“In other words, you like being alone, right?”
“I like peace,” Peppermint emphasized, “but I also like people...good people. I like being alone, sure, but I also like fellowship and friends. For the last ten years...let's just say I've had all the alone time I needed. God healed a broken spirit.”
Before Candy could speak, Betty came marching back onto the scene with Chris trailing behind her. “Okay, you check out,” she fussed. “I let my cousin know how displeased I was with him that he didn't tell me about you. He said you were to be asurprise.”
“Well, maybe that old crab acquired a sense of humor after all.” Peppermint grinned. “I mean, he did take all the furniture and left me with only the furniture in my room, but there are more rooms that he has left untouched, and you'll find that out shortly, I guess.”
Betty rolled her eyes. “You can remain here...same salary—”
“Peppermint and I already discussed the details, Betty,” Candy quickly spoke up. “Peppermint agreed to the same salary and I agree that he doesn't need to pay anything to live here...or pay for his food, electricity or hot water.”
Betty studied Peppermint's rough face. “Well, I guess my cousin was overcharging you...and there isn't any sense in charging you to stay here. Money isn't the issue, anyway. Candy and I are on a mission.” Betty lightened up some. “Come see me or Candy every Friday to get your paycheck. I'm sure you'll earn every penny.”
“Well, during the winter months, all I do is keep the snow cleared. I was told by my old boss to let the snow sit there for a few days. Who knows, maybe he did acquire a sense of humor. At times, we would kid with each other when I saw him. I didn't see him much.” Peppermint turned to Candy. It was time to talk about another important matter. “I have a pet wolf. I hope that's okay.”
“A pet wolf...” Betty almost fainted again.
Peppermint grinned and then called out, “Blizzard...come!”
Seconds later, what sounded like a freight train began tearing down the main staircase. Candy grabbed Betty's hand and stepped close to Chris. A large, majestic, beautiful white wolf tore down the staircase and ran to Peppermint. Candy had never seen a wolf so big in all of her life. The wolf eyed Candy and then sat down beside Peppermint's right leg. “My goodness...”
“He's a big boy,” Peppermint agreed. “I found Blizzard when he was a pup...nearly frozen and dead. I nursed him back to health. My old boss didn't like the idea of having a wolf around, and his wife flat-out said no. I think he allowed me to have Blizzard just to annoy her. Anyway, Blizzard and I are the best of friends. He's a part of me, and I'm a part of him.”
“Is he dangerous?” Chris dared to ask.
“Nope.” Peppermint shook his head. “Blizzard is a gentle giant.” Peppermint nodded at Candy. “Go say hello.” Blizzard stood up, gently walked to Candy, sniffed the air, and then licked her hand. “See.”
“My, you are beautiful...” Candy bent down and began petting Blizzard. She could have sworn that a tender, loving smile appeared in the wolf's eyes. “You're going to make a beautiful addition to Christmas Toy Island, Blizzard...oh, just wait and see.”
Chapter 2
Even though the former owner of the castle—a rich, selfish banker who was now hoping hisgoodwill toward mengesture might rub off years of bad living—had removed all of his personal furnishings, the library had been left untouched. But there was more. The previous owner had turned the library into a giant present for Candy—a present that he never took credit for. Some gifts were meant to remain...unspoken.
When Candy entered the library, she gasped in shock. Never before in all of her life had she seen such a library—one that had been transformed into a Christmas wonderland. It was an unspoken gift. Antique bookshelves that stretched through three floors were lined with glowing Christmas lights, candy canes, wreaths, and silver and gold garlands. It was as if each bookshelf section had been transformed into a doorway that led directly into the very heart of Christmas. The giant cobblestone fireplace had a fire burning in it, and its hardwood mantle, which had been imported from Germany, held priceless Christmas music boxes that were waiting to be opened. The green and red Christmas rug that seemed to have been taken from the home of Santa Claus was laid out across the library floor. White, green, and red chairs decorated with candy canes, presents, gingerbread men, and Christmas lights were placed in different areas. A mahogany wooden spiral staircase that led up to the second and third floor had been painted to resemble a Christmas candy cane, and the lush banister was lined with Christmas lights. Giant Christmas trees were situated in the four corners of the library—as well as on the second and third floors. Christmas trains ran under the Christmas trees, weaving through cozy little Christmas villages. Truly the library had been transformed into...Christmas.
“Oh my...” Candy covered her mouth with tender hands.
“Wow.” Chris whistled.
“Is this...a mistake?” Betty gasped.
Peppermint smiled. “Well, maybe this library was the only room my old boss didn't leave empty. Maybe he kind of hired a few people who spent night and day in this library for about a week straight. I'm not allowed to say any more than that.”
Candy could barely believe her eyes. She took a tentative step forward. “It's so...beautiful.”
“I'll say...and everything...the Christmas lights...the decorations...the furniture...all from my era,” Betty told Candy. “All antique. Priceless.”
“You couldn't find any of this stuff online, that's for sure,” Peppermint agreed.
“Amazing.” Chris roamed the library with his eyes and then looked up. “Hey, look at the ceiling.”
Candy quickly raised her eyes. The ceiling had been painted to look like Santa's toy shop. Vintage toys were hanging from the ceiling. “Oh, how beautiful!” Candy placed her arms together and squeezed her shoulders. “This is like walking into a dream.”
“I hung the toys.” Peppermint smiled and then laughed some. “I guess my old boss didn't tell you about me because maybe he was afraid I'd spoil his gift? Or maybe he just wanted me to be a gift, too? I could never tell with him. He was a hard man to read, but I guess that doesn't matter now.”
“No, it doesn't,” Betty agreed. “Today starts a new chapter in all of our lives.” Betty's tone softened. “You did well hanging the toys. They are wonderful.”
“Yeah...I love toys.” Peppermint folded his arms together. He loved the library just as much as anyone else. “When my old boss would leave me alone on the island, I would spend hours and hours in here. He never limited what part of the castle I could be in except for his bedroom. I'd spend hours in here reading and drinking coffee.”
