A Cadence Creek Christmas (Cadence Creek Cowboys) (14 page)

“Me? Why?”

“When we first met, you told me that a smart person knows their strengths, do you remember? My dad taught me that a smart person also sees the strengths in others. I want your honest to goodness opinion about something. Will you help?”

“Of course.”

They sat side by side on the stools, swiveled so they were facing each other and their knees were nearly touching. Rhys wasn’t just some ranch hand. He had a lifetime of experiences to draw upon and she trusted his judgment. “Do you think I could keep the event planning business in Vancouver going and branch out into something else that excites me personally? Can I do both?”

Possibility hummed in the air. Rhys sat up straight and tall. Neither of them were rushing through to the end of the conversation. They’d been through enough to know that what was said today was constructing the foundation of wherever they went from here. It deserved to be built with care and attention. “It depends. What are you thinking?”

“Angela put the idea into my head before Christmas. I mentioned that I’m getting tired of the here today, gone tomorrow scene. Remember when I was so stressed about the rehearsal dinner and you said it was because the event meant something personal to me? You were right. But you know what? The satisfaction from planning Callum’s wedding was greater than I expected, too. She said what I want is to create something meaningful, and suggested I help plan an upcoming fund-raiser for the Butterfly Foundation.”

“That’s a great idea!” Rhys smiled at her. “The Diamonds have done a really great thing with that charity. I know they’d appreciate the help.”

“What if I took it a step further and used my expertise to work for lots of charities and non-profits? I love what I do and I’d still have the challenge of that, but I think I’d feel like I was doing something important, too, you know?”

“How could you do that and still keep the Vancouver business going? You’d be spreading yourself pretty thin.”

“By promoting my assistant. She can do it. She’s handled this party on her own since I’ve been here and it’s been one of the most challenging projects we’ve ever done. She’s built her own team. I’d still own the company, and I’d still be involved, of course. But in a different way. Kind of like Jack is with his business. He’s far more hands-on with his team-building stuff than with the sporting goods.”

“Would you set up the new venture from the same office?” he asked. “It would cut down on expenses.”

He hadn’t put the two together. The two of them and the business change. “This might come as a surprise, but I was thinking about running it from here.”

“From Cadence Creek?”

He sounded so surprised she faltered. Had she possibly misread the situation? “Well, yes. It’s close to Edmonton, not that far to Calgary, and an easy flight to Vancouver or even Toronto. I have family here. And...” She looked down at her lap. She was so confident when it came to her work and capabilities, but when it was personal she wasn’t nearly as sure of herself. John’s words—
Incapable of what it takes to maintain a relationship—
still echoed in her head. Even though she didn’t really believe them, they’d left their mark just the same. “I guess I thought you might like it if I were around.”

“Taylor.”

She couldn’t read what emotion was in his voice other than surprise. Embarrassment flooded through her as she felt quite ridiculous. The old insecurity came rushing back. What if the problem was really her? What if she wasn’t lovable? She’d spent so much time trying to be strong that it had become a shell around her heart.

“Of course, it’s okay if you don’t. I mean, we did agree that this was a short-term thing, and I don’t want you to feel pressured.”

His hand touched hers as it sat in her lap. She stared at it for a long moment, watched as his fingers curled around hers, firm and sure. Her heart seemed to expand in her chest, filled with so much emotion she didn’t know what to do with it all. She drew hope from the simple touch. Felt wonder at the newness and fragility of it all. And there was fear, fear that this couldn’t all be real and that it would disappear at a moment’s notice.

She put her other hand over his, tentatively, until she couldn’t bear it any longer and she lifted their joined hands, pressing them to her cheek as her eyes closed, holding on to the moment as long as she could.

Rhys lifted his right hand, placed it gently along the slope of her jaw, his strong fingers whispering against the delicate skin there. “Taylor,” he murmured, and she opened her eyes.

He was looking at her the way she’d never imagined any man would ever look at her. Wholly, completely, his lips turned up only the slightest bit, not in jest, but in what she could only think of as happiness. His eyes were warm, and looked on her with such an adoring expression she caught her breath. The pad of his thumb rubbed against her cheek, and he pulled his left hand from her grasp. He placed it along her other cheek, his hands cupping her face like a precious chalice, and he slid closer, so slowly it was sweet torture waiting for his lips to finally touch hers.

She thought the sweetest moment had to be in that breathless second when his mouth was only a fraction of an inch away, and all the possibilities in the world were compacted into that tiny space. But she was wrong. Sweeter still was the light touch of lips on lips, soft, tender and perfect.

“You’re staying?” he asked, his voice barely a whisper in the quietness of the diner.

“I’m staying,” she confirmed.

He pressed his forehead to hers and she slowly let out her breath as everything clicked into place.

“I tried not to fall in love with you.” Rhys lifted his head, smiled, and patted his lap. She slid off the stool and onto his legs, and he put his arms around her, strong and secure.

“Me, too. I kept telling myself it was a fling. But I couldn’t get you off my mind. You’re bossy and you drive me crazy, but you’re loyal and honorable and you...”

She broke off, feeling silly.

“I what?”

He gave her a jostle, prompting her to finish her sentence. “It’s corny.” She bit down on her lip.

“I don’t care. What were you going to say?”

She leaned against his shoulder. “You make me feel treasured.”

He tilted his head so it rested against hers. “And you make me feel invincible.”

She smiled, the grin climbing her face until she chuckled. “I’m glad.”

His smile faded as his face turned serious. “I won’t let you down.”

“You couldn’t possibly.”

He kissed her again, more demanding this time, and when he lifted his head her tidy braid was well and truly mussed. “Hey,” she said, running her fingers through his hair. “Now that I’m going to be here on a permanent basis, we can take all the time we need to fall in love.”

“Honey, I’m already there.”

She smiled. “Me, too. But I want to enjoy being this way a little longer. Is that okay?”

“Look at me. I’m in no position to argue.”

She kissed him again, thinking that she could happily stay that way forever when he gave her braid a tug.

“Hey,” he said. “I know we’re taking our time and all that, and I don’t mean to rush, but what are you doing New Year’s Eve? Do you have plans?”

She nodded slowly. “I do have plans, as a matter of fact.”

“Oh.” Disappointment clouded his voice.

“I think I’d like to spend it right here, in your arms. If that’s okay with you.”

“That’s more than okay. And the night after that, and the night after that.”

She snuggled closer. “I don’t know what the future holds. Changes are coming, adjustments and transitions are going to be made. But I know one thing for sure. You’re my anchor, Rhys. Somehow you make everything right simply by being. And for the first time, I don’t have to have all the details sorted and everything planned to the last item. Things will fall into place. And do you know how I know?”

He shook his head.

“Because I didn’t plan for you. And you were the best thing of all.”

He kissed her hair. “I love you, Taylor.”

“And I love you.”

And that was all she really needed to know.

* * * * *

Look for all Donna Alward’s future books in Harlequin American Romance.

The
CADENCE CREEK COWBOYS
series concludes with Jack and Amy’s story coming soon!

Keep reading for an excerpt from MARRY ME UNDER THE MISTLETOE by Rebecca Winters.

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CHAPTER ONE

J
UST
TWO
WEEKS
until Christmas and so-o much to do.

The latest merchandise from suppliers needed to be put in the window. The Hansel and Gretel shop located on Lemon Street in downtown Providence, Rhode Island, was a favorite place all year long for customers wanting imported hand-painted wooden gifts, nutcrackers, little girls’ Bavarian dirndls and little boys’ Tyrolean hats. But especially at Christmas.

Andrea Fleming finished her morning coffee, then quickly dressed in a navy wool skirt and a long-sleeved navy pullover with Snoopy on the front wearing a Santa’s hat. After running a brush through her shoulder-length gilt-blond hair, she slipped into her comfortable wedgies and hurried downstairs to the shop below.

She’d been living here since her husband’s death fourteen months ago. They’d been married only three weeks and had been staying with his parents in Braunschweig, Germany, when they’d been in a car accident and he was killed outright. She’d survived, but had been forced to stay in hospital following an operation.

Her mother had been there to help her recover enough so that she could board a plane. When she returned home it was without her husband and no hope of ever having children.

Though her divorced mom wanted Andrea to live at home with her, she’d preferred to renovate the loft above the shop so she could stay there. She felt closer to Gunter somehow in the store she’d always felt was enchanted.

She’d been twenty-three when he’d first brought merchandise to her family’s store in place of his father. His grandparents were the original creators of the world-famous Braunschweig nutcrackers and wooden pyramids. His dark blond good looks and blue eyes had captivated her and they’d fallen in love. Within the year they were married.

They’d had a wedding reception here in Providence with all her family and friends. His family had held another one for them in Germany. It had been a picture-perfect wedding for both sets of families.

No one could have foreseen the crash that took Andrea’s husband. In one moment she’d lost him as well as her ability to conceive. Never would she have a child with him. Never would she have a child of her own body. A sob escaped her.

Don’t dwell on that right now, Andrea.

After checking the thermostat to make sure the shop was warm enough, she walked out back to start unpacking the boxes from their suppliers that had arrived yesterday afternoon. In the first one she discovered an exquisitely made Braunschweig wooden rocking chair and put the price tag on it.

Without hesitation she carried it through the shop to the window and set it next to the decorated Christmas tree that was part of the Santa’s workshop display. The chair needed something special. She had dozens of dolls, floppy elves and Christmas angels. Any one of them would look cute sitting in it. She would have to think about it while she finished unpacking.

“Oh!” she cried when she opened the last box and found a three-foot-tall gingerbread boy. It was made of dark chocolate-colored dotted Swiss fabric. A red, green and gold plaid ribbon was tied around his neck at a jaunty angle with a little golden bell hanging down.

He had large, shiny blue buttons for eyes, round pink felt cheeks and an impish smiley mouth done in red ribbon as if to say, “You can run and run as fast as you can, but you can’t catch me. I’m the gingerbread man.” The body was outlined in white bric-a-brac trim.

“You’re so perfect I can’t believe it!” She attached the price tag to it. “If Gunter hadn’t had that accident, we’d have a little boy or girl who would love you as much as I do.” Tears stung her eyes as sorrow overwhelmed her.

Surrounded by many items meant for a child, she knew this shop was a constant reminder of her loss. But the store was also a family treasure and legacy she loved, and of course there was the comfort and joy of working alongside her mother, who’d done everything to help her overcome her grief.

Andrea thought she’d been doing a little better, but for some reason this gingerbread man spoke to her inner heart. It was at bittersweet times like this that she had to fight against succumbing to the terrible pain of knowing she’d never have her own baby.

Though her mom gently reminded her that one day she’d meet another man and there was always adoption, Andrea couldn’t imagine it. What man, when given a choice, would want an infertile widow?

After hugging the gingerbread man to her chest until the painful moment passed, she walked over to the window and placed it in the new chair. Once she’d added the latest set of nutcrackers from the Bavarian kings collection to the others, she flipped the switch on the wall and the window display came alive with colored lights and sounds.

On the floor around the tree loaded with wooden ornaments she’d placed an animated elf band with drums, cymbals and horns. Children and adults alike always stopped to watch their antics. Usually it brought people inside to buy an identical set and they ended up going home with more gifts.

On impulse she pulled the smartphone from her pocket and stepped inside the display area to take a couple of pictures. Wait till she sent them to the gingerbread girls. That was the nickname for her and her best friends Emily and Casey. Recently they’d lost Melissa, the other member of their special group.

They’d all met years ago on summer vacation at the Gingerbread Inn in Massachusetts and the nickname had stuck. Their families had continued to meet there every summer and the girls had become fast friends, a bond that had lasted to this day. But with Melissa gone, Andrea couldn’t handle any more sadness thinking about that.

Instead she concentrated on getting the small shop ready for customers. Her mom would be over later in the day to help. Throughout the holidays Andrea opened up at nine-thirty rather than ten, and closed at eight rather than six. It was almost opening time now.

She ran the vacuum over the carpet and watered the pots of red poinsettias placed around the room among all the wooden objects displayed. The thoughtful manager of the floral shop next door had sent a centerpiece featuring white Asiatic lilies and red roses. Andrea set it on the counter. With the profusion of lights and decorations, she had to admit it looked like a fairyland.

Before she unlocked the front door, she went into the office in back and checked her emails on the computer. To her astonishment she saw a message from gingerbread3. That was Casey Caravetta’s user name. Since Andrea was the youngest, her email was gingerbread4, Emily was 1, and Melissa’s had been 2.

What a coincidence! She’d just been thinking about her friends. Andrea prayed this was good news, the kind she wanted to hear from Casey, who’d lived through a broken engagement a year ago and was still down from it. Andrea opened the message.

Hey, Andrea, it’s moi. Could you possibly drop things and drive over to the Gingerbread Inn today? I’ve got to talk to you.

Oh, no. Things didn’t sound any better for Casey since the last time they’d talked.

One of my issues is I’m up in the air about Christmas and the problems with my family (as always).

Casey was at the inn now? In winter?

I came to our favorite place because it seemed to work such magic for Emily, but I can’t believe what it’s like here. You should see how run-down it is. I could cry.

The three of them had suffered thinking of it gradually deteriorating.

As you know, Carol’s always been like a mother to all of us and is taking great care of me. She’s such a sweetheart. So’s Harper, who lies at my feet and looks up at me with those soulful puppy eyes.

Warm memories of bygone days flooded Andrea.
Throughout their youth they’d had marvelous times together with no hint of what lay in store for them beyond the horizon of Barrow’s Lake.

I’d give anything if you’d join me. You’re not that far away from Barrow’s Cove. I realize how busy you are at the shop this time of year, but I need you and your wisdom, especially after what you’ve been through.

Andrea didn’t have any wisdom. She was an empty vessel.

Let me know if you can make it, even if it’s only for one night. Remember when we talked about giving a party at the inn on Christmas Eve so Emily and Cole can renew their wedding vows? This would be the perfect time to formalize our plans. So see what you can do to get away.

Love ya, Casey.

Andrea closed the message and left the office to open the door to the shop. She glanced at the Advent calendar hanging on the wall, one of several dozen with chocolate tokens in each window. Luckily it was Wednesday—not the weekend, which was their busiest time.

The inn on Barrow’s Lake outside Barrow’s Cove, Massachusetts, was only an hour away from Providence. If she left after her mother came over, she could spend the night with Casey and drive home tomorrow in time to relieve her mom by afternoon.

She checked the weather app on her phone. No new storm systems right now. Though they’d had snow in the Northeast, most of the main roads had been plowed. It wouldn’t take any time to pack for one overnight.

Andrea had already decided which nutcrackers she would give her friends for Christmas. All she had to do was wrap them and take them with her. She could give them out at the party on Christmas Eve.

During her musings an elderly gentleman walked into the store. It activated some Christmas chimes. When he said he wanted to browse, she used that time to phone her mom. As soon as she told her about the email, her mom told her to go for several days if she wanted, accusing her of never taking a vacation.

Andrea loved her mother, but told her she needed only one night. In truth she didn’t like being away from the shop. It kept her going. Too much free time and she started to think about things that dragged her down to despair. None of that this year!

She got back on the computer and sent Casey a message that she was coming. Then she gift wrapped a smoker for her customer. After taking his credit card information, she handed him his package. That was when she saw a tall, striking male, maybe thirtyish, standing outside the window wearing a bomber jacket. He was carrying a blonde girl of five or six in his arms so she could see everything.

Loving the girl’s animation, Andrea walked over to the window to watch. The child was pointing at the gingerbread boy, her face and eyes beguiled by him. Closer now, Andrea could see she wore a pink parka with a hood lined in fur. It had fallen back to reveal her soft golden curls that fell to her shoulders.

Against the bright pink color, the man’s short cropped jet-black hair stood out. With brows the same color, he was darkly attractive. His lean chiseled jaw had that five-o’clock shadow that looked good only on a certain type of male.

When the little girl laughed at the antics of the drummer elf, the lines of his hard mouth broke into a half smile, causing Andrea’s breath to catch. She had the strongest suspicion he didn’t laugh often. Suddenly his gaze shifted to Andrea’s, as if he could read her mind and didn’t like it.

Completely embarrassed and shaken to be caught staring at him, she walked back to the counter. That was the first time anything like that had happened since Gunter’s death. There’d been plenty of attractive men coming in and out of the shop since her return from Germany, but they weren’t in this man’s class.

A second later she heard the chimes again before the charismatic man approached her. The girl walked at his side, clinging to his hand. With those light green eyes, they had to be father and daughter, although his were more hazel in color and a deeper hue.

“Good morning. May I help you?”

“I hope so,” Rick Jenner said to the blonde saleswoman. “Do you have a set of animated elves like the one in the window?”

“Right over here on this table.” She walked to it and picked up a box.

When she put it on the counter, his daughter stared at him with imploring eyes. “Will you ask her if I can hold the gingerbread man, Daddy?”

“No, Tessa. It’s too expensive.”

“What’s expensive?”

“It costs too much,” he said and pulled the credit card from his wallet to pay for the elves.

“I wish I could look at it.” Tears welled in her eyes. If he had a dollar for every time she wished she could have something...

The clerk ringing up the sale took one look at those eyes and said, “Stay right there and I’ll bring it to you.” After handing him back his card and purchase, she walked around the counter and hurried over to the display window to pluck the gingerbread man and rocking chair from the case.

Good grief.
His daughter was a little manipulator, a talent she’d learned from his deceased wife, who’d been indulged in turn by her own well-meaning parents, especially her mother, Nancy. He’d loved his wife and they’d had a good marriage, but she’d been high maintenance, which had caused minor strains and at times a few major ones. Rick was determined his daughter would learn she couldn’t have everything she wanted.

When the clerk walked over to them, he became aware of her enticing fragrance, a light floral one. “If you’ll sit down, you can hold him.”

Rick wished she hadn’t gone to the trouble, but it was too late now.

“Oh—” Tessa crooned after taking it in her arms. His daughter’s happiness almost blinded him. “He’s so cute.” In a perfectly natural gesture, she kissed the cheeks just the way a mother would kiss her baby. Then she held it tight and with eyes closed started rocking.

The sight caused Rick’s throat to swell. He was in luck. Only the first day of shopping to get an idea of what Tessa wanted and already he knew
this
would be the present Santa left under the tree. When he got home, he would ask his housekeeper to come in and buy it for him so it could be a surprise.

“We have to leave now, Tessa. We’ve got more shopping to do before I take you to kindergarten. Thank the nice lady for letting you hold him.”

Tessa stared at the saleswoman. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

He helped her off the chair and set the gingerbread man inside it.

Tessa’s lower lip trembled. “Can’t I have him, Daddy?”