Kate winced at his college comment. Her father had no idea she wanted to quit school. Three more years of classes wasn’t appealing in the least. If she told him she wanted to be a writer like him, he’d insist she stay in school and major in journalism or English. She could make an argument against that. She wanted to live in the real world and write about life experiences.
“Well, right now we’re on winter break.” Kate’s mom slipped on her coat. “And we said we’d go Christmas shopping today.” She pointed out the window. “We better get going because I heard six more inches are coming.”
Kate was relieved her mom changed the subject. “I’ll get my coat.” She turned to Drew. “Remember your promise. Don’t go overboard buying gifts.”
They piled into the SUV for the trip to the shopping village. Kate loved the small town feel of the area—the brick streets, the Victorian style buildings. The area was a mix of shops and residential. She could picture Drew and her living above one of the stores. She could write by the fireplace. He would scout the neighborhood, camera bag slung over his shoulder, looking for the perfect shot to add to his portfolio.
Her dad parked the car in one of the covered garages and rotated in his seat to look at her. “So we stick to the plan? Guys shop together?”
Kate nodded. “Keep an eye on him, Dad.” She poked Drew playfully. “He may be rich, but he doesn’t have to spend it all.”
Drew wrapped his arm around Kate and kissed her cheek. “Don’t worry. I’m full of surprises. Trust me.”
“I do...always.” Kate quickly kissed him back.
Drew opened the door and slid out, turning to help her out.
“You are such a prince, Drew,” her mother stated. “Kate, you’re a lucky girl.”
“Hey, what about me?” Kate’s dad threw his hands up. “You never give me a chance. You’re out of the car before I shut the motor off.”
“You know you’re my Prince Charming.” Kate’s mom laughed and linked arms with her husband, guiding him toward the exit.
“You’re pretty quiet.” Drew placed his hand on Kate’s back as they followed behind her parents. “I know you don’t like to talk about fairy tales anymore, but isn’t there a small part inside that still believes?”
“Drew, I wish I could,” Kate sighed. “I was naïve and young when I believed in fairy tale endings. Too much has happened. I learned so much over the past two years. One of those things is that life is definitely not a fairy tale.”
“It’s Christmas. How about if you let your inner child out for the season?”
Kate shook her head. “I don’t think I can.”
“Anna would want you to.”
It was difficult to talk about her friend, Anna, who passed away that fall. Kate knew Anna would want her to enjoy the holiday and be grateful Drew was in her life. Her heart was still heavy with the loss. She needed time to heal. Everyone gave her the space she needed, but the loss was still hard to take.
Drew seemed to be waiting for an answer, but finally said, “Okay, I understand.”
“Thanks. I’m working on everything, Drew. I promise.” She didn’t have the heart to tell him she’d never believe in fairy tales again. Childish dreams, that’s all they were.
When they reached the sidewalk, they parted ways. Kate’s mom turned to her and said, “Where to? Or do I need to even guess? The camera store?”
Kate smiled. “Where else?”
The store clerk was extremely helpful. Kate found something she was sure Drew would like. “He would never buy this, Mom. I’m so excited I found something different.” She turned to the clerk. “Thanks for your help. Could you wrap that in tissue and put it in here?” She held up her canvas shopping bag. “I don’t want to give my boyfriend any clues.”
“Mine, too, please.” Her mom bought accessories to go with the camera. “We can add onto this for his birthday, Kate. What a great gift. Hard to believe Drew will turn twenty in January. Where does the time go?” She glanced at her watch. “Speaking of time, we better get going. I want to stop in one more store before we meet the guys.”
Kate wandered around the men’s clothing store while her mom chose outfits for her father. She chuckled as she watched the salesperson hold up certain colors she knew her dad would never wear. He was an old-fashioned kind of guy in this fast-paced world. In the end, she knew her mom would choose exactly what he liked.
“I’m exhausted already!” Her mother giggled. “Trying to hide the packages is the hardest part.”
As they headed toward the center of the shopping area, Kate spotted Drew running toward them. His nose was slightly red from the cold. His green eyes twinkled with excitement. “Kate! Wait till you see!”
His excitement was contagious. “What? What is it?”
“They’ve decorated the middle of town like a winter wonderland. This,” he gestured to the clear twinkling lights, winter wreaths and snowflakes on the buildings, “is nothing.”
As they grew closer, Kate raised a gloved hand to her mouth. “Oh, my.”
A white, glimmering castle stood in the middle of the square. Kate thought someone had taken a can of white frosting and artistically spread it on the roof and turrets. Wispy flakes of snow fell, adding to the magic. Pale blue snowflake lights lined the path to the doorway of the three-story palace. Blue and white fairies and whimsical white deer dotted the landscape.
“Can you believe it?” Drew pulled Kate close and whispered in her ear. “Just what you needed.”
“It’s perfect...for the kids. I’m sure they love it.” Kate glanced down at her designer boots now covered in snow. “Is Santa inside?”
“Yes, he is.” Drew took Kate’s face in his hands. “It’s a perfect spot to ask you to marry me again.”
A giggle welled up inside her. “Yes, it is.”
“But I won’t.” Drew took her by the waist and twirled her around. “It’s good to see you smile again.” He pulled his camera from the bag on his shoulder. “Jack? Would you mind?” He handed the camera to Kate’s father and pulled her in front of the castle.
“Drew, this is a place for kids. Not us.”
“Just one picture. That’s all.”
“Alright. Just one.” Kate smiled quickly as her dad waved his hand at them to get her attention, just as he did when she was little.
“Lunchtime!” He called out when he was done taking the photos. “After I visit Santa!”
Everyone laughed as they made their way to a favorite restaurant in the village. Kate took a deep breath, then slowly let it out. She had been so serious these last few months it was time she let go. She made a vow to enjoy the holiday season with Drew and her parents.
* * * *
“Doorbell!” Kate’s dad hopped up from his chair in the family room. “I’ll get it.”
Kate wrinkled her nose. “Who would come out in this weather?”
Her dad reappeared in the doorway. “A delivery man. It’s for you.” He held an odd-shaped, covered package set inside a box. “I’ll put it on the dinette table. You better open it there.”
Curious, Kate looked at Drew. “Do you know about this?” She got up and walked into the kitchen. Drew followed behind. Kate tore the paper back to reveal a beautiful bouquet of red, yellow and orange flowers. “They’re beautiful! The colors of the canyon.” It took her back to the very first time she met Drew. He was interning at the Grand Canyon, and she was working at a village restaurant for the summer. She climbed over a fence and lost her balance, landing in the dirt. She didn’t realize she had an audience until she heard someone laughing. That was the moment she met Drew. “You and I...and the Grand Canyon,” she whispered.
“I hoped it would remind you of that.” Drew pointed to a beautifully wrapped package in the box. “There’s something else.”
Kate reached for the gift sporting a huge silver bow. She carefully removed the ribbon and peeled the paper away to reveal a framed picture. “It’s a picture of us at the canyon. The first tim
e we went to Arizona to visit Anna as a couple. I love it, Drew.” Tears filled her eyes. The flowers and picture were reminders of those happy times. “It’s not Christmas yet. You shouldn’t be giving me presents.” She lightly punched his arm. “I don’t have anything for you.”
“Think of it as an early present. Anyway, the look on your face is my gift.” Drew pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead. “Our special place, Kate. Don’t ever forget that.”
Kate’s mom came down the stairs. “Did I miss something?” She stopped when she spotted the floral arrangement. “Flowers! Just what we need on a cold day.” She took Kate’s hand and led her to a chair at the table. “Sit, everyone. I have something to discuss with the family.”
Kate noticed Drew and her dad looked just as surprised as she was. “Mom, is everything alright?”
“Yes, fine. This is a good thing. I just got off the phone with my brother.” She looked at Kate’s dad. “Jackson, we’ve been invited on a ski trip. My brother said a four-bedroom condo has been booked...air hockey and pool table included. They found babysitters and are ready to go.”
“So close to Christmas?” Kate found it hard to believe her mom wanted to go.
“We’ll be back in time for Christmas Eve. It’s a gift from my parents. They’re paying for everything. I think it’s kind of exciting.” Her mom’s face was relaxed and happy. Kate knew she had her share of stressful times, too, and deserved a vacation.
“You should definitely go. We’ll be fine. Right, Drew?” Kate took his hand across the table.
“We get the house to ourselves for a few days. What’s not to like?” He grinned, and Kate’s dad gave him a playful push.
“Then it’s settled.” Kate’s mom stood. “Jackson, we have to start packing. We leave tomorrow morning.”
“I have to admit, I wouldn’t mind a little cross country skiing.” Kate’s dad smiled.
“Wait!” Kate suddenly realized it wasn’t the best weather for traveling. “One more thing. Where are you going? And how will you get there in this weather?”
“Peek’n Peak in New York. Less than a three-hour drive. We’ll take our time.” Kate’s mom went to the basement stairs.
“I’m up for the challenge!” Her dad joined her, and they headed downstairs giggling like two teenagers to search for luggage.
“I don’t know, Drew. I’m happy for them, but what were my grandparents thinking? The weather’s not the greatest.”
“They’ll be fine. You heard your mom. She looked pretty happy about the trip. Besides, I won’t mind having you all to myself for a few days.”
“That part is wonderful.” Kate walked over to Drew and sat on his lap. “What will we do with all that time on our hands?” she teased.
“Don’t start with me again. Engaged or married, you know my rule.” He nuzzled against her neck, making her shudder.
It was an intoxicating feeling, yet maddening at the same time. “Ooh, you can be so stubborn at times!”
The moment was interrupted by the banging of luggage on the basement steps. “I’ve got it, Joanna.” Kate’s dad laughed. “Find that travel bag you like. And if you can’t, call me, and I’ll come back down.”
When he reached the top step, he set a huge suitcase on the floor.
“How long are you going for?” Drew lightly hit his head. “I think Kate could fit in there.” He lifted her up, pretending he was going to put her in the luggage.
“Drew!” Kate threw her head back, giggling. “Put me down.”
He placed her gently on the floor. “If the weather was better, I’d take everyone out to dinner. How about if you and I cook dinner for your parents?”
Kate made a face. “You know I’m not very good at cooking.”
“Well, I am...and you’re learning. Come on, you can be my sous chef.”
The sun was beginning to set, so Kate knew it was time to get started. “Fine, but keep it simple.”
“Chicken piccata it is.”
“That’s easy?”
“A little breading, lemon, white wine...that’s all. I’ll guide you.”
Kate and Drew spent the rest of the evening in the kitchen, cooking and joking, while her parents packed. Kate lit the candles in the dining room and set the table with the holiday dishes. Everything looked festive, and she hoped the meal would be as good.
“Dinner!” she called up the stairs. “You two lovebirds come on down.” Suddenly it struck her. Her parents were still so much in love and were excited to go away together. She had been in her own world for months, almost shutting out Drew. Starting tomorrow, that would change.
After dinner, Kate and Drew found themselves in the kitchen again...cleaning up.
“There’s always a downside to cooking at home.” Kate wrapped her arms around Drew’s waist and squeezed him tightly. “But having you here makes it more fun.”
He slammed the dishwasher door shut and turned to face her. “Just now, you sounded like my old Kate. I’m glad you had fun tonight. You never know, there might be more fun to come.”
Kate tilted her head to one side. “Are you teasing me? You didn’t have one shopping bag in your hand today.”
Drew winked and pulled her closer. “You’ll have to wait and see. Anything for you,” he whispered in her ear. “I love you.”
“And I love you,” Kate whispered back, barely able to catch her breath. She waited for his kiss. Instead, Drew stepped back and smiled.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like some time with Jack before he leaves.”
“Hey, that’s not fair. We were in the middle of something.”
Drew planted a quick kiss on her lips. “Holiday secrets, Kate, that’s all. You know I love being in the middle of something with you...always.”
“Always? Do I need to remind you of the time...?”
Drew placed his finger on her lips. “Always.”
“You’re quite the charmer,” Kate said as she headed for the stairs. “I’m going to call Lindsey and see if she made it home from school yet. Today was her traveling day. She’ll be sorry she left Arizona when she sees all this snow.”
“I don’t think so. She probably can’t wait to see her best friend. Invite her over,” Drew called after her.
When Kate stepped into her bedroom, she noticed a brightly wrapped package on her bed. “What...?” She sat on the edge of the bed and pulled the gift into her lap. The tag had a large heart drawn on it with Drew’s name underneath. “When did he do this?”
Kate carefully removed the paper to expose a large gift basket filled with an assortment of tea. Inside was a note.
Remember all the nights drinking tea at the diner after my football games? You were always so cold and ordered tea every time. I’d pull you close and snuggle until you were warm again.
She held the note to her heart and thought back to their high school years. Drew was the quarterback on the football team, and she never missed a game. She sat through wind, rain and snow to cheer him on.
Something else was in the basket, another wrapped package. This time Kate ripped through the paper. Another framed picture was inside. She lightly ran her hand over the glass. “Drew in his football uniform. Senior night, the last game of the season. He insisted I be in the picture.”
She wanted to run downstairs and throw her arms around him, but he asked for time with her dad. Respecting his privacy, Kate waited until he came up for the night. “Drew!” she called as he went by to his room. “Are you going to say goodnight?”
“Of course, be right back.” He held up a finger, motioning her to wait. When he returned his cheeks were flush, and he was a little out of breath. Kate had a feeling he was hiding more secrets and enjoying every minute. “So you found it!” He gestured at the basket.
“It was in the middle of my bed. Of course, I found it.” Kate threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you, Drew. You are the most romantic boyfriend ever.”
He kissed her, slowly brushing his lips against
hers. “I’m glad you like it. See you in the morning.” Kate hated to see him leave, but realized that long ago nothing would change his mind.
“I’m going to put the picture with the other one,” Kate said as she removed the new frame from the box and placed it on her desk next to the Grand Canyon picture.
“Did you talk to Lindsey?”
“Not yet. I was too busy unwrapping my present...and thinking.”
“Okay, then I’ll let you have some privacy.” He winked as he left the room.
Kate had to smile as she watched him walk away. She was the luckiest girl in the world.
* * * *
Kate set her alarm to make sure she was up before her parents left. She wanted to say goodbye. Tiptoeing into the hallway, she didn’t want to wake Drew. His bedroom door was still shut which was unusual for him. He was always the first one up in the morning.
The scent of coffee greeted her as she descended the stairs. Her father was at the stove scrambling eggs, and her mom was reading the paper on her laptop. They looked so content it was hard to believe they were leaving in a just a few short hours.
“Mom? Dad?” They appeared startled to see her up. “I wanted to spend some time with you before you left. Promise you’ll call when you get there.”
“Kate, look outside.” Her mom pointed with her coffee cup. “The sun’s out. I think the weatherman got it wrong.”
“Nope, he got it right.” Drew bounded down the stairs. “Good morning, everyone.” He gave Kate a kiss on the cheek. “The weather’s just delayed a bit. That polar vortex will be upon us later today.”
“Good,” Kate’s dad joined the conversation, “it will give us time to get there safe and sound.”
“Lindsey’s coming over. I’ll text her to come sooner or plan on sleeping over.” Kate reached for her phone and sent the message.
In a few minutes, her answer arrived. See you in two hours.
“She’s coming earlier,” Kate announced. “Right after you leave.” She grabbed a cup of coffee. “I’m taking this with me. I need to shower and dress.”
Frozen: A Winter Romance Anthology Page 15
