasn’t going to go as planned.

 

 

Continue to Part 2