Christmas Village Magic

By Teresa Ives Lilly

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COPYRIGHT © 2012 Teresa Ives Lilly Lovely Romance Press previously sold as Christmas Village Miracle

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or

mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing

from the author, Elissa Strati, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. The characters and

events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, or events, is coincidental and not

intended by the author.

~

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Chapter 1

The Village of Peace was the name of the miniature Christmas Village Jane Smith saw being

set up in the front bay window of the small antique store. She passed by the quaint shop each

morning and evening as she trudged through the snow on her way to and from the bus stop.

She’d been walking past the small shop daily on her way to work for four years, barely noticing

the store, until today when she’d caught a glimpse of the Christmas Village display being set up.

She was intrigued to see how the usually dreary little store, squeezed in between the butcher

shop and the cobbler, had somehow taken on a festive look. Jane stopped and took a peek in the

window. When her eyes fell on the beginnings of an elaborate Christmas Village display, she

realized what had given the store such a cheerful appearance.

For once, Jane had actually gotten out of the apartment early so she was thrilled to take a few

moments from her dull routine to stand in front of the antique store, her face pressed against the

glass, like a child at a candy store, watching as the old man placed each piece of the village in the

window on the display which he’d somehow created to look like snow covered rolling hills.

Jane was enthralled as she watched the store owner carefully unwrap several of the hand

painted porcelain buildings. Each fine piece represented buildings from an old New England

village including a church, a library, a candy store, a toy store and several others. He then set

each one on the snow flocked, wooden board. All together the village represented a true New

England winter scene. Above the display hung a wooden sign with the words, The Village of

Peace painted across it. From what little she was able to see, Jane felt the name depicted the

sweet Christmas village perfectly. She enjoyed watching as each building was revealed, set out,

one by one, creating the lovely scene.

Unfortunately, she was unable to observe the entire placement of the village for very long.

She didn't want to chance missing her bus because she would then be late for her job and could

easily be fired. During the holiday season there were always others looking for work. Desperate

men and women stood outside the factory where she worked, hoping to get a day’s work. Anyone

of them could easily replace her.

Jane couldn’t risk losing her position. She needed the money, small amount as it was. So,

although she wanted to stay and see the entire village set up, she had to leave before the final

pieces were put in place

Jane sighed and turned away from the magical scene which had been unfolding in front of her

eyes. She trudged slowly to the bus stop at the cold corner and stood amid a group of total

strangers. Many of them also worked at the same factory although she didn’t know any of them

by name. She glanced around and noted there was not one person with a smile on their face; not

a spirit of Christmas excitement anywhere.

Jane couldn’t blame the others. Factory work was dull. It wasn’t complicated to stand beside a

machine all day, pushing the correct buttons, but it was boring and as she imagined the other

workers felt, Jane’s heart ached for a different type of job; her secret dream job.

Jane loved to daydream about the job she’d held in her heart for years; she wanted to be a

librarian. She loved books, yet owned few and had little time for reading. The few she did own

were well loved and had been re-read a dozen times. Jane felt that a librarian job would be the

most wonderful and peaceful occupation she could ever imagine. She’d only been to a library

once, when she was a young girl. She’d been spellbound by the rows of books which were

offered for free use to those who had time for reading.

Often, Jane pictured herself working in a quiet library in a quaint town; much like the small

New England Christmas Village she’d seen in the antique store window. She believed life in a

small village would be wonderful. In a place like that, with a job as a librarian she could afford a

small cottage and have free time to make friends and participate in lovely activities such as taffy

pulls, church picnics and ice-skating parties.

These daydreams helped her through the long, lonely work days and often through hot,

endless nights in her tiny one-room apartment. Today, those thoughts seemed to come alive in

her mind after having seen the wonderful Christmas Village. Several times during the day, Jane

found herself conjuring up the image of the Christmas Village and its charming shops and houses

in her mind, to the point where she’d almost forgotten to push the buttons on her factory

machine.

She was frustrated, being unable to picture the completed scene since she’d had to leave

before it was completed. Therefore, she was determined to stop by the antique store on her way

home from work and take a good long look at the display, even though she might get home later

than usual. Even if she was tired the next day, Jane felt it would be worthwhile.

Her heart ached to see beautiful places and beautiful things. She had so little time to ever take

walks outside of the city or window shop. To her, the Christmas Village was the loveliest thing

she’d ever seen.

As Jane stood beside her machine at the factory, she wondered if the store owner had

completed the display or had he been called away before he could finish creating the scene. The

store hours had been displayed on the door of the shop, but she couldn’t recall what they were.

Jane wasn’t at all sure she could get there before the shop closed or not, but She hoped to. If she

got there moments before closing, she could at least take a look at the village through the

window again.

Sitting on the bus after work, Jane couldn’t help but feel weary from standing all day. Most

evenings she longed to hurry home and soak her feet in a pan of warm water and a scoopful of

Epsom salts; the one luxury she afforded herself. But tonight, her feet would have to wait until

she’d seen the Christmas Village once more.

If the owner had completed the scene, Jane imagined The Village of Peace display would be

even more inviting than it had been earlier; especially to her hungry soul which longed for the

peaceful and simplistic life represented by the village. Looking at her watch, she worried she

might not get more than a quick glance tonight before the store closed. Jane willed the bus to go

faster.

Her mind wandered. She didn’t have much money, but if there were anything in life she’d

like, it would be a Christmas Village of her own; just like the one at the antique store. If only I

save enough money. Perhaps next year I can purchase one. Perhaps the one in the window is for

sale. Jane mused. To her, it was the perfect village. She couldn’t even fathom another that would

satisfy her as much. If I owned that village, I would keep it on display all year round; at night I

would just sit and stare at it and spend hours imagining living in such a wonderful, peaceful

place.

Jane turned her head to look out the window, but only her reflection in the dirt smeared bus

window stared back; mockingly. It was silly to dream about the impossible. She would never be

able to afford to live anywhere else besides the dirty row of apartment buildings in the city, no

less save enough money to purchase something as costly as the Christmas Village from the

antique store. She sighed and slumped back on to the bus seat as enchanted scenes played

through her mind of what life would be like living in The Village of Peace.

I would live in a lovely white cottage, on a sloping green hill, overlooking the town. Jane

painted the scene in her mind. Not a big cottage; a small one, with a front porch swing. I would

be the village librarian. The library would be gently tucked away at the end of the town, with a

large picture window overlooking a pond where I would go ice skating during winter.

Jane had always dreamed of ice skating. When she was a young girl, there had been very little

time or money for her to learn to skate and when the other children made plans to meet at the

frozen lake, she’d trudged home to help her mother who sewed for the neighbors to provide the

extra pennies they often needed to survive. Jane would tuck the pain deep inside and never let

anyone see.

After several minutes, Jane shook off the thoughts. She sat up and glanced around the bus to

see if anyone had noticed the strange faraway look on her face. No one was looking her way.

She giggled. If anyone could read my mind, they would think I was crazy; a grown woman

daydreaming about living in a Christmas Village.

Jane turned her eyes outside again and watched as dull streets, covered in dirty snow, flashed

by. This was the real world. She glanced at the other riders and noted their drawn empty faces.

They appeared to have no hopes or dreams.

Does it matter if I spend my time imagining life in a Christmas Village? she asked herself and

closed her eyes. At least the daydream is a pleasant way to fill time spent on lonely bus rides

each day. Thus satisfied, she allowed the thoughts to flow again.

In the village, all my friends would wave when I walked along the cobbled streets on my way

to work. The children would look forward to me reading to them at story time, and I would set

aside great adventure books for the boys to enjoy and stories of lovely heroines for the girls.

The bus suddenly hit a pot hole and Jane was jostled out of her ruminations. The lovely scene

vanished and the stark reality grabbed her soul and twisted. A veil of sadness settled on her.

If only I could have gone to college. I would be a real librarian by now. Perhaps I’d even

work in a small village…

Jane had planned to go to college, get her education and achieve the dream of becoming a

librarian, but when Jane was in high school her father died, leaving Jane and her mother almost

penniless. Her mother gave up sewing and took a full-time job working at a diner; barely

bringing in enough money to keep them fed and clothed. Jane took over the small sewing jobs

and taking care of the house completely.

Her mother worked long hard hours, trying to support them. They moved into a small,

cramped apartment building on Sixth St., behind a row of local pubs and nightclubs. The sounds

of laughter, music, dancing, and late evening brawls kept Jane awake on more than one occasion,

but when Jane was old enough to get the factory job, she grew used to the noise and despite the

loud atmosphere, she would fall asleep at the dinner table often enough because of her

exhausting work schedule.

Two years after her father’s death, Jane’s already worn-down mother suffered a bad case of

pneumonia, because the apartment was too cold in the winter. She steadily became very ill. She’d

quit work and hovered between life and death forth for several months. Her illness using up the

small savings they had. Jane took on more hours at the factory so she could support them both

and pay for the care that was required for her ailing mother. The small income she earned at the

factory had to be stretched to cover rent, basic necessities and pay for her mother's medicine.

Without extra money for doctors and medicine, Jane was unable to provide the care her precious

mother needed. Her illness lasted only a few short weeks, and then she passed away, leaving Jane

completely alone.

After her grief had lessened, Jane considered moving to a smaller town, continuing her

education and eventually becoming a librarian, as she’d always dreamed of doing. But her

income barely covered her mother’s funeral expenses. She only had enough left to survive on

and it would take years to build a nest egg or savings large enough to afford moving and

attending college. There was no hope of it ever happening. So, Jane had settled in to the tiresome

existence of working at the factory just to live day to day.

As life continued on, monotonously, Jane realistically put away her hopes and dreams. The

days of drudgery passed with no likelihood of change in sight. Each morning she dragged herself

out of bed to face another day of working at the factory. Each night she returned to the barely

livable apartment, fell into bed exhausted and found herself no closer to achieving her dream.

The few pennies she saved were usually needed for some unforeseen expense.

In her heart though, Jane never completely gave up the dream. She prayed nightly God would

somehow make her dream of becoming a librarian a reality but her faith had almost been

stretched beyond endurance. Before she slept each night, she would kneel beside her bed and

pray that the Lord would make a way for her to become a librarian someday.

The bus made a sharp turn. Jane sat straight and shook off the sad memories and unfulfilled

longings. She knew it was useless. Instead she filled her mind with images of The Village of

Peace. The more she thought about it, the more real it seemed. She could practically hear the

voices of the innocent children calling out her name, anxious for the lovely story times she

would provide.

Jane even dared to dream that if she lived in a pleasant place like The Village of Peace, there

would be a very special man in her life: a teacher, a doctor perhaps, or better yet, a banker.

Jane laughed at her own thoughts. Her life was so empty she would gladly settle for any

special man as long as he was kind, gentle and would cherish her and share her love of reading

and of children.

Yes, a banker would be best, she decided. The bank would be on the main street of the village.

She would have to walk right by it in the mornings on her way to the library. The handsome

banker would see her passing by and smile to himself, knowing that she was his special

“someone.” The thought brought a sweet blush to Jane’s cheek.

Normally, when Jane got too carried away with her daydreams, she would scold herself and

stop thinking such outlandish things, but today, having seen the Christmas Village in the antique

shop window, it was harder to control her vivid imaginings. The Christmas Village had added a

ray of sunshine to her otherwise dull existence. It reminded her of the pleasant places she read

about in the books she loved so much.

Why should I refrain from imagining such a lovely life? she asked herself. Lord knows that

these daydreams are the only amusing things I have to look forward to.

Jane felt the breeze as a new passenger stepped in front of her and sat down on the seat across

the aisle. Jane didn’t look up or acknowledge the person. To her the other passengers were

nameless faces.

I know I’m being silly, but tonight I’m going to stop at that shop and memorize everything

about that Christmas Village. I want to see it lit up. I may even ask about purchasing it, if only I

can get there before the store closes.

Jane turned sideways on the uncomfortable bus seat. She kept her eyes closed and tried to

picture the whole village at once. There had been a post office, a church, and a tiny toy store.

There was a newspaper office, a bank, a tea shop and a bakery. Jane was sure there had even

been a small white house set up along the outskirts of the town; just like the place she imagined

she would like to live. But, the one building that had caught her eye and intrigued her the most

was the library: The Village of Peace Library.

I think it was set up near the pond which really was only a round mirror, she recalled. Exactly

where I would wish it to be. Oh, if only I could be a real librarian, in a real village… Jane bowed

her head for a moment and began to lift up the prayer she usually prayed whenever she thought

about being a librarian. Oh Lord…, she began and then stopped. If it was God’s plan for her to

have a job in a library, then He would work it out for her. She didn't need to bother Him about it

anymore. It was time for her to accept the fact that sometimes God’s answer was “No.” As much

as she wanted it, she’d have to live out the life God had given her.

The sad reality struck her full force. She squeezed her eyes to keep tears from falling onto her

cheeks. She was almost positive it was time to put away her hopes about becoming a librarian.

I need to stop daydreaming about a life I can never have. If I save enough money, next year I

can buy myself a village like the one at the antique store. I’ll set it on the table in my living room

and leave it up all year round.

The brakes squealed as the bus stopped once more, letting off passengers. Jane was abruptly

awakened from her reverie. It wasn’t quite her stop yet so after a few moments, she drifted back

into her imagination. When she closed her eyes, she couldn't keep the imagine of the Christmas

Village from dancing through her mind.

Yes, buying my own village will just have to be good enough for now. I’ll save every cent I can

this year, and next year I will…

“Penny for your thoughts,” a masculine voice interrupted Jane’s daydream.

“Excuse me?” Jane turned her head slightly and noticed the handsome man in the seat across

the aisle. She wondered when he had gotten on the bus. She’d noticed him several times in the

past week, because of his pleasing eyes. He was a fairly new passenger. Since She’d been riding

the same bus for so many years, Jane knew the faces of everyone on the bus. For a moment she

sat staring at the handsome stranger, wondering if he had actually spoken to her or not?

“You seemed so deep in thought, and the smile on your face was so genuine. It made me

wonder what you were thinking about. Was it something pleasant?”

Jane’s cheeks flushed. It was one thing to daydream about living life in a Christmas Village,

but it was a whole different thing to get caught doing it. Her private daydream world wasn't

something she was ready to share with a total stranger, no matter how handsome.

She wasn’t really sure what to say. The man looked at her with such clear eyes and seemed

sincerely interested. Jane tried to think of a way to explain it to him without embarrassing

herself.

“Oh, I was just remembering a lovely Christmas Village display I saw in a small antique store

window this morning.” Jane smiled at him. “I fell in love with it.”

The man cocked his head and his face lit up. “I would love to see it. My mother had one when

I was a child. What did you like about it?”

“It reminded me of the type of place I would love to live, if I could ever afford to move. It's a

small New England village. I’m hoping to get another chance to stop in and see it tonight.”

Ron Morgan searched the young woman’s face, wondering if what she said were true. Was it

possible a Christmas Village could cause the angelic look on her face?

Ron noted that the woman was lovely looking. Unlike most beautiful women, however, there

was something soft and gentle about her, something rather old fashioned that caused a sense of

peace to sweep over him. He could imagine her living in a small village. This city and this part of

town seemed to harsh for her type.

Ron cleared his throat. “It must be a very nice village display, to bring that look on your face.”

He was amazed to think that something as seemingly insignificant as a Christmas Village could

bring such a look or rapture to anyone.

Jan nodded her head enthusiastically. “It is.”

Just then the bus came to a halt and Jane realized it was her stop. She stood, stepped into the

aisle and glanced back at the stranger. He smiled and gave a friendly wave. Jane thought the man

was exceptionally handsome, with his brown hair gently mussed and his blue, gray eyes that

glowed with a light of friendliness.

A strange feeling swept over her. She stopped short and turned around to look at the man one

more time before stepping off the bus. For some reason he reminded her of someone.

Her mind searched for the memory and after a few seconds she knew exactly who he

reminded her of. This good-looking man was the spitting image of the banker she always

daydreamed about.

Jane caught her breath and stared at him openly for one last moment. Heat flushed across her

cheeks.

His smile was wide and warm.

Jane finally, turned, stepped off the bus and hurried away.

Chapter 2

Ron Morgan didn’t have a chance to say anything more as the young woman made her way to

the front of the bus. He looked out the window and saw her disappear into the crowd of

Christmas shoppers on the busy street. Ron wondered what had been on the woman’s mind when

she’d seemed transfixed, staring at him.

“Perhaps she thought I was someone she knew.” He decided, glancing in the direction she’d

gone once more and chuckled; Well, I’m sure I don’t know her or anyone else in this town. I

would love to get to know her. She was such a beauty aside from the faded old coat and the down

trodden slope of her shoulders…

Shaking away these somewhat ridiculous thoughts, Ron began to settle back in his seat and

dropped his eyes. When he noticed something on the floor, he bent and picked up a tattered and

worn change purse. It had no tags or markings that would have made it identifiable, however, it

had the same look to it as the woman’s coat.

It must belong to her.

Ron stood abruptly. Without thinking, he hurried to the front of the bus and asked the driver to

pull over. The driver frowned but turned the wheel. When the bus came to a halt, Ron stepped

down to the bottom step, his head leaning out of the door in such a way the driver could not pull

the doors shut.

Ron’s eyes quickly scanned the area, searching to see if the woman was still nearby. He

finally caught a glimpse of her back as she neared the end of the block.

I should follow her and give the small purse back.

“Getting back in or not?” the driver called out, pulling Ron’s attention away from the small

clutch he held in his hand.

“What?” Ron looked at the driver in a sort of daze.

“Are you getting back on the bus or not? It’s Christmas Eve and I want to get home to my

family,” the driver urged.

“Oh, sorry! Guess not.” Ron stepped onto the curb. The driver pulled the doors closed and

drove off, shaking his head and wondering what had caused the man's strange behavior. Lots of

crazy people in this part of town, the driver decided and never gave the young man another

moments thought.

Ron wasn’t sure why he’d made the decision to try and follow the woman, but instinct told

him the small change purse belonged to her and kindness required he at least attempt to find her.

New to town, with no friends, family or girl of his own, Ron had nothing better to do for the

evening, so a detour to try and return this purse meant little or nothing to him.

At least it adds a touch of excitement to what would be a rather dull evening and I would like

to see a smile on her face.

Looking over the heads of the people in the crowd, Ron didn’t see her right away. He decided

to start walking in the direction he’d last seen the woman heading. There were many shoppers on

the street and he had to push his way through the throng. Every several steps jumping up into the

air, looking over the crowd to catch a glimpse of her.

Jane quickened her step as she hurried towards the antique store. She wasn’t sure she could

even make it to the shop before it closed for the evening, but she hoped desperately to be able to

reach the store and be in the door before closing. Perhaps then the owner might allow her to stay

and look around for just a few minutes.

She wanted to implant the picture of the beautiful village in her mind. She wanted the scene to

last her the whole year long, like a picture postcard, she could pull out on lonely nights when she

felt the emptiness of her apartment and her dull life most keenly. I may even imagine that

handsome man I just met on the bus, living in the village. Jane quickly put such thoughts away.

It was silly enough daydreaming about living in a town like the Christmas Village, but to

imagine a real man in the story was out of the question; even if he did look like the man of her

dreams; especially if there was a chance, she might see him on the bus again. She couldn’t risk

him ever looking into her eyes and sensing that she’d been day dreaming about him.

The worn heels on her three-year-old shoes caused Jane’s ankles to twist out from under her

as she hurried along the sidewalk. Slush from the melting snow caused her to slip in spots and

she grudgingly forced herself to slow down and walk carefully through the mushy sections on

the sidewalk.

Ron sprinted several yards until he finally caught a glimpse of the woman several yards

ahead. Although he’d only noticed her for a moment, he couldn’t forget her lovely auburn hair,

that gently hung to the middle of her back. When she neared a street lamp, the light reflected her

natural golden highlights.

Ron recalled a sweet face with flashing brown eyes. She must be poor, or she wouldn’t be so

thin and pale, yet she seemed to carry herself with a sense of gentle dignity. He’d never seen

anyone quite like her. The memory of her drooped shoulders brought out the gallantry in him.

He pondered on what he could do to help her.

I wonder if she is married. A woman as lovely as her must be. Ron chided himself. What am I

doing thinking about her? I would like to meet a woman and get married, but I’m not so

desperate that I would fall in love with a total stranger I saw on a bus once.

Laughing at his own foolishness, Ron searched the crowd again and located the woman once

more. He quickened his pace so he could get closer to her. Once he was sure it was the same

woman, he slowed somewhat and watched her making her way along the sidewalk. He didn't

want to rush up to her and risk frightening her. She might think he was a thief or pick pocket.

Ron decided to bide his time and wait until she stopped somewhere, then he could approach her

more cautiously; as a gentleman.

Keeping up with the woman was fairly easy, and Ron didn’t think he would lose track of her

now. He could see her clearly. She seemed to be carefully picking her way through the crowds as

if she were sure of her destination. Then he remembered she’d told him she was heading to an

antique store.

For a moment Ron hesitated, wondering if he should continue following her. He scoffed at

himself for having been foolish enough to have actually left the bus, to run after a woman,

hoping to return a small change purse that may not even belong to her. And if the purse didn’t

belong to her, Ron would be embarrassed.

This made him feel self-conscious about approaching her. Not sure whether to proceed or not,

he decided to check the contents of the purse, to see if there were anything in the small clutch to

identify its owner.

Ron slipped the purse open and quickly inspected the contents but found only a handkerchief,

a comb, a five-dollar bill and a few loose coins. Nothing else that would give him a clue as to

who the owner might be. He glanced up again and wondered if it really belonged to her or not.

Ron laughed at himself and realized he was just wasting his time. This purse probably had

little value to its owner and here he was rushing along the street, ready to accost a young woman

so he could return something he didn't even know belonged to her.

Most people would have considered this a fool’s errand and doing this task a true

inconvenience, especially tonight of all nights; Christmas Eve. Then again, other people had

places to be and families to see, but Ron had no one. Even his pet cat had wandered away three

days ago from the small “hole-in-the-wall” apartment he called home. So, in reality, Ron had

nothing better to do then to follow this stranger and attempt to return the change purse to her.

Having worked as a bank clerk for several years, Ron recognized that a woman who dressed

in a shabby old coat and worn shoes could not afford to lose even a small change purse like this

one, if it held five dollars or more, but he was afraid the woman would laugh at him for trying to

return this purse with its meager contents.

Ron walked on. Several times he considered turning back, but something compelled him to

continue following her. Scanning the crowd, he no longer saw her anywhere ahead. He hoped

she’d not slipped into an apartment building before he caught up with her. If she did disappear,

there was no chance he would be able to find her. Once inside, Ron would have no idea which

apartment she lived in, since he didn’t know her name. Ron began to push a little harder through

the crowded street of shoppers, trying to locate the woman or at least an antique store.

Chapter 3

The small bell attached to the top of the door, jingled over her head as Jane stepped into the

antique store. A grandfather clock in the corner of the shop was just beginning to chime the sixth

hour. Jane’s eyes anxiously searched out the Christmas Village display. She was pleased to see it

was still lit. She moved toward it, but then heard the shuffle of feet near-by. She turned around.

An old man with thinning hair and round-rimmed glasses stepped out from behind the counter

with a welcoming smile.

Jane looked up at him, her eyes pleading. “I know I’m late, but I just wanted to see your

Christmas Village up close. I saw you setting it up this morning and I couldn’t wait to see it

finished, but I had to work. Could I please take a look at it from inside the store? I’ll only stay a

few minutes,” she asked humbly.

Charlie Righton, the store owner, studied the girl. He noticed her coat, at least three years out

of date, her tattered shoes, soaked with snow, and her face, thin and pale. Like so many others,

she’d fallen on hard times. He liked her face though.

“If you like my Christmas Village, I'd love to let you stay a few minutes.”

The village had been handed down in Charlie's family for generations. His great-great-

grandmother had owned it when he was a child, and then his grandmother had owned it, but she

lived far away in England. Now at the age of seventy, Charlie had finally inherited it.

The box had arrived last week and when he had opened it and saw that it held the wonderful

Village of Peace, Charlie had been filled with reminiscence of the one year, so long ago, when

he’d visited his great-great-grandmother for Christmas. That year she’d allowed him to help set

up the village and had spoken to him about each piece.

“This village has Christmas magic on it.”

“What kind of magic is that?”

“Oh, different types,” she answered mysteriously. “When it becomes yours, you will know.”

Charlie wasn’t sure about magic, he always thought it was her way of teasing him, but ever

since he’d begun unwrapping the pieces earlier in the morning and gently placing them in the

front window display, he’d felt a sense of contentment steal over him.

Charlie hadn’t felt anything like it since that Christmas he’d spent with his great-great-

grandmother; the first and only time he had ever seen the Christmas Village before.

Jolting back into the present, Charlie studied the young woman before him. There was

something about her that reminded him of his great-great- grandmother’s words about Christmas

magic. He wasn’t really sure what it all meant, but if there were any truth to the magic his great-

great-grandmother had spoken of, Charlie could feel its essence beginning to fill the small store.

The woman stepped towards the Christmas Village while Charlie was reminiscing. Her profile

reflected a genuine smile. Charlie moved closer to the display, placing himself between the

woman and the front window.

He cocked his head and gazed at her. She loves it as much as I do, he realized in amazement.

It was rare to find anyone these days who appreciated old fashioned things like the Christmas

Village.

Charlie stared at the lovely woman for several seconds, she kept bending sideways, trying to

look beyond him to get a better look at the village. He finally shook himself out of this reverie

and said, “Yes, of course you must see the Village of Peace.”

Charlie reached out, took the girl’s arm and led her closer to the display. He hadn’t turned off

the lights that hung over the village for the evening, so the roof on each porcelain house glittered,

as if sprinkled with a slight covering of snow. The small street lamps were lit and stood in a

pleasant row down the cobblestone street of the village.

“Oh, it is so beautiful,” she whispered in awe.

Charlie nodded in agreement.

“You don’t know how much this means to me. I saw you setting up the Christmas Village this

morning and it was so inviting. I couldn’t stop thinking about it all day.” Her eyes scanned the

scene. “I’m so glad I got here before you closed. This will be a wonderful memory to keep until

next Christmas Eve.”

Having kept that same memory himself for over sixty years, Charlie could understand what

the girl meant. It was sad to see a woman so young, already so distressed by the burdens of life.

As he watched the joy light up her eyes, he was determined to allow her to get her fill of the

Christmas Village tonight. They stood side by side, enthralled by the beautiful Christmas Village.

Although Charlie had lovingly set the whole thing up during the earlier part of the day, seeing it

now, in the evening, he felt there was something different about it.

Both of them noticed things Charlie had paid no attention to earlier. He pointed out the horse

drawn carriages set in several places, and she giggled at the miniature figurines of old-fashioned

dressed women and men, all placed as if they were strolling along the main street. Near the

church building, with its lovely steeple, there was a hill of snow on which several figurines of

children were sliding or sledding. Towards the back of the village, behind the library, was the

ice-skating pond.

“I have always wanted to go ice skating on a pond,” she told him merrily, pointing. “I would

probably fall down, however, since I’ve never skated before. I could never look as elegant as

those ladies.” She pointed at the figurines of women who had warm muffs on their hands and a

strong arm around their shoulders; those of an old-fashioned New England man.

“I’m sure you would skate beautifully,” Charlie assured her.

The woman lifted her face to acknowledge the kind words. The hunger in the young, lonely

eyes filled his heart with compassion.

“What is your name?”

“Jane Smith,” she answered, leaning closer to the village and peered into one of the buildings.

“Just plain old Jane Smith.”

“What kind of New England man would you like to go skating with?” Charlie chuckled.

“A banker.”

“A banker. Why a banker?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I’ve always felt the man of my dreams would somehow be a banker.

Maybe because I have always had so little money.”

Charlie nodded his head in understanding as they both continued to gaze at the wonderful

village. He was enjoying the village as much as she was.

“Where would you like to live, if you could live in this Christmas Village?” Charlie asked as

he bent over and pressed another button that turned the lights on inside of the village buildings.

There was a candy shop, a general store, a small bank, a post office, a toy shop, a tearoom, and

of course the lovely library. Several houses were scattered around the display as well.

“Oh, how sweet!” Jane whispered in awe when the lights began to twinkle inside the

buildings. She clapped her hands together, but there was no sound because she wore a pair of

worn yellow kid-gloves. Finally, she spoke. “If I had the choice, I’d live in that lovely, small

cottage up there, tucked away on the hillside.” She pointed at a small, but quaint porcelain house.

“I love its white porch and the picket fence all around the yard.”

“Beautiful,” Charlie whispered.

“I have always thought houses with white picket fences were the most delightful ones

around.” She now pointed at the porcelain library. “I would love to be a librarian there as well,”

she exclaimed, but blushed when she realized how silly she must sound.

The man smiled, “nothing wrong with dreaming a little bit.” The man encouraged her to

continue sharing her thoughts.

“I’ve always wanted to be a librarian, but when my father died, I had to go to work, and then

my mother died and there was no money left for me to go to school with.”

The man could see the sorrow etched in her brow.

“So, the closest I will ever get to being a librarian, is right now, standing here, next to this

beautiful Village of Peace,” she sighed heavily. “I work in a factory now, but all I’ve ever wanted

to be is a librarian.” She paused, “I guess that sounds very strange to you.”

“Not at all, I love antiques!” Charlie swept his hand around to indicate all the items in the

store. She smiled at his understanding and turned her attention back to the village.

“Oh, look!” she exclaimed pointing at the other end of the village. “See the church snuggled

in the pine trees? I would love to worship there.”

The old man watched delightedly as Jane’s face lit up with each new discovery. He

remembered that night, many years ago, when he too had enjoyed seeing this Christmas Village

for the first time. Then another memory slipped into his mind; one that had been hidden. A

strange memory from so long ago.

He recalled how a stranger had come to his great-great-grandmother’s small quilt store on

Christmas eve, when Charlie was visiting her. The man arrived just minutes after they’d finished

setting up the Christmas Village. Charlie recalled being disappointed because he was sent into

the back store room until the man finished shopping.

Charlie strained, trying to remember that evening, all those years ago, but the memory was

faded. He recalled the man had called himself John Baker. He seemed very sad. Charlie also

remembered when the man saw the Christmas Village, he’d instantly been intrigued by it. The

man seemed to sense the true beauty and peace of the Christmas Village. Thinking back now,

however, Charlie could not remember the man ever leaving the shop that night although Charlie

had overheard the entire conversation the man and Charlie’s great-great-grandmother had.

“I’d love to own this village. Perhaps I could save enough to buy it next year?”

“This village is not for sale,” Charlie answered firmly.

Her smiled faded. “Not for sale,” she repeated. “Oh, how sad! I had hoped that if it was, I

could pay you a little each week.”

The old man studied her forlorn face. She was alone in this world, wishing to live in a special

place like The Village of Peace, willing to settle for owning the village.

Charlie turned to Jane and began to ask her the same question his great-great-grandmother

had asked the man all those years ago.

“Do you have any family?”

“No, my parents were all I had.” Jane’s voice quivered slightly.

He clearly remembered the man from so long ago; he too had been lonely, and he too had

mentioned how he wished he could live in the Village of Peace. Charlie closed his eyes and

recalled how as a child he’d snuck across the back room and peeked out from behind the curtain

just in time to see…

Charlie grabbed the edge of a shelf, stunned. Suddenly he remembered everything that

happened that night. He now understood about the Christmas magic. He straightened up, his face

glowed in delight.

Charlie patted the girl's shoulder. “Yes, I think you should live in a special place like The

Village of Peace.” and as his great-great-grandmother had said to John Baker all those years ago,

Charlie said to Jane, “Why don’t you make a wish over the village?”

Jane laughed with a slightly bitter tone and turned her eyes back towards the village. She

shook her head in refusal. “I’ve embarrassed myself enough by sharing my fantasy with you. To

actually make a wish out loud…well.”

Jane stepped back as if to leave. “I’m sorry for keeping you so late, and I do appreciate you

staying open and allowing me to look at the village.”

Charlie could tell by the longing in her voice, she was not ready to leave yet. She was just

being polite. he stepped closer and looked straight into her eyes. “Before you go, I think you

should make that wish first,” he suggested again, almost harshly.

She took another step back, confusion in her eyes.

Charlie knew he was frightening her, but he was determined she make the wish. He grasped

her by the arm. “I know you don’t understand, but you just have to make the wish.”

Jane was trembling, but she knew she must keep calm. Perhaps if she did as the man asked, he

would let her go. “Alright, I’ll make the wish when I get home.” She tried to take another step

away.

“No! You need to do it right now! Out loud!” Charlie's voice rose almost to a shout.

A small whimper escaped her lips. “Please, let me go.”

“I will, when you make the wish.”

Jane nodded and stepped back up to the village. Fear flooded her soul, but she grasped the

edge of the display, closed her eyes and spoke out loud, “I wish I could live in a nice place like

The Village of Peace.”

“Don’t forget about your job,” Charlie urged. “Wish about your job.”

“I wish I could have a job as a librarian.”

“And, the banker. Remember, you want to marry a banker.”

The girl's eyes had filled with tears and her lip was trembling, but she spoke the words.

“And I wish I could marry a banker.”

“Good, good… the magic will come now…” Charlie’s voice was now calm and soft. He

released her arm.

Jane turned toward the door, hoping she could quickly slip away. She wanted to get out of the

antique store as fast as possible, but before she could move, the room began to grow warm and

things all around began to grow foggy.

Instead of rushing out of the store, Jane felt compelled to turn back and step closer to the

village again. She reached out as if to touch the small white house she’d admired so much. Yes,”

she said, as if from very far off. “I would love to live in the little white house on the hill.” Jane

smiled at Charlie for just a second then touched the little house’s front door.

Chapter 4

The woman was gone. Ron was sure of it. She’d been right in front of him, but when he

looked away for just a moment, he missed seeing her step into one of the apartments along the

way. She must not have gone to an antique store after all. Ron continued walking. There was no

point in rushing back to the bus now. He’d already missed the one for this hour so he decided to

walk a few blocks and enjoy the Christmas decorations in the store windows.

Many stores were beginning to close for the evening, Ron enjoyed the stroll anyways. He did

not often have time for long walks anymore. Just taking these few moments to walk brought

back a flood of memories.

When he was a child, Ron was raised by his aunt, because his mother died when he was born.

His father gave him to the aunt to raise and had disappeared from his life for good. He and his

Aunt Patty had often taken long walks like this, especially during the Christmas season. Aunt

Patty had been almost fifty years old when Ron was thirteen, but she always seemed so young

then. They were best friends.

Many times, they’d gone window shopping and talked about all of the wonderful things they

would buy for one another if they could afford it. Ron had planned to someday actually give his

aunt all those things, but before he could afford any of them, she’d been killed in an automobile

accident.

Ron had been alone ever since. Aunt Patty wanted good things for him so Ron had been

determined to do his best. He finished school and went into banking. He loved his job but a few

months earlier he’d been asked to take a position in a new town. There was a better chance of

promotion so Ron had agreed.

Since accepting the position and moving to the area, Ron hadn’t had time to make friends or

to meet anyone special. His heart ached for companionship; and every night, Ron prayed for

someone he could marry. He was willing to wait for the right woman, but he hoped he wouldn’t

have to wait long.

Just then, Ron heard the chimes on a shop door. He looked up and saw a bespectacled man

step out of an antique shop. The man was locking the door.

Ron hurried towards him, noting a Christmas Village display set up in the front window.

“Excuse me, you didn’t happen to see a woman walking by here a few minutes ago, did you?”

Ron stood anxiously clutching the small change purse inside his coat pocket.

The man peered into the stranger’s face. “Lots of women walk by here,” he answered curtly

and started to walk away.

Ron stopped him with his hand. “Well this one is quite young, and had on an old coat,” Ron

explained. “She has very long beautiful hair.” Ron couldn’t describe her further than that.

“What do you want her for?” The man asked, hesitantly.

Ron pulled out the small purse. “She dropped this change purse. I hate to think of her without

it on Christmas Eve. I looked inside to see if her name was in it, but there is only a handkerchief

and some change.”

“That’s kind of you to care. Most people wouldn’t take the time; especially not on Christmas

Eve.”

“It really has nothing to do with kindness. I just felt compelled to make sure the purse got

back to the young woman.”

“You have nothing better to do than chase a stranger around town, just to return a few coins?”

The old man asked in amazement.

“To be honest, I really don’t have anything better to do. I haven’t got any family of my own,

no one and nothing to go home to. I thought I might as well be of some service.”

Standing quietly in thought for a moment, the man finally nodded and took a deep breath. “I

may have seen the girl you’re talking about. Did she seem pale and lonely?”

Ron didn’t want to admit how closely he’d watched the girl, so he nodded timidly. “I didn’t

really see her for more than a moment, but if you think she may be unwell, I’d better find her.

She might be sick and need her small amount of money.”

“What would you do,” the man asked, “if you found she was very poor and very ill?”

“I’m a bank clerk. I’ve seen what little money most of the young working women today get

paid. Perhaps, if she is truly ill and cannot afford a doctor, I could give her some money.”

The man stared at Ron for a second then asked, “You’re a bank clerk?”

Ron was surprised by the tone in the man’s voice. “Yes.”

“Do you like your job?” The man asked.

Ron wondered why the man was asking him these questions, but there didn’t seem to be any

harm in answering. He thought for a moment; Yes, he liked being a bank clerk and had hopes of

moving up in the company, but he didn’t actually like the new job.

Over the old man’s shoulder, Ron noticed the Christmas Village once more. “I like my job,”

Ron told him, “but I would rather have a job as a banker in a nice village like that.” He pointed

towards the Village of Peace display.

The old man chuckled. “Why don’t you step inside my store for a minute?” The old man

fished out a key and turned back to the door of the antique shop.

“Thank you,” Ron answered and followed the man inside the dusty shop. “But I really need to

find the woman who owns this purse.”

“I know where the girl you are looking for is.”

“You do?” Ron exclaimed. “Where is she?”

“Let me turn on a light.” The old man ignored Ron’s question. He scurried to the back and

disappeared for a moment. Ron had no choice but to wait.

“Why don’t you sit down in that chair by the front window?” The man's voice called from the

back room.

Ron turned around and noticed an old recliner that was placed near the Christmas Village

display. It looked welcoming. “I’ve got to find that woman!” Ron called out, but sank down in

the seat anyways. He tried to relax. He hadn’t realized how tense he’d become while chasing

after the unknown woman.

Ron scanned the room. The shop was full of very unique antiques. Ron turned his gaze

towards the front window. He strained to see if he could catch a glimpse of the woman in either

direction but all he could see was the reflection of the beautiful Christmas Village in the glass.

For a moment Ron’s eyes absorbed the delightful scene. He remembered the woman speaking of

the Christmas Village. He was sure this was the one she’d told him about.

“I haven’t seen a Christmas Village like this in years,” Ron called out casually, to the old man

who had stepped behind a curtain in the back room.

“Go ahead and turn the lights on if you like.” Ron heard the muffled voice of the old man.

“Alright.” He bent over to find the button. He knew the woman was long gone by now, and

this stranger was his only hope of finding her. While he waited for the man to return, he might as

well enjoy the little bit of Christmas cheer the village offered.

The little village seemed to come to life when it was lit up. Ron sat back in the chair

absorbing the scene. For a moment he leaned in closely to peek into the windows of the tiny

candy shop. He noticed the church and even the skating pond.

“I used to skate on a pond like that when I was a boy,” Ron reminisced. The old man did not

answer him. Ron continued to peer all around the village until his eyes came to rest on the bank.

“Now, there’s a bank I’d like to work in,” Ron whispered. “It looks friendly and quiet.”

“Yes, I thought you would.” The man's voice surprised Ron. He’d been so absorbed in the

village and was only talking to himself, he wondered how the old man could have heard him.

The store owner walked slowly over and stood beside Ron. He had a very serious look on his

face. “Why don’t you make a wish about it?”

Ron stared at the man curiously. “What do you mean, make a wish?”

“Make a wish that you could have a job in a bank like that one.” The man's old, wrinkled hand

pointed at the small, but pleasant looking bank.

Ron glanced up at the man doubtfully. “Making wishes like that seems a bit ridiculous.

Working at the bank in this town is reality. Perhaps someday, if I move up in my job at the bank,

I will be able to transfer to a small New England town.”

The man shook his head. “I don’t think making a wish would be ridiculous,” he stated, his

gaze sweeping over the village. “That village just happens to need a bank clerk.”

Ron looked at the man in astonishment. He seemed so earnest. Ron laughed though, thinking

the man must be joking. “Well, I better put in my resume.”

“I don’t think you’d need one. Just a wish will do. Go ahead, make your wish.” The man

pointed his wrinkled finger at the small porcelain bank.

“Okay, okay I’ll make a wish,” Ron said, holding up his hand. He was beginning to think this

man was just a bit on the crazy side.

“Right now!” The man insisted.

“Right now, what?”

“Make the wish, right now, right here, out loud?” The man's voice trembled in excitement.

Ron was sure this man, if not crazy, was somewhat senile. He decided he’d better leave the

store, but when he stood up the man’s words stopped him.

“Don’t you believe in Christmas miracles?”

“I’ve uh… never seen one.”

“Well, I have.” The man's voice was barely audible. “And if you want me to tell you where

that woman is, all I ask is that you make a wish for a job in the bank in that Christmas Village.”

He pointed again.

Ron's eyes followed the man's arm with his eyes. He was touching the tip of the Christmas

Village bank.

“Alright, I’ll make a wish.” Ron stated, thinking that if he made the wish the man would tell

him where the woman was, and then he could dash out of the shop. “If it will make you happy.

But you have to promise to tell me where the woman is then.”

“I promise you will know, after you make the wish.”

Ron detected a mysterious tone in the man’s voice. Ron shook his head in amazement, but

decided to play along. He closed his eyes and made a wish. “I wish I could work in a bank in a

village like this one.” The words came out as a soft whisper, but Ron heard his own voice and

realized there was an earnest plea behind the words he had spoken.

Ron opened his eyes again and found himself drawn to look closer at the peaceful scene

before him. It surprised him to realize that although he had meant the wish only as a way to

pacify the old man, deep inside his soul, it was really true.

Suddenly, the most calming sense of peace began to steal through his body. Ron stumbled

back into the chair again. Feeling confused, he tried to turn the conversation back to the young

woman. “I need to find the woman who owns this change purse.” He tried to focus on the old

man, but it seemed as if he were looking at him through a fog. “Do you know her name?”

The old man stood quietly, smiling at him. “Now, touch the bank.”

Ron tried to concentrate on the man’s face, but his eyes were having trouble focusing.

“Does the room seem warm to you?” Ron asked, wiping some drops of sweat from his brow.

He reached out a hand and touched the small village bank. His head was beginning to spin. Ron

looked at the old man. He could see that man’s mouth moving, but Ron could barely concentrate

on his words. The one thing he did hear though was, “Her name is Jane Smith,” the old man’s

voice was just a whisper.

The room became clouded and Ron felt himself slipping.

“Just plain Jane Smith. Oh, and by the way, she wants to go skating on the pond.”

Chapter 5

Jane stood outside the door of the cottage. For a moment she couldn’t remember if she was

going in the door or coming out. Her mind seemed to be clearing as if she’d just awoken from a

dream. How strange it is to have a dream in the middle of the day like that. She laughed at

herself.

“Miss Jane,” called a little girl with lovely blonde hair who had stopped on the road outside

Jane’s house. “Don’t forget, you promised to read the Christmas story from the Bible today! I’ll

see you at the library.” The girl waved her hand.

Oh, that’s right, Jane thought, I’m on my way to work. She smiled at the little girl, and waved

back timidly as the child skipped away. Jane glanced around curiously, as if seeing her home for

the first time.

The house sat on a rolling hill and her yard was bordered by a sweet white picket fence, and

from her wide white front porch she could see the whole quaint town which was named Village

of Peace. Jane reveled in the pleasant view. Even with the village slightly covered with snow, it

was still the most beautiful place she’d ever seen.

“Are you coming Miss Jane?” A group of young people passing by called to her.

“I will be right along.” Jane smiled, turned toward the house and opened the white painted

door. She peered inside. It was snug, warm and cozy; just as she’d left it a few moments ago.

There were shelves filled with the books that she loved to read, and the table over flowed with

presents She’d bought for her friends in the village. There was a beautiful pine tree in the corner

of the room. It was decorated with cranberries, popcorn and paper stars.

I think I’ll do some baking when I get home, Jane told herself. I’ve always loved Christmas

cookies and the children will love them.

Jane shut the door and hurried toward the library. Her friendly smile cheered everyone she

passed. As she made her way down the street, she noted all the quaint shops. Something niggled

the back of her mind.

Finally, she stopped, turned and squinted. There is was, the bank, further back along the

cobbled road. What is it about the bank that stands out in her mind? She thought. Then she saw

the bank door open and a young man stepped out.

Ron!

Ron Morgan could hear the church bells chiming. It was Christmas Eve day and tomorrow

Christmas. He’d just stepped out of the bank where he worked, he held a package under his arm,

but for some reason everything before this moment seemed rather hazy.

Ron stood outside the bank as the children of the village all began running towards the library.

Several of them waved and called to him.

“It must be story time,” the bank manager, John Baker hinted as he walked up to the bank

door, passing the younger man.

“I’m sorry,” Ron looked at the older man. “What did you say?”

“I said, it’s story time at the library,” John answered with a chuckle. “I recognize the signs of

a man in love.”

Am I in love? Ron thought, trying to bring an image of a woman to mind. A woman with long

hair and a shabby coat seemed to float through his thoughts, but that seemed ridiculous.

“Will you and Jane join us tonight at the bank's Christmas party?” John Barker asked.

Jane? Jane? Oh, yes, Jane Smith.

Ron nodded. “Jane will be holding the story time for the children soon. Then later tonight we

will come to the Christmas party.” Ron stood gazing down the street, looking confused.

“Are you feeling alright Ron? You look like you are kind of lost.”

Ron's eyes searched the shops on the street until they landed on the small library, then

everything came into focus.

“For a minute, I did feel that way,” Ron answered. “I guess I have a lot on my mind. That

reminds me, I have something for Jane.”

“What is it?” the bank manager joked, “Mistletoe?”

Ron shook his head. “No, it's something better. Something I've been meaning to give Jane for

some time.”

“Well, I find that mistletoe usually helps things along during the holiday.”

“Maybe I can find some of that too,” Ron laughed. He shook hands with his boss, turned and

strolled slowly towards the library.

No point in rushing, she'll be reading to the children for a little while. That gives me just

enough time to slip over to the pond and...

Ron passed the library. He loved walking along the cobblestone streets of the Village of

Peace. Something about the quaint shops and lamp posts made him feel odd however. A far away

memory niggled his mind. Ron shook his head. He stopped and pressed his face against the

window of the antique shop then turned and took the small road leading behind the library which

ended at the pond. He was glad it was finally frozen over.

Ron sat on the bench near the pond. He pulled the package from under his arm, bent and

slipped it under the bench.

She will be so surprised.

Ron stood, brushed his footprints away then headed straight for the library, a secretive smile

on his lips.

Jane finished slipping into her coat and sticking her hands into her fur muff just as Ron

stepped into the library stomping snow off his shoes. Her eyes lit up when she saw him. She was

so lucky to be walking out with the handsome banker.

“Did you get out of work early?” She smiled with pleasure and touched his hand.

“I told you I would.” Ron smiled back.

“Have you been out playing in the snow; your shoes are covered in it?”

“No, just took a walk.” His voice dipped mysteriously. “Are you ready to go?”

Jane glanced at his face. She could tell he was bursting with excitement. “Where are we

going? “Ron shook his head back and forth. “Sorry, I can't tell. You’ll just have to come with me

if you want to know.” Ron winked at her. “It’s a surprise.”

Jane’s face blushed, but she scooted across the room until she was beside him.

“I love surprises. I'm ready whenever you are. Do you need time to warm up?”

“No.”

“Are we going the bank Christmas party tonight? Maybe I need to go home now and start

getting ready.”

Ron took her hand and stared into her eyes. “The party isn't until much later tonight. I have a

surprise for you, so are you coming along quietly or do I have to ….”

Jane started giggling and held up a hand across his lips. “Shh, I will come along quietly.”

Ron nodded and turned back to the door. He pushed it open and Jane stepped outside. Ron

joined her, took her hand in his and began to walk.

Jane was surprised when they turned behind the library and began to stroll down the

cobblestone path that led to the pond. “The pond is frozen solid,” Ron told her.

“Yes, it will be nice for the children to skate on all during their vacation time.”

“Well, Miss Smith, today I will take you skating there.”

“Really?” She clapped her hands. “I have always wanted to go skating on the pond.” Jane

couldn't seem to remember why she’d never skated there before.

“I know.” Ron leaned in and whispered.

Jane turned her face up. “How did you know? I don’t remember ever having told you before.”

Ron shrugged his shoulders. He couldn’t remember how he’d found out that Jane wanted to

go skating on the pond, and as hard as he searched his memory, he couldn’t find the answer.

“Didn’t you skate as a child?” Ron asked.

“I actually don’t remember. My childhood seems rather blurred.” Her brow furrowed. She

tried to imagine anything from her past, but couldn't find a single memory beyond this morning.

“I feel the same way.” Ron reached out and squeezed her hand reassuringly, when he saw a

flash of anxiety on her brow. “Does it matter?”

“Not really. I’m just happy that I will get to skate. You will have to help me.”

“Don’t worry, this New England banker will have his arm around you the whole time.” Ron

enjoyed seeing the pink steal across the lovely librarian’s face. When they reached the pond, Ron

pulled two sets of skates out from under a bench where he hidden them earlier. Jane was pleased

at his foresight.

Ron helped lace her skates and, in a moment, they were gliding across the ice. Ron kept a

strong arm around her waist in case she should fall. Jane was a natural, however, as if She’d been

skating her whole life.

“This is wonderful.” Jane’s face was lit with excitement.

“So are you.” Ron looked deep into Jane’s eyes and ran his hand through the long lengths of

her hair. “You have the most beautiful hair I have ever seen. I love to walk behind you and see it

glowing in the sunlight.”

Jane felt happy looking into Ron’s gentle icy-blue, gray eyes. They continued skating for a

short time until they both began to feel chilled and then Ron led Jane back to the bench. He

placed his hand into his pocket for a moment.

When Jane started to untie her skate strings, Ron stopped her, placing his hand gently on her

arm. “Here, I have something that belongs to you.”

“Really?” Jane asked as Ron held out a small change purse for her. It was worn around the

edges and not very attractive.

“Is this a joke?” Jane asked, “I’ve never seen that before.”

“Are you sure?” Ron stared at the change purse curiously.

“I think I would know my own change purse.”

“Well, take a look inside anyways. Make sure that it doesn’t belong to you.” Ron encouraged.

Jane laughed and reached for it, but suddenly a strange, foreboding feeling swept over Ron.

He almost pulled the bag away but Jane had already grasped it.

Jane’s hand trembled when she touched the unattractive change purse. A cool chill crept up

her back as a strange scene floated through her mind. For a moment she felt as though she were

standing in an old antique store, feeling lonely. Slowly Jane unclasped the bag and looked in.

“Oh Ron!” she cried, “It’s… It’s...”

“Will you marry me, Jane?” Ron knelt in front of her, as Jane sat staring at the lovely diamond

ring which sparkled in the lining of the small change purse.

She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. “Yes, of course I will!” Jane slipped the ring out

of the bag and Ron placed it on her finger. The ugly change purse was dropped in the snow and

forgotten.

“It’s so strange. I know I’ve been happy here all my life, but I feel as though I’ve somehow

also been lonely all my life. It will be nice to not ever feel lonely again.”

“I’ve been having the same feelings.” Ron told her as he pulled her close and wrapped his

arms around her. “I don’t plan to ever feel alone again now that I have you.”

Ron leaned over and pressed a gentle kiss on her lips.

Jane stepped back blushing. “You know, I’ve always wanted to marry a banker.” Jane smiled

through the joyful tears the flowed down her cheeks.

Ron wiped away her tears with gentle fingers and kissed her nose. “And I’ve always wanted

to marry just plain Jane Smith, the librarian who lives in the Village of Peace.”

TERESA IVES LILLY’s ninth grade teacher inspired her writing by

allowing her to take a twelfth-grade creative writing course during the

summer. After that, it has been her passion and dream to write. However,

until her Salvation in 1986 when she discovered the genre of Christian

Romance, Teresa did not even try writing. Since then, she has gone on to

write over thirty novellas and novels including two published by Barbour

Books. Teresa lives in San Antonio, Texas where she and her husband are close to their three

grown children and one grandson. Teresa believes God let her be born “at such a time as this” to

be able to write and share her stories of faith. Her book Orphan Train Bride was a best seller for

two weeks on Amazon.

PLEASE LEAVE POSITIVE REVIEWS ON AMAZON AND GOODREADS.

See Teresa’s other books at www.teresalilly@wordpress.com

Get a free PDF book at https://teresalilly.wordpress.com/novella-free/

Sign up for Teresa’s monthly newsletter at http://eepurl.com/dLB-6k

Follow Teresa on Amazon author central at https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B009DO2PLG

Follow Teresa on Bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/teresa-ives-lilly

Follow and leave reviews at Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3524202.Teresa_Ives_Lilly

OTHER BOOKS AND SERIES BY TERESA IVES

LILLY

BRIDES OF WATERHOLE, TEXAS SERIESSam https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BQXJ5NB

Jo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BTK7MQM

Dan https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BXYPYWQ

Rob https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BWV22LX

Kate’s Christmas https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BWT235G

Mail Order Matchmaker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08C4YXS3B

Unchained Love https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08C4Z2WXL

Cowboy’s Snow Angel https://www.amazon.com/Cowboys-Angel-Brides-Waterhole-Texas-

ebook/dp/B08CSC8F9H

Beauty and the Beast https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D7845B2

Ruby was written as part of another series; however, it takes place in Waterhole, Texas

as well. https://www.amazon.com/Order-Widows-Brides-Secret-Babies-ebook/dp/

B088P7M4DN

*****

ORPHAN TRAIN BRIDE SERIESOrphan Train Bride

https://www.amazon.com/Orphan-Train-Bride-Teresa-Lilly-ebook/dp/B00C7TON6E

Orphan Train Belle

https://www.amazon.com/Orphan-Train-Belle-Teresa-Lilly-ebook/dp/B00D3DDFEE

Orphan Train Beauty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D77QCYJ

Orphan Train Christmas Bride https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FKWIO06

Orphan Train Violet https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08D8NTHGR

*****

BRIDES OUT WEST SERIES

A Gold Dust Bride https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D9SF1LZ

A Harvey House Bride

https://www.amazon.com/Harvey-House-Bride-Girls-Book-ebook/dp/B077L5XF6G

A Wild Prairie Rose Bride https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078R1H5NQ

A Christmas Angel’s Bride https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DJC15CP

*****

ROUTE 66 SERIES Enchanted Encounters (Route 66 Series) https://www.amazon.com/Enchanted-Encounters-Route-

Teresa-Lilly-ebook/dp/B08DCRPR8X

Lucky in Shamrock, Texas (Route 66 Series) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0031567QW

*****

OTHER HISTORICAL BOOKS BY TERESA IVES LILLYA Cook for Christmas Spinster Mail-Order Brides Book 29

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DFP2PB8

An Angel for Adam Mamas Mail-Order Bride Series Book 1 (Coming March 2021)

Christmas Masquerade https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Masquerade-Teresa-Ives-Lilly-

ebook/dp/B08DHP64L7

Gambled Away https://www.amazon.com/Gambled-Away-Teresa-Lilly-ebook/dp/B003MGKCQ6

Mamma’s Bells https://www.amazon.com/Mammas-Bells-Teresa-Ives-Lilly-ebook/dp/B004EYSYG0

Pumpkin Pie by Patience Old Timey Holiday Kitchen Series Book 8 (Coming October

2021)

*****

HISTORICAL FANTASY Christmas Village Magic https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Village-Miracle-Teresa-Lilly-

ebook/dp/B002NKLNE2

Snow Globe Romance https://www.amazon.com/Snow-Globe-Romance-Christmas-Collection-

ebook/dp/B078QHB2D5

*****

CONTEMPORARY BOOKS BY TERESA IVES LILLY

HARBOR INN MAINE SERIES Coffee and Cake

https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Cake-Harbor-romance-Book-ebook/dp/B086NWMJM6

Cocoa and Christmas

https://www.amazon.com/Cocoa-Christmas-Harbor-Romance-Book-ebook/dp/B086Q3JL7C

Diary and Death (Mystery)

https://www.amazon.com/Diary-Death-Harbor-Inn-Mystery-ebook/dp/B086RPH52B

Donations and Demise (Mystery) https://www.amazon.com/Donations-Demise-Harbor-Inn-Mystery-

ebook/dp/B088RG3PRW

*****

SMALL TEXAS TOWN SERIESLove Found In Bandera, Texas https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Returns-Teresa-Ives-Lilly-

ebook/dp/B078YGR6LP

Love Found in Boerne, Texas

https://www.amazon.com/Texas-Christmas-Romance-Teresa-Lilly-ebook/dp/B072LJDXZG

Love Found in Fredericksburg, Texas https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D9TSH2Y

*****

OTHER CONTEMPORARY BOOKS

Back in His Arms by Christmas https://www.amazon.com/Back-Arms-Christmas-Teresa-Lilly-

ebook/dp/B08CT2SKRR

Christmas Cookie Town Part of Christmas Cookie Brides https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-

Cookie-Brides-wholesome-romances-ebook/dp/B07X59ZBG8

Evergreen Cottage (Holiday Cottage Series Book 1)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D86W1MW

When the Bell Rings https://www.amazon.com/When-Bell-Rings-Entertaining-Angels-ebook/dp/

B086T67BT3

PUBLISHED IN BARBOUR BOOK COLLECTIONS

Carousel Dreams: Carousel Love https://www.amazon.com/Carousel-Dreams-4-Stories-Past-

ebook/dp/B081GHHBJV

Tea Shoppe Mysteries: Petite Fours to Die For:(Coming 2 /2021)