The snow was falling steadily in the Town of Sleepyside. An early winter storm had arrived the day after Thanksgiving, covering everything in sight. The storm had left several feet of snow.
Now, just days before Christmas, a light snow began to fall again, making certain it would be white Christmas in Sleepyside.
Inside the warm walls of Crabapple Farm, 21-year-old Trixie Belden was putting the finishing touches on a batch of Christmas cookies she had made the previous evening with her mother. She had returned home from celled the previous day and was quickly recruited to help in the annual baking.
As she decorated the gingerbread men, her thoughts drifted to a special man. A man she hoped that one day would be her husband: Jim Frayne.
The two of them had known each other for more than eight years. When they had first met, she thought he was the most wonderful boy in the world. And that turned out to be true.
They were best friends and could easily confide in one another. When she turned 16, they officially began to date. That was when they both realized the other was their soul mate.
As she placed dabs of white icing down the front of the gingerbread man for buttons, she wondered when Jim would be home. He was in his last year of college, working toward his master’s degree in education in Colorado. He wanted to get all his education completed before he started making his dream become a reality. He had one more semester to go before he started working on those plans.
I just hope we will be able to start working on our dreams as well, she thought. We’ve both talked about marriage and how we picture the future, but we haven’t gone any further. I thought Jim would have proposed over the summer since we are both finishing up at college, but he didn’t.
And now that I think about it, when we were together at Thanksgiving, I did bring up the future and he changed the subject. It was like he didn’t want to even think about it.
Before her thoughts could go anywhere else, the phone rang. She set down the icing she was using on the table and hurried to the extension in the hallway.
“Hello?” she asked when she put the receiver to her ear.
“Hi there,” a deep baritone voice said, bringing a smile to her face.
“Hi, Jim. How are you?”
“All right. How about you?”
“Not bad,” Trixie said, leaning against the wall and sliding to the floor. “I can’t wait until you get home. I’ve missed you so much.”
“Me too,” Jim said quietly.
Trixie immediately noticed a change in Jim’s voice. “Jim, what is it? What’s wrong?”
There was a silence for a moment. “Trixie, I’ve got some bad news.”
“What is it?” she asked quickly.
“Trix, I’m not going to make it home for Christmas,” Jim finally said.
“Why…why not?” Trixie asked, stunned and disappointed.
“I need to meet with a couple regarding my thesis and I won’t be making it home like originally planned.”
“Do you know if you’ll make it back at all?”
“It’s possible I’ll be home before New Year’s, but I really can’t promise anything,” Jim said. “I really am sorry, Trixie. I know we were going to enjoy the winter break together.”
“It’s all right,” Trixie lied, wishing it wasn’t happening. “Your thesis is the most important thing right now. If it means putting our time together on hold for a little while so you can get this done, then that’s how it has to be.”
“Trixie, I feel really bad about this.”
“Don’t Jim. I understand. I do. And once you get this finished, you can really start focusing on getting your dream to become a reality.”
“You really are amazing,” Jim said. “How did I get so lucky to have you in my life?”
“I think we’re both lucky,” Trixie said.
Trixie heard a door chime on Jim’s end. “Trix, I need to go. I’ll give you a call later, okay?”
“All right,” Trixie said. “I love you.”
“Me too,” Jim said. “Bye.”
“Bye.”
The call was ended and Trixie set the receiver back in its cradle. She sighed and said sarcastically, “This Christmas is going to be great.”
* * * * *
As the days drew closer to Christmas, it seemed as if Trixie couldn’t find the holiday spirit. She was more disappointed than she thought she would be because Jim wasn’t going to make it home.
She attempted to put on a happy face, but as Christmas got closer, she just felt lonely. It also didn’t help that her two holder brothers were spending time with their girlfriends.
On Christmas Eve day, Trixie decided to got for a walk. She knew everyone had seen how unhappy she was and she didn’t want them to become the same way. Christmas was a time for joy and love, but she just didn’t have those feelings in her right then.
Walking along the trodden path, Trixie listened to the silence that surrounded her. And then the dismal thoughts began swirling in her head; thoughts she knew couldn’t be real.
Jim isn’t working on his thesis, the voice in her head said. That was just an excuse. He just doesn’t want to come back to Sleepyside for Christmas. You know it’s true. It seems as if all the signs were there and you didn’t act on it. The conversations that were had at Thanksgiving should have raised a red flag. The conversation didn’t really deal with the future. He was avoiding it and if you really think about it, he hasn’t said he loved you in months. He’s trying to put the distance between you and let you down gently. He is moving on and doesn’t want you to be part of his future. Your relationship is over.
“Hey,” a voice said, getting her attention.
Looking up, she realized she was nearing Mr. Maypenny’s cabin and one of her fellow Bob-Whites, Dan Mangan, was outside stacking chopped firewood.
“Hey,” Trixie said, moving toward him. “How are you?”
“I’m all right,” Dan said. He looked at her closely. “But are you all right? You look upset.”
“I’m okay,” Trixie said quietly.
Dan raised an eyebrow as he looked at her. “How come I don’t believe you?”
“Well, it’s true.”
“If it’s true, why are you wandering around out here in the preserve instead of hanging out at the farm or the Manor House with Jim?”
“I guess you haven’t heard,” Trixie said, moving over closer to the house to get out of the wind that had picked up.
“Heard what?”
Trixie focused on Dan. “Jim won’t be making it home for Christmas.”
“What?”
Trixie nodded. “He had to meet with people regarding his thesis and won’t be home for Christmas.”
“That’s a bummer,” Dan said.
“A real bummer,” Trixie admitted.
“I bet Jim feels real bad that he couldn’t get home,” Dan said.
“I guess,” Trixie said, turning to the stacked logs.
“Trixie, you don’t think he did this on purpose, do you?”
She kept looking at the wood without saying a word.
“Trixie, look at me.”
She slowly turned and looked Dan in the eye.
“Trixie,” Dan began. “If Jim said he is working on his thesis, then he is. I know Jim would be here if he could. You mean the world to him and he would never, ever hurt you.”
“I’m just not sure,” Trixie said quietly.
“Trixie, let’s go inside. I think there’s more than you’re telling me.”
“I really should get home,” Trixie said. “There’s still more that needs to be done before the guests start arriving.”
“Come on, Trix. Come and talk to me.”
Trixie reluctantly followed Dan into the cabin, which was welcoming with warmth, knowing she really wasn’t ready to go home yet. She pulled off her gloves and extended her bare hands out to the heat radiating from the fireplace.
Dan moved to the fireplace beside her and held out his hands as well.
“So, why do you think Jim might hurt you?” Dan asked. “Did someone say something to make you doubt Jim?”
“No one said anything.”
“Then what’s going on? You are upset and I know you need to talk about it before it eats you alive.”
“I guess I’m just disappointed that he won’t be making it home for Christmas,” Trixie said after a moment. “I miss him and just wish we could be closer, but with our education, we need to be where it best suits up. And I know that means Jim being in Colorado and me here in New York.”
“Trixie, in a few months, you both will have completed your degrees and will be together.”
“Will we?” Trixie asked, staring at the flames as it slowly devoured a log. “Somehow I doubt it.”
“Trixie, you’re not making sense,’ Dan said. “Are you breaking up with Jim?”
“I’m not the one doing the breaking up,” Trixie murmured. She looked at her watch. “Dan, I really need to get back to the farm. I’ll see you later.”
“Okay,” Dan said distractedly as she left the cabin.
Pulling her gloves on, she made her way along the trail now understanding what was to come. Jim is breaking up with me, she thought. He’s putting distance between us so when he finally drops the bombshell, it won’t hurt as much. But now that I know it’s coming, it won’t matter. This is turning out to be a great Christmas.
* * * * *
When Trixie returned to the farm, she quickly changed her clothes before the partygoers started to arrive.
The Christmas Eve gathering had begun the first year when Brian and Jim had left for college. The Belden’s and Wheeler’s, who were Jim’s adopted family, had wanted to make sure it was a special night since the two of them were home for winter break. The families knew Brian and Jim’s siblings and friends would want to spend time with them upon their return and the parents had wanted that time as well. So, in the end, they had all agreed to have this party and celebrate the holiday as well. And the tradition had continued as they all entered college.
Heading downstairs, Trixie could hear laughter coming from the living room, mixed in with the holiday music coming from the stereo. She took a deep breath and forced a smile on her face.
Trixie entered the living room and smiled at her friends. She said, “Merry Christmas!”
“Marry Christmas!” Honey said, moving over to her best friend and giving her a hug. Honey leaned back. “How are you doing? I haven’t seen you for a few days.”
“I’m okay,” Trixie said. “It’s just been real busy. It takes a lot to get ready for this party.”
“And the others should be here soon,” Honey said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again.”
“I’m just sorry Jim isn’t going to make it home,” Honey said quietly.
“So am I,” Trixie said and they moved over to the others. “Hey.”
“Hey, Trixie,” Di said. “The house looks wonderful. You all did a great job decorating this year.”
“Thank you, Di,” Trixie said.
“It was a challenging task that we undertook to position the image of the season in the precise locale in the family homestead,” Mart said, wrapping his arm around Di’s shoulder.
“I can just bet you helped,” Di said teasingly. “It’s not hard to picture you sitting back and telling everyone where things need to go.”
“Hey,” Mart said, trying to sound offended, but failing miserably.
Everyone laughed.
“That’s a sound I like hearing,” a voice said.
They all turned and saw Dan entering the living room.
“Merry Christmas!” Dan said.
“Merry Christmas!” the other chorused.
“So, what’s happening?” Dan asked.
“Nothing much,” Brian said from his place on the couch.
“Dinner should be ready shortly,” Mart said.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Dan said.
“Moms has been working hard all day to get everything ready,” Trixie said.
“She always does a great job,” Hone said.
“So, what are our plans for after dinner?” Brian asked. “Are we heading over to the clubhouse as usual?”
“Absolutely,” Di said. “We need to continue with tradition.”
“I definitely agree,” Honey said.
“It’s time to eat!” Helen Belden called out from the dining room.
“Let’s go,” Mart said and they all made their way into the other room.
* * * * *
That evening after dinner and spending time with their folks, the six of them made their way to the clubhouse. They donned their winter coats and boots before making the trek through the snow.
Once inside the old gatehouse, the guys quickly stoked the fireplace as the girls turned on the lights. Within a short time, it was toasty warm inside and they settled at the table.
“So, are we ready for the gift exchange?” Di asked.
“Sure,” Trixie said. “I’ll go first.”
She pulled out the gift she had bought and handed it to Dan. “I hope you like it.”
“I’ll love it,” Dan said as he tore the paper away from the small rectangular box. When the paper was gone, Dan held up an original mint condition, hard covered copy of “Frankenstein.”
“Trixie, this is great,” Dan said, examining the book. “How did you find it?”
“I just did some research and I knew how much you loved the story and thought an original copy would be a great gift.”
Dan looked at her. “It is. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Okay, my turn,” Dan said after he set the book down. He took the gift he had brought and handed it to Mart. “Merry Christmas.”
“Thanks, Dan,” Mart said accepting the gift.
Mart also tore at the paper, quickly pulling it away revealing a box. He took off the lid and looked inside. He lifted out a book that offered tips on how to cultivate the best crops.
“This is great,” Mart said as he flipped through the pages. “I heard about this and have been trying to find a copy.” He looked at Dan. “I really appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Now to the recipient of my gift,” Mart said, picking up a small rectangular box. He set the box in front of Di. “Merry Christmas.”
“Thank you, Mart,” Di said.
She picked up the box and slowly and methodically pulled the paper away to reveal a black velvet box. Di slowly lifted the lid and gasped when she saw what was inside. Tears filled Di’s eyes.
“What is it?” Honey asked.
With a shaking hand, Di turned box around to show everyone. Nestled in the center of more black velvet was a necklace with a heart-shaped amethyst pendant.
“That’s beautiful,” Honey said.
“It sure is,” Trixie said.
“Thank you, Mart,” Di said, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I love it.”
A light blush filled Mart’s cheeks. “I’m glad.”
After Di wiped the tears from her eyes and Mart had placed the necklace around her neck, Di pulled out the gift she had brought. “Merry Christmas, Honey.”
“Thank you, Di.”
Honey opened the paper slowly, making sure not to tear a single piece.
“Would you hurry up?” Mart asked. “The suspense is killing me.”
“I could go slower,” Honey teased.
She got the end open and pulled out the item inside. She said. “I guess this is the year for books.”
“What did you get?” Brian asked.
“The new romance novel by Red McGovern,” Honey said, reading the dust jacket. “This book has gotten rave reviews and I’ve really enjoyed her other works. I can’t wait to read it.” She looked at Di. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Di smiled.
Honey set her book down, pulled out a rather large box and set it in front of Brian. “Merry Christmas.”
“This is for me?” Brian asked, surprised at the size of the box.
“Of course,” Honey said with a smile. “I hope you like it.”
Brian looked at Honey. “I know I will.”
Brian pulled the paper off the package leaving little piece scattered on the table. He took the lid off the box and pushed the tissue paper out of the way. Inside was a navy blue sweater.
“This is great,” Brian said feeling the yarn on the sleeves. “You made this, didn’t you?”
Honey smiled. “Of course. I know how cold your apartment gets and thought this could help.”
“It will,” Brian said. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Brian put the lid back on the box. “Well, my gift is for Jim. But since he isn’t here, it’ll have to wait until he gets home.”
“Then that means Jim had Trixie,” Dan said.
“And since he isn’t here, I won’t be getting my gift until he returns,” Trixie said trying to hide her disappointment and sadness that this Christmas was getting worse by the minute.
“Actually,” Honey said. “Jim set your gift.”
Honey pulled out a small box and handed it to Trixie.
“Thank you,” Trixie said taking the box. She fingered the red shiny wrapping paper on the box.
“Are you going to open it?” Di asked.
“Sure,” Trixie said.
She slid her finger under the tape at the end and broke its hold. She unfolded the edges and then slipped the box out of it. The white box was plain. Trixie lifted the lid and moved the tissue paper away. Inside was a folded piece of paper.
Trixie pulled the paper out, unfolded it and read what was inside.
“Trixie, I’m sorry I can’t be there in person to give you your gift. But I know when you do see it, you will understand. To receive your gift, go to the place where the items for breakfast can be easily gathered.”
“What?”
“What is it?” Honey asked.
“It’s a note and Jim said that my gift is where items for breakfast can easily be gathered,” Trixie said.
“Where could that be?” Di asked.
“Could he mean the refrigerator?” Brian suggested.
“I don’t think that’s it,” Dan said. “The note said ‘easily gathered,’ not stored.”
“I still don’t get it,” Trixie said, setting the note down on the table.
“It probably has to be someplace around here,” Honey said.
“Could it be the chicken coop?” Mart asked.
“I guess it’s worth a try,” Trixie said getting to her feet. “But I can’t understand why he put my gift in the chicken coop.”
“Well, there’s only one way to find out,” Mart said.
“I’ll be back,” Trixie said.
“We’ll come with you,” Honey said.
They all got to their feet and made their way down to the chicken coop at Crabapple Farm after putting their coats back on. Trixie scoured each coop and checked around looking for the gift, but she didn’t see anything.
“There’s nothing here,” Trixie said, stepping back and looking over the coop just in case she missed something.
As he was about to turn away, she saw some red shiny paper in the corner. She reached in, grabbed the thin package and pulled it out. She closed the door to the chicken coop.
Turning about, Trixie broke the tape seal on the back of the paper. Once they paper was off, she found a folded piece of paper. Upon opening it, Trixie found another handwritten message.
“Laughter and fun is had here all summer long, this is where you’ll find you gift.”
“What is it?” Honey asked.
“It’s another note,” Trixie said and read aloud what was written.
“That’s even more cryptic than the first one,” Di said.
“But what does it mean?” Brian asked. “’Laughter and fun are had here all summer long.’ That could be any number of places.”
“The stables?” Dan suggested.
“We can ride the horses all year long,” Honey said. “That can’t be it.”
Trixie began pacing as she tried to figure out the answer to the clue. She ran the words through her head hoping for some inspiration.
Summer, she thought. A place where laughter and fun is had by all. There are so many places to choose from. But what could it be? What place is Jim talking about in this mystery? Could he be talking about the lake?
Wondering if that was the right place, she moved away from the chicken coop and looked into the darkness in the direction of the lake. She could see a single light coming from the boathouse.
Without a word to the others, she took off as fast as she could through the snow banks. Trixie saw that a trail had been cleared leading to the boathouse. She knew she was on the right track. She ignored the cold snow as it soaked through her pants. She just wanted to get the gift Jim had left for her.
Reaching the boathouse, Trixie pulled open the door. On one of the open beach chairs was another envelope wrapped in the shiny red paper. Glancing around, Trixie looked for any other clues, but there were none.
Once again she tore the paper off and unfolded the note.
“You have found my third note as I knew you would. Your gift is getting closer and you’ll find it with some very special friends that always preferred a little sugar than spice.”
“So, it’s with a bunch of ants?” Trixie asked herself aloud.
Having no clue where she need to go next, Trixie left the boathouse turning the light off behind her. Trixie saw the others were making their way along the path.
“Was there another note?” Di asked.
“There sure was.” Trixie read them the clue. When she was done, she said, “This clue is even harder than the others.”
“Why don’t we head to the Manor House and warm up while we try to figure this out?” Honey suggested.
“I think that’s a good idea,” Brian said, pulling his coat tightly against him. “The wind is really picking up.”
“I second that,” Mart said.
“Sounds good to me,” Trixie said, realizing how cold the snow was since it soaked through her pant legs.
They made their way to the Manor House and headed into the living room. Dan quickly stoked the fireplace and within minutes the heat could be felt warming them.
As they sat there, they all tried to figure out what Jim meant by his clue. No one could figure it out.
“The gift isn’t with any of us,” Honey said as the discussion continued. “We are special friends to one another, but none of us have the gift or even another clue that could possibly lead you to your gift.”
“Take a breath,” Brian said.
“Did anyone understand that?” Dan asked with a smile.
“I did,” Trixie said. “And I agree with Honey wholeheartedly.”
“Do you think Jim’s gift is the little mystery?” Di asked.
Trixie looked thoughtfully at Di. “I hadn’t thought about that. But you’re probably right. I know Jim was feeling bad that he wasn’t going to make it home for Christmas. He probably thought this would make me feel better.”
“I think that’s an awfully sweet gift,” Di said. “He put a lot of thought into it.”
“He sure did,” Trixie said, a small smile appearing on her face, realizing it was a sweet gift and well thought out.
“But that doesn’t change the fact that she hasn’t figured out this last clue,” Honey said. “Jim was thinking of someplace in particular. But what could it be?”
“Maybe we need to take the clue apart to figure it out,” Brian said.
“What’s the first part of the clue?” Dan asked, leaning forward in the chair he was sitting in.
Trixie looked at the paper. “’You found my third note as I knew you would’.”
“I don’t think there’s anything there,” Brian said.
“Me either,” Honey said.
“What’s next?” Dan asked.
“’Your gift is getting closer and you’ll find it with some very special friends that always preferred a little sugar than spice’.”
“So, these friends prefer sugar over spice,” Honey said.
“But who are these special friends?” Brian asked. “They have to be someone we know.”
Trixie sighed. She hated not being able to figure out the clue. It was driving her crazy.
“But all of us are here,” Dan said. “The nearest neighbor is over a mile away. Jim wouldn’t place a clue that far away, would he?”
“I don’t think so,” Honey said.
“Then we’re missing something very obvious,” Trixie said.
“But what could it be?” Dan asked.
Trixie sighed. She glanced over at Mart and Di and saw they were embraced in a kiss that made them oblivious to the rest of the world around them. She wished Mart was paying attention and helping her figure out the clue.
Feeling disappointed, Trixie turned away from her brother and stared at the note once again.
“This is where you all are,” a voice said.
The six of them turned and saw Regan standing in the doorway.
“It was a little cold outside,” Honey said.
“I thought you were having your party down at the gatehouse,” Regan said.
“We did,” Honey said. “And then we decided to come in here.”
“That’s nice,” Regan said. “I hope with all of you home you might get a chance to exercise the horses. They miss having you lot around.”
“I think we’ll be able to do that,” Dan said.
“I have to admit that I really miss riding when I’m at school,” Honey said. “But that won’t be a problem after May since I will graduate.”
“I think the horses will enjoy it as well,” Regan said. “I’m still trying to get them to stop nuzzling my shirt pockets for sugar cubes.”
Trixie stared at Regan. She knew he disliked it when they gave the horses sugar cubes. She also knew the horses were smart enough to not want to find sugar on him.
“Regan, have you talked to Jim on the phone in the past couple of days?’ Trixie asked slowly, eyeing him carefully. She had a feeling Regan had set up these clues since Jim couldn’t be there.
“Honestly, Trixie, I haven’t talked to Jim on the phone since last week,” Regan answered. “I think the last time we spoke on the phone was more than a month ago.”
“Oh, okay,” Trixie said.
“Why did you think I had talked to Jim?” Regan questioned.
“No reason,” Trixie said. “Just wondering.
“All right,” Regan. “Well, you all have a nice night and I’ll see you later.”
“Night, Regan,” Trixie said. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas,” Regan said and left the living room.
Still feeling lost, Trixie refolded the paper and slid it into her pocket before gazing into the flickering flames of the fireplace. She felt defeated. She couldn’t figure out the clue and felt it had to be so simple. She couldn’t believe she couldn’t figure it out.
I can’t believe he gave me this mystery as a gift, she thought. I think it’s a sweet idea, but I would have preferred to have Jim here. I know his schooling is important, but I thought I was as well. But with what has happened this last week, or the lack of it, I am starting to get an indication that maybe I’m not as important as his dream.
Knowing my luck, Jim has found someone he likes a whole lot more than me in Colorado. He’s probably sitting with her right now in front of a Christmas tree, staring at her in the twinkling light from the tree. He probably didn’t want to say anything before so that Christmas wouldn’t be completely ruined.
I guess it doesn’t matter now. He won’t be home and I probably won’t even figure out the last note. As for special friends that prefer sugar over spice, the only think I can think of would be ants. But there’s no way to find any of them right now.
Looking away from the flames, Trixie saw Mart and Di were once again locked together at the lips. Moving her gaze over, she saw Brian, Honey and Dan were engrossed in a conversation.
Feeling the need to get out of there, Trixie slowly got to her feet and left the room. She slid on her coat and boots before heading outside.
As she walked along the driveway of the Manor House, she longed for the days when they were all together. She missed those days and wondered if it would ever happen again.
Nearing the path that led to the stables, Trixie decided to go see the horses. She had missed Susie and was looking forward to riding once again. She unhooked the door and stepped inside.
She saw Susie and Jupiter stick their heads out of their stalls and look at her.
“Hi, Susie. Hi, Jupiter. How are you doing?”
Trixie approached Susie and petted the horse’s nose after getting a nudge in the arm.
“I’ve missed you too,” Trixie said. “I will probably come see you in a couple days and we can go riding. The weather isn’t supposed to be bad and I know Regan would love for us to take you out.”
Susie nudged her again and Trixie rested her head against Susie’s neck. She could hear the heartbeat and felt content being there with her favorite horse.
Neighing came from the other stall and Trixie leaned back. She saw Jupiter was staring at her intently.
“I’m sorry,” Trixie said moving over to the black horse. She reached up and he nuzzled her hand before she petted his nose. “I wasn’t ignoring you, Jupiter. It’s good to see you too. I bet you’re anxious for Jim to come home too. I know he misses riding when he’s at school.”
Jupiter nuzzled he hand again and then turned his head away. A moment later, he looked back at her and then stared off into the distance again toward the door.
“What is it?” Trixie asked. “Is someone coming?”
When Jupiter did the same move a third time, Trixie looked at the door and stood there in shock. Taped to the inside of the door was a small flat package, wrapped in red, shiny paper.
Trixie moved away from Jupiter and past Susie to the door. She pulled the package off and quickly tore into the wrapping paper. She unfolded the note.
“I knew you would figure this out in time. And here is the next clue to your present. This is the place where a group of close friends meet regularly and plan events to help others and worthy causes.”
“He means the clubhouse,” Trixie said. “I can’t believe it. That’s where I started and now I have to go back there. I love that he sent me on this mystery, but I’m just going back to where I started. I just hope that the gift is really special.”
Jupiter and Susie neighed together. She looked at them. “All right you two. I will head down there. But knowing my luck, I’ll find another note that will keep this mystery going.”
The horses neighed again.
Trixie smiled. “I’ll se you two later.”
Trixie left the stable securing the door behind her. She made her way back to the driveway and continued along to the gatehouse as the cold wind picked up.
Getting closer, she realized there was a light on and figured they had forgotten to shut it off when they had left earlier. Trixie reached the door and stepped inside, grateful to feel the heat all around her.
Trixie leaned against the door and scanned the main room where the table and benches were located. She didn’t see anything that didn’t belong, but figured since Jim had left the notes in places she actually had to look for, that would be the same case now.
Trixie took a deep breath and began the search. She looked under the table and benches, under the old couch they had added several years earlier, in the drawers of the hold dresser they had refurbished to store things and in the boxes that were scattered about.
When she realized it wasn’t in any of the places she had searched, she began checking behind the curtains Honey had made as well as behind the pictures they had placed on the walls.
“Maybe it’s not here,” Trixie said aloud as she looked around to see if there was someplace she hadn’t searched. Her eyes fell on the door to the storeroom. “I guess it could be in there.”
Trixie made her way into the storeroom and turned the light on. She stared at the sight in front of her. A large box, wrapped in the shiny red paper, with a red and green bow was sitting on the floor. A white note was folded and taped beneath the bow.
With a shaking hand, she took the note off and opened it. She read it aloud, tears immediately coursing down her cheeks.
“My Dearest Trixie, Merry Christmas. I honestly feel bad that our plans for this week have not turned out like we wanted. I also feel bad because the gift I wanted to give you will be given and I won’t be able to see your initial reaction. I love you, Trixie Belden and I will never stop loving you. When I open my eyes in the morning, my first thoughts are of you and when I go to bed at night and close my eyes, my last thoughts are of you. I know that when we see each other, you will realize as I have that we do belong together. Forever and always. Go ahead and open your gift and know that I love you.”
Trixie wiped the tears from her cheeks with a shaking hand. Jim loved her. She had doubled it, but knew the words in his note were sincere.
Setting the note on the shelf beside the package, she reached for the bow and pulled it off the box. She saw the tape holding the paper together at the center seam. She reached a hand out and broke the tape with her fingernail.
Trixie pulled the edges back and saw a small box, wrapped in the red, shiny paper, sitting on a stool. She picked the box up and tore the paper away as she turned from the large box. Inside the paper was a black velvet box.
Slowly, Trixie lifted the lid and stared in surprise. Nestled on the black velvet was a diamond ring with a ruby and emerald placed tightly against the diamond.
Tears rolled down her cheeks unchecked. She couldn’t believe the gift Jim had given her. It was exquisite. She never expected anything like that. She ran a finger over all three of the smooth stones.
“This is absolutely beautiful,” Trixie cried with tears of happiness making trails down her cheeks. “I do wish you were here, Jim.”
“I am,” a voice said.
Startled, Trixie spun around and shrieked.
“Calm down. It’s me.”
“Jim?” Trixie asked, for a moment figuring she was hallucinating.
“It’s me,” he said stepping closer to her.
Trixie flew to Jim and wrapped her arms around him. “Oh, Jim…I…what…how…I…I…”
“Take a breath,” Jim said pulling her close and placing a kiss atop her head.
After a moment, Trixie leaned back and looked into his green eyes. “I thought you weren’t going to make it home for Christmas.”
“That’s what was supposed to be true,” Jim said. “Come on. Let’s go in the other room and I’ll explain.”
Together they moved into the other room and settled on the couch, sitting close together. Jim was turned sideways as he looked at her. His left hand toyed with her curls.
“I have missed you so much,” Jim said, staring deep into his blue eyes.
“I’ve missed you too,” Trixie said, never taking her eyes off his face.
“I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner,” Jim said. “I had told you that I was going to be talking to some people regarding my thesis.”
“I know. Were you able to meet with the people sooner than you expected?”
“Actually, Trix, I didn’t need to meet with anyone,” Jim said quietly.
Trixie stared at Jim She couldn’t believe he had lied to her. He didn’t like people lying to him, but it seemed as if it was all right for him to lie to her.
“Why did you lie to me?” Trixie asked, attempting to keep the anger and hurt out of her voice.
“I didn’t mean to, but I didn’t have a choice,” Jim said.
“You always have a choice?” Trixie said, anger winning out. “You hate it when someone lies to you, but I guess it’s all right for you to lie to someone else.”
“Trixie, would you listen to me?” Jim asked.
“Why should I?” Trixie asked, getting to her feet. She began pacing the length of the meeting room. All the emotions she had bottled up for days came spilling forth. “You lied to me, so there has to be something important that you don’t really want me to know, but are now going to tell me because your conscience is eating you alive knowing you lied to the person you call your best friend.”
“Trixie.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Trixie continued on, not realizing Jim had spoken. “It honestly doesn’t matter because I saw the signs back at Thanksgiving. It’s only taken me this long to piece everything together. I think the biggest clue was the phone call the other day. I wondered and wondered and then everything fell into place.” She turned and looked at Jim. “And I bet all the clues you left around were nothing but a joke, right? You thought the mystery would keep me occupied while you hatched this plan.”
“Trixie.”
“I just wish you could’ve been honest with me.” Trixie showed the ring box. “What was this? Some kind of consolation prize?”
“TRIXIE!” Jim yelled.
“WHAT?” Trixie yelled in return.
“I need you to listen to what I have to say and everything will be clear,” Jim said quietly.
Trixie stared at Jim. As much as she wanted to leave, there was something in his voice and in his eyes that was telling her that she needed to stay.
“All right,” Trixie said and settled on the couch once again. She looked at Jim expectantly.
He took a breath. “I know you are angry with me right now, but just remember that I love you and no one else in the world.”
“Okay,” Trixie said slowly.
“Back at Thanksgiving, I know I was a bit distant. I was putting a lot of work into making this Christmas special, especially for the both of us.” Jim reached over and took Trixie’s hand that was holding the ring box in his own.
“I put a lot of thought into this gift and I had to get a lot done then. As for the call this week, I didn’t want to lie to you, but I needed to set everything up for your gift. I’ve been home for two days, and believe me, I so wanted to come down to the farm and hold you in my arms. But I knew if everything went as planned, I would be able to hold you forever.”
“The clues?”
“The clues were set so that I could get you away from here so I could set up your gift and get into position,” Jim said. “When the rest of you came down to start the party, I hid the rest of the notes.”
“Did you have Regan come in and talk about the horses when we were warming up by the fire?”
Jim smiled. “Of course.”
“But I asked him if he talked to you?”
“Actually, you asked him if we had talked on the ‘phone’. You never said anything about in person.
Trixie looked at Jim, stunned. “You were listening?”
Jim smiled even bigger. “Of course I was. I had to make sure you got to your gift.”
Trixie looked down at the open ring box in her hand. “This is my present.”
“It is.” Jim slid off the couch and kneeled on the floor beside her. He squeezed her hand. “I know I should have been straightforward, but I wanted this night to be very special and very memorable. Trixie, as I’ve said before, you are my best friend, the one I have loved and will only love. I know you love mysteries and I’m glad you solved this one and found me at the end, as well as the small token of my affection. Trixie, I want you to be a part of my life forever. I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?”
Trixie stared at Jim. She couldn’t believe he had proposed. She had hoped he would propose one day, but now he had. She was stunned. She saw him take the ring from the box and hold it in front of her gaze. He looked at her expectantly. “Well?”
“Oh, Jim,” Trixie said, wrapping her arms around him as tears cascaded down her cheeks, “Of course I’ll marry you. I love you.”
She leaned back and kissed Jim.
When they broke apart, Jim slid the ring on her finger. He looked her in the eye. “I love you, too.” He pressed his lips against hers. “I’m sorry for everything I did this week. I never meant to hurt you.”
“I know,” Trixie said. “And I’m sorry for everything I said earlier. I let my fears take hold and I took it all out on you. I’m sorry.”
“It’s all right,” Jim said moving back to the couch and pulling her close, with her head nestled against his chest. “We both made some mistakes, but we have learned from them.”
“We sure have.” Trixie closed her eyes. “Merry Christmas, Mr. Frayne.”
“Merry Christmas, soon-to-be Mrs. Frayne,” Jim said.
And that is where they were found Christmas morning, together in each other’s arms.
-The End-
Author’s Notes: Jayne, I can bet now that you have read the story, you are wondering who the giver is. The giver of this story is none other than Robin. Jayne, I am so happy to have written this story for you. I loved your requirements – “I’m pretty easy – happy to receive anything about anyone.” That really made me think. I knew you would like it. Happy Holidays, Jayne, and I hope you have a wonderful new year.
Robin