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Chapter 17
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2022-10-24 00:29:23Related chapters
Christmas in Evergreen Epilogue
I can’t believe it’s been a year already! One year ago, the love of my life and I found our way back to each other, and here I am, getting ready for our wedding! I looked at myself in the mirror as my stylist finished the last curl in my hair. We wanted a winter wonderland theme, and my bridal team knocked it out of the park! Mom was fluffing out my dress and trying to do anything to keep her mind busy. I think she’s still having a hard time adjusting to the fact that I’m about to become Mrs. Sophia Tanner. I am too. Trying to get my dress on without me falling over or messing up my hair or makeup was the most considerable pain in the ass I have ever attempted to deal with. “You look beautiful, Snowflake.” Mom said, clearly fighting back her tears. I smiled and hugged her, “Thanks, Mom.” There was a knock on the door, and Amanda went over to it and opened it, making sure no one could see me from the other side. Amanda then moved out of the way and smiled at me as Da
Last Updated : 2022-10-27Christmas in Evergreen Chapter 1
As I packed my books in a box, the love of my life, Christopher Tanner, walked into my room. “Hey, cutie.” He said; I smiled, placing the last stack of books in the box, “Hey,” I said, kissing his cheek, “have you come to help me pack?” I asked, but he held me before saying, “I’m hoping to talk you out of leaving.” I sighed, “Chris,” I said, “we’ve been over this. I want to go to New York to pursue my dream of becoming an author.” “You can be an author here!” Chris snapped, which made me jump back. Chris took a deep breath before saying, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to get upset.” I nodded. Since his father died, Chris has had many anger issues. I confessed my worry to his mother. She had noticed his aggression too and planned to confront him about it. If she ever did, I didn’t know. Chris pulled me into another hug and hugged me even tighter than before. “It’s okay, Chris,” I said, rubbing his back. I knew he was right; I didn’t have to move to New York to become an author, but i
Last Updated : 2022-09-04Christmas in Evergreen Chapter 2
I sat at my desk reviewing some work. It’s been six years since I moved to New York, and I’m still only an assistant. My novel is nowhere near finished, at least. However, my best friend and boss, Jesse Owens, have read my drafts, and he loves them! I only wish I thought it was half as good as he says it is. “Sophia, can you come here, please?” I hear Jesse call. I got up and walked over to his office, “Yes?” I said; he motioned for me to have a seat, then turned his attention to me, “How’s the book?” He asked; I smiled and gave him a look,“Jess, is there anything important you need from me?” I asked, making sure to emphasize the important things. He smiled, cupped his hands, and leaned forward, “Yes,” he replied. I sat up as I waited to hear what he needed me to do, “I need to know about the book!” I mentally slapped myself in the face. How did I not see that one coming, I asked myself; sighing, I pulled out my phone and emailed him the latest draft. When his computer dinged, he
Last Updated : 2022-09-04Christmas in Evergreen Chapter 3
After packing the car, I double-checked my apartment for anything I had forgotten. Mom has been blowing up my phone every ten minutes to see when I’d be there, and I tell her each time that it’s a five-hour drive and that I haven’t left yet. I was about to get in the car when the phone rang again. Ignoring it, I texted her to tell her I was about to leave. Cranking up the music as I tried to calm my nerves, I just prayed that I don’t see Chris any time soon. I arrived home almost two hours late due to traffic and a detour. I pulled up in the driveway, and Mom came out and hugged me, “Oh, my baby, I’ve missed you!” I smiled and hugged her, “I’ve missed you too, Mom,” I said. We got my bags out of the car after she finally released me. Mom escorted me inside and brought me to my old bedroom; there was fresh bedding, towels, and a fluffy robe. And as a bonus, mom situated my desk for me. “I remember when you were younger, you’d have so many colors of pens, so I bought a new pack
Last Updated : 2022-09-04Christmas in Evergreen Chapter 4
Work has been brutal. Editing over one hundred pages is pure torture. I stepped away from the desk and stretched my arms out. The weight of my eyes was difficult to hold open, so I decided it was best to lay down and maybe take a nap. When I awoke, it was about one in the afternoon. I walked over to my closet and changed into my running clothes. Walking out of my room, I didn’t see Mom anywhere. Sighing, I walked out of the house and began jogging down the sidewalk. Music was blasting through my headphones as I ran. The pulsing of my legs, beating of my heart, and music in my ears was pure bliss. I was so caught up in my mind that I wasn’t paying attention to where I was running. I almost ran into a tree but instead tripped over its roots. Twisting my ankle as I fell. “Damn it!” I yelled, sitting up to look at my ankle. Sighing, I sat there for a moment before someone walked up, “Miss, are you alright?” A young man asked; his blond hair was pulled back, and his hazel eyes shon
Last Updated : 2022-09-07Christmas in Evergreen Chapter 5
While I was in school, whenever I sprained my ankle, I had my writing, but now, all I can do is lay here and do my work; at least I got more time to work on my book once my actual work was done. For the past week, I have been sitting on the couch and bed, working. Mom stuck around the house to look after me, but after a couple days, she trusted that I’d be able to take care of myself. I got up and made my way to the kitchen. I was nearly done with my work for the day, so I decided to take a break to make a sandwich. Ham, turkey, mayo, and cheese, the perfect sandwich! I grabbed a drink and my favorite chips and went back to the living room to watch a movie. After my lunch, I went back to work. Mom returned and smiled at me, “So, what are your plans for after Christmas?” She asked; I shrugged, “Probably go back home,” I replied; Mom seemed disappointed, “I was hoping you’d stay for New Year’s Eve.” I sighed, “I’ll see what I can do,” I told her
Last Updated : 2022-09-19Christmas in Evergreen Chapter 6
I sighed as I walked into the diner and sat in a booth. I can’t believe I was meeting with my father, assuming he even showed up. The waitress said, “Hello, my name is Briana. What can I get you, dear?” I smiled at her, “Sweet tea, please,” I told her, then she went to get my drink. I sat there and looked over the menu when I heard my name, “Sophia,” I looked to see my father; his dark hair had grayed over the years. “Hi, Dad,” I said, motioning for him to sit across from me. “How have you been?” He asked me; I smiled, “I’ve been fine.” I replied, “I’m only here for Christmas, and then I’m heading home.” His brow raised in curiousness, “Where do you live now?” I wasn’t sure if I should answer but decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. “New York.” I said, “I’ve been living there for the last six years.” Dad seemed surprised, “So, you and Chris, you’re not,” “No,” I interrupted, “we’re not together. We haven’t been in s
Last Updated : 2022-09-19Christmas in Evergreen Chapter 7
Touch. What a delicate sense. The feeling of someone touching my body left me breathless… I couldn’t see or hear; all I could do was feel. Lips making their way down my body. Hands caressing my skin as if I were a fragile doll that could break any moment. I felt the person causing these strange feelings come up to my ear and whisper, “I want you.” The voice was deep and husky. I didn’t know who the owner was, but my body ached for whoever he was. My lips parted, “I want you too,” I muttered. Soon, I felt this man’s hands on my body, yearning to take me. A soft moan escaped my lips as I felt him slip into me, moaning my name, “Sophia…” My eyes shot open at the sound of my alarm; sighing, I reached over to shut it off. Getting up, I wiped the sweat off my brow and sat there, trying to compose myself. Who was that man, I wondered? Do I know him? I decided to ponder this as I got dressed for the day. Part of me wanted to curl back in bed to see if I could
Last Updated : 2022-09-19
Latest chapter
Christmas in Evergreen Epilogue
I can’t believe it’s been a year already! One year ago, the love of my life and I found our way back to each other, and here I am, getting ready for our wedding! I looked at myself in the mirror as my stylist finished the last curl in my hair. We wanted a winter wonderland theme, and my bridal team knocked it out of the park! Mom was fluffing out my dress and trying to do anything to keep her mind busy. I think she’s still having a hard time adjusting to the fact that I’m about to become Mrs. Sophia Tanner. I am too. Trying to get my dress on without me falling over or messing up my hair or makeup was the most considerable pain in the ass I have ever attempted to deal with. “You look beautiful, Snowflake.” Mom said, clearly fighting back her tears. I smiled and hugged her, “Thanks, Mom.” There was a knock on the door, and Amanda went over to it and opened it, making sure no one could see me from the other side. Amanda then moved out of the way and smiled at me as Da
Christmas in Evergreen Chapter 17
I walked into the diner with Chris on my arm; we met our parents to tell them what I’d decided to do. We see our moms at the back of the diner in the giant booth, and we hurry over to join them, “Eliza, it’s good to see you.” I said to Chris’s mother; she smiled, “It’s good to see you too.” She said, hugging me almost as tight as my mother did when I returned home, “I’ve missed you so much.” “I’ve missed you too.” Chris and I sat together when Dad walked into the diner, waving at us, “Hello, everyone!” He said excitedly. I chuckled a bit, “You’re awfully cheerful today,” Chris said, “How can I not be?” Dad asked, “I have my beautiful girlfriend beside me, my lovely daughter, and my future in-laws. Today couldn’t get any better.” Dad kissed Mom’s cheek. Chris and I smiled at each other, then turned to the others, “Actually, Sophia has some news that might make it even better,” Chris stated; all attention was on me now. I smiled and said, “I’m moving back home.” Mom’s f
Christmas in Evergreen Chapter 16
I curled up with Chris in his bed as we watched a movie. He’s been worried about me over the past week, which I feel bad about. I hate worrying everyone. Chris surprised me with a home-cooked dinner and a movie; A Journey Back to Christmas, my favorite Christmas movie ever. I sighed as we watched, “What’s wrong?” Chris asked; I shook my head, but Chris was not about to take that for an answer. He paused the movie and straightened up, waiting for me to talk to him. Knowing I wouldn’t win, I sat up and looked at him, “I’m just trying to figure things out.” I said, “I have about two grand in savings, which gives me a month, maybe less, to find a job and start working.” Chris nodded, “So, you’d be going back to New York?” He asked; I nodded. Chris didn’t give me any type of emotion. He just sat there, thinking. After a full three minutes, I decided to ask him, “What other option do I have, Chris?” He looked at me, “I have an apartment there, bills; I have to go back.” “No, you don’t
Christmas in Evergreen Chapter 15
With Christmas just a few days away, I decided it was time to do some shopping. I got Mom’s gift earlier in the year, but now we have Dad, Chris, and Elizabeth. I still wasn’t answering Jesse’s calls or texts, but I know I need to at some point; I just need to figure things out. I have some money in savings, but it would only last me, maybe a month if I’m lucky. I brushed the worrying feeling off and focused on what was happening now. I’m home for the holidays, and I might get published, so maybe things will work out better. Once I was done shopping, I walked the square to the tree. It looked so beautiful. I always loved Evergreen Heights, but my love for writing and my dream of being an author was what drew me to New York. The thought of leaving home for a second time seems almost impossible. Maybe I could move back if worse came to worse, not that moving home would be the worst thing in the world. I’d be close to my family, my boyfriend, and the wonderful community I grew up with.
Christmas in Evergreen Chapter 14
Three more days. Just three more days until Christmas, I’ll have to return to the city and find a new job. Jesse keeps calling, but I haven’t answered. I know he means well, but I don’t want to talk to him. He might try to tell me the real reason I got fired, but I really don’t want to hear it confirmed. That I was fired because Jesse submitted my novel for publishing…. Chris has been doing everything he could to compensate for the lost time. It wouldn’t surprise me if he tried asking me to marry him soon, but I don’t know if I’m there yet. We’ve grown so much in the last six years; I’m not the same person I was all that time ago, and I don’t think he is either. Chris seems to have matured a lot since we’ve been apart. He’s not as angry as he used to be. I walked into the clinic and was welcomed by the receptionist, Megan Bailey, “Morning, Sophia!” She said, “Dr. Tanner is with a patient right now if you wanna wait.” I smiled, “Thanks, Megan.” I said and made my way towards
Christmas in Evergreen Chapter 13
I went to the living room, where I heard my mother talking to someone. I saw Mom sitting on the couch; beside her sat Chris. I stopped in the hallway, “What are you doing here?” I asked him; he was about to answer when Mom answered for him, “I invited him.” I was about to turn back towards my room and walk away when Mom shouted, “Sophia Joyce Brooks, come back here right now.” I froze and cursed myself. Mom taught me that if she says my full name, I better come here or she’s gonna whoop my ass. I walked about into the room, arms crossed across my chest. “Now, you two will talk this out and makeup. Is that understood?” She asked us, “Yes, ma’am,” Chris told her; I groaned under my breath, “Fine.” Mom got up and motioned for me to sit in her spot. I heaved a heavy sigh, went to where she sat, and sat down. “Now,” she said as she started towards the kitchen, “talk.” We looked at each other, but I turned away from him, “Come on, Soph.” Chris said, “Let’s talk this out.” I trie
Christmas in Evergreen Chapter 12
I reread my book one last time to make sure there weren’t any edits that needed to be done. After reading it three times, I was happy with it. Opening my email, I soon found Jesse and attached the file. I stared at the screen for over a minute before taking a breath and clicking the send button. My mind was racing… “What the hell did I do?” I muttered to myself. I hurried outside of the room to the kitchen and took a breath. Dad popped his head around the corner, “Everything okay?” He asked; I paced the floor before answering him, “I’m freaking out.” “What happened?” Dad asked me, clearly worried about me, “I finished the book and sent it to Jesse,” I replied, but Dad looked excited, “Isn’t that a good thing, Soph?” He asked enthusiastically, “Has he emailed you back?” I shook my head, “I’m seriously freaking out, Dad.” He simply chuckled before pulling me into a hug. “Go for a run, Soph.” Dad suggested, “Maybe that will relieve some of your stress.” I breathed before
Christmas in Evergreen Chapter 11
I sat at the table, still trying to wrap my head around everything that happened last night. My boss has a copy of my novel between the dream with Chris and the bombshell. My nerves are entirely shot. Mom and Dad haven't tried asking if anything was wrong; they know too well that when I'm like this, to leave me alone until my brain has returned from its orbit in space. The last time I was like this was when I was told I was a salutatorian. I didn't know my grades were high enough to be in the top ten, let alone second in my class. My body felt heavy, and the day felt like it was flying by. I'd stare at the computer screen, not sure if I should continue editing my book or if I should leave it as is. Mom came in, sat a glass of wine on my desk, and asked, "What's wrong, Sophia?" I looked at the glass, then at her. I'm not sure if it was the stress of everything or the fact that I have the best mother in the world, but the tears poured from my eyes as I clung to her. Mom stroked my ha
Christmas in Evergreen Chapter 10
As I walked through town running errands, I ran into my old English teacher, “Mrs. Wilson?” I asked; she turned around, and her face lit up, “Oh my goodness, little Sophia Brooks!” She exclaimed; I smiled and hugged her, “I didn’t know you were in town, dear.” “Yeah, well, I’m only here for the holidays.” I explained, “I may be able to stay through New Year’s if my employer is alright with it, but chances are, I’ll have to leave a few days after Christmas.” She nodded, “Well, I got to see you before you left.” I smiled, “I know.” I said, “It’s been too long.” “I hope to see you at the tree lighting ceremony tonight.” I gave her a confused look, “Oh, dear me, you haven’t been here in a while. The town has been doing a community tree ceremony where we all gather, sing chorals, and light the Christmas tree.” “That sounds fun. I wonder why my mom didn’t tell me about it,” I said; Mrs. Wilson shrugged her shoulders, “I’m not sure, dear, but you should both come. It will
