by Robyn Neeley
“I never get tired of coming here,” she said, staring up at the lighted tree.
“You know, I made a wish.”
She tightened her coat straps, tugging her scarf around her. “I remember. You wouldn’t tell me.”
He smiled. “No, not that time. On Saturday, I ran into one of Luke’s Santas.”
“Really?” she asked, turning her gaze from the tree.
“Yeah. I met him last week at JDL Toys. Same Santa was here on Saturday. Maybe he’s in town for the wedding.” He motioned for her to join him on the empty bench. “He told me all about the tree and how it works, and as luck would have it, there was one ornament hiding in the branches.” He dug in his coat pocket, searching for the snowflake he’d tucked in there earlier. “Here it is. My wishing ornament.” Pulling it out, he handed it to Lauren.
“A silver snowflake,” she whispered.
“Yeah, apparently its match was having a really bad year. I wished that she’d get her wish. I wonder if it’s come true yet.”
Tears streamed down Lauren’s face as she continued to hold the snowflake.
“What’s wrong, baby?” Drew asked, putting his arm around her. He didn’t expect this emotional reaction. “Did I do something?”
“No. No.” She grabbed her purse, set it on her lap, and reached inside, pulling out a glittery snowflake exactly like his.
His worried expression softened as he glanced down at the snowflakes in her hand. “You had the match?”
“I guess I did.”
“Well, look at that.” He grinned. “What did you wish for? Did it come true?”
She nodded and stood. Walking over to the tree, she touched a branch. “I wished you could experience the magic of Christmas again.” She sighed. “The kind that makes you want to get up and sing Christmas carols.”
Drew’s heart melted, realizing the enormous gift she’d given him. He’d never been a man to believe in magic and wishes, but he now realized he’d experienced it firsthand when he headed to this spot on Saturday.
He got up and joined her in front of the tree, wrapping his arms around her. “Your wish came true. Lauren, this proves you are my soul mate.” He turned her around before sliding down on one knee. “We belong together.”
“Drew.”
He could feel her hands trembling through her gloves. The sound of carolers in the distance indicated they wouldn’t be alone for much longer. “I have loved you since the day I met you, Lauren Kincaid, and I promise you, I’m ready this time for our future. Will you—”
“Drew. Stop.” She removed her hand and took a step back.
“What’s wrong?”
“I need to show you something.”
“What?”
She shook her head and reached into her purse again, this time pulling out a rectangular box. His brain hit the panic button as he read the words “pregnancy test.”
“Oh, shit.” He raked his hand through his hair. “You’re not pregnant, are you? We’ve been so careful.”
“Would it have been so bad if I was?”
“No, of course not.”
“Your reaction could have fooled me.”
She was mad, and he was stunned. Wasn’t it too early to take a pregnancy test?
“Lauren, are we having a baby?”
“No, we’re not.” She paused. “But you might be. The test is Olivia’s.”
Drew’s mouth flew open. Did he just hear her correctly? How had she come about this information, and why did she have the test? “Did Olivia tell you she was pregnant?”
She shook her head. “Miles found the pregnancy test kit in her bathroom. He wasn’t trying to butt in, but felt I should know. The box was empty.”
He took a seat on the bench and blew out a cold breath. “Whoa.”
“I’m sorry.” She took a seat again next to him. “I didn’t mean for you to find out like this. None of this is my place. I just couldn’t let you propose to me knowing that Olivia could be carrying your child.”
“How did this happen?”
She raised an eyebrow.
“I mean. We were always careful.” His face fell as he gazed back at her. “I don’t know what to say.”
“I know.” She grabbed the two snowflakes she’d set on the bench earlier, handing one back to him. “I think these are all used up.”
“This doesn’t change how I feel. I want us to be together.” He turned the snowflake over, wishing he had one more wish.
Just then the singing grew louder as a large group crossed the street. Two familiar carolers walked over to them hand in hand.
“Hey, bro.” Luke came up and slapped Drew’s back while Lauren got up and hugged Kate.
“Hey. Welcome to Snow Frost Mountain,” Drew said, glancing around. “Where’s the rest of the gang?”
“They decided to have a nightcap at the inn, but we felt like spreading some cheer,” Luke said, pulling Kate into a hug. “Honey, this place is just as wonderful as I remembered.”
She giggled. “I can’t believe we’re getting married here.”
Lauren couldn’t help shaking her head at Luke. “You couldn’t wait a couple more days to surprise her?”
“What can I say? Her lips have a way of coercing things out of me.” He brought Kate in for a sweet kiss.
Drew stared off in the distance, his gaze headed in the direction of the inn. Although he’d like nothing more than to spend the evening with Lauren, Kate, and his brother, there was someone else he needed to see, and it couldn’t wait. “Um … I hate to leave, but I’ve got to go talk to Olivia.” He touched Lauren’s arm. “Can you drive them up to the cabin when you’re finished? I’ll get a ride back with Dad.”
“Sure.” Drew immediately detected the sadness in her voice.
He pulled her to the side as Kate and Luke joined the other carolers in “Silent Night.”
“I just need to find out if she’s pregnant.”
“I agree,” Lauren said, and it was killing him to see her eyes water.
He grabbed her hands, giving both a gentle squeeze. “This doesn’t change how I feel about you, us, and what I want.”
She nodded, but pulled her hands away before joining his brother, Kate, and the rest of the carolers.
This was not the ending to tonight that he’d planned. They were supposed to be singing their hearts out, followed by much celebration of their engagement and Luke’s upcoming wedding back at the cabin.
Was he going to become a father? If Olivia was pregnant, he of course would support whatever decision she made. Why hadn’t she told him she thought she might be?
As he crossed the street and headed down the sidewalk for the inn, he couldn’t help but wonder if the universe was somehow telling him that he and Lauren had missed their chance.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Lauren busied herself in the kitchen, filling a large bowl with potato chips. She’d been back at the cabin with Luke and Kate for almost two hours and the merriment in the living room did nothing to improve her mood.
She promised herself she wouldn’t have a glass of wine tonight or anything stronger. She needed to be clearheaded when she saw Drew.
What was taking him so long? With each minute that ticked by, she feared the worst. Olivia was pregnant.
Rummaging through the refrigerator, she pulled out some Greek yogurt dip for the chips. Eating away her anxiety sounded like a good plan right now.
“Hey, need some help?” Kate appeared, all smiles.
“No, I think I’m good. Unless you want to grab that vegetable tray in the fridge.”
“Of course.” Kate headed to the refrigerator. “This place is just gorgeous.”
“Yeah, we’ve really enjoyed it.” Lauren reached for a bottle of red wine. Just because she wasn’t drinking tonight didn’t mean her guests couldn’t. “Wine?”
“I think I’ll have a Coke.” Kate chuckled. “Safer for my white sweater.”
Lauren laughed because it was true. Kate w
as a bit of a klutz when it came to spilling drinks. It was one of the things that Luke found endearing.
“So, I couldn’t help but wonder why Drew had to rush to see Olivia since you’re back together and all.”
Grabbing the chip bowl, Lauren tucked it into her arm and reached for the dip. “Jack told you we were back together?”
“No, my mother did. She can’t keep a secret.” Kate cracked open her Coke. “I hope that’s okay. I think it’s wonderful, and Luke does, too.”
“Of course. We’re really happy,” was all Lauren could muster. “Drew just wanted to fill Olivia in on the new marketing plan for the Happily Ever After dolls.”
“The dolls!” Kate exclaimed. “I heard about that, too. Congratulations. Planning a wedding and getting the toy back on track. You two are a pretty amazing pair.”
Lauren blinked. Was that pair being torn apart at this very moment?
• • •
Drew jumped out of the car and headed into the cabin. After everything that had happened tonight, he needed a drink.
Then he was going to whisk Lauren away to somewhere private and finally propose to her. He could now because Olivia had assured him that she was absolutely, positively, one hundred percent not pregnant.
He felt bad cornering her like he did at the inn, but he’d needed to know. She was at a table with his dad, Vanessa, and Miles when he approached and asked if he could steal her for a few minutes. Once they were alone in her room, he’d asked the question and sucked in his breath as he waited for her answer.
Thank God it was no. She’d said she’d been late and suspected she could be, but also admitted she thought it was a slim chance since they were so careful. He’d hugged her and then apologized for pulling her away like he had.
Olivia had asked if he’d like to join them, and he felt bad saying no. He cared about her and that wouldn’t change. One drink was the original plan.
He should have realized he could never have a quick drink if his dad had anything to say about it. He’d spent the next two hours in all kinds of fun conversations with his dad, Vanessa, and even Miles. Before he left, he pulled Miles aside and thanked him for being there for Olivia.
Now he was back at the cabin and ready to move his life with Lauren forward. No more obstacles. Heading up to the front door, Drew was finally ready to pop the question and no one was going to stop him.
He headed in toward the sound of voices and found Lauren in the living room with Kate and Luke. She made room for him next to her on the couch and they all engaged in small talk for a few minutes.
While Kate and Luke snuggled in front of the fire Luke had started, Drew leaned over and whispered in Lauren’s ear. “Care to join me upstairs?”
“Okay.” She slid her hand in his, letting him pull her up.
They said a quick goodnight to Kate and Luke and headed up the stairs. Once in Drew’s room, he shut the door.
“So …” he said. “Olivia’s not pregnant.”
“She’s not?”
“No.” He took off his coat and scarf, placing both on a chair next to the bed. “She thought she might be, but it was a false alarm.”
“Oh.” She turned to peer out the window.
That wasn’t the reaction he’d anticipated. Why wasn’t she just as excited as he was? They could finally be together. He came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her middle. “I’d like to get back to that question I had.”
“Drew.” Lauren rested her hands on his arms for a second, before removing them and stepping back. “I need to ask you something.”
Was that irritation in her voice? And why didn’t she want his arms around her? “What is it?”
“Do you want to have kids someday … even with me?”
“I didn’t think you wanted kids. Do you?”
“I do. And I think deep down I always have.” She sighed. “And I could tell tonight by the way you reacted even before you knew the pregnancy test was Olivia’s, you don’t feel the same way.”
“I … um …”
“See? You don’t want children. Just admit it.”
He raked his hand through his hair. Why was she doing this? “Lauren, yes, I’ll admit it. Seeing that box did spook me. I’m not sure if I want kids. They were never part of our plan.”
“Your plan.” Lauren shook her head.
“You want children?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, then.” He sighed. “Is this something we need to decide tonight? Can I have some time?”
“I can’t give you time on this, Drew. We’ve had nine years. Time’s up.” She headed for the door, but he grabbed her hand. She pulled away. “Maybe this weekend was a mistake.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“Maybe we just got caught up in the wedding planning.” She shook her head. “Picking out a cake, and a song, and my trying on dresses. It doesn’t mean we are right for each other.”
Not right for each other? She couldn’t mean that. He rarely lost his temper with her, but she was being ridiculous. “This isn’t about kids or what you want or what I want. You know what I think? I think you’re scared to give us a second shot, and you’re doing everything in your power to sabotage it.”
“That’s what you believe?”
He nodded. “I’ve said I’m sorry. If you want kids, let’s have a house full. If you really want a life with me, Lauren, it’s time for you to step up and say so.”
She threw her hands up in the air. “I don’t know want I want anymore. I need to go clear my head. I’ll be at the inn.”
“Fine, go run to your best friend. You’re good at that.”
Drew stared out the window as the door slammed behind him. Should he chase after her? How could he prove to her things would be different this time?
Ten minutes later he heard what he assumed was Lauren’s car pulling out of the cabin’s driveway.
Why had she freaked out on him like she did? Olivia wasn’t pregnant. Wasn’t this a good thing?
He’d been surprised by her admission that she wanted children. True, that had never been part of their plan, but it wasn’t written in stone.
Maybe they needed a new plan. Spending time with little Sara and all the other kids at the Gingerbread House—well, it gave him hope that maybe he could be a good father someday.
He moved through the room, preparing to head downstairs. He decided to let her cool off tonight. He’d send Miles a text asking if she got to the inn safely, and call her in the morning.
Perhaps she’d be in a better mood and ready to talk tomorrow. Since the wedding preparations were nearly finished, he could suggest they do something together alone. Maybe go explore the nearby towns or finally hit the slopes.
Flinging the door open, he headed downstairs into the living room. He’d tried twice to ask her to marry him tonight. Would he ever convince her that they were meant to be together, and he wasn’t going to chicken out this time?
The room was empty, but the fire was still blazing. He stared down at it, trying to make sense of what just happened.
A noise in the kitchen interrupted his thoughts. He turned from the fireplace to see his brother entering the room with two drinks.
“Where’s Kate?” Drew asked.
She felt a little lightheaded.” Luke nodded to the stairs. “She’s gone to bed.”
“Sorry she’s not feeling well.”
“Where’s Lauren?” Luke asked.
“She’s staying with Miles, apparently.” Drew narrowed his eyes, aiming imaginary darts at his brother. “This is all your fault.”
“What is my fault?” Luke came up beside him and handed him the copper-colored drink.
Whiskey. Exactly what he needed. Drew brought the glass to his lips and tipped it up.
“This little game of yours, having us plan your stupid wedding. Do you know what you put Lauren through? Jesus, Luke, having us pick out your cake and your flowers—even your freakin’ wedding song.”
&nbs
p; Luke raised an eyebrow. “What song did you pick out, by the way?”
“‘Love Stinks.’” He tilted the tumbler back again and drained his glass.
“Not quite what I was hoping for.”
“Well, then you should have planned your own damn wedding.” He sighed and shoved his free hand in his pocket.
“Did you and Lauren have a fight tonight?”
“Something like that.” He stared at his brother. “I don’t know what more I can do to convince her that I’ve changed. I created a doll that symbolized our love. Is she ever going to forgive me?”
“But did you tell her that’s what the dolls represent?”
He shrugged. “Maybe I should have. I know it’s the only reason you gave the green light despite all of her research suggesting it would fail.”
Luke grinned. “I hear you two are turning things around on that front.”
“Yeah.” Drew moved to the window.
“Well, thank you for that and for all you did for the wedding. You two really came together.”
Drew turned to face Luke. “About that. I’m kind of pissed off at you. What was up with all those ridiculous assignments you made us do? Pick out Kate’s lingerie. Seriously? And how could you make Lauren try on wedding dresses?”
Luke smirked and looked up at the ceiling. “Okay, Mom. I think I need to let him in on our secret.” Standing next to him, Luke mirrored his brother, hands shoved in pockets as they both stared out into the night. “Care to hear it?”
Drew eyed his brother, done with Luke’s games. “What secret? What’s all this supposed to mean?”
“It means you owe me.” Luke patted Drew’s back. “Don’t blow it this time.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Lauren twirled in the makeshift dressing room’s mirror, reacquainting herself with her beautiful dress while she waited for the rest of the wedding party to arrive at the church. This morning, she wasn’t quite sure she could bring herself to put it on, but the minute Miles had brought it over from the cabin, she knew she wanted to wear it one last time.
Besides, there wasn’t time to get another one. She’d put on a brave face and get through the ceremony and reception the best she could. By tomorrow morning, she’d be on her parents’ private jet headed to California. She’d arranged it with Luke to take the rest of the month off to clear her head. She’d return to New York City and the job after the holidays.
