A Wizard for Christmas (The Protectors, #1)

“BURL IVES?” PRISCILLA’S eyes grew wide as her mouth fell open with wonderment.

Holly Post nodded furiously. “It’s true. He was my mother’s uncle. My great-uncle. Holidays were wonderful. Magical. Like a homespun scene in a Norman Rockwell painting, the children would gather around as Uncle Burl sat beside the Christmas tree and played the guitar all evening. We’d all sing along. Even the adults.” She paused for a quick breath. “And we’d all drink lots and lots of eggnog. I love eggnog. Don’t you?”

“Wow,” Priscilla whispered. “Burl Ives.”

Holly felt a stab of pride. She closed her eyes and pictured the lovely scene. The soft snow falling in fat clumps in the hilly countryside while a fire blazed warm in the fireplace. The family, large and happy, gathered around and enjoyed the closeness of the season. An old hound dog snoozing by the fire. Norman Rockwell truly would have been proud.

“He’s gone now,” Holly said, in a soft, solemn voice. “Uncle Burl. But my cousin does a fair job carrying on the tradition. His voice isn’t quite as deep or rich, but he fills his songs with the same love.”

“So that’s what you’re doing this Christmas?” Priscilla asked. “Spending it with your family?”

“How could I not? It’s in the Catskills this year. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone. We live too far apart nowadays. Christmas is the only time we ever get together anymore.”

“Your family must not be anything like the rest of the world’s.” Holly could hear the awe in Priscilla’s voice. “If my family got together like that, they’d probably have to call in the National Guard to break up the bickering.”

Holly laughed. “My family is different, all right. Special.”

“I’m glad you have someplace to go,” Priscilla gave Holly’s arm a squeeze. “I have to admit I was worried about you. I’ve never heard you talk about this marvelous family of yours before today. I had the impression that you wouldn’t have anywhere to go. In fact, John and I were planning on inviting you to spend Christmas day with us and the kids.”

“I wish I could spend Christmas day with you, but...” A warm glow spread through Holly’s chest when she pulled her friend close and gave her a fierce hug. Friends were rare and heartfelt invitations gifts to be treasured. “I might not talk about my family, but they are never far from my mind.”

Her young students were bouncing up and down, giddy to start the holiday break. She wished each one of them a Merry Christmas and placed a large candy cane in each child’s adorable little hand before the tiny boys and girls rushed off to meet their parents.

As soon as the last child had been settled in her mother’s car, she packed up her belongings. Holly-jolly carols played softly in her head while images of the perfect Christmas day grew and took shape. The Catskills this year.

She’d never been there.

She’d never been anywhere.

If only...

Holly trudged home, bracing herself against the stiff cold wind that barreled down the narrow Chicago alleyway, and wondered what she’d do with herself over the next two weeks.

Most teachers relished the holiday break. Most of her friends were excited to have some time off to spend with their family.

Holly hated feeling left out. That’s why, two years ago, she’d invented a family. A wonderful family that grew larger and happier with the passing of every year.

Burl Ives was a new addition. It was silly, she knew. Crazy even. Who in her right mind would invent a family?

But Holly didn’t want anyone to know the truth. No matter what, she couldn’t admit that she spent every Christmas alone in her tiny apartment because she had no one. She’d never had anyone to spend Christmas with.