Sleigh Ride Together with You (19 page)

Picking up the envelope, she held it for a long moment before opening the flap and pulling out the pages. She scanned it quickly.

Alex recommended she move to a larger market, but he'd added what must be an unusual caveat: if that's what Nicole wants. He'd included a note that he'd proposed to the network that they syndicate
Wake Up, Des Moines!
but that idea had been shot down. He'd suggested it to the big guys in New York, and that's all she could have asked. For her heart, the fact that he'd tried meant more than anything else. Especially now that she'd made plans of her own.

During the past week, she'd laid the groundwork to set her plan into motion. Although she suspected Alex would recommend she move to a larger market, she knew where her heart belonged—in Starlight. She'd shared many discussions with Caroline and Ben, and they'd graciously invited her to live with them until she could find a small house to buy.

Later in the afternoon, when she met with Mike and Artie, Nicole proposed an arrangement whereby she'd travel back and forth three days a week to film the show, conduct interviews, and attend planning meetings. If it was possible to have the best of both worlds, this was the way to do it.

With reluctance, Artie and Mike agreed to her plan as well as her suggestion that she bring on an apprentice and mentor her as a third co-host. She'd been in contact with Whitney Larson, the niece of the woman who'd approached her the night of the station Christmas party. Whitney was set to graduate in the spring, and in Nicole's estimation, she'd be a promising addition to the show. Colin had heartily agreed when Whitney visited the station the week before, and he'd happily squired them both to lunch.

Even though she talked with Alex every day and sometimes into the early morning hours, she hadn't yet told him of her plans. Why, she wasn't sure. She needed to trust that the Lord would work everything out between them in His timing, not hers or Alex's. The relationship between them had developed so fast, and her heart needed time. Could she trust her feelings to last or would they fade with time and miles separating them? Even though she longed to be with him again, the distance would help her put everything in perspective. Nothing needed to be decided today, tomorrow, or even in the next few months.

Why did her heart ache so much?

Nicole closed her eyes, overcome with emotion. With everything in her, she missed Alex and wondered what would come next. She wanted to be with him, but Alex's place was with the network in New York. Traveling all over the country was part of his job.

Could they establish and maintain a solid, long distance relationship? Could she accept his nomadic lifestyle if they were to eventually marry? What did Alex want? Her heart hurt from all the thinking. The only thing of which she was sure was that the answers would take a while.

Nicole turned on her computer and breathed out a deep sigh. First things first. She needed to write a letter to Alex and the network, explaining her career decision moving forward. With the full knowledge that in doing so, she was closing the door on any future move to a bigger market. Most of all, she prayed Alex would understand her decision. She wasn't rejecting his recommendation. Neither was she choosing Starlight over the opportunity to pursue a relationship with him. She was doing exactly as they'd discussed: following the Lord's leading and trusting Him to work out the details in the way only He could.

 

 

 

 

23

 

One Week Later – Christmas Eve – Des Moines

 

“Where are you going for Christmas, Nikki?”

They'd just finished filming their special Christmas show. Nicole gave Mike a wide smile as she removed her microphone. “Home. To Starlight. Where I belong.”

“You're not just talking about the Christmas holiday, are you, love?” As she watched in surprise, Colin stood from his chair and pulled her into a hug. “Long term, you belong with Alex. The man you love.” With the tips of his fingers, Colin lifted her chin, his eyes searching her face. “That's it, isn't it? Your heart is where Alex is. He's a good man, and he loves you. Go to him, kiss him, marry him, and make lots of beautiful babies with him. But never let him go.” He planted a warm kiss on her forehead. “Be happy, love. Alex is a very blessed man, indeed.”

What was that all about? Nicole pulled away and gave him a skeptical glance. “Nice speech, but for now, nothing's decided between us. And Alex isn't planning on being in Starlight for Christmas. He's with his family, and they planned a ski trip to Europe months ago. I'm flying to Minneapolis and meeting them over the New Year.”

“Well, then, I'm sure you'll wow them just as you do everyone else.”

“I hope so,” she said. “I'm a little nervous about meeting them. But you need to promise to come with me back to Starlight some weekend if you can tear yourself away from your busy social calendar.”

“Eventually, I shall, my sweet. British invasion and all that.”

She laughed. “I'll count on it.”

“Now, go. Off with you.” Colin waved one hand as though dismissing her.

Nicole swallowed the lump in her throat. “I'll see you in a week. Nothing has to change, you know.”

“God be with you, love.”

Nicole's breath hitched. “You, too. Keep Him close, my friend.”

“I plan on it. We'll talk more when you return.” He winked. “Merry Christmas, Nikki.”

Mike put a hand on her arm to stop her at the edge of the set. “I have to say, you've surprised me. I never thought I'd see the day when you'd turn down a national opportunity and a chance for real stardom, not that we're not thrilled we'll get to keep you. You know as well as I do you're lucky if you get one shot for fame in this fickle business.” He shook his head. “To think you're running away to some little no-name town in the middle of the state.”

Nicole shook her head. “I haven't really changed, Mike. I'm still the same girl with stars in her eyes.” She lifted her chin to meet his gaze head-on. “I've learned to be happy where God plants me. I don't need to go somewhere else to make me happy. As far as Starlight is concerned, Dante Moretti will put that great little town on the map, but the people there won't be swayed by the idea of fame or fortune. You won't find T-shirt or trinket stands set up by people trying to make a quick buck from his celebrity. Instead, families will be flocking to Starlight with their children throughout the year with the hope of playing soccer and improving their skills from some of the greatest players who ever lived.”

Mike listened, not speaking. She figured she might as well get it all out now even if he didn't fully understand her loyalty to either Starlight or to
Wake Up, Des Moines!

“That little town is everything that's right about my life. The people there are true, real, honest, and I dare say any one of them would clothe you, feed you, help you, and give you whatever you asked. Because that's the kind of people they are. They fear God and don't care what anyone else thinks. In the past few weeks, I've awakened to the fact that's how I want to live my life. Surrounded by people who love me and want the best for me, whatever…or wherever that may be.”

“Then it's where you need to go. But we're going to be selfish and hang onto you as long as we can.” Like Colin before him, Mike opened his arms and pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her and drawing her into his chest. Feeling a bit awkward, Nicole leaned her head on his shoulder. “Starlight's gaining another star,” he whispered, his voice gruff with emotion, something she never would have expected. “Go find your destiny, Nikki.” He kissed her cheek. “Have a great Christmas.”

She stood back, sniffling. “You, too. Sorry about that little speech. I guess I got carried away.”

He chuckled. “It's obvious Starlight's your passion. Everyone should be so blessed.”

“I'm excited to start training Whitney to be our third co-host for
Wake Up, Des Moines!
It can work, Mike.”

Mike cocked his head to one side, surveying her. “She'll learn from the best, so I'm sure she'll be just fine. But she's not you.” With that, the senior producer strode off the set.

 

 

 

 

24

 

Starlight – Christmas Day

 

Nicole had stuffed herself so full of Caroline's fabulous Christmas dinner, she thought she might burst. “That was the best meal ever, Caroline. You've outdone yourself.”

“Well, thanks for your help,” Caroline said. “We're so happy to have you back in Starlight. And I'm not just talking about today.” Angie, Harry, and Ben, seated around the table, raised their glasses of sparkling cider in a rousing toast.

When her cell phone rang, Nicole withdrew it from the pocket of her jeans and checked the display. Her pulse jumped. “It's Alex. If you'll excuse me a minute.” Caroline pushed her chair away from the table and Nicole caught her sharing a smile with Angie.

“Hi there.” She carried the phone into the living room and stared out the front picture window, smiling at the sight of falling snow. She loved a fresh snowfall, especially on Christmas Day. “So, are you currently on a mountaintop somewhere in the Alps?”

“Well, it's definitely snow covered,” Alex said. “All I can think of is you. Are you having a nice Christmas so far?”

“Yes, all things considered. I'm trying my best not to be incredibly jealous that you're in the country I've always wanted to visit. You?” Nicole was surprised it was such a great phone connection considering the man she loved was halfway around the world. She sat down in an armchair, her back to the window, relishing the sound of his voice.

“Remember, it's only geography. And I think your day—and mine—will be a whole lot brighter in a few minutes.”

“Oh? Why is that? Did you find some men willing to play Swiss hockey?”

Alex laughed, deep and hearty. How she loved it, but it only made her miss him more. She glanced at her watch, mentally calculating the time difference. “Guess that would be a pretty late game, huh?”

“I'm planning on something a lot more fun than hockey tonight.”

Angie rushed into the living room. “Oh my, what is that sound? I think it's jingle bells. Nicole, honey,” she said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I'm sorry to interrupt your conversation, but you need to see this.”

“Hang on just a minute, Alex.” Nicole stood as Caroline joined them in the living room with Ben and Harry following behind her. Putting one hand over the phone, she tried not to frown. She knew they meant well, but was it too much to ask for a little privacy? “You do realize the man's calling from Europe, right?” Hearing the sound of jingle bells, Nicole slowly turned toward the two women huddled by the window.

“Wait a minute. Isn't that Alex?” Caroline said.

Nicole stepped closer to the window. Her breath caught, and she covered her mouth with one hand. Her eyes widened, and her pulse pounded when she spied a beautiful red sleigh, draped with swags of holly and red bows, pulled by a majestic white horse, making its way down the street. She caught the looks exchanged among the other four in the room. “You know very well it is Alex, you lovable scamps.”

“Well, then, why are you standing here with us?” Ben chuckled under his breath.

“Alex,” she said into the phone, still finding it somewhat difficult to breathe, “a very handsome man has come to take me on a sleigh ride. I'm hanging up now.”

“You'd better.” She heard his laughter as she disconnected the call.

When Nicole turned to Ben, she loved how his eyes sparkled. “We had to get special clearance for him to bring that sleigh on a residential street, you know. Good thing it's a straight shoot out to where you're going. Now, you go on out there and wish your man a very Merry Christmas!”

Nicole launched into Ben's arms, nearly bowling the man over. She needed to be more careful, but he didn't seem to mind. With quick hugs for Angie, Harry, and Caroline, she grabbed her red jacket and wool cap from the hall closet and kissed Caroline's cheek. “Love you all.” She heard their delighted chatter behind her as she darted out the front door and down the front steps, thankful she didn't slide on the ice or worse, fall flat on her face.

After jumping down from the sleigh, Alex opened his arms. With a cry of joy, Nicole stumbled her way over the snow-covered front walkway to meet him. The man looked better than ever, bundled in his heavy gray jacket, cheeks flushed with the cold, and his red knit hat pulled low over his forehead.

Alex gathered her close. “Merry Christmas, my love.” He kissed her but kept it respectable likely due to their audience. “I've missed you so much. I believe you promised me a sleigh ride.”

“My first and last. So, you've come to collect, have you?” She laughed. “I'll take a ride anywhere with you, Mr. Kingsfield. Don't mind saying that I've missed you something fierce. I can't believe you're really here. In Starlight. With me. On Christmas.”

“Where else would I be on Christmas but with the woman I love? The Alps are great, but I'll wait until I can take you with me. More than anything in the world, I wanted to surprise you today. And it was totally worth it to see that special look on your face.”

She giggled, overcome with a burst of happiness. “Which look is that?”

He kissed the tip of her nose. “Like a little girl at Christmas getting the one gift you really wanted but didn't expect to find.”

Nicole couldn't resist. “Are you my gift, Alex?”

“Hang on, sweetheart. I have something to show you.” With those promising words, he lifted her up into the sleigh. After settling beside her on the bench, he pulled a red plaid blanket from the back and arranged it across both their laps while she tugged gloves over her cold hands. Within seconds, Alex guided the horse over the beautiful, quiet, and snowy landscape.