Snowbound with the Soldier

by Jennifer Faye

  “I’m glad.” She squeezed his arm.

  “Let’s go inside,” he said, climbing the steps and opening the door for them.

  When Kara stepped inside, Sly ran up to her with a loud meow, followed by a boisterous purr as she rubbed against her ankles. Kara bent down and ran her hand over the feline’s satiny fur.

  “Hey, sweetie. I missed you, too.”

  As though understanding Kara’s words, Sly paused, lifted her golden eyes and meowed in agreement.

  “Wow. A kitty.” Samantha ran over and dropped to her knees.

  Sly scampered away to a safe distance before turning and taking in the little girl with a cautious stare.

  “Come here, Sly,” Jason called to the cat.

  Sly paused. Big, curious eyes checked them out before she sauntered over. In one fluid motion, Jason scooped up the cat in one arm and started to pet her.

  “This is my friend Samantha,” he said close to the cat’s inky-black ear. “She’s really nice.” He leaned toward the little girl. “Go ahead and pet her head.”

  Kara smiled as Santa did his best to make her daughter feel at home. Her eyes glistened as she took in this tender moment. What in the world did all this mean? She didn’t want to jump to conclusions. She was certain Jason would eventually explain.

  In the background, she spotted the Christmas tree exactly as she’d left it. She couldn’t stop smiling. Jason had let the joy of the holiday back into his heart. A happy tear splashed on her cheek. She swiped it away with the back of her hand.

  Samantha ran over to the tree and sat on the floor next to it. The sleek feline followed, eventually rubbing against her arm.

  “Look, Sly, at all the presents. There’s three with my name on them.” Samantha glanced over her shoulder at Jason. “Can I open them now?”

  “Sure. If it’s okay with your mom.”

  Kara nodded. As Samantha ripped into her gifts, Jason draped an arm over Kara’s shoulders. “I hope I did okay. I’ve never bought toys for a little girl before. In fact, I’ve never bought toys before, period.”

  After Samantha unwrapped a pink plush cat, a jewelry and makeup kit, and an electronic game, Kara said, “Samantha, don’t we have a gift for Jason?”

  Her daughter rushed over, removed a wrapped package from Kara’s oversize purse and handed it to him. “It’s your turn.”

  “What’s this?” he asked, giving it a little shake.

  Samantha shrugged.

  “Just a little something,” Kara stated.

  He tore off the wrapping paper in much the same frenzied fashion as her daughter. “The angel.” His brow crinkled. “But I gave this to Samantha.”

  Kara pressed a finger to his lips, stopping his protest. “This is a very precious gift, and Samantha and I enjoyed having her atop our tree. But it was time she came home where she belongs—with you.” The same place I want to be, she almost added, but held her tongue. A heavy sadness settled in her heart as she blinked back the moisture gathering in her eyes.

  Jason disappeared into the kitchen and returned with three champagne glasses. “Here’s some sparkling cider. I thought it would fit the occasion.” He handed each of them a glass and then held his high. “Here’s to the two most wonderful ladies.” He paused, clearing his throat. “May your futures be everything you want them to be.”

  Kara clinked her glass with his and forced a smile on her face. “And to a successful reopening.”

  She glanced up at him and saw the puzzled look in his eyes. He must have picked up something in her expression. Deep inside, she didn’t want to move away. Living in a city meant there’d be no yard to plant spring flowers, and Samantha would have to go to an after-school day-care center while she worked, instead of staying with her doting grandparents. City life would be very different from what she’d imagined for her and Samantha.

  And most of all, Jason wouldn’t be around to drop by on a moment’s notice. Oh, how she’d miss him, and the chance of them being more than just old friends. Sometimes life could be unfair.

  Still, she couldn’t discuss her reservations about the move. She had to maintain a positive front not only for Samantha but for herself. Kara stiffened her spine and swallowed down her misery. She’d wait until the day after Christmas to break the news of the move to her daughter. She didn’t want to ruin the holiday.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  JASON TOOK KARA by the elbow and led her to the other side of the living room, giving them a little privacy.

  “Will you give me another chance?” he asked, staring deep into her eyes.

  “A chance for what?”

  “For us. For you and me and Samantha to be together.”

  She continued to stare at him. Her eyes grew shiny but her lips didn’t move.

  “Kara.” He placed a finger beneath her chin and lifted her head so their gazes met. “Talk to me. You want that, too, don’t you?”

  She blinked repeatedly while worrying her lower lip, as though internally waging a deep debate. Was it really so hard for her to decide? Was he about to lose her for good?

  Jason searched her darkened eyes, detecting the swirl of confusion and utter frustration in them. “Please, say something.”

  “Why now?” Lines of stress creased her beautiful face. Her eyes pleaded with him to be honest. “If only you’d said something sooner, maybe we could have figured out something. But I’ve found a new job...in Ohio.”

  Her words sent his heart plummeting. He’d thought this through before she and Samantha had arrived. He knew there’d be hurdles to cross. Now wasn’t the time to give up. If it meant he had to meet her halfway, or more than halfway, he’d do it.

  “Come outside with me,” he said, taking her arm.

  “Outside?” She pulled back. “But why?”

  “I need a few minutes to talk to you. Alone.” He glanced over his shoulder at Samantha. “Don’t worry, she’ll be fine sitting next to the tree, with Sly by her side and her toys to occupy her.”

  “All right. Just for a couple of minutes.”

  He grabbed her coat from the back of the couch and draped it over her shoulders. After letting Samantha know where they’d be, Jason ushered Kara out the door into the chilly night.

  A few inches of snow layered the ground and dusted the trees. With the lights he’d painstakingly strung over the porch rails and small trees and shrubs, it did look magical, if you were into that sort of thing. It wasn’t something he’d normally have done; he considered it a labor of love. But as he stood here, looking out over the yard and watching colored lights twinkle on the snow, he had to admit it wasn’t so bad.

  “I still can’t believe you put up all these decorations.” Kara moved to his side.

  When he turned his gaze back to the woman he loved—the woman he didn’t want to let go for a second time—his insides twisted with anxiety. He’d never been so nervous about anything in his life, not even making his way through boot camp or being sent into enemy territory.

  “I saw the worried expression on your face when I made the toast,” he said. “Is there a problem with your new job?”

  She shook her head. “No. Not at all. In fact, they’re anxious for me to get settled into my new position.”

  Not what he wanted to hear, but nothing he couldn’t handle. “So you’re going ahead with the move?”

  “Of course. Why wouldn’t I? This is an amazing opportunity.”

  “I’m sure it is.” Jason swallowed back his disappointment.

  “You know, it’s beautiful here,” she said, leaning her hands on the rail. “You’re so lucky to have this little piece of nature.”

  He turned to her and she stared up at him. The gentle breeze carried with it the scent of strawberries from her golden hair. The nippy air also brought out the pink
hue in her smooth cheeks. And the red of her lips intensified, drawing his full attention to them. They looked so perfect for kissing.

  “Beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe it,” he murmured, never moving his gaze from her.

  “The yard looks amazing with all the lights. Did you do all this for us?”

  He nodded. “If it’s what makes you happy, then it’s what makes me happy.”

  “And that Santa suit... You really outdid yourself.” Her gaze slid over him, and he grew self-conscious when she eyed the puffy pillow widening his midsection.

  “I need to apologize for being such a jerk the other night. Seven years ago, I dumped you. You were free to do whatever you wanted with your life. And I’ve accepted that. I’m sorry I overreacted. Most of all, I’m sorry I put you in that position all those years ago.”

  Her fingers reached out and touched his cheek. “We may have not made the best decisions back then, but despite them something miraculous happened. I gave birth to the most wonderful little girl.” Kara turned to the living room window and he followed suit, glancing in at Samantha. “I’ve never for one instance regretted her.”

  “Nor do I,” he admitted, surprised by his own heartfelt sincerity. “She may not have my DNA, which is probably a blessing in itself—”

  Kara elbowed him. “We had this conversation already, remember? You were created from your mother’s love and Joe’s best intentions. A child would be fortunate to have you as their father.”

  Her confidence in him warmed his insides. How could he have ever doubted her and her ability to handle his secret?

  “Do you really mean that?”

  “Of course I do.”

  “Santa almost forgot. He has one more gift to hand out.” He reached beneath his costume and fished out a small box wrapped in red foil and tied up tight with a bow. He held it out to her. “Here. Open it.”

  Her eyes grew round. Her searching gaze moved from him to the tiny present.

  “Go ahead,” he coaxed. “It won’t bite. I promise.”

  Her fingers trembled as she pulled on the ribbon, but they were no match for the quivering in his stomach. The most important mission of his life had finally reached the critical juncture. He had to succeed with this part of his plan. Otherwise his heart would end up a fallen victim on the front line.

  Kara deftly made her way past the wrapping to the black velvet box. As though she was afraid to stop, she quickly lifted the lid.

  Her lips formed an O.

  Unspoken questions filled her eyes. She stood there staring at him like a deer caught in headlights, not knowing which way to go. She didn’t throw the box at him and stomp away. Nor did she squeal with delight and throw herself in his arms. He’d take her reserve as a positive sign. He still had time to convince her that they could make this thing between them work. He had to convince her.

  “Don’t say anything,” he said, pressing a finger to those delectable lips. “Just listen. We can make this work.”

  She shook her head, her eyes shimmering. He fortified his determination with the knowledge that she hadn’t heard his proposal yet. Once she did, she’d realize the possibilities for them.

  “First, I love you,” he said, gazing straight into her eyes. “I’ve always loved you. I am so sorry for destroying our dreams all those years ago. I wasn’t mature enough back then to have faith in you and me—in us—to handle the news about my biological father.”

  Jason reached out and took her free hand in his. He rubbed his thumb over her cold fingers. He had to speed this up so he could get her back inside, next to the fire.

  “I know how important this new job is to you. I can’t expect you to change your plans and drop everything to live here in the country with me.”

  “What are you saying?”

  “I’ll move with you. You, me and Samantha will be a family.”

  “You’ll move.” Disbelief rang in her voice. “But you can’t! You’ve only just come back. Your father needs you. And you’re about to reopen the resort.”

  He’d done some serious thinking about this and he knew what he had to do. “I’ll have my father transferred to wherever we are, and I’ll sell the resort.”

  “Sell the resort?” Her brows arched. “You can’t!” she repeated. “You just restored it.”

  He swallowed the jagged lump in his throat. “The Summit is important to me, but not as important as you and Samantha. I can be with the two of you and lose the resort and still be happy. But having the resort without the two most important people in my life would be a hollow victory.”

  Kara pressed a hand to her chest. “You really mean that, don’t you?”

  He nodded. “I’ll do whatever it takes for us to be a family. I love you more than ever. And Samantha. She may not be my biological daughter, but she’s the daughter of my heart.”

  “Oh, Jason. I love you, too. But I can’t let you do this.”

  He took both Kara’s hands in his. “Yes, you can. I was the one who walked out on our plans seven years ago. It’s only fair that I fit into the life you’ve created for yourself, no matter where it is.”

  “The thing is, I don’t want to move. I want to stay right here with you, my family and friends.” She stepped into his open arms, resting her head beneath his chin. “Do you really think we can make it work?”

  “I do. I’ve changed. I’ve grown up. With honesty between us, we can face anything.”

  She looked up at him, their breath intermingling. He couldn’t resist his desire to taste her sweetness. His head dipped low. His lips met hers. She was compliant and eager beneath him. A moan rose in the back of his throat. He’d never, ever grow tired of kissing her.

  As much as he hated to pull back from her, they needed to finish this conversation. They still had one more thing to discuss.

  “It’s starting to snow,” he said, remembering the last time they’d been here and it had snowed—the miraculous night when she’d made him feel love again.

  She turned, leaning back against his chest as they both watched fat snowflakes drifting down. “Do you think we’ll get stuck here?”

  He pulled her close. “One can only hope. By the way, my dad said to tell you he’s waiting for his Christmas present. Mind explaining?”

  She laughed. The sound was the most delightful he’d ever heard. “Your father won’t let me forget. I promised to knit him a red scarf so he can wear it outside. He misses the snow. He wants to feel it on his face once more.”

  “Is the scarf done?”

  She nodded.

  “Looks like if this snow keeps up we’ll have a Christmas wish to fulfill.”

  “It’ll be a Christmas of miracles.”

  Now was the perfect moment for the last thing he had to ask her. He dropped to his knee. “Kara Jameson, I’ve loved you since we were kids, and you mean more to me with each passing day. Please tell me that you’ll be my best friend, my lover and my wife.” He took the ring from the box and held it out to her. “Say you’ll be Mrs. Jason Greene.”

  Tears dripped onto her pink cheeks. “Yes. Yes! Yes!”

  His heart felt as if it would burst with joy. He slipped the ring onto her finger, stood up and pulled her into his arms, then swooped in and planted a gentle kiss on her lips. Her arms slipped up around his neck. He’d never felt this deeply for someone in his life.

  “I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus....” They turned to find Samantha grinning at them, happiness twinkling in her eyes. “Does this mean I get the present I really want for Christmas?”

  Kara’s eyes met her daughter’s. Unable to contain her joy, she smiled back. “What present is that?”

  “I want Jason to live with us. He can be my daddy.”

  Jason smiled, and Kara draped her arm around his waist and leaned into him. “I t
hink that can be arranged,” she said.

  He knelt on one knee again and held out his arms. Samantha rushed into them. “I’d be honored to be your father.”

  Over her head, Jason’s gaze met Kara’s. “I can’t think of anything I’d love more than to be part of this wonderful family.”

  * * * * *

  Keep reading for an excerpt from THE REDEMPTION OF RICO D’ANGELO by Michelle Douglas.

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  CHAPTER ONE

  RICO STARED AT the application in front of him—again—before blowing out a breath and slumping in his chair. He’d had such high hopes for this project—hopes of finding someone as fantastically enthusiastic about it as he was.

  His lips twisted. Hopes of finding someone not only fantastically enthusiastic but with first-rate qualifications and solid experience to bring to the table as well. A day and a half into the interviews, however, and he’d found he could kiss that notion goodbye.

  He straightened. Punching a button on his intercom, he barked, ‘Is Janeen Cuthbert here yet, Lisle?’

  ‘Not yet, but there’s still ten minutes until her appointment.’