“Don’t worry, just breathe. If it’s meant to be, it will find a way to happen. Especially during the Christmas season. A time of wonder and miracles. If you can’t get a certain someone off your mind, make a wish, and it will come true. Because your mind always knows what your heart is thinking.” ~ Holly Edwards

I mumble to myself as I stroll down the busy streets of the capital, “I hope I make it there in time before his office closes. Wouldn’t that be the icing on the cake?” I hurry past the pedestrians, dodging in and out.

It was a rough day in kindergarten. Yes, those five-year-olds can test the patience of a saint. Mine almost broke in two.

First, Simon came up to me with glue smudged across his little mouth, holding his bottle of Elmer’s in one hand, and told me his belly was hurting during free time. I thought I was going to lose the contents of my stomach. The stinker had eaten his bottle of glue. Ugh! Not to mention we’d just come back from lunch. Dessert à la glue.

The next mishap began when Jennifer and Petra started chasing each other with scissors. I knew this day would go down in history as an epic wacko day. The kind you never want to do over because it’s taken every ounce of energy to maintain sanity. Let’s just say, nap time came early. Thanks to the powers that be for winter break, or I might need to find my sanity.

As I continue the fast pace I’ve set hoping to make it to Michael’s office before he leaves, my left heel catches a hole in the sidewalk. I tumble down to the unforgiving cement ground, freshly tailored, pressed jacket and all. Could this day get any worse?

“Here, little lady. Let me help you,” a gentle elderly voice speaks as a hand reaches down to take the plastic-covered jacket from me.

Righting myself, I notice that my heel is miraculously still intact. Thank goodness for small miracles.

“Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome, my dear. You might want to slow it down a bit. Stop and smell the roses, and don’t stay so caught up in your head. Next time, you might get hurt,” she offers a piece of advice. The sweet expression on her face gives me pause. She reminds me of my mother, whom I lost years ago. A comfort and warmth spreads through my system, and I reach out to take the jacket from the finely dressed, salt and pepper-haired woman.

“Yes, ma’am. Thank you again for your help. I’m in a hurry to get somewhere, and I don’t want to be late. But you’re right. I need to get my head out of the clouds, or something bad could happen.”

“Yes, it could. Spread the cheer, ladybug. But make sure to watch where you’re going.” She pats my shoulder and winks. “You have a Merry Christmas, Holly,” the woman comments and turns, walking away, getting lost in the crowd.

The warmth from the sweet-spirited older woman spreads through my chest and lands smack-dab on my face.

Boom it hits me. The air around me thins with unease. How’d she know my name? Arching my body upward, I scan the congested pavement filled with passerby shoppers carrying packages and bags. Along with businessmen and women hustling to and from work.

The wind gusts, reminding me of the jacket hanging over my arms, and I notice my school name tag bobbing in the breeze. And just like that, my silly question is answered. Of course, my badge.

I rush down the street, a little less hurried now. I needed a reminder of what life is all about, what the season brings and what it means to me.

When I turn the corner onto 12th Street, a massive office building looms across the road. Glass windows decorate the entire building. A grin pushes my cheeks full from all the Christmas lights and decorations garnishing the structure. I muffle a strangled laugh. I’m sure Michael just loves that. Mr. Grinch.

I can’t believe he’s become such a grump during the holidays. Maybe his grumpiness stems from the Ella chick Kyle told me he was engaged to. She’s obviously not in the picture anymore. There’s a story there, no doubt.

The boy I remember loved the season and couldn’t wait to see what he would receive under the tree. He was also a huge giver. Like clockwork, you could count on getting something from Michael, if you were lucky enough to be in his circle of favored friends.

Remembering the few gifts he gave me, the klutzy, gangly tag-along best friend’s sister, causes a red-hot blush to cover my body. The fact that he thought of me gives me the warm fuzzies. Even though they were small trinkets of little value, I was on his radar, which was enough to keep a young girl’s infatuation alive and kicking. I guess that’s why I kept those special treasures all these years, packed away safely in my hope chest.

The memory grants me the last bit of energy and nerve I require to continue through the revolving doorway into the office building.

For a few seconds, I stand outside the wood door with a plaque that reads Colonel Michael Barnes, MD Medical Advisor US Army. Wow, that’s impressive. I knew he was a doctor, but this job sounds important.

As I reach for the handle to open the door and wrap my fingers around the knob, it pulls inward at the same time, causing me to catapult into rock-hard abs and muscular arms.

I gaze up into deep blue eyes, and I’m briefly dazed, in a hypnotic state by his powerful, intense stare. Frozen at his masculine ruggedness. He exudes confidence, power in his Class A uniform. Why couldn’t I greet him like any normal person does, without falling into his arms?

Michael continues to search my body with his eyes and hands as he rights me back on my two feet.

“What are you looking for? You caught me this time. I’m fine,” I remark, a bit unnerved by his close scrutiny.

“Just checking for the warning label.” He chuckles in a deep, sexy tone. “You must have one somewhere. If not, I think it’s time to get one.” Michael smiles down at me.

For the first time since we ran into each other at the mall, I get a glimpse of the young Michael I fell for years ago. Carefree and happy. A yearning to view him this way takes my breath away. I want to wipe away the old memories and replace them with new ones.

“Oh. I, umm…” I’m momentarily tongue-tied due to his playfulness. Where have you been hiding? “I would say that’s not nice, but I am speaking to the great Michael Barnes. The nicest guy on the planet. Or used to be, that is,” I freely joke back.

“Nicest guy, huh? Too bad that’s not me anymore. I was just on my way out. It’s been a long, tiring day.”

My short-lived high is squashed by his brash comment.

“Okay. Here, I brought your jacket. Good as new.” I shove the plastic-covered jacket into his arms and take a step back. I recognize a sendoff vibe when it’s directed at me. I may be a little clumsy, but I’m no idiot. For a minute there, I believed I had a chance.

“I can’t believe it. You actually had it fixed. Honestly, I didn’t expect it.” His tone is slightly above a whisper, filled with astonishment and something I can’t quite put my finger on because I’m still annoyed with him and slightly hurt.

“Well, honestly, I’m a woman of my word, Dr. Barnes. Thank you very much. And furthermore, I don’t appreciate your tone, as well as questioning my integrity,” I huff out and turn to leave. Not again. I won’t allow the past to repeat itself.

“Wait. Holly. I apologize for my uncooperative behavior. It was inappropriate, pixie. It’s been a long day, and frankly, I’m ready for this holiday shit to be over. The sooner, the better.” I stop mid-stride and turn around to view him, saddened by his outlook on Christmas as he continues, “I really appreciate this.” He holds up the jacket by the hanger before laying it over his arm to carry. “Where are you headed?”

I inspect his heartfelt, earnest expression. My heart flutters and lightening bugs hum around in my belly from his use of my childhood nickname. Apprehension flows within, wanting to accept his attempt at an apology. And this is Michael. Someone I feel like I’ve known my whole life and wanted with an insurmountable amount of desire over the years. I just can’t resist his tempting charm or the idea of not being in his presence a little bit longer.

Decision made, I give him another chance and kindly announce, “To catch the metro back to Arlington. Heading back to my townhouse.”

“Good. Then it’s settled. That’s exactly where I’m off to. Let’s go.”

What just happened? I’m baffled by the three-sixty as I fall in line, step for step, with the gorgeous man walking beside me. Uncertainty over where this is going, or if I could even have a chance with this man, pushes to the front of my mind, but I tap it all deep down inside. Save it for another day. There’s always tomorrow.

A lightbulb goes off somewhere in the menagerie of all the unconventional probabilities racing around in my head. I realize he’s more messed up than I could have ever possibly imagined. Poor man. Someone did a number on Michael judging by the back and forth and crazy, sporadic mapping of his emotions. My heart clenches at the wave of sadness spilling over me.

And dissing Christmas, as well as being miserable, Michael needs my help remembering what’s most important. Nobody should feel that way, especially him.

In the here and now, he needs me, and I’m ready to conquer the scrooge. It’s time Michael learned how to seize the day once more.

I’m just the gal to help solve his Christmas woes.

One little step at a time, I’m going to bring happiness back into his life.