Love at Christmas Inn Collection 2

by Tanya Stowe et al

  “Awesome, guys! Great job!”

  Just then, Lauren swished by, linked her arm through his and pulled him forward. “Your turn, Dad.”

  He laughed and tried to loosen her arm. “I think I can manage on my own.”

  “Manage? You can barely keep your feet under you.”

  The challenge was issued. It had to be answered.

  “Is that right?” Bending at the knees, he chased after Lauren. She was almost six feet ahead of him. It took him a while to master his wobbly ankles but soon, he was striding forward chasing a laughing Lauren. Finally catching up, he linked his arm through hers.

  He caught her off-guard and she wobbled but only a little. Still, he didn’t miss his chance. “Now who can barely stand?”

  “For a minute there, I thought you were about to give up. But I knew you couldn’t resist a challenge.”

  Grinning, he shook his head. “You knew that, did you?”

  “Yep. Some things never change.”

  Her words sent a somber thought shooting through his mind. He glanced at his children, now happily laughing and skating around the small rink. “Sometimes things do change…for the better.”

  She followed his gaze, then turned to look at him. “Shane, I didn’t know about your wife. I’m sorry.”

  He shrugged. “You’ve been busy with your own life. You didn’t need to follow the ups and down of mine.”

  “I knew you were married, but then, I guess I thought you would live happily ever after. You were too good of a friend and partner not to make a go of it.”

  “If I was so good, why did you leave me without even saying goodbye?”

  She stiffened and stumbled slightly before regaining her footing. “It was never about you. I hope you know that. It was always my problem. My issues.”

  He nodded. “I knew that, Lauren. I just always wondered why you never knew I’d understand. You always had bigger things, bigger places ahead of you. I would never have held you back.”

  She turned the full force of her brown-eyed gaze on him. That look always made him feel wonderful and comfortable, like he was swimming in hot chocolate. It was no different today. He wanted to be cold, a little hard, but looking into her eyes, all he felt was sorrow, for what had ended and maybe even what could have been.

  “It was never about you, Shane. It was me. I knew I’d never leave. Your understanding would have undone me. Besides, you had your feet on the ground and I had my head in the sky. You deserved better than someone who was torn between the two.”

  Rude laughter burst forth from him before he could stop it. “Yeah. Like I got that.”

  He was sorry the minute the words slipped out. That was not how he really felt. He didn’t even know why he said it. Maybe to put the startled pain-filled expression he now saw on Lauren’s face. He sighed and turned away, wondering once again if them being here…together…was a good thing. This was supposed to be an escape for his family, not a rehash of old, forgotten feelings.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. I guess I’m a little bitter about a lot of things. My marriage wasn’t always bad.“ He turned and started to skate again. Lauren caught up and they moved around the rink, side by side.

  “Life with Britney started out good but over time her stability started to crumble. Her mood swings became more pronounced. Our fights accelerated at the same pace. She self-medicated with drinking and drugs until the situation was unbearable. I was afraid to leave her, to leave the kids. In the end she left me. But her condition only worsened. Our custody exchanges became nightmare events.

  “Something was terribly wrong but I didn’t know what to do. Then one night, Britney went over the top, put the kids in danger and I knew I had to do something. It was a nightmare. But that’s behind us now. We’re beginning to have a normal, stable life. Truth be told, Britney’s doing better now that she doesn’t have the responsibility of the children. If she can just stay away from the liquor and drugs…” His words ran out. Almost like his hope.

  “I’m so sorry you had such a difficult time. But I have to say, no matter what…they were worth it. These kids are…magnificent.”

  He glanced up. Her gaze was fixed on the foursome at the other side of the skating circle as they laughed and teased each other. Todd tried to turn around and landed on his bottom. Peals of laughter rippled towards them. Livy helped the toddler to his feet.

  He glanced at Lauren. A sweet smile spread across her lips and he wondered what was behind it. What was she really thinking? Her gaze, her fascination with the children’s every move made her words seem sincere. Her intensity reminded him of the old Lauren, the one who laughed and loved with all her being. Not the Lauren who turned her back on everything real and walked away.

  He took a deep breath. “So we are here to have the best Christmas ever. I want to give the kids the same kind of wonderful memories I have of Christmas Inn.”

  She turned to him, her features open and honest. “Let me help, Shane. I want to make sure you and your children have the best Christmas ever.”

  “Why?” He slowed to a stop and studied her. “Why is helping us so important to you?”

  Startled by his question, she seemed to search for an answer. “Because you…and them,” her chin nudged toward the kids, “You all deserve it.”

  He shook his head and his doubts must have shown because she rushed to say more.

  “And because…” She glanced toward his children again. “Because Livy reminds me of me when I lost my mom. I know how that feels…how it can destroy your world.” Her words were so soft he almost couldn’t hear them. But he knew their depth, knew the truth in every word.

  Now it was his turn to watch the kids, their antics and laughter. Lauren was right. Livy could use a friend right now. Someone like Lauren might be able to help her avoid the pain and heartache that sent Lauren spiraling into another world…a world that had nothing to do with Shane and his children. Lauren chose that world. It was her life and she had to go back to it. After Christmas she would be far, far away and completely removed from their everyday happenings. A void would exist where she had been. He didn’t want to subject his children to that.

  On the other hand, isn’t that what friends did? Moved in and out and provided companionship and support when necessary? Wasn’t that the definition of friends? Perhaps he was judging Lauren by a different criteria—one for lovers…something she wasn’t proposing to be. He couldn’t allow his own past hurt get in the way of something good for his children.

  “Please, Shane. We can’t change the past. Let’s leave it there and move forward as friends. We were always best at that.”

  He couldn’t stop the rueful smile that slipped over his features. She was doing it again. Instinctively knowing what he was thinking. It was always like they were on the same wavelength, thinking similar thoughts. But Lauren was always quicker at coming to the end…to the solution.

  She was right. They had always been good friends. It would be a shame to turn his back on that.

  He started skating again. “Livy would love to go to school and tell her girlfriends that her new best friend is Lauren from Bradford Shoes.”

  She skated up beside him. “Is that my invitation to join your family for Christmas?”

  He chuckled. “Yes. I guess it is, but you have to bring your dad along. The kids are already asking me if they an call him Grandpa B.”

  Lauren laughed. “I think he’d like that.”

  They took the curve a little faster, picking up speed now that the serious part of the conversation was over. Lauren was getting ahead of him and he had to work harder to keep up.

  “So what do we do next? What’s on our holiday agenda?” She looked back over her shoulder since she was a few feet ahead of him now.

  “Well, I might like to see if I can beat you around the rink but what sounds better is having a cup of that hot chocolate your dad said he was going after.”

  They turned the corner and both automatically lo
oked to the small kiosk beside the rink. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee had been wafting over the crisp air, tantalizing everyone since they arrived. But her dad wasn’t there. A quick glance around the area revealed him standing by the bench, skates in hand, having a very animated conversation with Miss Opal.

  “Oh well, I guess hot chocolate will have to wait. You’re stuck with me. Let’s see if you can beat me around the rink.”

  Grinning, he took two giant strides and caught up with her. “You’re on!”

  He was off like a shot, taking unfair advantage of Lauren. She laughed and soon they were lapping the kids. Shane was breathing hard but out in the lead. The kids noticed the game and started cheering them on. The boys called his name and Livy shouted Lauren’s.

  They moved around for a second loop, skates scraping the surface of the ice with little swishing sounds. Shane had surged ahead of Lauren, and then she shot forward several feet in front of him. Suddenly, she spun around to effortlessly skate backwards. Shane broke into laughter and slowed.

  “Now you’re just showing off.”

  “Yep!” Lauren smiled the biggest, happiest smile he’d ever seen. Her eyes sparkled and her laughter trilled up his spine giving him a shiver that had absolutely nothing to do with the race.

  In that exact moment, he began to suspect he was making a big, big mistake.

  Chapter 4

  AFTER THEIR SKATING PARTY, A hot lunch was just what the children needed.

  Four-year-old Todd sat between Lauren and Shane. After he’d downed his mac and cheese and hot chocolate, he tilted toward Lauren. His eyes drifted shut and his warm body eased onto hers, and a soft baby scent emanated from his dark curls. A yearning to wrap her arms around him engulfed her like a tidal wave. But as soon as she moved, his eyes jerked open. He realized he was leaning toward her and scrambled into his father’s arms…leaving Lauren with an ache that was as unbearable as it was shocking.

  Where did all these motherly feelings come from? Why now?

  Was it because they were Shane’s children…the ones she might have had…the ones she wished were hers? She glanced up. Shane sent her a half-smile that seemed apologetic. Desperate to keep him from knowing how much Todd’s actions hurt, she smiled back.

  That was Shane. Always aware. Always sensitive and kind. He understood how she felt even though she tried hard to hide it.

  He hefted his son over his shoulder. “I’d better get these guys upstairs for a nap. They’re a little over the top.”

  He even tried to ease her discomfort. For heaven’s sake, it was a simple gesture. Todd barely knew her. Of course he was going to feel wary and uncertain. But he had his mother to thank for his fear. And that was the real reason Lauren’s heart cracked each time little Todd pulled back. That was the real reason she wanted to help…not some misplaced feelings from the past. She’d chosen her path a long time ago and was on the verge of having all of her hard work come to fruition. She had nothing to regret…did she?

  Shane rose from his seat, saving her from answering her own question. “Do you mind asking the waitress to put this on my tab? I don’t have enough hands.”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Thanks.”

  “We’re still on for the movie tonight, right?”

  “Yep, PJs and all. Though I think Todd is the only one who has any slippers. The rest of us will have to come in stockings.”

  Movie night at Christmas Inn encompassed only the best Christmas classics like A Christmas Carol, The Bishops Wife, A Wonderful Life, Elf. Guests reclined in the plush seats and were served hot, buttered popcorn. Their only requirement was to dress in the appropriate attire. For instance, Elf required tights, pointy green caps and lots of smiles.

  Tonight’s selection was A Wonderful Life and since the whole movie took place in one night, the chosen attire was pajamas. Shane couldn’t remember if the kids had seen it, so Lauren couldn’t wait to see if they would enjoy it as much as she had. They might not. After all, it was in black and white with an adult topic. But she’d seen it when she was very young and for some reason, it had left an indelible impression on her. She just knew Livywas going to love it.

  The waitress arrived. Lauren settled the bills and meandered upstairs. Her father and Opal had stayed at the hot chocolate kiosk, reminiscing, so he hadn’t joined them for lunch. When she returned to their suite, she was a bit surprised to find him still gone.

  At loose ends, she pulled out her computer. She hadn’t checked her email since yesterday morning. Usually she watched her phone for any updates. A little panicked, she pulled out her cell and checked.

  No important messages. Good thing it was the slow time of the year and thank goodness she’d run into Shane. If not for him and his wonderful kids, she’d probably be bored out of her mind right. The executive she’d been dealing with had gone to Aspen for skiing with his family and had pushed back their meeting until after the first… in spite of her pleas to end her misery and move forward now.

  Todd’s warm, baby smell and soft, dark curls flooded into her mind.

  Thank you, Lord. Thank you again, for Shane and his family.

  She didn’t really feel like working now. But her dad was right. When the meetings with the director of the chain began, she needed a good catalogue. Opening the software, she glanced at the pages and then worked for almost an hour, trying to add some spark to the layout, with no luck. Maybe seeing it on the page would give her some ideas. Closing down the program, she headed down to the hotel’s business room.

  As soon as she entered the quiet business room, she recognized the dark, curly head in one of the cubicles. A charge of adrenaline shot through her body. She tamped it down on the spot. Instead of skipping into the room, she purposely slowed her walk.

  “So this is how you do it.”

  Shane raised his head and a sweet smile swept over his full lips, a smile that told her she was as welcome a sight to him as he was to her. She rolled a chair over from the cubicle beside him and plopped down.

  “How I do what?”

  “Work from home. I’ve wondered since I met your kids how you got anything done with those busy little creatures hanging onto your legs.”

  Shane chuckled and the deep sound rolled across her senses. It was good to hear him laugh. “Yep. That’s the only way. Nap time and bedtime. I’ve pulled many an all-nighter to finish a project. But I promised myself a long time ago that when they are awake, they get my full attention.”

  “I noticed. You don’t even look at your phone.”

  He shook his head. “I don’t have time, let alone a hand. Do you see me juggling a phone with Todd hanging on to me?”

  No. She couldn’t. Todd. Poor little Todd who clung to his dad every minute. Shane had meant it as a joke but the very thought of his youngest son clinging to him for dear life took the humor out of their conversation instantly.

  I’m going to get that little guy to smile. That’s my goal for the day.

  “So why are you down here?” Shane’s deep voice rumbled across her senses again. “Couldn’t be away from the work for too long?”

  There was a wealth of meaning behind those words but Lauren refused to take the bait. This time was about Shane and his family, not their past.

  “Actually, I was looking for something to do. Dad is still with Miss Opal so I decided to open my computer and the problem just jumped out at me.”

  A wry smile tilted the corners of his lips—close, firm lips, strong and almost as expressive as his gaze. They lifted in one corner when he was puzzled. Firmed into a thin line when stressed and made a definite downward turn when he was mad.

  Oh dear. Was she staring at his mouth? She jerked her gaze away.

  “What problem are you having?”

  “My catalogue. Dad was right on target when he said it needed work.”

  “He usually is. Your dad has a gift for that.”

  Lauren laughed. “Tell me about it. What trouble I would have saved if I’d
listened to him more.”

  Great. I just stepped into another mine field of old issues.

  But Shane seemed every bit as determined to avoid those issues as she. “Show me the catalogue. Maybe I can help.”

  “Oh no. I’m not going to cut into your work time.”

  He punched a button on his computer with a firm gesture. “There goes my last project until after the holidays. Now I’m free.”

  Lauren didn’t need anymore convincing. She plopped her computer on the table beside his and opened the program. “I was hoping if I printed out a few pages maybe I would get some new ideas but having your eyes is even better. You were always much better at this than I am.”

  Shane shook his head. “I never understood how someone with such great design ideas couldn’t be more creative on the page.”

  “That’s because—” She broke off short, having almost said, “Because it was your job to flesh out my ideas.” But that was the wrong thing to say…to imply…even if it was true. “You’re so much better at it than I ever was. You always showed me up.”

  Shane chuckled. “But you call me the competitive one.”

  Just like that they were back on track. Laughing and joking. It was best way to spend an hour…especially when Shane had some great ideas to improve the catalog. Quick fixes that would make it sparkle and pop.

  “Building my selections around themes works so much better, Shane.”

  “That’s what I saw when I looked through. It won’t be much of a fix.”

  “Could you manage it?”

  He paused. “I wasn’t looking for a job, Lauren.”

  “I know, but I’ll pay you double your normal fees.”

  His eyes widened. “That’s pretty generous.”

  “No. It’s pretty desperate. I will take care of the kids and keep them entertained. I promise. They won’t even miss you.”

  He smiled. “You could do that too.”

  Was that warmth in his voice…for her? It was the first she’d heard and it sent a trickle of pleasure zinging through her veins.