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  Surprise Under the Mistletoe

  Rita Hestand

  Surprise Under the

  Mistletoe

  Rita Hestand

  Smashwords Edition

  Copyright© 2016 by Rita Hestand

  All Rights Reserved

  ISBN # 9781370522934

  Cover by: Thebookcoverdesigner.com/WestCoastDesign

  License Note

  This book, Surprise Under the Mistletoe is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without express written permission of the author. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy or copies. If you did not purchase this book or it was not purchased for your use, please go to Smashwords.com to purchase your personal copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Surprise Under the Mistletoe is a work of fiction. Though some of the cities and towns actually exist they are used in a fictitious manner for purposes of this work. All characters are works of fiction and any names or characteristics similar to any person past, present or future are coincidental.

  ~Dedication~

  When you're young and in love, it is hard to not make love. But smart couples either use protection or abstain. Abstaining is the only way you can be sure you won't get pregnant. However, taking chances without protection can land you in a lot of trouble. Abstaining until a better time is always wiser. Getting to know the person you think you love is the most important factor of all. Once you are truly sure about each other, then perhaps it's time to think on marriage. Most loving parents understand these problems because they've been there. Remember that. They know what you are going through. Talk to them, and God bless you.

  Rita Hestand

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  About the Author

  Rita's Other Works

  Chapter One

  "So are we still on for the dance?" Mark Collins asked as he drove home from basketball practice, switching on his heater as he held his cellphone with his shoulder. Scratching his five-o'clock shadow, he smiled as he heard her voice.

  "Yeah, sure. But I heard it supposed to snow tonight." Trudy O'Bryan responded as she built a quick sandwich while she talked to her boyfriend on the phone.

  He'd just gotten home today from college for the weekend and she couldn't wait to see him again.

  "Cool."

  "Not so cool, you sure your truck will get us there and home?" She chuckled tossing her long reddish brown hair to the back of her shoulders.

  "Never had any trouble with it before, but I'll check my anti-freeze. Just for you darlin'." He told her. "Don't want anything bothering my girl."

  "You silly. I can't wait, actually. So, see you at six-thirty then." She laughed.

  "See ya, love ya." He told her.

  "Same here," she sighed and hung up. Her mother just walked into the room so she didn't want to sound too mushy on the phone. She always got a raised brow from her mother at endearments.

  "Who were you on the phone with dear?" Her mother asked as Trudy hung up and grabbed her sandwich.

  "It was Mark, he wanted to know if we were still on for the dance." Trudy told her mother.

  "It's supposed to snow tonight. Do you think it's a good night to go to the dance?' Her mother fretted glancing out the window at the gray skies.

  "Mom," She turned to see her over protective Mom staring out the window. "They only have a Christmas dance once a year. I don't want to miss it just because of snow. We do live in Alaska you know. Snow is a given this time of year. But no worries Mom, Mark said he would check his anti-freeze and make sure his truck was in good order." Trudy argued. She glanced in the living room at the Christmas tree her and her mother decorated last night. It was beautiful, and Trudy loved Christmas. Just for a moment, she could almost see her father's face, smiling back at her. "It's always exciting to dress up for the Christmas dance. I can't wait to see what everyone is wearing. So don't worry, we should be fine. And snow just adds to Christmas, don't you think?"

  "Well, yes, but because this is Alaska dear, you know it can get mighty rough sometimes. Alright, but if it gets bad, I want you to come home." She told her. "I don't want to worry about you stuck somewhere in the snow."

  "Okay Mom, but quit worrying. It's no big deal. They didn't say it was a blizzard or anything like that." Trudy chuckled. Although she'd had seen the skies and knew there would be snow, instead of fretting, she was happy. Snow was a big part of Christmas in Alaska. In fact, she thought Alaska had the perfect weather for Christmas.

  "I suppose you are right. What are you wearing?" Her mother was a bit put out that she insisted on going, but Trudy learned not to give in to that pout of her mother's.

  Trudy's eyes got big and round. She glanced at her mother and smiled. "That red velvet dress you bought me last Christmas. I haven't worn it anywhere yet and it will be perfect for this dance."

  "Oh I can't wait to see you in it, dear." Her mother smiled. Then her mother's expression changed.

  "What's wrong now, Mom?" Trudy asked as she was about to bite into her sandwich and saw her Mom's face.

  "It's just that you are growing up so fast. It won't be long and you'll be out of high school. And you need to decide if you want to go to college or not."

  It seemed these days that her mother was constantly fretting about something, all over her. She wished her mother would get a hobby or a best friend to talk to. Or better yet, a date. After all, it had been five years since her father passed away, and it was time for her beautiful mother to get on with her life.

  "Mom, we've had this discussion before. I thought it was settled. I've already made that decision. I'm going to continue working at the factory and go to a Cosmetology school." Trudy told her.

  "Are you sure you want to be a hair dresser?" Her mother wrinkled her nose at the thought.

  Trudy knew this argument well. When her mother couldn't find something to fret about, she brought Trudy's choice of careers up.

  "Of course I am. I love working with hair and they get paid pretty good. Maybe someday I can open my own shop." She told her. "Like Grandma did."

  Her mother wanted her to go to college, but Trudy knew that it took too much money to go, and besides, she really wanted to be a hairdresser like her grandmother had been. She loved working with hair. She would fix her friends hair at school, during her lunch hour.

  Besides, she much rather her mother invest in a nice wedding for her, than send her off to college where she did not want to be.

  Her mother wanted more for her, but Trudy insisted that it takes all kinds to make a world. She was still having to argue that one with her. Trudy knew that her mother was upset about it, but being a hairdresser was what she really wanted to do with her life. She'd tried to explain it many times to her, but it always ended up with her mother totally clueless, and usually upset about it.

  All parents wanted the best for their children, and Trudy understood that. But Trudy wanted to be a hairdresser.

  "What does Mark's folks think of you being a hairdresser?" Her Mom asked with just the slightest bit of sarcasm in her voice. The way she said 'hairdresser'.

  "I have no idea, and I don't really care." Trudy shrugged. "It isn't their decision, it's mine. I'm old enough to know what I want, and that is what I want to do. I'm very good at it Mom. Don't you think a person should do what they are good at? Don't you think God gave us gifts like that to be used. Every job, no matter how lowly, is important to someone. Besides, Mark makes enough money I do
n't have to worry about it. I've tried so many times to explain to you that it takes all kinds to make up a world mom. We can't all be PHD's."

  "You know, we haven't talked about it, but Mark's older and in college. Why honey, he's studying to be a doctor. How can you have a future with him, if your nothing but a hairdresser?"

  "This isn't the dark ages Mom. You're still putting people in social classes. That's not hip any longer. Besides, Mark and I have talked about it, he'll have long hours at the hospital, and I can work late at the salon and it won't bother me a bit. It's a good thing. I've talked with Mark about this before and he thinks it's great that I know what I want to do. He says he'll make plenty of money, and I can do what I want. If I am happy then he is happy. Besides, we aren't even engaged yet Mom. Who knows what will happen between now and then? Although, I’m hoping we do get married."

  "But it might embarrass him with his friends… You could end up losing him over something like this, don't you see? He'll think you have no ambition."

  "Mark isn't the one that's bothered by this, you are. So? If he loves me truly, he won't leave me because I want to be a hairdresser. Most everyone already knows and thinks it's great that we've already worked our problems out together. Mark and I talk about things Mom. We have lengthy discussions on what we want in life. Actually, Mark is totally on board with it and I wish you were too. Grandma was a hairdresser, and a good one I might add. She had her own shop for years. It supported you, didn't it?"

  "Yes, it did." Her mother conceded. She was quiet a moment. "Grandma wasn't married to a doctor either. I'm just thinking of you and Mark and your future. Does his parents approve of him dating a younger girl?" Her mother took another tack.

  "You know Mom, you sound like you don't want me and Mark to get together, to marry."

  "I love Mark. He's a wonderful young man. But he's in a totally different financial class than we are. Your Grandmother made a good living, but she worked herself nearly to death to do it."

  "And loved every minute of it Mom. You worry too much about what people think. Mark comes from a wealthy family, it's true, but he isn't a snob mother. Mark accepts what I want to do with my life. We've discussed it and he's cool with it. If we don't have a problem with it, then there is no problem. Everyone knows I’m younger, but in a couple of years that won't matter any way. I'd think you'd be happy that we are so sensible about everything. He's done everything you've asked of him. He gets me home on time, we don't have sex, we don't do drugs. What more do you want?"

  "I'd think they'd want him to date a girl in college. That's all. And like it or not parents do influence their children. Some of them at least."

  "We've dated for three years Mom. I never lied to them about my age or my ambition. If they have objections they don't voice them with me. And that's as it should be. They are nice people Mom, don't make trouble where there is none. Mark has a head on his shoulders, he knows what he wants to do with his life. We talk about it all the time. But there are no problems, except in your head. We are using our heads about our relationship."

  "It's just that there are so many differences. He's older, going to college and rich. You are certainly not rich, nor do you want to go to college, and your just now finishing your last year of high school. Do you really think there is a future there? With Mark I mean."

  "Don't you like Mark, Mom?" Trudy stared at her intently waiting for her answer.

  "Of course I like him. He's a fine young man. I just worry dear. It's a Mom's job to worry."

  "Mom, would you please drop the social status thing and leave it alone. Mark and I love each other and that's all there is to it. If he can accept me the way I am, you should be happy, and you know he's a super guy."

  "Oh yes, I think a lot of Mark. But I'm a little worried about you and what you want to do. If you must know, it's not Mark I worry about, it's you. What if the two of you decide to get married? Then what they think will be important to you."

  "No mother, it won't. Because even now, I realize they have their own opinions and they are welcome to them. But so do Mark and I. As far as Mark and I are concerned, we're good. Look, we haven't had sex, we don't do drugs, we don't smoke, and we do love each other. We've done everything a parent could possibly expect from their children, so why create problems when there are none."

  Her mother nodded with a heavy sigh. "You are right; I'm borrowing trouble I suppose. But, I am your only living parent and it's my job to worry about you. I do want the best for you. I have nothing at all against Mark, but he is rich. I will try to stay out of your business. I guess, sometimes I forget you are getting older now and able to make up your own mind. But if they can accept you, then I'm fine with it."

  "You've done a great job on me Mom. I'm a good person. Stop worrying. You should be happy that I’m going with such a terrific guy. Sandra got pregnant and she'll be lucky to finish out the year. Sarah's boyfriend is heavy into drugs. I'm just so lucky to have Mark. He's so sensible." Trudy told her. She glanced at her Mom now, noticing how pretty a woman she still was. Even though she was forty now, she still had beautiful black hair and dark brown eyes. She wasn't wrinkled or old looking, but quite pretty. She'd been wondering what to get her for Christmas and she made up her mind she was going to buy her a lovely dress for Christmas. She worked part time at the factory in town and made money for herself, so she could do that. She had her gift, Mark's and his parents to buy for. She needed to go shopping but doubted she'd get to it for a couple of days. She was making cookies next week for the children's hospital and Senior Home. She'd written several U.S. soldiers to wish them a Merry Christmas. Trudy loved Christmas and it was such a joy to do things for others less fortunate. Trudy saw her and her mother as very fortunate people who were in a position to help others and all the money in the world couldn't do any better than that.

  "You know Mom. Even though he's older, he's never pushed me for sex, he's never asked me to try drugs or drink. He hates cigarettes and would never entice me with that. I think we are pretty darn good people. He has me home on time. What more could you ask? And you're wrong about my ambitions. I do have ambition, it's just not the norm. I want to own my own shop someday like Grandma did. And doing hair pleases me, because I please other people. I'll be like a fairy Godmother and send them to the ball looking beautiful. What's so bad about that?"

  Her mother nodded again. "Alright dear. Grandma did make a good living at it. And granted, she enjoyed doing it as much as you do."

  She was silent for a moment, then she looked at Trudy. "Has Mark asked you to marry him yet?"

  "No, I don't think he will right now. I'm not even out of high school yet." Trudy chuckled. "And he's not out of college."

  "But he does claim to love you, and that's the next step."

  "I think he might ask me if we were to get engaged or something. But we aren't in some big hurry Mom. You should be glad of that." Trudy told her. "We are using our heads. Be happy for us, just like we are."

  "I guess I'm afraid of losing you too."

  Trudy got up from the table and went to hug her mom. "You haven't lost me, Mom. I do wish you'd get out a little more, though. It's been five years since dad passed away, isn't it time you started thinking of dating yourself?"

  "Dating? Me?" Her Mom looked perplexed.

  "Why not, Mr. Harvey down at the Hardware Store asks about you every time I go in. And he waits for my answer every time. As though it's important to him. I think he likes you."

  "Really?" Her mother stared at her. "Are you serious?"

  "Yes, why not, he's a widower too, Mom. You guys would be perfect for each other." Trudy encouraged.

  "Don't you go matchmaking for me." Her Mom chuckled.

  "Why not. You need a little nudge to get out there in the dating world again." Trudy laughed. "You know, you took care of daddy so long, since he struggled with the cancer thing, and stood by him. You did so much for him, and I am proud you could. He loved you for it. But now, it's time for you to get bac
k into things again. He's been gone five years Mom, and I know you loved him. So did he. But it's time to move on with your life. You know yourself dad wouldn't want you sitting around being an old widow woman, alone all the time. You aren't old, and you are certainly pretty."

  "Oh don't be silly," her mother scoffed and got up and left the room. She'd obviously embarrassed her. Trudy sighed, her mother seemed so lonely sometimes and she really hated seeing her waste her young years alone.

  Her mother hung her beautiful dress on the back of her bedroom door for her. "It is a lovely dress."

  Trudy looked at it and sighed. It truly was the prettiest dress she owned. She'd never worn a strapless dress, or anything so elegant. But it was Christmas, a special time and she wanted to look especially nice.

  Chapter Two

  At six-thirty Mark stood on her doorstep, shivering from the cold. He glanced around the nice size farm and smiled. It was peaceful out here in the country and it had a way of relaxing him every time he came out. Gone were the sounds of cars racing down the street, exhaust leaving in its wake. Instead, birds sang, squirrels hurried about collecting their nuts. And snow was on the way once more.

  Her mother let him in.

  "Hello Mark, how's the weather out there?"

  "It's showing signs of snow." Mark shivered and took his coat off. He hung it on the peg by the door and sat down to wait for Trudy.

  "They say it's going to. If it gets bad, will you bring her straight home?"

  "Of course. I did check my anti-freeze and made sure my truck was in good order." He smiled at her now. "I even checked the heater for the motor so it won't freeze up if it does come a blizzard."

  Her mother eyed him closely. "I appreciate that. I so worry when the weather starts in."