A Christmas Chance.

Chapter 23

Matchmaker or Avenging Angel?

Sheldon approached the table where Alexa and Nicholas sat. He tried not to look at the way their hands were joined. He cleared his throat and was about to speak when the cafe swung open and in came Lizzy and Bert marching in with placards and faces of intent.

All eyes watched as Elizabeth walked up to Sheldon and said with all the fire of her dyed red hair. "Now you listen here young man I may not be a native of Mistle but for years I have come to make it my home. I watch your parents like those before them made this here a place for you and your brother to be proud of, but here you are ready to sell it."

Bert, who was not a man of many words came closer beside Lizzy and said, "We ain't going to let you sell it." He turned to the others who had piled in with them, "Are we guys?!"

Big Al stood toppling over them and sporting a Santa Claus hat roared over the group. "We won't let you sell!"

Alexa stared at the group then at Sheldon and was surprised to see no trace of anger in his face instead he was smiling. He was smiling and it was the most beautiful sight she had ever seen.

The others chorused his sentiments and they all rallying together was heart whelming and beautiful, but it was the figure by the table that stood looking more majestic than any angel that took Alexa's breath away.

"If you would all be quiet for a while I have something that I want to say," Sheldon said commanding the attention of his well intent protesters. "I just want you to know that I am appreciative of your joint support to fight for The Angel's Cafe. You have all been doing it for a very long time and it's something that I was willing to overlook."

"Humph," Elizabeth scoffed, not ready to let down her guard.

"I have you all here supporting me, not out of obligation but genuine care. I was too caught up in the loss of my parents to pay attention to this," he said to the group in front of him, his face a reflection of emotions that warmed Alexa's heart. 

"I was so focused on their death that I forgot to see that they live on through Mistle, through The Angel's Cafe, and most of all through you all. I was so caught up in my pain I was blinded to what truly matters," he told them.

"You've been blinded to many things!" Lizzy exclaimed, "The biggest one being that there sweet girl."

All eyes turned to Alexa whose face was flushed beet red as she stared at  Elizabeth. She made to speak but Lizzy was hell-bent on having her say.

"That girl came into this town and work her ass off for this here place, like everyone else here and all you do is stare at her when you think no one is looking or scowl that handsome face of yours when someone else makes it their point of duty to notice her," Lizzy was beginning to warm up and so was Sheldon's face. "Christ with all the mistletoes around this place you'd at least kiss her already."

"Who says he hasn't kissed her already," someone else called from the group and murmurs began to erupt here and there.

Alexa stood up suddenly to stop the exciting conversations that were going on at her expense, she glared at Lizzy who smiled and stared mischievously back. The little rebel was trying to play matchmaker.

"That's enough," she said, her eyes darting about the group. "No doubt the potential buyers will be here any minute and Mr. McIntosh no doubt would like a mob-free establishment to welcome them."

Sheldon shifted beside her and she turned to look at him. "Well they won't be coming," he said then turned to the group that was once again getting agitated at the talk of the buyers. "I won't be selling."

A delighted whoop was heard from the counter where Sheila stood and as what was said registered with the others whoops and cheers rang in the cafe.

Alexa felt her heart soar with love and she found herself without thinking reaching to hug Sheldon. She was surprised when his arms came to encircle her and how right it felt.

"See I know that you were going to have a change of heart," Lizzy said laughing. "I just never thought it would have taken that long. Boy, I was  even planning on getting Ryan to kidnap Lexie to set you in the right direction but I guess that angel knew all along where this was all heading."

Sheldon surprised everyone by laughing at what Elizabeth said. "Now why would you do that?"

"Well drastic time calls for drastic measures," she said with a wave of her hand. "Was worried when the Christmas decorations didn't set you melting."

"Lizzy, you're something else," Sheldon laughed.

"You want to know something else?" she said smiling back at him.

"What?" he asked with an inquiring raise of a brow.

"The angel is back. I never in all my time in Mistle felt its presence so strong."

Sheldon made to speak but then Big Al exclaimed. "Look!"

The group followed the excited hulk through the door as they all stood outside in the newly falling snow, the couple still hugging by the table lost in happiness, watch in contentment.

"Alexa?"

"Yes, Sheldon?"

"Will you marry me?"

"Yes, Sheldon I will."

As they kissed excited cheers filled both outside and inside The Angel's Cafe.

There were Angels everywhere in Mistle, some celestial beings, others just humans with hearts filled with the best motives.

As Alexa's heart swore with love the shady figure now glowing golden and pure its wings spread majestically accompanied by other angels sang a glorious tune as they looked down on The Angel's Cafe. Love rang proud and true as hope was renewed and the Christmas chance that was given would make Mistle a joyous place years to come.
************************************
Elizabeth is not taking any chances, no not our sweet matchmaker with the spirit of an avenging angel 😁😁
The support of friends is splendid is it not? 😊😊

Leave your comments and votes