His by Christmas

by Teresa Southwick

“That’s okay.” Justine would rather hear about her friend’s happiness than talk about her own pathetic personal life.

  “Apparently I’m not the only one making a move.” Shanna cut a bite of lasagna and her fork hovered over the plate. “I heard that you gave your notice, too.”

  “Yeah, I did.” She’d turned it into Human Resources the day before. But it was her impression that they kept things like that confidential. “How did you know?”

  “Cal mentioned it.”

  Justine wanted to fire questions at her friend. Like, how did he take it? Did he seem okay or was he ticked off? Was there anything bothering him? But she held back and simply said, “Oh?”

  “Yeah. It seemed as if you two were working well together on the island and...” Shanna’s eyes were full of questions.

  Justine shrugged. “I always planned to leave and open up the yoga studio. You know that.”

  “But I didn’t think it would be this soon,” her friend said.

  “The money he paid me to go to the island and be his assistant made it possible for me to speed up my timetable.”

  “Still, I didn’t know you were going to do this quite so fast. I kind of thought you might be my replacement. Not just anyone can deal with Calhoun Hart.”

  Dealing with him had turned magical after she nearly got fired. He was funny and caring and observant. Being with him never felt like work.

  “He just needs someone who will go toe-to-toe with him. Not be intimidated by his intelligence and being all about work.”

  Shanna picked at her salad, then put her fork down. “The thing is, he’s different since he got back.”

  “Maybe it’s you, looking at him through the prism of being deliriously happy,” Justine suggested.

  “No. It’s like he’s broken.” She held up a hand. “I know about the leg and that it’s healed. I’m talking about something that wouldn’t show up on an X-ray. A spark has gone out. I don’t know how to describe it, but he’s changed.”

  “Because he’s losing you.”

  “He’s a big boy, a professional. He knows better than anyone that I can be easily replaced.” Shanna met her gaze. “I see the same thing in you.”

  “Really?” This woman was far too perceptive. Justine was going to miss her terribly. And, bottom line, she didn’t want to talk about something that couldn’t be fixed. “I don’t know what to tell you. Except that I’m very excited about opening the yoga studio. It’s been a dream for a while now and finally coming true. A chance to help others. In fact, I have an appointment in a couple of days with a real estate agent to look at space in the retail center near the new hotel and condos at the base of the mountain. Life is really good. So I’m not exactly sure what you’re seeing in me.”

  “I would believe that story if I didn’t know you so well. There was just a little too much enthusiasm in your voice. I don’t buy it. And I’m not gullible. What happened between you and Cal on that island?”

  “It’s a blessing and a curse that you know me so well.” Justine sighed and put her fork down. “We had a thing—”

  “What?”

  “I meant to say ‘fling.’ We agreed that’s all it was. He learned to relax and find balance between work and fun. I taught him a breathing technique. And he...”

  “What?”

  He showed her the part of her that could feel deeply for a man who hadn’t died. “I got to experience luxury overload. So I have a pretty good idea how your life will be—private jets, chartered yachts off Greece, houses as big as a small country. It’s going to be great.”

  Shanna stared at her for several moments, then seemed to make a decision. “When you’re ready to talk about it, I’m ready to listen.”

  Justine didn’t deny there was a lot on her mind. She appreciated that her friend understood and respected what she was keeping to herself. It’s why they’d connected so strongly. Reaching over, she squeezed the other woman’s hand. “I know. Thanks. And remember, this night is all about you and your future.”

  “It’s just that I want everyone I care about to be happy, too.”

  “You’re sweet. Which is why I love you. And I hope with all my heart that this move to California and being with Mark will bring you all the happiness you deserve.”

  For the rest of the evening Justine managed to say all the right things. She truly meant all the good wishes but couldn’t help feeling envious because Shanna had her Mark. Cal didn’t belong to Justine but she felt as if she’d lost everything. Again. She loved him. She’d been absolutely sure of that when they left the island. Then he was honest with her and it changed everything, convincing her they wouldn’t work.

  She’d thought when the plane landed and she’d refused his offer to go home with him that breaking things off would take care of everything. It hadn’t. She missed him and that wasn’t going away. He had changed her and the change hurt.

  * * *

  A few days after the attempted bonding with his cousin Logan at Bar None, Cal drove to his brother’s house after work to settle up on the bet. He turned right into an impressive neighborhood of large, stately homes with great views of the lake and mountains. Real estate was all about location and this was probably the best in Blackwater Lake.

  Sam had lived in his big, empty house all by himself until the wildfire last summer had forced some local residents to flee their homes. Faith was one of the evacuees and had temporarily moved in with him. They fell in love. Her eight-year-old daughter, Phoebe, approved of the match and, as the story went, had a hand in matchmaking and getting the two adults together. While Cal was on the island, Sam and Faith honeymooned, leaving Phoebe with their sister, Ellie, and her family.

  He drove into the curved driveway and parked, then turned off the car’s engine. Glancing at the gorgeous, etched glass front doors, he took a deep breath before exiting the SUV. It didn’t escape his notice that counting his breaths had become a habit since his month with Justine. Now he had to face Sam and this was Cal’s moment of truth.

  After walking up a couple of steps, he lifted his hand to ring the bell, but the door opened before he could. His brother must have been watching. Who knew he was so anxious to hand over the keys to the classic car?

  “Hi.” Sam looked past him to where the SUV was parked. “I thought you were going to get a ride over so you could drive the Duchess home.”

  “About that...” Cal met his brother’s gaze. “We need to talk.”

  “What is it about those four words?” Sam frowned as he closed the front door. “It occurs to me that I don’t like hearing them from you any more than I do from my wife. What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. You’ll like this, I promise—”

  Before he could explain, eight-year-old Phoebe came running into the entryway. “Uncle Cal!”

  He got down to her level and grabbed her up when she threw herself into his arms. “Hello, kid.”

  “Hi.” She wrapped her small arms around his neck and squeezed as hard as a little girl could.

  It felt pretty good. “How are you?”

  “I’m gonna be a Hart.” The blond-haired, brown-eyed little cherub looked proud as could be. “Sam’s gonna be my dad. For real.”

  Cal grinned at her. “That means I’ll be your uncle for real, too.”

  “I know.” She hugged him again. “I can’t wait till Thanksgiving next week to say what I’m grateful for.”

  “Right.” The coming holiday had slipped Cal’s mind. His thoughts had been too full of missing Justine to think about much of anything else. And he didn’t even want to contemplate how empty Christmas was going to feel. “Is someone hosting the whole family for Thanksgiving dinner?”

  “The location keeps changing.” Sam’s expression hinted at a level of excitement rarely before seen. “Ellie is pregnant.”


  “I know.”

  “She’s been feeling pretty tired and still has some morning sickness. So, Faith was going to cook, but since—”

  “Mommy’s going to have a baby,” Phoebe blurted out.

  Sam didn’t seem the least bit upset that the little girl beat him to the announcement. “It’s true.”

  “That’s great news.” He smiled at Phoebe, her arm trustingly resting on his shoulder. “That means you’ll be a big sister. Are you ready?”

  “Yes. I hope it’s a girl.”

  “Something tells me you have no preference.” Cal looked at his brother, who nodded. Then he set the little girl on her feet. He straightened and shook the other man’s hand. “Congratulations.”

  “Thanks. But the point is that now Faith is fighting morning sickness. So Ellie swears she can pull herself together and do the cooking. Mom and Dad are here and will help. That’s the scoop at the moment. Are you going to be there?”

  It was a valid question given his track record of missing family events. In the past if something work-related came up he’d chosen that over family, but not now. Not since Justine showed him what a balanced life should be. And yet he couldn’t seem to find his balance without her.

  “Phoebe Catherine—” Faith walked into the room looking a little pale, but still beautiful. It was obvious where her daughter got her good looks. “Oh, Cal, I didn’t know you were here.”

  “It’s not good when she uses both my names,” the little girl informed him.

  “I heard about the baby,” he said and hugged Faith. “You look beautiful.”

  “Thank you, but do not tell me I’m glowing. That whole pregnancy glow thing is a myth. I look like something the cat yakked up.” She did glow, though, when Sam put his arm protectively around her. “We’re excited.”

  Cal got a double whammy of envy and pain as he looked at the happy family. It was everything he wanted and would never have.

  Faith turned a stern look on her little girl. “It’s bedtime and you know what that means.”

  “But you were in the bathroom throwing up.”

  “Thanks for sharing,” Faith said wryly. “That’s not humiliating at all. And it still doesn’t change the fact that it’s time for your bath.”

  “But Uncle Cal is here.” She glanced up at him, a whole bunch of pleading in those big brown eyes.

  Cal took her mom’s measure and sighed. “I’d like to help you out, kid, but I’m pretty sure your mom could take me. You’re on your own.”

  Sam smiled his approval. “Smart move.”

  Phoebe thrust out her bottom lip in a pout. “Don’t think I’m going to forget this on Uncle Appreciation Day.”

  “Is there such a thing?” Cal asked, not the least bit bothered by the threat.

  “It wouldn’t surprise me.” Faith shrugged. “There’s Short People Appreciation Day on December twenty-first, the shortest day of the year. Grandparents Day—”

  “And Grandma and Grandpa Hart will officially be mine when I’m adopted,” Phoebe said happily.

  “The folks are excited about it. Mom once told me she wants and is expecting all of us to do our part and produce offspring,” Sam confided.

  Cal figured eventually his mother would notice that he wasn’t doing his fair share in the kid department, but that couldn’t be helped. Without Justine... He refused to finish that thought.

  “Grandma likes to play checkers,” the little girl continued. “Maybe she wants to come over and see Uncle Cal and we—”

  “Nice try, Phoebs.” Sam’s voice was firm. “But you’ve stalled long enough. Your mom said it’s time for bed.”

  “Okay, Dad. ’Night, Uncle Cal.” She waved, then headed upstairs.

  Bewildered, Faith shook her head at Sam. “I don’t know how you get her to cooperate, but keep up the good work.”

  “That’s my plan.” He tenderly touched her cheek. “You doing okay?”

  “I’ll live. Soda crackers and ginger ale are my friends.” She looked at Cal. “Good to see you. I’ll be back down after I get her settled.”

  He nodded and watched her follow her daughter upstairs. Then he met his brother’s gaze. “You’re a lucky man.”

  “I know.” Sam was grinning like a happy fool. “Want a beer?”

  “Yes.”

  They headed for the big kitchen with its giant island and stainless steel appliances. Sam opened the refrigerator and pulled out two bottles.

  He handed one over. “So, we need to talk. You were supposed to get a ride over here. How are you going to get the Duchess back to your place?”

  “I’m not.” Cal noted that his brother didn’t look completely surprised. “I worked while I was on the island and that’s a violation of the spirit of our agreement. I can’t take the car.”

  “Well, you’re honest. I actually knew all about it,” Sam admitted.

  “You did? How?”

  “You’re relatively new to Blackwater Lake so there’s something you should know. It’s growing, but still a small town. People talk. Your assistant said something to someone about you needing a substitute for her—”

  “But she was on a cruise.” Even as he said it, Cal remembered what Justine had said about Shanna not being completely out of touch.

  “Even on a ship there’s internet and there are ports of call. Communication never stops completely.”

  “My bad. I won’t make that mistake again.” The mistake he’d made with Justine was so much worse that his lie of omission was hardly a blip on the emotional radar. “But I didn’t fulfill the terms of the bet.”

  “You stayed on the island for a month. You won.”

  Cal shook his head. “It doesn’t feel that way.”

  “Because of Justine.” Sam leaned back against the granite-topped island and met his gaze. “Don’t look so surprised. I just told you how fast and efficient news is in this town.”

  “Still—”

  “And you were acting weird at Bar None. Your heart just wasn’t in it when you drank with Logan to a woman who understands and no female entanglements. I knew something was up.”

  “As you probably already know, Justine filled in as my assistant while at the resort.”

  “Seems like it turned out to be more than work.” Sam set his beer on the granite and folded his arms over his chest. “I think you fell in love and somehow you were an ass. Now she won’t have anything to do with you. Am I somewhere in the ballpark?”

  “How did you know that?” When Cal wasn’t feeling miserable and hopeless he was kind of impressed with his brother’s intuition. “You went through it, too?”

  “I know because Linc did the same thing when he married Rose, then left her. Fortunately, while getting a divorce, they managed to figure out they were in love.” Sam looked smug. “I, on the other hand, knew what I wanted and went after it. Even though commitment made me sweat.”

  “It’s not just that. I’m not very good at marriage.”

  “Baloney. If you find the right woman you don’t have to be good at it. It’s all about taking a leap of faith.” He pointed at Cal. “And that’s not a pun because of my wife’s name. You’re gun-shy because you made one bad choice. It’s that damn competitive streak of yours.”

  Justine had told him almost the same thing, that he wanted to be first. “I’m working on that.”

  “In the long run it’s not even faith as much as knowing in your gut that a certain woman is the only one you will ever love.”

  “I know what you mean.”

  “Then do something about it,” Sam said.

  “It’s like you’re reading my mind.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Justine normally enjoyed being with her work friends at Bar None, but not tonight. It was her last day
at Hart Energy and she’d hoped to slip away quietly, but her coworkers were having none of that. Especially after losing Shanna the week before. They insisted on having a going-away party for her. Now the four of them were sitting around one of the bistro tables having wine, and the other three didn’t notice she wasn’t talking much.

  At least she hadn’t run into Cal on her last day. Since coming back to town she’d been avoiding him and figured he must be doing the same to her since their paths had never crossed after returning from the island. Part of her had hoped to accidentally run into him but that hadn’t happened. So obviously coming home had put an end to the fling. If he wanted her, she wasn’t that hard to find. The logical conclusion was that he didn’t want her.

  That thought pulled the knot of pain in her chest a little tighter.

  “So, tell me about the yoga studio.” Amy Karlik was a blue-eyed blonde who worked in Human Resources.

  Justine suddenly realized the table had gone quiet and everyone was looking at her. “Hmm?”

  “Your yoga studio?” Mary Davis, a brunette, was young, a local hire and not a transplanted Texan. “How long until you’re open for business?”

  “I finally found a location in the new retail center at the foot of Black Mountain. It’s not far from the new hotel and condo development. I had thought it was out of my price range, but Carla, my real estate agent, did a little digging and found out it’s in my budget.”

  “Cool.”

  “I want to tap into the tourist population as well as residents of Blackwater Lake. And it’s strategically located—a reasonable distance from the heart of town and the resort. Prime location at an amazingly dirt-cheap price.”

  “Sounds perfect.” Sherry Ferguson nodded her approval. “When do you think you’ll be able to open?”

  “I have to sign a lease first. The owner has been hard to get hold of, according to Carla.”

  “So you’ve never met with the person who owns the property?” Mary asked.

  “No. Apparently he travels a lot and is difficult to pin down. There’s been a lot of phone tag and faxing. But tomorrow I’m going to put my name on the bottom line.”