Frozen: A Winter Romance Anthology

by Melange Books, LLC

  Kate melted into his arms, searching for his lips. She kissed him lightly, then more firmly, claiming her man. She wanted him to know he was the only one for her. Something brushed against her cheek, and Kate opened her eyes. “It’s snowing, Drew. Merry Christmas.”

  * * * *

  A loud knock startled Kate from her sleep. She bolted upright. “Is everything okay?” Her eyes locked on the closed door. “Who is it? Mom? Dad?”

  Drew opened the door and sheepishly looked in. “Sorry to wake you. I’ve got your mom on the phone.” He walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. “I’ll put her on speaker.”

  “Kate?”

  “Hi, Mom. Are you enjoying your vacation?”

  “It looks like we’ll be enjoying it a little longer than we thought. We’re snowed in.”

  “What?” Kate hopped out of bed and ran to her window. The snow was still falling, and the angel she made last night had disappeared.

  “It snowed all night. Haven’t you kept track of the weather?”

  “No, Mom. I’m not like you and Dad, the weatherman.” She chuckled but then grew serious. “When do you think you’ll be home?”

  “It’s supposed to stop by this evening. The plows are doing their best to keep up. Even if they clear everything tonight, your dad doesn’t want to chance it. We’ll leave in the morning. We’ll be home for Christmas, I promise.”

  Tears filled Kate’s eyes. She didn’t want her mom to know she was upset. She pointed to Drew, gesturing for him to talk.

  “We’ll be fine, Joanna. We’re snowed in here, too.”

  “There’s plenty of food in the freezer.” Kate’s dad now joined the conversation.

  “Dad!” Kate found her voice. “Just be careful driving. I love you.”

  “We love you, too, sweetie,” her mom answered back. “Oh, I forgot to tell you, Kate. Your grandparents are here. They surprised us and were at the condo when we arrived. It’s an old-fashioned family Christmas.”

  “I’m so happy for you, Mom. Give them my love. As Drew said, we’ll be fine.”

  “Alright, we’ll see you tomorrow.”

  After Drew hung up the phone, he turned to Kate. “I guess I’ll have to distract you today. How about if we bake some cookies for our party tonight?”

  “Party?”

  “Yep, just you and me...a party for two.”

  Kate slid into his lap. “It sounds wonderful. Let me get dressed, and we’ll get started.”

  “But first...” Drew rolled Kate onto the bed. “We have to start the day off right with a holiday kiss.”

  “Or two.”

  “Or three.”

  “Shut up, and kiss me.”

  * * * *

  Kate sat on the floor in front of the Christmas tree. Her thoughts flashed back to last year, the Christmas her father went missing. He said he’d make it back in time for the holidays, but he never showed. Her mother was distraught, and Kate finally made the decision they would look for him. Luckily, everything turned out all right, but Kate couldn’t help comparing this year to last.

  “Kate? You seem like you’re in another world.” Drew dropped down next to her.

  “I was...for a minute. I was just thinking about last Christmas and hoping this one doesn’t turn out the same. We sat here exchanging gifts while Mom cried her eyes out in her bedroom. Not the best memories.”

  “This year will not turn out like last. We know where everyone is. Your parents are just snowed in. Let’s enjoy this. We have the house to ourselves and can do anything we want.”

  Kate raised an eyebrow and looked straight into his emerald eyes. “Anything?”

  “You know what I mean.”

  “Well, before we open presents, there is something I want to discuss without the parents eavesdropping.”

  Drew nodded. “Go on.”

  “You know I want to quit school.” Kate held up her hand. “Before you say anything, hear me out.” She snuggled in closer to him. “Wouldn’t it be great if we had our own place? We’re living with my parents! When we were at the village shops, I pictured us in one of those little apartments above a store.”

  “Okay.”

  “What?” Kate took Drew’s face in her hands and stared hard into his eyes to make sure he wasn’t kidding. “Did I hear you right?”

  “I agree. We should move out. It’s a little awkward at times. I have the money. That’s not a problem. I just thought you wanted to live here.”

  Kate bit her bottom lip. “You know why we had to, Drew.”

  “Yeah, but your stalker friend is no longer a problem.”

  “No, he’s not.” Kate hoped that was true. Her childhood friend had turned their friendship into an obsession. Things were finally under control. “And besides, he isn’t going to rule our lives. The best revenge is for us to move on and be happy.”

  “Then after the holidays, we’ll go and check out apartments.”

  “Really?” Kate couldn’t believe he agreed.

  “Yes, really. And if you want to quit school, that’s up to you. You’re an adult, Kate. You can make your own decisions. Remember that.”

  Kate’s heart soared with excitement. They could finally start building a life together. This year wasn’t going to be anything like the last. She just had to believe again.

  “Is there a spark in those beautiful blue eyes? I haven’t seen that for awhile.” Drew leaned back and studied her face. “Hey, you know what? I think it’s time for presents.” He reached for a tiny box under the tree.

  “Mmm, I don’t think a picture frame can fit in there,” Kate teased.

  He produced a huge envelope from under the tree skirt. “This, too.”

  Kate slid the ornate card the size of a notebook from its red container. “It’s over the top, Drew.” She laughed. “Just like my romantic boyfriend.” She read the sentiment to herself, but read what he had written aloud. “I gave you a blue sapphire necklace when we first met. You said you’d never take it off. I hope you will change your mind after opening this gift.”

  Kate wrinkled her nose and gave Drew a questioning look. “I meant that, you know.” She tore the paper from the box and lifted the lid. A sapphire snowflake pendant rested on the black velvet background. “It’s beautiful,” she gasped. “Will you put it on?”

  “To wear in winter,” Drew said as he kissed the back of her neck. “And to remind you that you’re just like a snowflake. They’re all different, but I was able to find the most special one.”

  “Whoa, you are good.” Kate kissed him. “Don’t ever stop coming up with that stuff.”

  Drew threw back his head and laughed. “Is that what you think? I sit around dreaming it up? I want you to know the words come naturally.” He gave her a silly grin, and they both laughed.

  “Oh, one more thing.” Drew slid an unwrapped photo toward her.

  “Our prom picture.” Kate looked up at the bookcase.” You cheated. You took that one off the shelf.”

  “Guilty.” Drew chuckled as he held his hands up in surrender. “See, I’m not always the perfect boyfriend.”

  Kate studied the two of them in the photo. She wore an ice blue dress, and Drew had a matching tie and vest. “The necklace would’ve gone well with the dress.” She searched under the tree to make sure no more gifts were hidden away. Drew had spoiled her enough.

  “Your turn!” Kate reached for the blue holiday bag sporting a snowman. White and blue tissue finished the look. “For you...my prince.”

  Drew raised his eyebrows. “Oh, so you believe again.”

  “I’m starting to.”

  “Good. I miss our private jokes.”

  “You mean the one where we tell our children we met in a fairy tale?” Kate giggled.

  “That and others.” Drew pulled the tissue from the bag and threw it over his shoulder. “Hey! What’s this?”

  “I wanted to expand your horizons. That video camera can go anywhere, even underwater. You can attach it to a helmet, on you
r arm, so you’re hands free. Can you imagine hiking the Grand Canyon with that?”

  “You sound like a commercial, Kate.” Drew chuckled. “It’s great. I love it...and you.”

  He leaned over, giving her an intense kiss on the lips. Kate reached out and placed her hand on his chest. She could feel his heart drumming through his shirt. The ripple of his muscles under her fingertips made her tremble. She ran her hand up and into his hair, pulling him closer to her. His kiss ran down the side of her neck and back to her lips. She shivered in delight.

  “Drew?” Kate whispered in his ear, breathing softly into it. She wished they could stay like that forever.

  His hands groped her tighter, melding their bodies together. “Kate!” He let go and ran his hands through his hair. “Damn! I love you.”

  Kate laughed. The sound was airy and light. “I know what you’re going to say next. Goodnight. See you in the morning.”

  “You don’t mind?”

  “You wouldn’t be Drew if it was any other way.” She hopped up from the floor. “I’ll be wearing this tomorrow when I come down.” She lightly touched her necklace.

  “Oh, so we’re formally dressing for the morning?” he teased.

  “It will look good with my flannels.” Kate bounced up the stairs. It was a good Christmas Eve, and she still had more to look forward to. She went to her closet and gathered the rest of the gifts she bought Drew. The stocking she made overflowed with candy and Christmas socks.

  Kate tiptoed to her door and peeked out into the hall. “Drew?” Since he didn’t answer, she stepped out into the hall and down the stairs. Stacks of presents greeted her. “Of course, he beat me.” She added her gifts to the pile.

  “We’ll be here all day.” She smiled as she stood back to admire her work. “I’ll bring Mom and Dad’s down in the morning,” she told herself as she headed back up.

  When she got back to her room, she went to the window. “Goodnight, Anna,” she whispered. Kate noticed it had stopped snowing. “Well, at least my parents have a chance at getting home tomorrow.”

  She snapped off her light and crawled into bed. The excitement of the holiday washed over her, reminding her of how she felt as a little girl.

  Sleep tight, princess. Kate swore she heard a voice as she drifted off to sleep.

  * * * *

  The smell of coffee woke her the next morning. Christmas! Kate’s eyes flew open. She lay staring at the ceiling until everything came into focus. Her parents had not made it home, but she managed to have a wonderful night. She recalled them saying they’d leave first thing in the morning. In fact, they could be downstairs right now.

  She hopped out of bed and decided to throw on some casual clothes. Jeans and a fuzzy pink sweater were the perfect choice. Kate rushed into her bathroom, hoping to beat Drew downstairs. “Like that will ever happen.” She laughed. She checked the mirror to make sure her necklace was on display.

  As she made her way down the stairs, there was nothing but silence. “Drew?”

  The kitchen light was on, but the room was empty. A holiday mug was on the counter with a note. Have a cup. Meet you in the family room.

  Kate walked to the coffeemaker and poured a cup of coffee. She added her favorite vanilla cream and stirred it in. Holding the cup between both hands, she headed for the family room. The Christmas tree was lit, and holiday candles twinkled in the morning light. The scent of cinnamon filled the air. “Drew, where are you?”

  She looked down at the presents and saw another note. Open the shades. Kate glanced around and noticed the blinds over the sliding doors were closed. She pulled them back.

  “Oh!” Kate covered her mouth with one hand and set her cup down with the other. Her hands fumbled with the lock as she struggled to unlock the door to the back deck. “Darn!” She finally heard the lock click and slid the door back.

  A huge ice castle, almost as tall as Drew, sat in the corner of the deck on a snowy mound. Snow had been cleared and piled around it, creating a winter landscape. The path leading up to the door was lined with chunky white candles. Drew sat on a sculpted hill next to the icy statue. When he saw her, he slid down and came to the door.

  “Get your coat,” he called as he came closer.

  Kate ran down the hall to the laundry room and grabbed the coat she left there to dry. Her fingers trembled from excitement, and she couldn’t zip the jacket. “Ooh, just leave it!” She raced back to the family room to find Drew standing inside.

  “Merry Christmas, love.” He held out his arms, and she ran to him.

  “How did you...? When?” Kate had so many questions her head spun.

  “Do you like it?” Drew’s grin said it all. Kate could tell he was thrilled with the way he surprised her.

  “Like it? I love it!”

  “Ready to go out?” He offered her his hand. They stepped out onto the deck and strolled down the path to the castle.

  Kate hadn’t noticed before, but Drew somehow managed to put all the photos he gave her on different levels of the castle. She counted the frames and realized there was one more. “Another picture? Am I right?”

  Drew smiled as he pointed to the one planted just above the castle entrance. He reached for it and handed it to her. It was the picture her dad took of them in front of the winter castle at the shopping village. Kate fought back the tears. “Oh, Drew. This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had.”

  “There’s still a little something more.” He dropped to one knee. “Kathryn Roberts? Will you marry me?”

  This time Kate was speechless. Drew asking her to marry him had turned into a fun little game. It didn’t feel that way now. She gazed into his eyes as he looked up at her, and all she saw was his love for her and his kind heart. How could she say no?

  “Yes, Drew, I’ll marry you. It might not be for three more years until you finish college...but, yes, I will.”

  The loudest whoop came out of Drew that she ever heard. “Shhh, you’ll wake the neighbors.”

  “I’m sure they’re up. It’s Christmas after all!” Drew took her in his arms and spun her around. “Oh, I forgot. There’s something for you in the door of the castle.”

  Kate dropped to her knees. In the archway was a frozen ice cube. Inside the cube, she saw a black velvet box. “I can’t open it!” She laughed.

  “You’ll think of a way.”

  Kate grabbed the cube and raced toward the house. “Follow me!”

  She headed for the kitchen and dug through the cupboards until she found her old “Cookies for Santa” plate. Placing the ice cube in the center, she said, “Now we wait.”

  “I thought you were going to microwave it for a moment there.” Drew slipped his arms around her waist and nuzzled her neck. “I can’t believe you said yes. You’ve made this my best Christmas ever.”

  “I feel the same way.” Kate gave him a long, lingering kiss. She pulled back and gazed into Drew’s eyes. He was right. She had never seen him that happy. “How long do you think it will take for this to melt?” She held up the plate.

  “Half hour at the most...bring it into the family room. We can start opening presents.” Drew took her hand, but Kate hesitated. “What’s wrong?”

  “I don’t want to start without them,” she whispered.

  “Okay, then let’s put on some holiday music while we wait.”

  “I still have to get their gifts,” Kate called over her shoulder as she ran up the stairs. When she reached her bedroom, her heart began to pound. She swore she heard drumming in her ears and had no idea why she was so nervous. She sat on the edge of the bed and took deep breaths. “Who am I kidding? I know exactly why I feel this way.” Kate folded her hands in her lap to calm herself. “Anna, if you can hear me, I need a sign. Do you think I’m too young to be engaged? Most of my friends are away at college going to frat parties. Is that what I should be doing?” She glanced around the room, searching for an answer. Nothing but silence greeted her.

  “I know what you’d say, Ann
a. Drew and I are meant for each other just like you and Daniel. But times are different. People marry later.” Kate tried to think of how Anna would respond. “That shouldn’t influence me. Follow my heart. That’s what she’d say.”

  Her heart slowed to a steady beat. Everything became clear at that moment. She walked to her closet and piled the gifts in a giant stack. As she carefully made her way down the stairs, a great idea stuck her. “Drew? Are you there?”

  “Yep, I’m just waiting for you.”

  “Get your tripod and camera. We’re going outside.” She checked the ice cube on the plate. It was almost melted. Just a few more minutes.

  Drew returned to the family room, dressed for the outdoors. A huge grin spread across his face. “I think I know where this is going. Give me the ring.” He held out his hand. Kate placed the icy velvet container in his palm. He held his other hand over the case to warm it up. “That should do it. There!” He popped the top open.

  A gorgeous princess cut diamond twinkled in the light. “Drew! That’s too much.” Kate shook her head, wondering how many carats the sparkler was.

  “No, it’s not. Not when it comes to you.” He reached to take the ring from its resting spot.

  “Wait.” Kate placed her hand on top of his. “We’re going to do this right.” She motioned toward the deck and the ice castle glistening in the morning sun. “You’re going to capture it all with your new video camera.”

  “Genius. Even I didn’t think of that.” Drew grabbed his equipment. “Give me a minute to set up.”

  “There should be a remote in there somewhere. You missed it in the excitement.”

  Drew rifled through the gift bag. “Got it!” He held it up as he headed for the door.

  Kate laughed as she watched him. Drew reminded her of a kid at Christmas who couldn’t wait to play with his toys. She found her coat in the kitchen and went out to join him. “I know you won’t tell me, but I have to ask. How did you manage to get a giant ice castle on the deck? I never heard a thing!” She glanced over the railing of the deck and noticed huge tire tracks. “Never mind!” She didn’t really care. The morning had turned magical, and she didn’t want the spell broken.