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Cover Art by Talina Perkins of Bookin’ It Designs
Edited by Amelia S. Black
Christmas Wishes
Calloways of Rainbow Bayou
Livia Quinn
About the Story
Tis the Season for Second Chances
Love happens when you least expect it and sometimes delivers surprises and long-awaited second chances.
As the Calloways and Larues gather at the Romanos’ on Christmas Eve, Buffy prepares some surprises for her husband. Meanwhile, her cousin Beau is home from Hollywood and Maddie is nervous about seeing him again. Samantha’s baby is overdue and no surprise to Buffy, her ex-boyfriend Jed shows up unexpectedly.
Then there’s Luc, who’s starting to worry that Delilah has changed her mind about spending the rest of her life with him. But with the first Christmas miracle, Buffy sees the promise that one day soon her friends will all get their happily ever-after. Because a Calloway always knows.
Heat Rating: 3
Chapter One
New Orleans Airport, Christmas Eve, 12:15pm
Ducane Beauregard Larue strode down the concourse toward baggage claim. Tall with a long-legged stride he made his way through the crowd by searching above the other passengers for openings in the foot traffic. He'd become almost immune to the female admirers who tried to catch his eye or get his attention from a magazine kiosk or portable coffee stand. "Get our unique Chicory coffee and beignets here. Hey, gorgeous, wanna cup of Community?" a skinny black woman with a full head of braids called out. He kept walking.
With his black hair and brilliant green eyes and imposing physical appearance, people, women especially, noticed him whether they recognized him from his body of work or not. Normally Beau would not check a bag and subject himself to the barrage of local fans clamoring for his autograph, invading his personal space, but it was home after all.
Since his career in Hollywood had taken off a few years ago he didn’t get home very often and every year seemed more urgent to him, since so many of his relatives were getting up there in years.
He’d packed a few special presents for the women in the family—his many aunts, and Uncle Earl—there might have been a “great” or two before “uncle”. He’d lived with his relatives, the Calloways and Larues, after his parents died and usually just thought of everyone who was any kind of kin to his parents as uncles, aunts, or cousins. In a family as big as theirs it was best to keep it simple. Christmas was reunion time for the Calloway side of the family and Beau had been promising for the last two years to make it home for one.
He wiped his forehead as a chill swept through him. He planned to drop in at the Christmas Eve party at his cousin Buffy’s, make an appearance at Christmas dinner with the family. There he would kiss his beautiful cousins, give Grandpa Earl a hug, and get to Atlanta to finish the movie. He especially wanted to see his Aunt Victoria and Uncle Sam, but Victoria (Commander) Larue wouldn't be as easy to fool as the rest of the family. Accomplishing all that in twenty-four hours with what looked like another weather system moving in was going to be tight.
There would be more than immediate family there. The Calloways were big on turning outsiders into extended family. But there was one person in particular he didn’t expect to see. She’d been at all the family gatherings while they’d been going together through high school and college and after he’d decided to enter the military.
Beau set aside thoughts of Madison as he always did whenever they strayed in her direction, or any other direction he didn’t intend to let them travel. Because what he had once considered a once and forever relationship was no longer. She’d probably never thought of him again after he’d broken it off abruptly five years ago anyway.
“Duc, over here!” Several screaming fans approached as he arrived at baggage claim and after a few minutes of inane chit-chat and hurried autographs, he retrieved his bag and walked toward the long-term parking lot where he paid through the nose to leave his personal vehicle. The site of temporary buildings and construction vehicles reminded him of what Larue had been through just two months before, a tropical storm that had done a lot of damage to the region from New Orleans to north Louisiana and farther east. His aunt had sent him an email letting him know everyone at home had made it through in one piece making him feel guilty for not checking on them personally. That hadn't been her intention.
Beau was tired. His head hurt and he dreaded the drive, even though Larue was only an hour and a half north of New Orleans. But as much as he dreaded the drive, he couldn’t wait to see his family. He’d missed everything about Larue since he’d been in Hollywood—his big extended family, the swamps and lake where he’d loved fishing with his Uncles, Sam and Robert and Grandpa Earl who, honestly, was the world’s worst fisherman.
Beau smiled remembering their last outing. His Grandpa Earl had gotten hung up on every log in the water and every tree overhead. He’d stepped on Beau’s favorite rod and lost their basket of fish trying to retie the knot. No one tried harder, or loved it more. He was one feisty old fart. He’d definitely outlive them all… at least that’s what he told them at every family dinner.
He adjusted his seat trying to get comfortable. The pain in his lower back was getting worse, possibly due to the long flight. Yeah, right.
Crossing the Pontchartrain on I-10 he glanced at the lake as sundown turned the surface into a mirror. The last time he’d seen a sunset at home was with Madison. They’d stood on her balcony overlooking the beach on the southeastern tip of Rainbow Bayou. They'd watched the wind surfers and sailboats as the setting sun turned the sky into fiery hues of lavender, orange and yellow. It had been the last time he’d felt optimistic about their future. His future. Then everything had changed without warning.
His hands gripped the wheel as another sharp pain made him suck in a breath. After a short pass by the home front he’d be back on the movie set in Atlanta. He’d take care of his obligation to the studio then check himself into the clinic.
Chapter Two
Buffy leaned her forehead on her husband’s naked chest as warm soapy water streamed over them. “You make me so happy.”
“I could make you even happier this Christmas Eve, my darling wife.” His large hands drifted down from her waist to cup her butt. The steam filled shower made it difficult for her to see him clearly but his words sent a shiver of desire to where a different part of his anatomy was making its opinion quite clear.
She reached for the control and shut the spray of water off, finger-combing her wet hair away from her face. The steam lifted and she looked up into the face that had launched many a cover, video, and ad campaign. His wonderful dark eyes crinkled and the realization that this man belonged to her suddenly made her speechless and, of course, emotional.
“Sweetheart, did I say something wrong?” he asked, tipping her chin up.
She closed her eyes, savoring his caring and tenderness and smiled. “I’m just being sentimental, Ridge. It’s just that it’s Christmas and I’m so looking forward to the party and the reunion at the farm, getting to see everyone.”
“Well, this is only my second one but it beats any gatherings our family ever had. There are a few more bodies involved.” She laughed as he reached around her. “There’s the Calloways…” He made soapy circles across her back. “How many of them are there, do you suppose?”
She purred, “That feels good. Don’t think you’re going to distract me by doing that counting thing you’re so fond of. We have less than two hours before someone will be showing up with food. And to answer your question, I don’t think anyone’s ever stopped to count the Calloways because they’re always increasing if not by a birth or marriage then with an outlier.”
“Like Del?” he asked, kissing her shoulder.
She tilted her head to give him access. “Del and Nick… you have to stop. R
eally. I… mean it.” She felt his lips curve on her skin and his hand moved lower.
The next thing she knew he was helping her out of the shower, his toned and tanned body glistening with moisture. “See, you still have plenty of time to get ready. It doesn’t take much anyway with your natural beauty.”
She laughed, taking the towel he offered. “You wouldn’t be a bit biased now, would you?”
He grinned, planted a quick kiss on her lips and kicked his towel to the side. “There are literally millions of men who’d say the same. It just so happened that I’m the lucky one you said yes to. Now, get a move on. We’re running late.”
“Since it’s your fault, you can meet the first guests and the caterers,” she said as she glided out of the bathroom into their bedroom.
“Yes, ma’am.” Ridge knew better than to argue with his little redheaded general. She’d been planning this party for weeks and everything would fall into place as smoothly as her productions at Knights Production studios.
When Ridge had first laid eyes on his wife, she’d been seventeen on some fashion spread, but he’d been bowled completely over by her covers on Vanity Fair, the ones that had taken the fashion world, and him by storm. He hadn’t known her real identity when he’d seen her at the romance convention two years earlier, but that hadn’t kept him from falling head over heels in love with her, after creating a stir on the strip-bingo stage himself.
He’d discovered three things about his wife since they’d been married. Lana was not a separate entity but the full-fledged fashionista side of Buffy that came out in her business. She was an enormously talented producer and photographer which had been instrumental in making KPI a success.
And she loved surprises. He’d found her investigating her packages under the tree several times in the last week and once he'd found the wrapping mysteriously loose. When he asked her about it her expression had given her away, even though she swore up and down that she was innocent. He’d known that his life with Buffy was never going to be dull. One of these days he hoped they’d have a pile of kids to surprise as well.
The caterer pulled into the driveway just as Ridge finished running a mop over the front entrance. Buffy was applying her makeup and promised to give them directions if he’d just supervise the unloading. “Just let them in and direct them to the kitchen. I’ll take over from there,” she’d said after running her hands down his chest and straightening his tie. “You are one deliciously handsome man in that black suit, Ridge Romano,” she’d whispered huskily.
He groaned and resisted kissing her as that had already gotten him into way too much trouble as it was. “Get that shapely butt downstairs ASAP. I’ll hold the crowd at bay.”
Buffy’s mother arrived right after the caterers. She kissed Ridge and hugged him then shooed him off to answer the doorbell.
Chapter Three
Luc stood on the doorstep, his arm around his fiancée. “Ridge.” He shook hands with his friend and boss. “Del thought you might be able to use some help so we came early.”
An officer on the Larue Police Department, Del Burke was petite and blonde and not only did Luc love her but he owed his life to her. Luc had been recruited by Ridge for KPI before he’d even gotten out of the service. Two years ago, he'd come home to look at the property his parents and cousin Ted had found in downtown Larue where he hoped to open a teen center.
Ridge had made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. He fronted Luc half the startup funds for the old gym and along with Father Thomas who had a vested interest in the work of the teen center they would oversee the renovations until Luc was out of the service. After he came home, Buffy had requested he come to work for Knights Production as a model. Ridge and Buffy had just started the studio and it had been obvious to everyone that they complimented each other not only personally but in their business ventures as well.
Luc figured he owed Ridge for more than just his efforts toward the teen center. Because of the studio job, he’d met Del. Whenever he retold the story of their first meeting, of how Officer Del had put him in handcuffs before she even knew his name, most people didn’t believe it. But it had only lasted long enough for the cashier in the convenience store to call him “her hero” to convince Del that Luc wasn’t the perp. Well, okay it maybe took a little longer.
After she’d found out his weapons were fake he’d been afraid she wouldn’t take him seriously. But his Delilah was a savvy cop who hadn’t been fooled or discouraged for long. Luc had been hooked from the moment she looked down at him with her cornflower blue eyes and pressed him to the floor with her police issue boot.
Of course, being sure about a decision that early wasn’t unusual with his Callaway heritage. He gotten it honest from his mom, a retired Navy Commander, a Callaway, and a woman who had always known exactly what she’d wanted—a career in the military.
They walked into the kitchen just as Buffy’s mother, Pamela was paying the caterers and unboxing the food trays. “Hi, Luc.” She hugged Del. “Grandma Roberta said to tell you she's sending her famous pralines and cinnamon nut horns.” To Del she said, “Her recipes are Calloway secrets.”
Luc said, “Those nut horns are my favorites. Butter, sugar, cream cheese mixed with pecans. They practically melt in your mouth.”
Ridge said, “Luc, while they’re taking care of the food, let’s go outside and set the tables up.”
Luc followed him to the backyard where Ridge pointed to the tables leaning against the back porch. “Grab those.” While they popped the legs down on the portable tables he asked, “Have you and Del set a date?”
“No.” Luc leaned on the table and ran a hand over his military haircut. “You know, it’s hard to get used to short hair again, and Del likes it longer. I try to give her everything she desires.” His head tilted to one side. “But maybe I should play hardball, since we don’t seem to be getting any closer to actually finalizing things.” Luc hated to admit it as he hadn't felt unsure about many things in his life. Call it a family trait, but with Del dragging her feet on setting a date for their wedding, he couldn't help but wonder if he should be doing more to convince her they were wasting time. He loved her and wanted to start making plans, having babies, adding to the family brood. What if she changed her mind? A chill went down his spine and Ridge must have noticed.
He put a big hand on Luc's shoulder and shook him. “It’s going to happen, Luc. She’s crazy about you. And you can start growing your hair back after next week’s military romance shoots. Buffy wants you to switch to Highlanders for a month or so.”
“I thought you were her favorite Highlander,” Luc joked, knowing it was the truth.
Ridge said, “I’ve done my share but the most famous highlander experience around here is yours, my friend.”
Luc’s smile faded a little. Ridge was referring to the day when Del had first seen Luc in his Highlander costume as he struggled with a fellow model, a voluptuous blonde who'd turned out to be even more trouble than Luc had first thought. It was only through his cop’s intervention that he’d seen the true nature of the woman’s unwanted ‘affections’. A dangerous stalker, she'd assaulted Luc and kidnapped Del before Luc's family and Del's partner finally brought her down.
“My fiancée is probably a little leery about being the target of the horde,” Luc said, using the term he and his sister, Samantha had applied to their mother and older sisters after growing up on the bottom of the sibling totem pole . “I’ve tried to imagine it from her perspective. After all, there’s only her and her brother, Tommy, and no one in her family is a ‘meddler’. All the Calloway women are notorious for their meddling.”
Buffy and Del jogged down the porch stairs to them. “Did I hear you calling the Calloway women names, Luc?” Buffy asked after Luc hugged her hello. Luc referred to the all the women in his family as Calloways since his mother's family came from the other Callaway side of the tree and enjoyed the same uncanny talent for choosing their mates.
He hugged Buff
y. “If the shoe fits. You look beautiful, Buffy.” He reached around her and pulled Del in close.
“Thank you, Luc. I was just wondering if you’d heard from Beau? Isn’t he supposed to be coming to the party? We’ll all be so disappointed if we don’t get to see him this year.”
Luc and Buffy’s cousin, Beau, had started out in Hollywood as a stunt man. Then a big producer in Hollywood realized they’d get a twofer. Because of his intense charisma and sex appeal he was popular with women and his rugged physicality also appealed to male fans. They’d changed the name on the headlines to “Duc Larue” and his movies had been huge box office blockbusters for the last three years.
“I haven’t talked to him again,” said Luc, running a hand over his short hair but realizing once again, there was no hair to plow through, “but he’s trending on Twitter.”
Del laughed, tilted her head at Luc. “There’s been a ‘Duc’ sighting already.”
“He’s close then?” Ridge asked.
Luc sighed. “No, that’s just Del’s way of saying I’ve been mistaken for my cousin once again. Might be the military hair cut…”
Luc and Beau had been mistaken often in their younger years with both of them sharing the Larue green eyes, broad white smile and black hair. Beau was a couple inches taller but since they were rarely seen together it made them easy to confuse. After Beau’s movies had become hits, the confusion mushroomed.
“It hasn’t hurt the sale of my covers.” Luc looked down at Del. “I guess I could let his crazy fans catch me. After all I have my lady cop to protect me.” He lifted her blonde braid over one shoulder and leaned down to give her a gentle kiss. “Right, babe?”
Whispers of Winter: A Limited Edition Collection of Winter Romances Page 56
