Read Christmas at Evergreen Inn Online
Authors: Donna Alward
Christmas at Evergreen Inn (12 page)
She had enough regrets. She didn't want to add another.
“Maybe if you could add one more thing to that list?” she asked, loving the way he was looking at her right now. Like there was no one else in the world. Yes, part of it was the uniform. But mostly it was the man she knew was beneath the uniform. A man who could make her laugh. Could make her sigh with satisfaction. And who was far more honorable than she'd ever given him credit for.
“One thing?” He raised his eyebrows.
“Be patient with me? I can't promise to get over my insecurities overnight, but I can promise to try. Because I don't want this to be the end. I know there aren't any guarantees, but I want to try. And I want to try with you, Todd.”
He leaned forward and touched his lips to hers, a light, whisper of a kiss that was far more devastating than any they'd shared before. It was new and deliberate and not just about the moment but about the future as well.
“I was miserable all day,” he admitted.
“Me too. I wallowed and ate soup and went through a lot of tissues.”
“You did?”
She nodded. “Yes. But you can't use that against me.”
He smiled. “I won't. Come here.”
This kiss lasted longer, and by the time it ended Lainey couldn't feel the cold in her hands or feet or on the tip of her nose; she was warm all over.
The radio crackled at his hip. He listened intentlyâLainey couldn't make out the words, but he seemed to understand.
“I probably need to go,” he said, looking disappointed. “But I'm done at midnight.”
“I'll be at home. If you want to come over, that is.”
His eyes flared. “Just try to stop me.”
He walked her back to the doors of the church. “You'd better put that coat back. I don't want to have to arrest you for theft.”
Happier than she could remember being in months, she turned around and looped her arms around his neck. “If you do, will you put me in cuffs?”
“Why, Miss Price,” he said softly. “You're sassy tonight.”
“I'm happy,” she corrected.
He kissed the tip of her nose. “I gotta run. I'll see you after my shift.”
He left her there at the doors, and once he drove away in the cruiser she went back inside. The congregation was at the point in the service where they all lit candles as they sang “Silent Night.” But Lainey hung up the coat and stayed in the vestibule, simply watching, and feeling a contentment she hadn't felt in a long, long time.
She was going to be all right.
And she had to redo Christmas. In three hours.
Lainey thought she'd never escape the church.
First off, she met Ian Martin, the lawyer working on the Aquteg Island project. He said that Mr. Sewell had sung the inn's praises and that it looked like the island was destined to become a historic site, which they both knew would please the majority of people in the town. The artifacts, too, were being restored thanks to Edward Jewell's descendant, and the hope was that there'd be a visitor center on the island where the documents and bits of treasure would be securely showcased.
Ian squeezed her arm and to her surprise said, “This might sound odd, Lainey, but I think your great-great-grandparents would be proud of you. I think it's wonderful how you've made the Evergreen Inn such a key part of the town.”
“Thanks, Ian,” she replied, flushing a little. “That's high praise.”
“You earned it,” he said. “I'll see you at the next chamber of commerce breakfast?”
She nodded. “I wouldn't miss it.”
Once Ian had gone, she met up with her parents, who noted her rosy cheeks and bright eyes.
“I don't know what had you so glum earlier, or why you skipped out on most of the service, but you look much better.” Her mom searched Lainey's face as if looking for clues.
“If I tell you it's a guy, will you let it go or grill me for hours?” she asked.
Her mom's face lit up. “A man? Really?”
“Yes, really. But it's early yet. We're just taking it day by day.”
“Who?”
Lainey's chest tightened. This would be the first time saying it out loud.
“Todd Ricker.”
Her mom's expression turned knowing. “Girl. It's about time! I always knew you had good taste.”
Lainey raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Really?”
“Well, everyone makes mistakes.”
Lainey knew she was referring to Jason and she laughed. “Just don't make a big deal of it, okay?”
“Whatever you say. If you want to bring him along tomorrow, he's welcome, but no pressure.”
“Thank you, Mom.” Lainey leaned in and hugged her mom, loving the feel of the warm arms around her.
“We just want to see you happy.”
Lainey turned to her father. “Merry Christmas, Dad.”
“You too, honey. Good to see you smile again.” He gave her a warm hug and Lainey realized something else. No matter how old you got, there was something about a father's hug that you never outgrew.
Honestly, she was starting to feel as if she might burst from all the happiness.
“I'll see you both tomorrow, yeah?”
“As soon as you like.”
Lainey nodded. “Love you both.”
A few more greetings prevented her leaving right away, and it was nine fifteen before she finally managed to walk home, wearing the correct coat this time. Once inside, though, she rushed to the storage closet and dug out the boxesâagain. Racing against the clock, she replaced the mantel decorations and centerpieces, then set up the tree and decorated it, though the garland wasn't quite as precise as before. She shoved the empty boxes away, dashed around and tidied the cottage, started a fire in the fireplace, redid her makeup, and took out a bottle of wine and uncorked it to breathe.
At eleven forty-five she fluffed her hair, took a breath, and went to the fridge to put together a plate of crackers, Brie, and red pepper jelly, as well as fresh, crisp grapes and strawberries.
At twelve sixteen he knocked on the door.
She opened it, stepped aside for him to come in, disappointed that he was out of uniform but so insanely happy to see him that she got over her disappointment in a flash.
“It's after midnight,” he said softly, unwinding his scarf and taking off his jacket.
“Then I guess it's the perfect time to say Merry Christmas,” she replied, moving into his arms where she belonged.
And it was.
Â
More Christmas magic at Jewell Cove
Â
Special
Low Price
Holiday Reads
from St. Martin's Press!
Â
Low Price
Holiday Stories and Novellas
from St. Martin's Press!
While bestselling author
Donna Alward
was busy studying Austen, Eliot, and Shakespeare, she was also losing herself in the breathtaking stories created by romance novelists like LaVyrle Spencer, Judith McNaught, and Nora Roberts. Several years after completing her degree she decided to write a romance of her own and it was true love! Five years and ten manuscripts later she sold her first book and launched a new career. While her heartwarming stories of love, hope, and homecoming have been translated into several languages, hit bestseller lists and won awards, her very favorite thing is when she hears from happy readers!
Donna lives on Canada's east coast with her family which includes a husband, a couple of kids, a senior dog, and two crazy cats. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading (of course!), knitting, gardening, cooking ⦠and is a
Masterpiece Theatre
addict. You can visit her on the Web at
www.DonnaAlward.com
and join her mailing list at
www.DonnaAlward.com/newsletter
. Or sign up for email updates
here
.
    
Also by
Donna Alward
