Hello, lovelies!

Welcome back to Sycamore Lane! We are so so excited to launch this sequel. The first book left us feeling with all sorts of love and magic in our hearts, and we cannot wait to return to this group!

Thank you to Pamela for prereading!

Chapter 1: Christmas Blues

Alice

Friday, December 1, 2023

Forks, Washington

For the first time in my entire career history, I'm running late.

I'm the teacher that likes to get there half an hour earlier than most teachers, just so I have time to make sure everything is ready for the children. I'm usually the teacher that is so prepared, I often end up helping other teachers, especially around the holidays.

At least, I used to be that person.

This morning, I'm frantic, racing around the house as Evie lets out wail after wail. She hasn't been feeling great the last few days, and even though Esme has assured me it's just a cold, it's just one more thing for me to feel a failure over.

Jasper was supposed to be here this morning to help me. It's my first day back to work after maternity leave. Esme had championed for me to take more time, but we simply can't afford it. With a mortgage that is twice what our rent was, and now Evie, we need every penny we can make.

Yesterday Jasper found out he'd have to go in to work early to help one of his students who was falling behind this morning. I love his generous heart, but part of me can't help but resent him for not also being here with me.

I need him.

Evie lets out another wail as I dash upstairs to fetch my scarf from our closet. "I'm coming," I say to her as I race back down the stairs. She's crying in her pack-n-play, snot running across her small face. I grab a tissue, wiping it up, and she reaches for me, her tiny fists opening and shutting. "I know, honey, hold on. I have to finish getting ready."

I hate myself for standing back up and leaving her there crying while I throw her tissue away. I used to be able to do everything, and now, I can't seem to manage anything.

I race around the kitchen, making sure I have everything before I run to the living room to grab my bag. I load up my backpack, then realize I haven't put my jacket on yet. Grunting, I toss it back onto the sofa and race to the hooks by the door.

Evie hasn't stopped screaming.

When I'm dressed, I run to my bags, throwing them over my shoulders. I turn my attention to Evie, finally reaching for her. She immediately presses her snot-covered face into my chest, and I realize I haven't zipped up my jacket enough. My sweater is ruined.

I swear, but can't change things now, so I focus on wrapping her up. I want to put her in her stroller, but the moment I set her down, she lets out a shriek so loud, I feel it jolt down my spine.

Frustrated, overwhelmed, and now angry myself, I pick her up, kick the stroller aside, and step out of the house.

Thankfully, we've been able to secure a spot for Evie at Mrs. Peterson's daycare, which is only a block up from our house. It isn't snowing, not even close, but it's been cold enough that the sidewalk is slick. I have to step carefully as I make my way down the street.

In my arms, my daughter is wailing, her tiny face flushed with her tears. Each one of her cries pierces through me until I feel like I want to cry myself.

It's too cold for any of the kids to be playing outside in Mrs. Peterson's yard, which is littered with toys the children have left out. Thankfully, the walkway is clear as I move up to her porch.

I knock twice on the door, quickly moving my arms back around Evie as she continues to wail. I don't know the exact time, but I know if I don't drop her off and then sprint to school, I'll be extremely late.

The door opens, and Mrs. Peterson greets me with a bright smile that quickly falls when she hears my daughter's screams. "Alice, is everything okay?"

I hoist Evie in my arms. "Yeah, I'm sorry I'm running late. She's been having a morning." I shift my daughter, prepared to pass her off when Mrs. Peterson shakes her head.

"Dear, is she sick?"

I look down at Evie's red face, snot covering half of it. I fish in my jacket pocket for a tissue, but when I come up empty, I use my sleeve instead.

"Yeah, it's just a little cold," I tell Mrs. Peterson.

"Oh, Alice honey, I'm sorry. I can't take sick children."

My stomach drops as I look up at her. "What?"

Mrs. Peterson gives me an apologetic look. "It's my policy. I'm sorry sweetheart. Evie is welcome once her cold is gone."

I can feel the blood draining from my face. "But what am I supposed to do with her?" I ask, tears filling my eyes.

"Honey, I don't know. I'm sorry, I have to get back to the children." Mrs. Peterson looks sincerely apologetic, but that doesn't help me now.

She closes her front door, and I stand there, too stunned to move.

Get it together, Alice! Figure something out!

Blinking back tears, I pull my cell phone out of my pocket, my fingers shaking as I call Jasper.

It goes to voicemail, which is not unexpected but I still feel resentful when I have to leave him a message.

"Jas, Mrs. Peterson won't take Evie cause she has a cold," I say, my voice shaking with unshed tears. "I don't know what to do."

My voice cracks, and I know I'm going to cry on this woman's porch if I don't stop talking. I hang up the call and try to take a deep breath.

It smells of pine and dewy grass and Evie's shampoo. All scents that should calm me, but right now are making me irrationally angry.

I sniff back my tears and look down at my phone. Shit. I'm so late.

I open it up again, this time calling Esme.

Thankfully, my mother-in-law answers the call on the second ring. "Alice?" she sounds surprised to hear from me, which makes sense. It's a weekday morning, and I should be at work.

"Esme." At her name, I burst into tears, unable to hold it back any longer. I'm still on Mrs. Peterson's porch, Evie is still screaming, and I can't pull it together. "E-esme I-I'm s-sorry t-to c-call," I sob, my voice so broken it's a miracle she can understand me. "E-evie is s-sick. I c-can't t-take her t-to d-daycare."

Esme lets out a breath. "Sweetheart, go home. We'll take care of Evie today."

Her kindness makes me cry harder. I'll never be as good of a mother as Esme.

After a minute of Esme's kind words, I manage to make it off Mrs. Peterson's porch. I walk the block back home, and by the time I get there, I see Carlisle's black Mercedes in our driveway. I hang up with Esme as Carlisle steps out of his car.

The moment I see him, I rush into his arms, sobbing. His embrace is strong and warm and steady as he holds me and my crying daughter.

"It's okay, Alice. I've got things taken care of," he says, rubbing my back. "Hand me Evie and you can take my car to work since you're running a little late," he says softly. I wordlessly hand my daughter to him, stepping back from him to do so. He settles her in his arms like a pro, and I feel fresh tears burn my eyes when she stops crying.

My daughter hates me.

Carlisle's gentle blue gaze lands on me. "What else do you need, sweetheart?"

I shake my head, unable to say anything. Carlisle nods, hands me his keys, and gently nudges me toward his car. I turn to him, wanting to thank him, or even explain myself, but there aren't words.

Carlisle smiles, pulling Evie closer to his chest. "Have a wonderful day," he tells me. "Evie and I will be here."

I take a deep breath, nod slowly, then climb into his car, my backpack still on.

I watch Carlisle walk up to the porch and into the house as I pull away, both grateful and mortified that he's here at all.

I've never felt like such a complete and utter failure.

This story, like the first Sycamore book is written by Lily Jill and FanficsR4Nerds. If you are looking for even more Christmas magic, check out the brand new story by our own DaniDarlingxx, Elf You.

Check out our group on Facebook for teasers and interactive chats: NerdyLilDarlins Fanfics.