Love at Christmas Inn Collection 2

by Tanya Stowe et al

  “You don’t need to do that, Lauren. Having both of you here…your presence has made this trip special without gifts.”

  His words sent a pulse of pleasure through her. “Thank you. But really, we want to do it. It was dad’s idea. Please say you’ll let us.”

  He shook his head. “Your dad was always too generous. It’s so like him.”

  “It would make him…and me…very happy. But before you say yes, know that you’ll have to come with me. I have no idea what to get them.”

  He started to speak but Lauren held up a hand. “Before you say no, let me tell you that Opal and my dad volunteered to take them to dinner and the caroling so we can go shopping.”

  “Opal volunteered to do that?”

  Lauren glanced to where the older lady was blowing on Todd’s hot chocolate, cooling it down. “ I think it may have been her idea.”

  Shane’s eyebrows rose. “Those two have been spending a lot of time together. Do you think this is a December romance in the making?” He turned back to her. “How do you feel about that?”

  She studied her father and Opal for a long while before she smiled. “I think it’s about time.”

  Shane grinned. “Yeah. So do I. Your dad deserves to be happy.”

  She helped him gather the skates and carry them back to the kiosk. All the while two thoughts rumbled through her mind.

  What about you, Shane? Don’t you deserve to be happy? Don’t we deserve to be happy?

  Shane bundled the boys upstairs for a quiet time. Opal headed to her car, leaving Lauren and her dad standing aimlessly in the lobby.

  “If I’m gong to be a kid wrangler tonight I think I might need a nap too.”

  She linked her arm through her father’s as they headed upstairs. “Dad, I want to talk to you about something.”

  He paused for a moment and looked at her sideways. “That sounds serious. What about?”

  “It’s about Mom’s last words to me.”

  He patted her hand and sighed. “You know how I feel about that, Lauren, girl.”

  “I know, Dad. You’ve told me time and again she didn’t mean what she said. But I know she did. She was very clear. Never compromise. Live your life to the fullest and never put your dreams on the back burner. Have no regrets. She meant what she said.”

  He nodded. “Yes. She did and you took her at her word. You made your dreams happen. Are you without regrets?”

  His question threw her off guard. She met his intense gaze. “No…I don’t know…maybe.”

  He shook his head and sighed. “Lauren, your mother’s life was cut short. She wasn’t going to see you finish school, or any of your future. She had no chance to finish her dream of a career. She had plenty of regrets and she didn’t want you to feel the same way. But I knew her best and no matter what she said, no matter how it came out, she never meant those words to scare you away from a life with a husband, or children and a family. I know that as surely as I’m standing here.”

  “You think so?”

  “Yes, I do. You were her greatest joy. Why would she encourage you not to experience motherhood? She was dying, Lauren, and rushing to say a lifetime of words in a few minutes. She meant what she said. Live life to the fullest. But she didn’t mean it the way you took it.”

  “But she never felt she could have a career and a family too. She put all of that on the back burner when I was born.”

  “Honey, your mother had three miscarriages before you came along. She lost so many babies…you were her last chance. She enjoyed every minute of her time with you. It’s a good thing she did too, because her life was cut short. Times are different now, as well. It was harder to have a full time job and a family in those days. But it’s doable now. Look at Shane.”

  “Yes, look at Shane.” An image of his curly head bent over his computer flashed into her mind. “He’s a single father. He does it.”

  “Then take your mother’s advice, Lauren. Live life to the fullest. You have your career. Now go after the rest of what you want.”

  Shane dropped the kids off with “Grandpa B” and Miss Opal in the dining room, with last minute instructions not to order too much and to be on their best behavior. The boys ran into Dale’s arms without a backward glance at their dad. He knew they were in for a fun night…and that made leaving them easier than he thought.

  But was it a good idea spending an evening with Lauren? Ever since movie night when he’d seen Todd curling into her arms, his stomach had flip-flopped at odd times in her presence. Not one to be easily excited or flustered, this wasn’t a good sign. How could she have worked her way past his defenses so quickly? Him…the man who was always on guard, had to be always on the alert and watch for tricks or manipulations.

  Now his whole family was falling in love with the Bradfords and in a few days they’d never see them again.

  That wasn’t quite true. Dale Bradford was a good friend of Shane’s dad and he lived in the same town. They would see him again. Shane might even make an effort to include visits to him. After all, he wasn’t blind to the fact that the man adored his kids…and would more than likely never have grandchildren of his own. It would be a kind thing…a Christian thing to include him. Besides, he enjoyed Dale’s company.

  But Lauren was another story. She completely captivated Livy and maybe Todd too and soon she’d be off to New York without a backward glance. Because no matter how much she might enjoy this holiday time, Lauren’s true love was her work. Nothing would come between her and her work.

  Shane knew that first hand.

  But since he already knew that, wasn’t the problem solved? If he made sure the kids understood that she would soon return to her work, why would it be so difficult to have a long-distance friend?

  The truth was his children were fine. He was more worried about himself. Worried about the wishful thoughts and images that popped into his mind–what might have been or could be, things he knew were not possible with Lauren. If he kept that uppermost in his mind, surely the other images would go away. Maybe all those hopeful feelings were a sign that his heart was waking up, starting to feel again after months and years of shut-down.

  He nodded. That was it. Lauren reminded him that he was alive and still young. He could hope that some day, somewhere, a woman might be willing to take on a man with a starting-to-go-slightly-bald-head and four rambunctious kids. But that woman was definitely not Lauren Bradford. With that thought firmly in place, he headed into the lobby.

  Lauren was waiting by the Christmas tree. Of course she looked amazing. Dark blue leggings beneath a tunic style sweater with gold and silver highlights. Her short hairstyle really suited her. He could see why Livy envied it. But he wasn’t ready for his little girl to look anything close to as appealing as Lauren did.

  Her eyes lit up when she saw him and she smiled. Little sparks went off inside him. He tried to stamp on them but with little luck. She was truly glad to see him and that happiness showed in her features. Her emotions were contagious. Always had been, but tonight, with the soft lights of the tree flashing over her lovely eyes and mischievous smile, it was even more appealing. Those little sparks that had flared here and there, now and then, now burned white hot.

  Swallowing, he looked down. Fortunately, her boots were worthy of note. Leather, hand-tooled with script-like circles and bedazzled in the center. Livy would love them. “Great shoes. Are they your design?”

  Pulling the heavy parka she held her in arms to the side and she looked down. “Yes, mine. Too expensive and exclusive to Bradford Shoes, but I love them so!” She looked up. “Of course you would notice. You always had a great eye for design.”

  He had a greater eye for the shapely legs in those boots but that thought needed to go away.

  “Shall we take my SUV?”

  She slid her arms into her parka and nodded. “I asked at the desk and they said there is a unique toy store in Hope Creek. I can’t wait to see what they have!”

  Her smile was infec
tious.

  “Now, Lauren, am I going to have to give you boundaries?”

  She shook her head. “Oh no, not me. But my dad…you know how he is.”

  Shane chuckled. “And I’m sure you’re going to try to fill all his expectations.”

  “I must. He sent me as his representative. I can’t disappoint him.”

  Shaking his head, he started the ignition. “You’re going to set the standard too high for this single dad. Next year I’ll never be able to match your extravaganza.”

  “Not true! I won’t spend a fortune.”

  “No, but you have a gift for finding just the right present at the right time.”

  She turned to him, the fake fur lining of the parka hood framed her face. “Really? You think I have a talent for gift-giving?”

  “Yep. I still have the ID bracelet with the football you gave me for my eighteenth birthday. You knew how much I was going to miss playing and you gave me the perfect remembrance to take to college with me.”

  She turned her gaze back to the road and Shane was thankful to be out from under that bright, brilliant gaze. “Did you ever play in college?”

  He laughed. “Fellows with art scholarships don’t have much time for football, Lauren. They kept me pretty busy.”

  “Well, it was worth it.” She nodded her head with confirmation. “You have a gift for design. I sent the catalog you worked on to the department store rep and he was impressed with my designs…and yours.” She glanced his way. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you get a call from him for more work.”

  Warmth spread through him. Lauren did that. Brought cheer and success everywhere she went. Something else to miss when she went back to New York.

  “Let’s not talk about business now.” His tone was low. “Let’s put all that behind us until after Christmas.”

  She looked at him and tilted her head in the same quizzical manner she’d had as a girl. Funny how some things never changed…like how easy it was to have fun with Lauren.

  For tonight, we’ll just have fun. I’ll put everything else behind me.

  “Agreed.” Lauren spoke almost as if she heard his unspoken words.

  The short distance to town seemed even shorter as they reminisced about high school and Christmases at the Inn. How lucky they were to share those times again and with a new generation.

  They arrived at the blocked off main street. Kiosks, food carts and carolers roamed the main street, crossing back and forth from side to side. The singers were dressed in Victorian clothing and their carols rang out over the crisp air in perfect harmony. Delightful aromas wafted toward them. Cotton candy. Hot chocolate. Breads and cinnamon.

  “Wow. We don’t have to worry about grabbing dinner at a fast food place. We can have a feast right here.”

  Lauren grabbed his arm and headed down the crowded sidewalk. “Just like you to think of your stomach first. Gifts are what we came for and gifts will be first.” They passed a particularly aromatic kiosk and Lauren paused. “Are those chestnuts roasting on that grill?”

  Shane grabbed her arm and tugged her forward. “Shopping first. Then we can satisfy your raving hunger.”

  She huffed. “Raving? I don’t think so. More like my cultural curiosity. You’ve heard the song but have you ever seen chestnuts roasting over an open grill?”

  Shane shook his head and laughed. He couldn’t help it. Lauren smiled too, then ducked inside a store that would be his children’s absolute dream. A mechanical Santa, taller than Todd, stood near the door. A recording with a merry voice said, “Ho, ho, ho. Welcome to Holiman’s Toy Store.”

  At his feet, mounds of silvery angel hair snow and Christmas packages stacked three high. A whistle above the door screamed out a welcome and they looked up to see a toy train mounted on a shelf that traveled all the way around the long length of the store and back again. Shane hadn’t seen such a fine miniature train in years. He could have stayed a lot longer just watching it steam it’s way around the track but Lauren dragged him forward.

  “I think I know what to get Livy but I need you to tell me if I’m right.”

  She led him to the artist’s section and picked out a huge sketch pad and a decorated pencil set. Shane sighed. “She’ll love it.”

  Lauren picked out a selection of footballs for Bryce, who was planning to play the sport next fall, and Lego building shapes for Justin. Both gifts were perfect for those two. But her choice for Todd surprised him. When she pulled the Batman costume, complete with puffed-up muscle-arms off the rack, Shane paused. “Really?”

  “Yep, this is the only one I’m absolutely sure about.”

  “Why?”

  She ducked her head. “Because he says superheroes are never afraid. So if he wears a superhero suit, he won’t feel that way either. In fact, I’m going to get him another one so he can wear one all the time.” She selected an Ironman outfit while Shane tried to choke back the burning sensation in his throat.

  How did she do it? How could she come into their lives and without batting an eyelash fit in so well and know so much? Things he sometimes missed.

  Reaching across the space, he meant to take the packages from her arms. Instead, his arm got tangled with hers and wrapped around her slender waist. He tried to pull away, but found he’d pulled her closer instead. When she looked up, tears had pooled. She tried to look away, look down…anyplace but into his gaze.

  But she wasn’t going to get away. He lifted her chin with his fingertips. “Todd doesn’t need to be afraid. Not when he has such a fierce little defender like you.”

  Her lips puckered as she tried not to cry. “He shouldn’t have to be afraid. Not ever.”

  He could hear the tears in voice and those pink lips were so close…and so perfect. If he just leaned a little further forward…

  “Can I take those packages for you?”

  They both jumped and stepped back. The jumbled packages slipped from both their hands and tumbled to the ground. The salesperson looked suspiciously like Santa with a white beard, red cheeks and twinkly eyes staring from behind gold-rimmed glasses.

  “I think we’ve got this. We’re done, right?” Shane bent quickly to retrieve the toys.

  He looked up at Lauren from his crouched position and she nodded. The store employee moved on to the next unsuspecting couple, just down the aisle. But they seemed to be arguing. Once again the employee stepped in to stop the discussion from heating up. Shane handed Lauren the smaller items, kept the larger ones and rose.

  “I wonder if deflecting situations is his entire job?” he murmured as he took Lauren’s elbow and led her to the register.

  “He seems to know what he’s doing. Do you think he’s the owner?”

  He glanced back. “That would be my guess. He seems to know just when to step in.”

  Lauren agreed. “I suppose Christmas can be a tricky time of year.” Her voice was still a bit hoarse. Shane glanced her way.

  Tricky. A good word. A safe word. Had he ruined their night out with his unexpected “tricky” closeness? He hoped not. Much to his surprise, he was having a great time. It was a wonder to see his children through Lauren’s eyes…beautiful, big brown eyes that he’d probably see in his dreams tonight.

  Chapter 6

  THEY PAID FOR THE GIFTS and stepped out into the crisp evening air. Lauren shivered and pulled her parka together.

  “It’s cold enough to snow. Too bad it’s not forecasted to rain.”

  “One of the Inn’s employees told me they’ve got that covered too.”

  “Don’t tell me they’re going to create artificial snow and blow it all over the grounds.”

  “No. Fireworks. You know, those bright white ones that rain down. He said they’re going to light up the sky. It’s not a white Christmas but it’ll be a nice surprising touch.”

  “A bedazzling Christmas Eve.”

  He led the way down the sidewalk and looked back over his shoulder. “Exactly, but don’t tell the kids. It’s supposed to be a su
rprise. He only told me ’cause I was talking about making it an early evening Christmas Eve. Now it looks like it will be a long, very full evening. They’ve also asked if my children would like to participate in the live nativity.”

  Lauren smiled. “Livy would be a perfect Mary.”

  “Yep. Bryce and Justin will be two of the kings and Todd will be a little shepherd boy.”

  “Oh, Shane, I can’t wait to see it.”

  He pulled a wry face. “Well, let’s wait and see how willing Todd will be to do it.”

  Warmth filled Lauren. “He’ll be in costume. He’ll be fine.”

  Shane laughed. “You’re probably right. You usually are.”

  He stopped.

  Puzzled, Lauren looked around. She’d been so focused on his new information she didn’t see the kiosk with the chestnuts coming up. Shane ordered a bag, the old-fashioned paper kind with red and white stripes. He paid and held it out to her.

  “Your chestnuts, ma’am.”

  Lauren laughed. “You remembered.”

  His gaze met hers. “I remember everything.”

  His tone. The look in his eyes went deep and held her. She remembered too. All the times he’d stood up for her, stood by her side, made her laugh until the tears fell and especially held her while she cried. He’d been her best friend and she’d missed him. Suddenly she found it hard to swallow. She dipped her head, took a nut and popped one into her mouth. Then she held the bag open to Shane.

  He made a wry face as he chewed.

  Lauren said, “Well…they taste like…”

  “Nuts.” He finished.

  She burst out laughing. “Good nuts, warm and salted.”

  He took her elbow and led her down the street. “Yes. Plain old nuts and certainly not worthy of a song of their own. Come on. We need something to wash these down.”

  They walked to a kiosk selling hot chocolate. Shane got in line while Lauren held the packages. Then she saw a bakery just down the street. All the lights were on and a heavenly smell drifted toward her. Clutching the bags by their handles, she hurried toward the bakery.