Her bedroom door was shut when she reached the top of the stairs. That’s odd. I didn’t close the door.
As she pushed the door back, a sparkling package of gold and silver winked at her from the middle of the bed. A small box sat on top of a larger one, all tied up with a giant gold bow. So that’s why he didn’t get up. He was waiting for me to go downstairs.
Kate bounced onto the bed and dug into the wrapping. She started with the small gift. As she lifted the lid, a silver cowboy hat charm twinkled in the light. Another charm for my bracelet. She quickly opened the card.
A reminder of the visits to Arizona...the time we spent together with Anna.
Tears filled her eyes as Kate reached for the second gift. She already knew it would be another picture, but couldn’t wait to see which one.
Drew wore his black cowboy hat, and she had on her Arizona blue. The couple smiled up at her. The rolling hills of the ranch were behind them. She hugged it tightly to her chest. She recalled the visit. Her seventeenth birthday and the first time Drew met Anna. He may have been surprised at her age, but didn’t show it. Lindsey’s great-grandmother wasn’t the typical best friend. Through her eyes, she had opened Kate’s. Kate never thought of her as elderly, just a friend. That could be the reason she was so shocked when Anna passed away. Everyone else grieved, but accepted it was her time. Not Kate. She wanted Anna to live forever. In a way, she did. She left Kate a note and told her to choose a star, name it Anna and talk to it whenever she needed her.
Kate walked over to her desk and added the picture to the others. Drew had done a great job of matching frames, not identical but complimenting each other. She took a photo of Anna in her hand and smiled. “He’s trying so hard, Anna. I love him all the more. Tonight you and I are going to have a long chat. I hope the sky is clear so I can find the Big Dipper.”
She had chosen the last star in the tip of its handle so it could be easily found. Drew teased her that the star already had a name, but she held fast. It would always be Anna to her.
“Kate!” her dad called up the stairs. “We’re leaving in a half hour.”
“Already? Be down in a minute.” She rushed into the shower. The warm water soothed her spirit, and she longed to stay a few minutes longer. Instead, she popped out, dried off and quickly dressed. Her blue eyes stared back at her as she applied some light make-up—mascara, a little blush and a touch of pink gloss.
Kate headed for the first floor and found Drew standing with her parents in the hall leading to the garage. “Were you leaving without saying goodbye?” She crossed her arms, feeling a little left out.
“Of course not.” Her dad extended his arms. “We’ll see you in two days. The time will fly by.”
Kate hugged him tightly and faced her mom. “Have a good time.”
“We’ll see you Christmas Eve. We should be back by dinnertime.” Her mom kissed Kate’s cheek. “You two behave.”
Drew and Kate watched out the window until her parents’ car was out of sight. She slipped her arm around his waist and led him back to the family room. “Whatever you want to do today is fine with me. You’ve been spoiling me. So now it’s my turn to spoil you.”
“So you liked the gift?” Drew’s arms found their way around her. He lowered her to the sofa and slid in next to her. He ran his finger along her jaw, leaning down to kiss her sweetly.
Kate reached around and drew him closer, kissing him passionately as if to say she’d always be his. He tasted like Christmas, all warmth and spices. The holiday season seemed to engulf them in light and happiness, but a knock at the front door brought Kate back to reality.
“Why do we keep getting interrupted?” Drew whispered in her ear as he rolled over her and landed on the floor. Kate giggled at his antics.
“Coming!” Drew shouted out, trying not laugh. He stood and brushed off his jeans.
Kate heard the door open. Drew’s voice traveled into the family room. “Lindsey!”
She hopped up and straightened her sweater, sweeping her hair back with the other hand. Her heart soared. Having Lindsey home was a wonderful present. “Drew, have her come back here,” she called out as she flicked on the Christmas tree lights.
“Kates!” Lindsey bounced into the room, reminding Kate so much of Anna. Her dark blonde hair hung loosely around her shoulders, and her chocolate brown eyes sparkled. “I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever! The last time was...”
Kate knew why she stopped. October had been the last, the week of Anna’s funeral. “It’s okay, Linds. I’m good. How are you?”
“Excited to be home, but missing Charlie. He’s coming the day after Christmas, so it’s not that far away. Sounds stupid, doesn’t it?”
Kate gave her friend a hug. “Not at all. Look at it as only three more days. The countdown begins.”
“We’ve been together every day on campus, and I got used to having him around.” Lindsey laughed. “So much for being Miss Independent.”
“You still are. You’re in love, that’s all. Come on. Join me in the kitchen. I’ll get you a cup of coffee.”
Drew appeared in the doorway, bundled from head to toe in skiwear. Both girls placed their hands to their mouths, and their eyes grew wide.
“What?” Drew lifted his shoulders.
Lindsey stifled a laugh. “You look like a little kid ready to play in the snow.”
“That’s exactly what I am. When you finish up...join me.” Drew opened some cupboards and rummaged through the shelves.
“Drew, what are you doing?” Kate gazed over the counter.
“You said I could do whatever I wanted today. I grew up in New York City, and there weren’t many places to play in the snow. Last year we didn’t have snow for Christmas. This year, we have tons. So I’m going out there and build a fort.”
“Anything I can do to help?” Kate glanced at Lindsey, and they shared a knowing look. Their bond was something she treasured.
“Could you get those buckets from the laundry room?” He threw some large metal bowls on the top of the counter.
“You’re going to use those to make snow molds?” Lindsey joined them. “I think Kate and I could build a bigger fort than you, Drew Kelly.”
“Yeah? Well, let’s find out, Lindsey Campbell.” He swept up his supplies. “I’ll be out there.” He gestured to the front of the house as he headed in that direction. The door slammed behind him.
Kate finally let out the giggle she was holding inside. “Oh, he’s too funny. He’s like a big kid.” She tried to mimic his voice. “I’m going to build a fort.” Taking a sip of coffee she said, “Let’s give him a head start.”
“I’m glad I dressed for the outdoors,” Lindsey said. “You get ready, and I’ll look for those buckets.” She started for the laundry room and stopped. “And, Kates, this is really sweet of you. It’s hard for Drew to be so far from home this time of year.”
“Thanks for playing along. He deserves this.” Kate dashed upstairs and was back in a few minutes. She tied a warm scarf around her neck and pulled on a wool hat. Since they were all skiers, she had the necessary things to keep warm.
When the girls stepped outside, Drew already had a row of snow blocks completed for the base of his fort.
“Where did you get that shape? No fair!” Kate pointed at the large, rectangular blocks.
“Found some bins in the garage.” Drew didn’t look up from what he was doing. Kate loved how serious he was.
“Can we borrow them?” she asked sweetly.
“And help the enemy?”
“Please?”
“Well, since you asked so nicely...” Drew grabbed one bin and brought it to her. “Anything for you.” He kissed her. His lips already had a slight chill, and Kate shivered.
“No kissing, you two.” Lindsey had two buckets packed with snow. “Kate, help me.” She picked one up and dumped it upside down. Lifting slowing, a packed block of snow stood in place. “Touchdown!” She held her arms over her head and ran
around in a happy snow dance.
“Let me!” Kate grabbed another bucket and fell to her knees. She shoveled snow into the container and packed it down with her hands. The day was clear, not a cloud in the sky. The sun shone brightly on them as they worked. She could almost feel the heat through all her layers.
They labored away until their walls were tall enough to hide behind. Drew’s fort grew more complex with towers and designs. Kate saw a side of him she’d never seen before. It made him all the more sexy and desirable. She couldn’t take her eyes off him...strong, tall, dark and handsome. She drank in every inch of him while he worked, wishing they were alone.
“Kate!” Lindsey made small snowballs and tossed one at her. “Get back here. Sir Andrew is ready to defend his castle.”
“And maybe capture the Princess Kathryn!” he called out from behind his wall.
“Hey!” Lindsey answered back sharply and began to snicker.
“And you, too, Princess Lindsey. Sorry!” Drew’s voice was filled with fun.
“I’m not a princess,” Kate whispered.
“You used to think you were. Remember your seventh birthday? The princess party? You couldn’t decide which princess you wanted to be so you changed three times. Just like the award shows, Kate. You loved that stuff.”
“All little girls love princesses.”
Lindsey gave her a hard stare.
“Alright, well, most do.”
“You had to force me to dress up. I caved and said I’d be Pocahontas. That was as close as I was coming. No frilly pink or yellow dress for me.”
“Yeah, yeah. Okay, so I liked princesses and believed in fairy tales. So shoot me.”
“I’m not making fun, Kate. That’s what everyone loves about you. You believe. Look how far we’ve come because of it.” Lindsey winked at Kate. “We love you.”
Kate sat with her back against the snow wall. “I miss her.”
“We all do.” Lindsey tossed her first snowball in Drew’s direction and joined her. “He’s still carving out his little window. We’ll give him some more time.” She took Kate’s gloved hand in hers. “You don’t have to be strong all the time. I know that’s what you’re thinking. When Anna said you’re special and would keep the family together, I don’t think she wanted you to turn into a serious, sober human being. Let your inner princess out again, Kate.” She squeezed her hand. “Really. It’s okay.”
A snowball landed at their feet. “Oh, it’s so on!” Lindsey grabbed the bucket she filled with round, little frozen snowballs. She launched a few and handed one to Kate. “Come on! Defend the fort!”
Kate took the ball and rose in place. She peeked over the top to see Drew’s face lit with fun and a touch of mischief. Her hand grasped the snowball tighter, and she aimed for the top turret he designed. Throwing with all her might, she nicked a piece off, and it fell to the ground.
“Now you’ve done it!” Drew’s voice carried over the wall as three more snowballs dropped in quick succession.
They continued the fight until Kate finally called a truce. Drew raced across the yard and hurdled over their wall, landing on the snow between the girls. “I’ve come to capture my princess.” He reached for Kate and slid her along the snowy ground toward him.
“I can’t take anymore.” Lindsey held up her hands. “I’m heading for home.” She hugged them both. “Princess Kathryn, I give you Prince Andrew.” She placed Kate’s hand on top of Drew’s. “You belong together.” She tromped through the snow to her car, waving as she got in and drove off.
“I hope we didn’t drive her away.” Kate made a sad face. “She misses Charlie, and we should have tried harder to distract her.”
“Distract? I think we did a good job. Look at the time. We’ve been out here all afternoon.”
“I am feeling a little cold.”
“Then let’s head inside. I’ll build a fire, and we’ll cook dinner.” Drew popped up in one smooth motion, taking Kate with him. “That was fun.”
Kate nodded. “I have to admit it was. The way the weather’s going, you’ll be able to add on to your castle. Your designer talents shine through, even in fort building.”
“Why, thank you.” Drew bowed in a playful manner as they walked to the garage entrance of the house.
“Mom will appreciate us leaving our boots out here.” Kate kicked one off, then the other. “What are we making for dinner?”
“Stir fry,” Drew said as if he had the menu already planned.
Kate walked back to the family room and froze in place. “Drew! How do you keep doing this?”
Sitting in the middle of the floor was another wrapped package. The red, white and black wrapping reminded Kate of her summer birthday party. She reached for the card wedged under the ribbon.
Last summer was your 18th birthday. We celebrated in Arizona with Anna. She threw you a huge Roaring Twenties birthday, complete with gangsters and flappers. Remember those good days. Don’t dwell on the bad. I love you,
Drew
“Drew! This is too much,” Kate called out. “Get in here so we can open it together.”
Drew popped his head into the room. “Just a second.”
Kate waited patiently for him to reappear. She thought back to the celebration and how magical her birthday night had been. Old movie posters and photos of stars of the era adorned the walls. Red roses were everywhere. The white frosted cake was decorated with tiny black dots and a black bow. Kate sighed. The party was wonderful until she found out she had to go to a university in Ohio instead of Arizona like she planned. Drew forgot that part. Kate had wanted to live closer to Anna.
By the time Drew came into the room, tears freely streamed down Kate’s face. “Are you alright?” He sank to the floor and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, hugging her close. “I don’t want to make you sad, Kate,” he whispered into her hair. “I just want you to be happy.”
“I’m sorry. I am. It’s just that...” Kate searched for the right words. “I had a moment. That’s all. It will pass. Now...” She pulled the gift toward her. “What could this be? And how did it get here?” She glanced at Drew out of the corner of her eye.
“I have my ways...and a little help from an elf named Lindsey.”
“I knew you were up to something when I heard whispering when she got here.” Kate began to pull at the paper. The container resembled an old-fashioned hatbox like the ones she’d seen in the attic. “What could this be?” She lifted the lid and gasped. “Anna’s hat. How?”
Kate remembered wearing Anna’s black felt cloche hat at the funeral but somehow lost track of it. Devastated, she tried to convince herself it was only a hat. The 1920s style pulled on the head, fitting closely. The brim hung over the eyes and was perfect for hiding her face that day.
“Remember that elf I told you about?” Drew’s voice cracked as he explained. He cleared his throat and sniffed a few times to gain his composure. “She found it.”
“Oh, Drew!” Kate threw her arms around his neck. “This is the best present I could ever get. I thought it was lost forever.”
“And now you have it safely in hand.”
Kate slipped the hat on her head, feeling Anna surround her. She hugged herself tightly. “This is almost too good to be true.”
“There’s more.” Drew pointed inside the box.
A picture of Drew and Kate in their 1920s costumes stared back at her. Drew was dressed as a gangster, black suit, white tie, pinstriped vest. Kate remembered the black fedora hat made him irresistible. She wore a black fringe flapper dress with a sparkling headband running around her head. “We were quite the pair.” She laughed as she reached into the box and removed the photo. Her heart fluttered as she looked at her handsome Drew. “How did you get this package in the family room without me seeing?”
“When you went upstairs to change, Lindsey ran it in. She waited for you to come down and whisked you outside.”
Kate thought back to earlier. “I thought it was odd she w
anted to go out so quickly.”
“I have one more surprise for you tonight.” Drew took her hand and guided her into the kitchen. “After we eat dinner. Stir fry...remember?”
When they finished, Kate cleared away the dishes. Cleaning up was the least she could do since Drew made dinner. Finally, Kate couldn’t stand the suspense any longer. “There. All done. I’m ready.”
“For what?” Drew’s face wore a look of amusement.
“Stop teasing.” Kate tossed the dishtowel at him. “The surprise.”
“You have to put your ski gear back on. Do you mind?”
“Not at all.” Kate hurried into the laundry room where she hung her things to dry. She quickly slipped on ski pants, jacket, wool hat and mittens. “Ready!” she called out to Drew, not quite sure where he was.
“I’m in the garage,” he answered back.
The sky had grown dark, but it was a clear night with many twinkling stars.
“It’s beautiful.” Kate breathed in the evening air. “What’s the plan?”
“Snow angels.” Drew grabbed her hand and pulled her out to the front yard. “Pick a spot. Somewhere we didn’t walk today.”
A corner of the yard wasn’t trampled, and Kate headed for the spot. “Here.” She pointed.
Drew took her hands and let her down gently into the snow. He carefully lay back next to her. “Okay, go!”
Kate let her arms flap up and down, giggling as she remembered doing that as a little girl. Her legs moved out and back to complete the angel. “I wish I could fly!”
“Tell it to Anna.” Drew gestured up at the Big Dipper. The stars sparkled brightly against the clear black velvet night sky.
“Anna! Merry Christmas! I love you,” Kate yelled at the top of her voice. She turned her head toward Drew. “Thank you. This was the best gift of all.”
Drew hopped up and helped her up. “We’ll see about that. Tomorrow’s Christmas Eve. We’ll give each other our special gifts, just like last year. Your parents will be home, and we can spend Christmas Day together.”
Frozen: A Winter Romance Anthology Page 16
