The Christmas Miracle
Chapter 3
It's a quick 2-day business trip to wrap up an acquisition for his eccentric boss. He's never bought a mountain, but then he encounters Kate Beckett. Entry for Castle Ficathon Winter 2022.
**Note**. This story was inspired by the movie Christmas at Holly Lodge (2017).
After observing the interactions between his dear friend Lanie and the Lodge's unexpected guest, Javier finally stood, commenting, "I think it's time I finish decorating the fireplace before Kate thinks I am slacking off on my holiday duties. Would you care to help me, Rick?"
"Sure, I'd be glad to," answered Rick.
The two men adjust the garland and add bright red Christmas balls to the beautifully craved centerpiece of the Lodge. After a few minutes, Rick asks,
"So, you've been coming here for a long time too?"
"Yes, I started coming after I retired from the NYPD. A friend had raved about the Lodge and said I should check it out. After serving twenty years with the department, I needed a change of scenery, and that was ten years ago, and I've been coming out every Christmas since."
Javier paused, looking around the room as some extended family members decorated the Christmas tree while others continued visiting.
"Look around you. Can you tell me if you've ever seen a more caring group than this one? With Kate's help, we have truly grown to be a family."
Rick also stopped with his decorating, looking around the room, overwhelmed by the sense of family he felt being generated by this close-knit group of friends. He had never experienced such feelings.
Continuing his inquiries, Rick asked, "Can you tell me about the Christmas tree? Why so many ornaments? It almost looks like overkill."
The minute 'overkill' slipped out of his mouth, Rick knew he had made a grievous error.
Javier immediately stopped and glared at Rick, finally saying,
"I recommend you keep thoughts like that to yourself until you realize what that tree and its ornaments represent."
With that closing comment, Javier picked up the remaining ornaments, moved to the other side of the fireplace, and continued decorating the gigantic fireplace, leaving Rick alone amidst the many guests.
Lanie had overheard the exchange between Javier and Rick and coughed, catching Rick's attention as she motioned him to sit beside her.
Catching Rick totally off guard, Lanie reached out, took his hand warmly, and began sharing more heartfelt details about Kate and her Lodge.
"Rick, please forgive Javier. You must understand that everyone who joins together here at the Lodge for Christmas has a backstory, and all of them, are not filled with sugar plums and mistletoe," explained Lanie in a low voice so others couldn't hear their conversation.
"You see, we have all come here under different circumstances, and Jim and Johanna Beckett had a special gift of understanding and care. They never asked questions. They simply accepted us with open arms and vowed to ensure we all experienced the happiest Christmas possible. That's how it all started, and Kate is carrying on with their legacy. That's why we call ourselves a family. We care deeply for one another, and we all look forward to these special weeks, where we can put our pasts and issues behind us and come together for a true time of peace and joy."
Lanie paused before continuing her story, adding, "As for the Christmas tree, each year, Kate encourages us to bring a unique ornament for the tree. It's to be something special, whether it reminds us of a loved one, an experience, or anything. Our only task is to bring an ornament."
Lanie closed her eyes briefly, explaining that each year Kate and her staff also coordinate an ornament decorating contest for the children. "They encourage the adults to help, allowing the kids to have one-on-one time with us old folks," laughed Lanie.
"After the kids complete their decorations, Jenny and Kevin hold a judging competition, and each child receives an award for their unique creations. Then all of those ornaments are also added to our tree."
"That's also why Kate and Kevin always find the giant, most perfect-looking tree each year. You see, we need a big one to share our memories."
If Rick hadn't felt guilty before, he now thought he could walk under a rock without bending over. This place was not just a mountain property with a few buildings. It was a refuge. It was a place of safety and security built by a family of individuals who truly understood what it meant to be loved and shared that love with everyone who graced their doors.
At that exact moment, Rick realized he had to do everything he could to protect Kate and this Lodge, regardless of the impact it could have on his job. Sir Covington wouldn't understand, but Rick vowed he wouldn't allow him to destroy this beautiful site. Now he had to figure out how to do that. His first call was going to have to be to the bank president of Ganasby Butte Commercial Bank and do an extensive deep dive into every document related to the Beckett Mountain Lodge. He had his work cut out for him, but he wasn't going to give up.
Rick looked up just as Kate entered the Great Room carrying another box of tree ornaments. He excused himself from the conversation he was having with Lanie and jumped up, meeting Kate, taking the box from her hands, and asking if he could help. The two smiled as Kate allowed Rick to take the box and join her and the others as they added other memories to the Lodge's beautiful Christmas tree.
As the two began hanging more ornaments, Kate asked if any of the kids wanted to help, and several moved to her side, waiting until she carefully placed one of the Christmas treasures in their hand. Rick looked on and reached into the box, picking an ornament that turned out to be one of Kate's.
Kate smiled and said, "That's one my parents gave me."
It was a hand-carved replica of the Lodge her Dad had created for her when she headed to college.
"Wow," Rick commented. "This is amazing. Your Dad was very creative."
Kate quietly answered, "You have no idea." He built this Lodge. It's incredible, and I couldn't ask for a better place to grow up in and call home.". Kate caught herself before she could say anything more about her feelings.
Kate quickly changed the subject by asking Rick if he had to travel much with his job.
Rick chuckled, saying, "Oh, I travel. I travel a lot. I'll be flying out of the country on Sunday."
"Why would you have to fly on Christmas Day? What company would make you do that?" Immediately, Kate knew she had made an inappropriate comment to her guest and quickly added, "I'm so sorry. That wasn't nice of me. I know nothing about your work, and I should never have responded like that." She then pulled two more ornaments out of her box and moved to the other side of the tree to be with two of the kids.
Rick smiled, picking up the ornament box and following Kate.
"You weren't rude. Just surprised. It's almost like another day for me, and my boss can be demanding."
Kate looked at Rick, seeing that he was neither frustrated nor upset. He was speaking matter-of-factly about his job. Christmas held no actual relevance to this unique individual. Kate remained quiet as the two continued placing the ornaments on the magnificent tree.
Feeling uncomfortable with the silence that was taking place between the two, Rick shared, "It's not that bad. My job has allowed me to spend Christmas in fascinating places worldwide."
Rick has now captured Kate's attention, and she asks about places he has been to for Christmas. The two talk for several minutes as Rick shares highlights of a few of his trips. And then he asks,
"Do you have any dreams about places you'd like to visit at Christmas?"
Kate immediately responded, "Oh, no. I want to be here for Christmas. These people are my family, and I wouldn't want to be elsewhere for the holidays."
Rick doesn't push the travel issue, but he does ask if she has any other things she wishes she could do.
Kate laughs and flippantly says, "Oh, maybe go for a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh."
Rick joins Kate, laughing at her comment, knowing he will try to find a horse-drawn sleigh and bring one of Kate's wishes to reality.
It's around 11:00 pm, and the Lodge guests begin turning in for the night.
Jenny served breakfast at 6:30 in the service area of the Great Room.
Rick purposely got up early, as he was planning to have an early morning visit with Kate's banker, but now he also has another stop he needs to make.
Rick hasn't seen Kate yet, but he checks his watch and sees it is almost 8:00, and he needs to leave to make his 9:00 appointment with Kate's banker and still be able to make another stop at the general store.
Rick slips on his jacket, turns, and sees Kate walking out of the kitchen.
Rick greets Kate and apologizes for rushing out, but he has some early morning appointments in Ganasby Butte.
Kate feels an immediate loss, but at that exact moment, Kyle comes up to Kate, asking if they will be able to make more ornaments this year. So Kate's mind switches gears and gets back on track, knowing she has several other guests to entertain over the next couple of weeks.
On the way to the bank, Rick quickly stops at the general store to ask Aaron a favor.
"You want me to try and find you a one-horse open sleigh?" Rick smiles, nods, and watches Aaron as he rubs his chin, thinking about this unique request.
Suddenly, the big man grins back at Rick, saying, "I think I gotta guy. You come back tomorrow, and I should have an answer for you." The two shake hands, and Rick rushes off to his appointment with the bank's President.
At the bank, Rick is greeted by Mr. Landry's administrative assistant Patsy, who hands him a thin file, indicating these are the papers they have on file for the Beckett Mountain Lodge mortgage. Rick frowns and looks through the file, noticing it only has a copy of the deed and some details regarding delinquent payments.
Rick leans on the counter, gives Patsy his most charming smile, and asks, "Are you positive that these are the only papers you have on file for the Beckett Mountain Lodge?"
Patsy glances around and says, "Yes. Those are the ones Mr. Landry told me to give you."
Rick leans closer to Patsy, continuing to lay on his charm, and asks, "Are you sure there are no other documents?"
Becoming increasingly nervous, Patsy says, "Okay, please give me a few minutes."
Rick senses the assistant's discomfort and continues, "Patsy, I know Mr. Landry is trying to make this transaction easy for me. But I owe it to my boss to do my due diligence. So I need to have every piece of paper you have on file about the Lodge. I'm used to sifting through paperwork, so that won't be a problem."
Rick patiently waits in the lobby of the bank, seeing that Mr. Landry is still on the phone, as he waits for Patsy's return. About fifteen minutes later, the nervous assistant returns to the customer counter carrying a box that looks like it could hold roughly three reams of copier paper.
Rick again smiles at Patsy, sincerely thanking her for her extra efforts.
Rick leaves the bank, pleased that he has more information on Kate's property than he had an hour ago.
Rick enters the Lodge, greeting a few guests, and rushes to his room, hoping he won't run into Kate. He quickly removes his coat and begins sifting through the papers that Patsy had provided to him. He finds information dated back to when the Lodge was built, so now Rick feels he has details that he can use to help change his boss's mind about his acquisition plans for Kate's Lodge.
Rick ends up spending the entire afternoon toiling over the vast amount of paperwork that Patsy had provided regarding the financial details surrounding the Beckett Mountain Lodge. As other revelations unfold, Rick feels confident that he's going to be able to save Kate's Lodge.
Fortunately, Rick had set the alarm on his watch, alerting him for the Lodge's dinner. He slips into a sweater, safely packs his bank papers back into their box, slides them into a drawer in the antique dresser in the corner of his room, and heads down to join the rest of the guests for dinner.
Incredible aromas rise as Rick gets to the bottom of the steps. He follows the sounds of voices and the bouquet of smells as he locates the Lodge's guests sitting around several wooden tables throughout the ornately decorated dining room. Since additional guests arrived, Jenny would serve their meals in the Lodge's main dining room.
Like all other Mountain Lodge rooms, the dining area offers rustic beauty and comfort. A few people pulled tables together for larger groups, and a few sat in groups of three or four. Rick scans the room and sees Lanie and Javier sitting alone at a table, so he walks toward them, hoping that Javier is no longer upset with him for his previous senseless comment.
Lanie is the first to spot Rick and waves him over, giving Javier a look that silently says, you behave yourself. Rick hesitates for a moment before taking a seat and quickly takes a sip of water to quench his suddenly dry throat as he nods to Javier and greets Lanie.
The three carry on a cordial conversation before seeing Jenny, Kate, and two other staff members serving dinner to the guests.
When she exited the kitchen, Kate spotted Rick and decided to serve their table first. As she's placing the dinner plates on the table, she looks at Rick and says, "I'm glad you made it back for dinner."
"I wouldn't miss it," smiles Rick in answer to Kate's statement. "This looks delicious."
Lanie chimes in, saying, "You will find no better chef than Jenny. She creates amazing meals for us every year."
The threesome smile and thank Kate, with Rick watching her as she walks back toward the kitchen to get meals for her other guests. Lanie sits quietly, smiling at the reactions of this fascinating man, hoping there will be a genuine connection between him and Kate. Her girl needs a life outside of this Lodge.
"Kate is beautiful, isn't she?" Lanie comments to Rick.
Rick coughs, again reaching for his water, not realizing that he has not been very subtle with his observations of Kate Beckett.
Rick looks at the plate before him, unsure how to react to Lanie's forward question. In contrast, Javier sits across from him, snickering, apparently enjoying the discomfort of the man who he is still checking out. Being an ex-cop, Javier often makes assertions about new people he encounters. And so far, he isn't impressed with this New Yorker.
Lanie looks at Rick, waiting for a response to her question.
Rick decides he must be somewhat honest with this woman because he feels she will not drop the subject. So he tries saying, "Yes, she is charming."
Lanie laughs and pats Rick's hand but doesn't say anything further to embarrass the young man.
Rick smiles back at Lanie, positive she wasn't satisfied with his response but grateful that she wasn't pushing the topic. At least not in front of Javier.
The remainder of their dinner conversation was very cordial, and Javier even seemed to lighten up and shared a few memories of his past trips to the Lodge.
After dinner, the Lodge's guests enjoyed one of the best chocolate mousse dishes Rick had ever tasted. As Kate came by to pick up their dessert plates, Rick asked, "Kate, Jenny made this entire meal, including dessert?"
Kate smiled proudly and answered, "Yes, Jenny made everything with a little help from a couple of staff who call themselves her sous chefs. We are very fortunate to have her." Kate then continued to help clear tables as Jenny stepped out, reminding the guests that table games would be available later in the Great Room.
Following their excellent meal, a few guests opted for a late-night walk to wear off some of the calories they consumed during dinner. At the same time, others went to the Great Room and looked through the table game options.
Rick chose to walk around the Lodge's interior, taking a closer look at its unique craftsmanship. Rick had made his way into a small office and admired some architectural drawings displayed on the walls when Kate walked up behind him, startling him, saying, "Those were drawings my Dad made when he was building the Lodge."
Rick was familiar with architectural renderings and thought he had seen every conceivable form of building plans, but what he was looking at now took his breath away. The attention to detail was phenomenal down to the wooden spikes carved to look like real spikes holding the corner logs in place.
"Your Dad was incredibly talented. These look like pieces of art. I am very impressed," stated Rick.
Kate turned her head, looking at Rick, before asking, "You are familiar with architecture? You've never said what type of business you do. You just said you travel a lot."
Rick held his breath for a few seconds, realizing he had slipped up and tried to get out of having to explain himself by saying, "Yea, I know a little about building."
Kate knows Rick isn't being honest with her, but she doesn't have time to deal with it now. So she answers, "I just wanted to check and be sure you weren't lost. I need to get back out front and welcome some more guests."
Rick watched Kate as she left the office, wondering what she was thinking and assuming she hadn't bought into his vague answer. Rick continued to examine the designs, looking around to be sure no one was watching, as he snapped a few pictures of the drawings with his cell phone camera for his files.
As Rick exited the office, planning to go back to his room and continue reviewing the bank documents, he accidentally overheard a conversation Kate was having with a new guest.
"Oh, Sarah. Please don't worry. We all understand that Hallie is upset because her Daddy can't be here with you this Christmas. Any deployment can be rough, but having it happen right before Christmas has got to be hard for both of you. We'll all keep an eye on her and try and help her have a nice time. And as for both of you, please plan to stay through the New Year. Your room is available for the next two weeks, and the stay is on us. We want both of you to have the merriest Christmas possible."
The two women hugged, with Sarah trying to control her emotions. She nodded, thanked Kate, and headed toward one of the rear suites with their luggage.
Rick's first thought was that could be one of the reasons Kate was in financial trouble; giving a week and a half of reservations away wasn't a sound fiscal decision. But on the human side, he again saw how much Kate cares for her guests.
A/N - Clarifying Lanie's comment that Jenny is a chef. She is self-taught. In this universe, one of the tasks Jenny helped with when she came to the Lodge was assisting Johanna Beckett with meal preparations for the Lodge's guests. Johanna was an excellent cook and shared many tips, tricks, and recipes with the young girl.