'Tis the Season: Regency Yuletide Short Stories

by Christi Caldwell

  Cam laughed at such an audacious comment coming from a ten-year-old boy. The charm he exuded would only increase the older and more confident he became. Ladies would soon be swooning at his feet. “And you know she’ll say yes just because it’s Christmas Eve, or is it because you have experience with the ladies?” He arched an eyebrow in obvious teasing.

  “Well, McCalpin’s cook is making me my very own Christmas pudding because she thinks I’m enchanting.” Bennett waggled his eyebrows playfully. “But the answer to your question, Queensgrace, is no.” He laughed in return. “Julia will say yes because she’s madly in love with you.”

  Cam’s heart swooped like a swallow returning home. Bennett truly knew the meaning of Christmas and the fact he was willing to sacrifice his own happiness for his sisters, particularly Julia, was awe-inspiring.

  Having his heart desire’s hand in marriage was everything Cam wanted this Christmas. Suddenly, a thought hatched that might make everyone’s Christmas the best holiday ever.

  “You’re a man to be admired, Lord Lawson,” Cam said. “You’ve given me some ideas. Where exactly did you say your sister is shopping?”

  Chapter 6

  Julia sensed Cam everywhere around her. From the scent of peppermint that reminded her of his kisses to the soft wool scarves that reminded her of his morning coat when his strong arms had held her. She could find a connection to Cam in every single item that surrounded her at Grigby’s Haberdashery. With a deep sigh, she forced herself to admit it. After telling the earl she couldn’t marry him, he haunted her day and night, particularly in her dreams when he’d take her in his arms and whisper sweet nothings while kissing her under boughs of mistletoe.

  She shook her head slightly. She was a sorry example of a lovelorn goose. The quicker she finished her shopping, then the quicker she could prepare for tomorrow’s small soiree at March and McCalpin’s house. Most of McCalpin’s family had traveled to Falmont, the Duke of Langham’s ancestral home, for the holidays. But McCalpin and March, along with Faith and Mark, had friends who would visit tomorrow evening in celebration of Christmas.

  Normally, she’d be overcome with excitement, but these past several days had taken the joy out of the simplest things, including the holiday.

  “Hello, Miss Lawson,” a whisky dark voice murmured.

  Without looking up, she’d recognize that deep cadence anywhere. It was him. Her heartbeat accelerated that Cam stood beside her. She forced herself to look up, and the sight stole her breath. He was magnificent in a subtle plaid morning coat with a deep red waistcoat and dark grey pantaloons. His Hoby boots glistened even though the London streets were somewhat mushy from the snow that had fallen two days ago.

  “My lord,” she answered. She straightened her shoulders and forced herself to smile. Though she couldn’t marry him, at the very least, they should be friends, even if her contrary heart protested such an outcome. “It’s good to see you.”

  “Is it?” he asked. A wry smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

  She blushed at his obvious teasing. “You know that it is true. Every time…”

  He leaned down and his grey eyes studied her. Her heart fluttered in her chest as if desperate to break free and reach him.

  “Every time what, sweetheart?” His words floated over her, then he did the unthinkable. He caressed her cheek with the back of his finger, the touch soothing but at the same time making her want more, causing a heat that could never be satisfied.

  “Whenever you’re near, I’m happy. But you know that.” Unable to control her joy at seeing him, a tremulous smile crossed her lips. “When are you going back to Scotland?”

  “I’m not certain.” A scowl marred his handsome face. “My plans have been upended.”

  “Because of me. I apologize that caused you such an inconvenience.” She bit one lip, and his gaze narrowed to her mouth causing a heated blush to bludgeon her cheeks. “I wanted to say ‘yes.’ You believe me, don’t you?”

  She loved him so much that her heart ached. How could fate be so capricious and cruel at the same time, particularly at Christmas, when it brought him back into her life, but then not allow them to be together.

  “Julia, I do. At first, I wasn’t certain after we last parted. But just seeing your beautiful face light up”—his gaze caressed every inch of her face as if committing it to memory—“makes me believe you love me.”

  They would soon part for good, and she never wanted him to doubt her true feelings for him. In the past, when she’d thought these last six months were hard, she had no idea what would face her. The next six months without him promised to be unbearable. She could only survive it, and the years that would follow, if he realized that she would always love him. She didn’t expect him to wait for her while Bennett grew to adulthood. But she also didn’t want him to think that she’d rejected him because she didn’t love him.

  He caressed her cheek again. “You’re so precious to me.”

  A hateful tear crept into her eye as his words surrounded her. How could she give him up? Then reason took over from her wayward emotions, and she remembered her commitment to Bennett. She put her gloved hand over his and squeezed. “I want you to promise me something.” Before he could answer, she leaned close. “Never forget that I love you and always will. You’ll never be alone. Miles may separate us, but you have my heart forever.”

  Without giving him a chance to respond, she quickly leaned up on tiptoes and gently pressed a kiss against his mouth. No well-respected young woman did such an outlandish thing out in public, but she didn’t care. Deep in her heart, the truth couldn’t be denied. If she couldn’t marry Cam, then she’d never marry. There was only man who could ever possess her heart, and she couldn’t have him.

  Before she said anything foolish or changed her mind, she darted out of the shop clutching the presents she’d carefully selected for Bennett.

  At this moment, if she never celebrated Christmas again, it would be too soon. For the holiday only meant one thing to her now.

  The day she lost the love of her life forever.

  The lass’s behavior left Cam bemused and somewhat flummoxed. All he’d wanted to do was to inform her of his plans for how they could be together. He rubbed a hand down his weary face before he suddenly realized what had occurred. It was his very own Christmas miracle. Julia Lawson would love him, Cameron Dunmore, forever with every fiber of her being.

  Just like he would for her.

  Unable to control his glee, he laughed aloud. The shopkeepers, Mr. and Mrs. Grigby, looked up from their work and smiled at the sound.

  He nodded his greeting to the middle-aged couple, then turned his attention to the shop window. His darling, the lovely woman who had captured his heart, beat a fast retreat down the London street as if the devil himself were ready to claim her. But Cam had no cause to worry as he’d already claimed that enviable spot.

  Julia Lawson was his now and forever, and he knew exactly how to woo his Christmas bride.

  She’d see exactly what a Scotsman does when he wants a woman to take notice.

  Chapter 7

  A new snow fell outside bestowing a holiday sparkle to the grounds of McCalpin House, but Julia couldn’t muster any excitement. Crisp smells of the evergreen garlands and greenery that decorated the house filled the air. Guests surrounded her, and the sounds of holiday cheer melted together into a soft cacophony of merriment.

  Never had she felt so alone.

  March and McCalpin ushered a beautiful woman and two young boys into the sitting room. The woman was tall with dark red hair, and the boys resembled her. They were probably the wife and sons of some distinguished member of the House of Commons who her sister and husband had invited. The look of joy and contentment on her face pierced Julia’s heart. Would she ever experience such feelings again? Not likely as her heart felt as if it had broken into a million pieces.

  McCalpin stole a quick kiss from March under one of the bountiful boughs of mistletoe that
seemed to reside over every doorway of the house. Those two were so in love, and their every action and deed seemed to magnify that fact.

  Julia turned back to her study of the snow wanting the night to be over with. She was surrounded by Christmas cheer, holiday love, and she wanted no part of it. Tomorrow she’d go to church and pray that her heartache would lessen, but it was unlikely. Every breath and thought reminded her of Cam.

  “Julia, may I introduce Mrs. Lara MacFarland?” Somehow March had sidled up beside her with the woman and her two boys. Bennett stood next to the boys with a beaming smile.

  “How do—” Julia gasped in a very unladylike manner. “You’re Cam’s sister?”

  The woman smiled. “Indeed, Miss Lawson. It’s lovely to meet you.” She leaned close as if divulging a secret. “I’ve wanted to see for myself the woman who had enchanted my brother all this time.” Her warm blue eyes twinkled in high spirits. “I can see why.” She turned her gaze to the two boys beside her. “May I introduce my sons, Ewan, age eight, and Cameron, age six.”

  Julia smiled. They’d been named after Lara’s husband and brother. “Hello. I’m—”

  “She’s my sister,” Bennett announced, then turned to the guests. “Follow me. I know where the mince pies are. They’re the best in London.”

  The boys’ eyes widened in awe at Bennett.

  “Do you know how to play chess?” Bennett asked.

  “Uncle Cam is teaching us,” Ewan answered.

  Cam MacFarland nodded. “But I don’t understand it yet.”

  Bennett waved his hand beckoning the boys to follow. “Come on then. Let’s pile a plate full of sweets, then adjourn to the library. My old chess set is there. It’s missing several pieces, but we can still play.” Bennett put his arm around the littlest MacFarland lad. “Don’t worry, I’ll help you.” He led the boys away all the while chatting about his prowess as a chess master.

  Lara’s smile made her radiant as she watched her sons retreat with Julia’s little brother. “Lord Lawson has captivated my sons. I think they both have a serious case of hero-worship.”

  Julia smiled in answer. It was the first hint of lightness she’d felt all evening. “Thank you. My sisters and I adore him. I’m afraid we’ve probably spoiled him.”

  Lara leaned close. “That’s what we’re supposed to do with the irresistible men in our lives. Of course, that’s my opinion, but wouldn’t you agree?”

  Julia grinned. “As long as they spoil us on occasion.”

  Lara laughed in answer. “I concur.” Then her eyes grew misty. “I always spoiled my Ewan, and he did the same for me.”

  Julia grabbed her hand and squeezed. “Queensgrace told me about your loss. I’m so sorry.”

  Lara blinked rapidly, then squeezed in return. “I was fortunate that I had so many lovely years with him. After my husband died, I was so lost and ready to give up everything, but my brother made me realize that those two little men needed me to spoil them, too.” She glanced around the room and took a deep breath. “May I call you Julia?”

  “Of course,” she replied.

  “Julia, the one thing I’ve learned in this life is that when love is yours, you must hold on to it for as long as you have and cherish it.” Her eyes glistened with emotion. “I lost my true love, but I never had any regrets. My husband and his love were the most precious gifts I’d ever received.”

  Before Julia could respond, a murmur went through the room, then complete silence. She looked up and immediately brought a hand to her mouth. Somehow, while she was talking with Lara, the entire room behind her had become flooded with vases of various shapes and sizes. Big bouquets of red roses crowded with boughs of mistletoe decorated the floor, the tables, even the fireplace. In the midst of all the green and red, Cameron stood in the doorway in full Scottish dress. With snow covering his long hair, he looked like an ancient warrior prepared to win at any cost.

  Instantly, her heart skipped a beat at the magnificent sight. But he stole her breath when his gaze captured hers. With heat and fire in his eyes, he came toward her without glancing at anyone else. Everyone stood off to the side to allow him a clear path.

  In an instant, he stood before her. With his navy velvet evening coat, red and blue kilt, and matching waistcoat, he towered over everyone. The adornments on his sporran and the silver hilt of sgian-dubh glittered in the candlelight. Her breath caught at such a magnificent sight, and all she could do was stare.

  “Julia, my love,” he said tenderly. “Your brother and my sister helped me come up with a solution to our dilemma.”

  “What? When did they do that?” she asked incredulously as her breath grew shallow.

  “Bennett came to see me yesterday right after Lara did.” Cam took her hand in his and raised it to his lips. “Your brother loves you dearly. He offered to go to Eton early so we could marry.”

  Tears came to her eyes at her darling brother’s action. Just then, she caught Bennett’s gaze when he entered the room with Cam’s nephews. He slightly bowed his head in acknowledgment.

  “But I couldn’t let the lad make such a sacrifice. Not when it came to his lovely sister. But with his and Lara’s help, I thought of another solution.”

  Her heart was thudding against her ribs. Was it possible that she’d have her Christmas wish and be able to marry the man she’d fallen in love with? Tear streamed down her face, and Cam gently wiped them away.

  “Don’t cry, love. I promise you’ll be happy if you still want me.” The tenderness in his words flooded her with emotion.

  “I’ll always want you.” She took the lapels of his jacket in her hands and gently pulled him closer. “Don’t you know that? I love you with all my heart.”

  “And I love you with everything I am and everything I have to offer.” He brushed his lips against hers, then pulled away.

  The sound of happy sighs and gentle laughter filled the room, but she concentrated on the man she loved with every ounce of her being who stood before her offering the world.

  Suddenly, he dropped to one knee while holding her hands. His strength and vibrance apparent in the heat of his large hands. “I’ve spoken with Lara and her sons. I told them I couldn’t lose you, and like Bennett, they helped me find a way.”

  She couldn’t answer as her throat tightened. Tears streamed down her face.

  “They want to move to London. Lara wants a fresh start for herself and the boys here. Edinburgh holds too many painful memories for her. I don’t have to return.”

  One of her hands flew to her mouth at his words.

  “Now, I can do this properly and with the blessings of your family.”

  Julia’s gaze darted to where Bennett, March and McCalpin, Faith and Mark stood. March and Faith’s eyes glistened with emotion. McCalpin and Mark wore endearing smiles, but Bennett’s smile took her breath away. He was beaming.

  “Cam,” she whispered.

  He brushed another wayward tear from her cheek.

  “Miss Julia Lawson, will you do me the greatest honor I could ever receive and be my wife?” The richness of his deep voice held a tenderness she’d never heard before. It filled the room with love and affection. “I bequeath my heart, my love, and everything I am to you. I promise to love you more each day and ensure your happiness to my utmost best. Please, give me your heart and hand in return.”

  “Forever,” she whispered while she nodded for the crowd.

  As applause and cries of good spirits rang out, Cam gracefully came to his feet and took her into his embrace. It felt like home, and Julia lifted her lips to his.

  When his lips met hers, he tenderly kissed her. But as they stood in each other’s arms, their passion swirled around them, binding them together in love while encompassing them in a cherished desire that would last forever.

  Gently, Cam pulled away and cupped her cheeks in his warm hands. “I’ve got a special license in my pocket. We can marry tomorrow and make Christmas our special day always.”

  “I�
�d like that,” she said shyly. “I don’t want to spend another night alone without you.”

  “Clever lass.” A grin spread across his face that could only be described as pure sin. “I was thinking the same. Come. Let’s go somewhere we can have a little privacy.”

  Cam led her through the French doors to a balcony overlooking the main courtyard of McCalpin House. As he wrapped her in his arms, she forgot the cold and everything else except the man holding her tenderly.

  “I love you, Cameron Dunmore. You’ve made me the happiest woman in London.”

  “I love you, Julia Lawson.” He dipped his head to hers and gently rubbed his nose against hers. “You’ve made me the happiest man in Edinburgh. I’ve rented two townhouses next to each other. Lara and the boys will move into one, and we’ll move into the other with Bennett.” He pulled her tighter and pressed his lips to her temple. “We can move in immediately. Tomorrow if you like.”

  Julia tilted her head. “I hope I can wait that long.”

  Just then snowflakes danced through the air proving how magical the night had turned.

  Cam chuckled as he looked up at the snow dancing in the sky. “Julia, look.” He pointed above where a bouquet of mistletoe hung from the overhang above them.

  “Did you put that there,” she teased.

  “And ordered the snow.” Gently, he kissed the tender spot below her ear. “Anything for my Christmas bride.”

  He took her lips with his and kissed her with a tender passion that made her believe all her dreams had come true. She returned his kiss with an equal passion that told him she’d never let him ago. In that perfect moment, their lips met in a searing kiss that bespoke of Christmas, magic, and the promise that such miracles would always be a part of their lives—forever.