Winter Wishes: A Regency Christmas Anthology

by Cheryl Bolen

  "Bodhi was too fast for me," Oliver said. "I wanted to go with him but I could not run like he does."

  Grace and Rhys both expelled sighs of relief. Oliver was not physically harmed, merely disappointed in what he perceived as his shortcomings.

  "I find it impossible to keep up with Bodhi once he starts to run," Rhys said. "Sometimes I just give him a wave as he races off, reminding him to come back to see me when he has finished all of his tasks."

  Oliver giggled as he dashed a hand over his eyes. "What tasks does he have?"

  "Oh, probably more than we will ever know. I suspect he feels responsible for rooting out every single rabbit trying to burrow in for the winter. And then there's every phantom scent that wafts across the fields. It's a wonder he has a speck of energy left once he has seen to all of that."

  Grace gave Rhys a grateful look and then set Oliver on his feet, brushing off some snow stuck to his coat. "He sounds just like a little boy I know, constantly racing around, inspecting and exploring until I think he has surely tired himself out. Yet he is wide awake when it is time for him to sleep."

  Oliver cackled. "That little boy is me. Isn't it, Mama?"

  She pretended to ponder the question. "Yes, you are quite correct. That little boy is indeed you. Though it seems you are growing so fast every day, we won't be able to call you little for much longer."

  That brought a smile of pride to Oliver's face. He made a roaring sound and then set off after Bodhi, calling the dog's name, his cheerfulness completely restored.

  "What an amazing transformation," Rhys said. "As well as a reminder not to dwell on life's unexpected foibles."

  "I learn more from him each day than I teach him. I am certain of it."

  Rhys glanced at her and to his immense surprise, she leaned towards him, her eyes closed. He did not hesitate. He pulled her into his arms and pressed a heated kiss against her lips. He knew it was a stolen moment, one that could not last very long, even though they could not be spied upon by anyone.

  He also knew it was one to treasure as it happened. He teased her lips open and she responded with passion. Her arms circled his neck, keeping him close while their mouths melded together.

  Too soon, Grace broke off the kiss. Her breath created a cloud of fog, the heat mingling with the cold air surrounding them, and it made her lips curve up in a smile. He placed a tender kiss at the corner of her mouth.

  "I am glad you have returned, Grace. I cannot think of a better gift than this."

  "I am glad I have returned, too, Rhys. I did not realize just how much I missed you until I saw you again."

  Her words made hope shoot through every particle of Rhys' being. "You do not need to miss me, ever again."

  She smiled at him, clearly comforted by his words. She gave him another quick kiss. He wanted more but knew the impossibility of it happening just then.

  "Mama! Mr. Wilton! Look."

  Oliver marched towards them, his face beaming, holding Bodhi's leash in a triumphant fashion. The dog walked alongside as if it was what he had decided to do all along.

  "Is it just me," Grace asked with a bemused voice, "or is Bodhi smiling right now?"

  Rhys laughed and tucked Grace's hand in the crook of his arm once more. "I fear the animal is not only smiling, he is celebrating having outsmarted us all. Even worse, he is likely to continue, despite our efforts."

  "Well, I cannot complain, since he is allowing Oliver to believe he is the one who outsmarted Bodhi. He will be crowing about that for several days at least. And I shall have to pretend to be amazed each time I hear the tale."

  "Just as you did with me," Rhys said. "I could never figure out why my tales seemed to enthrall you each time when I was certain I had already regaled you with them."

  "I was enthralled by your tales, and the way you told them. I had no choice but to pretend I had not heard them. You might have stopped telling them to me if I had."

  "I suspected it, but now I know for certain. You are a devious one, Grace."

  "Not always." Her eyes twinkled. "Only when necessary."

  Rhys laughed, his heart filled with contentment. They joined Oliver and Bodhi and turned back to Hartstone Hall. Oliver chattered happily about all manner of things, and Rhys genuinely enjoyed every word he uttered.

  Even more enjoyable was when Oliver slipped his hand into Rhys' as they continued their trek homeward. It was a display of trust that Rhys had not expected, yet knew he would treasure for the rest of his born days.

  Grace plopped down into one of the wooden chairs surrounding the kitchen table. She had a list of tasks she needed to accomplish, but she also needed a brief moment to collect her thoughts after the whirlwind outing with Rhys and Oliver.

  Her heart pounded at the memory of the kisses she and Rhys had shared. They were filled with promise, and passion, and it made her impatient for more of them. There was no longer any doubt that Rhys desired her, and he had made it clear he was interested in whatever she might offer.

  Her heart urged her to ponder the tantalizing possibilities, yet her mind cautioned her to remember the obstacles. Now there were not only her emotions to consider, but also Oliver's. She did not wish to bring heartache to her son, not when he trusted her to see to his welfare, but it was likely if a liaison with Rhys ended badly.

  And how could it end any other way? There was even less chance of a future than when she had left previously.

  She dropped her head in her hands and groaned. "What am I to do?"

  "A cup of tea will help you sort it out," Susanna said.

  Grace lifted her head and gratefully accepted the cup her friend offered. "I do not know what I would do without you. Is Oliver settled?"

  "Yes, he is napping. Though he had so much to talk about, I thought he might never fall asleep. He is quite enamored of Bodhi. As well as Mr. Wilton."

  Grace sighed. "My heart nearly melted when Oliver slipped his hand into Rhys'. I had never anticipated my childhood friend would become my own child's friend."

  Susanna sat down, sipping on her cup of tea. "Perhaps your childhood friend is meant to be more than a friend."

  "I wonder that, too. Especially when I am kissing him."

  Susanna's eyebrows shot up. "You have had a busy afternoon indeed." Her grin turned mischievous. "Will there be more than kissing in the future?"

  Grace took a gulp of tea to avoid answering. Susanna patiently waited her out.

  "I want there to be more than kissing," Grace finally admitted. "I have thought of it many times. Yet I am having trouble convincing myself to take that step."

  "Why? It is clear he is besotted with you."

  "Or perhaps he is merely grateful to reignite a friendship that brought us both a great deal of happiness during times that were a bit trying."

  Susanna snorted. "I am amazed how you are so unwilling to acknowledge what is right in front of you. Have you never wondered why he is not wed?"

  "No," Grace murmured, though it was a lie. She had wondered why he had chosen to remain unmarried, and at times had felt guilty that he had done so while she had wed and had a child. "Besides, there is no need to rush into anything. I am not going anywhere for the foreseeable future, and he is likely not either."

  "I worry you plan to content yourself with a few stolen kisses until you are in your dotage."

  Grace laughed. "While I have no fear you will be impertinent even when you are in your dotage."

  "I will also have many tales to think upon when I am in my rocking chair, my shawl wrapped around my frail body, cackling about all the handsome young men who gave their hearts to me."

  Grace sighed again. "I was like that once. When I was the old Grace, the one who could not resist an adventure, no matter the outcome. Now, the new Grace—"

  "Is in danger of becoming a fusty old maid," Susanna finished.

  Grace gasped. "I should banish you to the larder and force you to inventory every single item in there. And then do it again when you have finished."
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  Susanna took Grace's empty cup and sashayed to the sink, clearly not afraid of Grace's empty threat. "Except you need me here to banish the new Grace and encourage the old Grace."

  "I am doing my best to be a respectable widow, as well as the mother Oliver needs."

  "And does that mean your wishes mean nothing? I cannot believe anyone benefits from that."

  Grace couldn't argue with that profound statement. She repeated the phrase she had used earlier. "Susanna, I do not know what I would do without you."

  "You would do nothing fun or enjoyable, and would continue to talk yourself out of enjoying a handsome man that is devoted to you." Susanna dug into the pocket of her apron. "I was going to save this for Boxing Day, but there is no time to waste."

  Grace took the small paper packet wrapped with a thin bright ribbon. "What is this?"

  Susanna grinned. "You can unwrap it and find out."

  Grace pretended to give her cheeky friend a fierce stare. "You can only hope Father Christmas does not punish you for your impertinence."

  Susanna's snort demonstrated how little she feared that outcome.

  Grace opened the package and stared at the key sitting atop the paper wrapping. She was completely puzzled. "Are you certain this is meant for me?"

  "My gran is visiting with some friends for the holidays and she asked me to look after her little cottage. I am certain to be busy with other activities, so I hoped you might help me with this task." Another wink appeared. "The bedchamber is sure to need some seeing to."

  Grace was touched by the gesture. It was all well and good to bemoan the numerous difficulties of the situation with Rhys. But now she would have to decide if she was brave enough to confront another impediment: her fear of exposing her heart for what was bound to be a brief affair.

  She closed her palm around the key. "This is not likely to change anything, not permanently."

  "Not many things do." Susanna grinned once more. "Which is why we are given new choices every day. What will yours be?"

  Grace tucked the key into her own apron pocket. Did she continue to resist her desire for Rhys, spending the rest of her life wishing and wondering what might have been? She had been given a second opportunity with him, one that she never would have expected to present itself.

  In the past she had selected what seemed the safest option. Now her heart counseled her to be bold, to do what she should have done years ago, despite all the hurdles.

  There would always be hurdles. And obstacles. And impediments.

  Right now she seemed to be the biggest of them all.

  "My choice?" Grace gave her outspoken friend a brief hug. "I say we'd best get to work on those seduction tarts."

  Susanna giggled. "I recommend we double the recipe. That handsome man in the village will have need of them, too."

  They laughed and then started putting large bowls onto the wooden table, gathering eggs and flour, and debating on which flavor was most likely to prove irresistible. Grace sighed with contentment, happy with her lot in life, her friends, and the hopefulness of the days ahead of her.

  It was bound to be the best Christmastide she had ever experienced. She would not allow it to be anything else.

  Chapter 6

  Grace had tied the key to a ribbon and hung it around her neck. She was not certain when she would put it to use, but she kept it close for when the moment presented itself as the right one. She had sneaked away one afternoon to look the cottage over, and ever since, she had imagined Rhys in her embrace before the fireplace, Rhys in the bed with her…

  She shook her head to clear her thoughts. If she did not, there was no telling what might be missing from the hamper she was packing for the long-awaited sleigh excursion.

  "Mama, have you been in a sleigh before? Does it go fast? I hope Bodhi will like it. Do you think he will?"

  She did not even try to answer the barrage of questions. Oliver was content to spill them as they appeared in his mind. It kept him occupied while she gathered everything they would need that day.

  Susanna grinned as she wrapped the hot bricks to keep their feet warm. "I have tucked a few more blankets in here for you as well." She gave a lascivious wink. "You never know if they will be needed."

  Grace shushed her, nodding her head towards Oliver.

  Susanna's eyes widened with faux innocence. "I merely meant it was additional protection against the chill air outside."

  Grace bit back a laugh. "I must make something extra special for Lord Hartstone when I return. He has been so indulgent. What other cook do you know who would be given such privileges as I enjoy?"

  "He wishes to extend his success as a matchmaker, no doubt. And not just for your sake, but for Mr. Wilton. Besides, you are also gathering the greenery we need for decorations. You are employed in a most important undertaking."

  It eased some of Grace's concerns, though it seemed as soon as one worry was vanquished, another popped up to take its place.

  Oliver stood at the window, bouncing with his excitement. "There is so much snow. Where did it all come from? Mama, have you ever seen so much snow on the ground?"

  "It has been many years," she answered, wrapping him in her arms and giving him a kiss. "Let me see if your coat is buttoned up so you will stay warm."

  "Bodhi is lucky he does not have to wear a coat."

  "Bodhi wears his coat all the time," she reminded him. "Even during the hottest of summer days when he wishes he could remove it."

  Oliver giggled. In the next instant, his expression lit up. "Mama, Mr. Wilton is here."

  Grace opened the door and could not keep her heart from racing when she saw Rhys, his eyes filled with elation at seeing her. She self-consciously brushed at a stray lock of hair that had escaped her bonnet. She was not certain how to handle the myriad of emotions between her and Rhys, yet there was nothing she wanted more than to explore every single one.

  "We have so many things to bring with us," she said when Rhys halted at the doorway. "I hope your sleigh is able to accommodate all of it."

  He glanced at the basket she had filled with provisions, and the container with bricks, as well as the blankets folded into a neat pile. "I think we shall manage. Oliver, if you could take Bodhi's lead, I will bring these outside."

  Oliver beamed at being charged with Bodhi's care. He gave Grace a knowing look, as if to remind her he was able to be responsible for a dog, and then he set out for the sleigh.

  Rhys picked up the container with the bricks, and tucked the blankets under his arm. Grace grabbed the hamper. She began to follow him but Susanna tugged at her sleeve, so she halted while Rhys headed for the sleigh.

  "Which Grace is going on this expedition?" Susanna teased.

  "The old Grace." She placed a hand over the key nestled inside her bodice. "The one who is consumed with thoughts that are likely to melt every bit of snow and ice we encounter today."

  "Perfect. When those bricks cool down, you can be put to good use."

  Grace laughed. "You are wickedly impertinent, and I love you for it."

  Susanna shooed her out the door. "Go enjoy your outing. And make sure Mr. Oliver is worn out when he returns, so he will sleep through the night."

  Grace nodded, her heart racing at the import of Susanna's words: unless Grace lost her nerve, she would not be sleeping a wink that night. Nor would Rhys.

  "Mama! Look. I am driving the sleigh, all by myself."

  Rhys tossed Grace a wink, treasuring the smile she returned. Oliver stood in front of Rhys, gripping the reins, unaware that Rhys kept his knees near the little boy so he could not take a tumble. He was not about to take a chance with Oliver's safety.

  Yet he knew how important it was for the lad to believe he was in charge of the vehicle.

  "You are a magnificent driver, Oliver," Grace said.

  Bodhi let out a bark from his perch in the back of the sleigh.

  "Even Bodhi agrees with that assessment," Rhys added.

  They continued
their smooth ride over the snow, some of it swirling around and landing on their clothes. A few errant snowflakes began to drift down from the sky. Grace tipped her head back to catch them on her tongue, laughing with delight.

  Rhys laughed, too, filled with happiness for the first time in ages. He had thought spending the Christmas season with Martin's family had been delightful, but now he had discovered something much better. Something that made him crave his own family, one of his creation, and one that would bring him and Grace and Oliver happiness for many years to come.

  He knew the obstacles standing in the way of such a desire. Yet he would thrust those aside for now. He was not willing to let the difficulties dampen the day's joyful moments.

  After several miles, Rhys asked Oliver to tug back on the reins to slow the horse. "If we are to gather some of the greenery to decorate the house, I know the perfect spot."

  Oliver leaned back, pulling as hard as he could, and Rhys subtly added his own strength to finish the job. Oliver beamed, convinced he had done it all by himself. Grace applauded, adding to Oliver's joy.

  Rhys jumped down from the sleigh then turned, holding up his arms. "Come, Oliver. Once you are settled, I will get Bodhi—"

  The pup leapt from the sleigh and disappeared in a pile of snow. He popped up, his nose covered in white and then circled the sleigh, barking happily. Oliver giggled and then vaulted fearlessly into Rhys' arms. Rhys clutched him tightly before setting the boy on the ground. Seconds later Oliver and Bodhi began running to some destination only the pair of them knew.

  He turned to see Grace smiling at him. "I tell myself to be prepared for whatever happens when they are together," he said, "and I believe I am. But they surprise me at every turn."

  "I feel the same. Though it does my heart glad to see how joyously they embrace everything they encounter."

  "A lesson for us, perhaps?"

  "Perhaps. Though now that we are older, and presumably wiser, it is too easy to let the hindrances hold sway."

  "Not today," Rhys vowed. "We can leave that to a day when we are even older. Decades from now."