Ultimate Nyssa Glass by H. Burke (best value ebook reader .txt) 📕

“We probably should’ve started our Christmas plans a week ago,” Ellis said. “We only have five days left.”

“How much time do we need?” Nyssa frowned. “I mean, I want to give Theo a nice Christmas, but buying him a few presents and some candy won’t take more than a couple hours.”

Ellis laughed incredulously. “There’s more to a good Christmas than a few presents and some candy … also, it’s our first holiday together. Shouldn’t that be special?”

She shifted from foot to foot and glanced about the room for something to do. “Christmas is for children. I’m too old for it.”

His eyes widened. “Seriously? No one is too old for Christmas. The very word makes me feel like a kid again.” Ellis tilted his head. “You mean to tell me you aren’t even a little excited?”

She shrugged, examining the display case. A few fingerprints smudged the glass. “It just wasn’t a part of my childhood. That doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be part of Theo’s, though.” She picked up a cleaning cloth. “You know what my life was like after my parents died.”

“Yes, but you were already ten. There must be some memories from before that.”

Nyssa wiped down the glass, her brain sifting through the memories like scattered clockwork pieces. A doll hanging out of a stocking … her mother singing carols … her father handing her a peppermint a stick … What did they look like? I can’t remember their faces. What sort of awful daughter forgets her mother’s face? She closed her eyes and tried to paint the image, but it slipped away like watercolors drowned in the rain.

Nyssa cleared her throat. “What about you? What was Christmas like for young Ellis Dalhart?”

A smile lit his face. “The best. We’d have a ten-foot tree decked in electric lights. My dad would sequester himself for weeks beforehand and make me the most elaborate toys you can imagine … then Mom had the staff working constantly, decorating, cooking, but no one minded.” He brushed his wavy dark hair from his face. “There was always a buzz, like an electric current through the whole house. Best time of the year.”

Nyssa set down the cloth and sat on the edge of the counter. “It sounds wonderful.”

“It was, but you know, my best memories are of Christmas Day, when my parents gave the staff the day off, and it was just us three.” He stroked the arms of his chair. “Mom would read to us while Dad and I fiddled with the new toys, and then … when the day was winding down, and I could barely keep my eyes open, she’d put a record on the Victrola and they’d dance …” His voice trailed off. He placed his hands on his thighs and rubbed his legs. “It’s funny what you remember, all these years later. In spite of how Mom died and everything awful my dad put me through after my accident, in that moment, everything is still somehow perfect.”

Nyssa slid off the counter and onto his lap. “We’ll have to make our own perfect memories, then.”

“I know we will.” He stroked her cheek. His lips brushed against hers, sending warmth down her spine. “If you’re okay with it, I would like to make Theo’s presents rather than buy them. Mrs. H can take care of the food, but would you be willing to see to decorations?”

“I think I can manage that.”

“Thank you. I want this Christmas to be for all of us. Not just Theo … and that means getting you a spectacular gift. Want to give me a hint? What does Nyssa Glass want more than anything in the world?”

She laughed. “I’m not really a present sort of person. I don’t like getting gifts.”

“Really?” He raised an eyebrow. “No one’s ever given you something that made you happy?”

“Well, as a child, sure. If you want to get me a piece of stick candy and a picture book, go right ahead.”

“What about your old employer, Mr. Calloway? From what you’ve told me, I would’ve assumed him the generous type.”

“Oh, he was. I only spent one Christmas with him, though, between reform school and his death.”

“Did he get you anything?” Ellis pressed.

“My satchel.”

“The leather one you might as well have sewn to your side?” He winked. “Yeah, that obviously didn’t mean anything to you at all.”

Her cheeks warmed. It was nice to have someone care enough to get me something I liked. “I don’t want you to feel obligated. You’ve already done so much, helping me get out of New Taured, setting up this shop, paying for Theo’s schooling …”

His fingers twined about hers. “It’s no obligation. It’s a joy.”

She smiled, but inside something twisted. But what could I possibly get you?

Chapter Two

Scanning Nyssa’s shopping list, Mrs. H clicked her tongue. “Goodness, Miss Nyssa, this is an ambitious meal even by my standards.”

“Do you think it’s too much?” Nyssa swallowed. “They’re all Ellis’s favorite foods, and some of Theo’s—though he likes anything with sugar. I can help.”

“You do realize you’re only feeding three people?”

“Four. I wouldn’t want you to cook but not eat.”

“Well, four then, but it’s still triple what you need for that many people.” The housekeeper laughed. “Though young Theo can eat enough for three easily.” She passed the list back to Nyssa. “I tell you what, circle the most important items so I know what to prioritize.”

Nyssa read it again. “This is all sort of new to me. Maybe I should just let you plan the meal.” She glanced around the homey kitchen. What else does it take to make a perfect Christmas? Shock me, I can put together a clock with my eyes closed, but a family holiday? For that I need an instruction manual.

“I suppose we’ll need decorations.” Mrs. H raised a gray eyebrow.

“Yes, right,” Nyssa said. “So ribbons and candles?”

“Tinsel’s always a nice touch. I may not be a flashy dresser, but I do like some sparkle, especially around the holidays.”

Nyssa