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Speaker 1: Hello and welcome to Romance Weekly. This episode is titled
Back to School, Part three, Holiday Heartache.
Speaker 2: The crisp December air nipped at Sarah's cheeks as she
hurried into the school auditorium, her arms laden with boxes
of tinsel and ornaments. The annual Winter Wonderland celebration was
just a week away, and as usual, she had volunteered
to help decorate. As she pushed through the doors, her
eyes immediately sought out Jack. He was perched precariously on
a ladder, struggling to hang a string of lights across
the stage. Sarah couldn't help but smile at the look
of intense concentration on his face. Nita hand there, Cooper,
She called out, setting down her boxes. Jack glanced down,
his face, breaking into a warm smile that made Sarah's
heart skip a beat. My night in shining Armor, he equipped,
I was starting to think these lights were going to
be the death of me. As Sarah climbed up to help,
she couldn't help but reflect on the past. Few weeks
after the Fall pageant, she and Jack had finally addressed
the growing attraction between them. Their first official date had
been equal parts awkward and wonderful, filled with nervous laughter
and stolen glances. Since then, they'd been taking things slow,
mindful of their children and their own complicated pasts. Earth
to Sarah, Jack's voice broke through her Reverie you okay, there,
you looked a million miles away. Sarah blinked, realizing she'd
been staring. Sorry, just thinking about how much has changed
since the last time we did this. Jack's eyes softened.
Good changes, I hope. Before Sarah could respond, Miss Hawthorne's
voice rang out across the auditorium. Mister Cooper, Miss Johnson
less chatting more decorating, If you please, we have a
winter wonderland to create. They shared a guilty grin before
getting back to work. As they hung ornaments and draped garlands,
Sarah found herself stealing glances at Jack. She still couldn't
quite believe that this kind, funny man was interested in her. Later,
as they were taking a coffee break, Jack cleared his
throat nervously. So I was thinking Christmas is coming up,
and I know it's a big deal for the kids.
I was wondering if maybe you and Lily would like
to join Ethan and me for Christmas Eve dinner. Sarah
felt a flutter of excitement, quickly followed by a wave
of anxiety. Christmas had always been her ex husband's thing.
He was the one who went all out with decorations
and elaborate meals. Since the divorce, she'd been struggling to
create new traditions for Lily. That sounds lovely, she said, hesitantly,
But are you sure. I mean, it's your first Christmas
without She trailed off, realizing too late the sensitivity of
the subject. Jack's wife had passed away just before the
holiday's last year. Jack's smile faltered for a moment, a
shadow passing over his face without Kate, Yeah, it is,
but that's kind of why I want to do this.
Ethan and I we need to start making new memories,
and I'd really like it if you and Lily were
part of them. Sarah felt tears prick at her eyes.
She reached out, squeezing Jack's hand. We'd love to. The
next week flew by in a whirlwind of holiday preparations,
Sarah found herself caught between excitement for Christmas with Jack
and Ethan and guilt over changing Lily's holiday routine. Her daughter, however,
seemed thrilled at the prospect of spending Christmas Eve with
her new friends. The night before Christmas Eve, Sarah was
wrapping the last of her gifts when her phone buzzed.
It was a text from her ex husband Mark, change
of plans. I can take Lily for Christmas Day after all,
I'll pick her up at ten am. Sarah felt her
stomach drop. She and Mark had agreed months ago that
he wouldn't be able to have Lily for Christmas this
year due to work commitments. She'd planned her entire holiday
around having Lily with her. With shaking hands, she dialed
Mark's number. What do you mean change of plans, she demanded.
When he answered, we agreed plans, change Sarah, Mark cut
her off. I thought you'd be happy. Isn't this what
you wanted for me to st spend more time with Lily.
Sarah took a deep breath, trying to calm her rising anger.
Of course, I want you to spend time with her,
but you can't just change things at the last minute.
We have plans, Oh right, Mark's voice dripped with sarcasm.
Your plans with the new boyfriend. Well, I'm sorry if
my wanting to see my daughter on Christmas is inconvenient
for your love life. The conversation devolved from there, ending
with Sarah agreeing to Mark's demands just to end the call.
As she hung up, she felt tears of frustration welling up.
How is she going to tell Jack? How is she
going to tell Lily? The next morning, Christmas Eve, Sarah
broke the news to Lily over breakfast. To her surprise,
her daughter didn't seem upset. It's okay, mum, Lily said,
patting Sarah's hand with a maturity beyond her years. We
can still have Christmas Eve with mister Cooper and Ethan, right,
and then I'll have another Christmas with Dad. It's like
getting two Christmases. Sarah felt a rush of love for
her resilient, optimistic daughter. You're right, sweetie, two Christmases it is.
When she called Jack to explain the situation, he was understanding.
Family comes first. He said, we'll make the most of
Christmas Eve, and hey, maybe this means you can join
us for Christmas dinner too. As they prepared for the evening,
Sarah tried to shake off her lingering sadness. She was
determined to make this a special night for Lily and
to enjoy her time with Jack and Ethan. The Cooper
House was a winter wonderland when they arrived. Twinkling lights
adorned every surface, and the scent of cinnamon and pine
filled the air. Ethan greeted them at the door, practically
vibrating with excitement. Come see the tree, he exclaimed, grabbing
Lily's hand and dragging her into the living room. Jack
appeared in the hallway, looking handsome in a festive sweater. Welcome,
he said, pulling Sarah into a warm hug. Merry Christmas Eve.
As they prepared dinner together, laughing and sharing stories, Sarah
felt her earlier worries melting away. This, she realized, was
what the holidays were supposed to feel like, warm, joyful,
full of love. After dinner, as the kids were engrossed
in a Christmas movie, Jack pulled Sarah aside. I have
something for you, he said, looking nervous. I know we
said no gifts, but he handed her a small wrapped package.
Inside was a delicate silver necklace with a tiny compass pendant.
It's beautiful, Sarah breathed, But why a compass. Jack's eyes
were soft as he explained, because you've helped me find
my way again. After Kate died. I was lost. But
you and Lily, You've given Ethan and me a new direction,
a new hope. Sarah felt tears welling up. She reached up,
cupping Jack's face in her hands and kissed him softly.
Thank you, she whispered, for everything. As they rejoined the kids,
settling in to watch the end of the movie, Sarah
felt a sense of peace wash over her. Yes, tomorrow
would bring its own challenges, but right now, in this moment,
surrounded by warmth and love, she was exactly where she
was meant to be. The future was uncertain, but for
the first time in a long time, Sarah was excited
to see what it might bring. As Jack's arm settled
around her shoulder and Lily snuggled into her side, Sarah
realized that sometimes the best Christmas gifts are the ones
you never expected to receive.
Speaker 1: Romance Weekly is a production of Calaroga Shark Media Executive
producers Mark Francis and John McDermott. Portions of this podcast
may have been created with the assistance of AI
Speaker 2: Calaroga Shark Media