The Holiday Bride

by Ginny Baird

  “Hmm.”

  “Well, good night, Daddy,” she said, giving him a quick hug around the legs and darting to bed. “Sleep tight!”

  “You too, pumpkin,” he said, thinking something didn’t add up. William rapped lightly at Justin’s door, then went in.

  Justin sat nonchalantly on the bed, scribbling something on a notepad. William couldn’t believe his eyes. Was that Justin—writing poetry?

  “Hey Dad. What’s up?”

  “Uh, I just wanted to... About Carmella...?”

  “Oh yeah, the fuzz brain had a bad dream. It’s okay, though. I told her the monsters weren’t real and that she could leave on the lights.”

  “Very good of you, Justin, thanks,” William said, impressed. Who had taken his snarly preteen and replaced him with somebody older and wiser? Not to mention, a bit kinder to his kid sister?

  “Was there something else?” Justin asked, apparently ready to get back to his writing.

  William had the sneaking suspicion Justin was up to something. For some odd reason, he suspected it had something to do with girls. “Everything all right?”

  “Oh yeah, Dad. Just dandy.”

  Dandy? “There’s nothing you want to tell me about? Nothing you want to discuss?” Like your raging hormones or possible new interest in girls, William wanted to ask.

  Justin smiled at him, tightlipped. “Nope.”

  ****

  Chapter Ten

  William had been pondering a way to see Lucy again, but knew that it wouldn’t be right just to pop on over there and say hi the day before her wedding. Still, he had her gifts to return. Bridget’s gifts, anyway. William peered in the top box, his face firing red. Well, no wonder Lucy hadn’t wanted him to look! He paused, wondering what had become of his sense of adventure. He wasn’t even forty and yet it seemed he’d morphed into an old man. Something about the light in Lucy’s bright blue eyes told him she could find a way to reawaken his youth. Hadn’t he nearly been driven to pull her into his arms and carry her up to his bed half a dozen times? Okay, he had carried her upstairs that once. But given that they scarcely knew each other at the time, and she was effectively passed out, that didn’t seem to count.

  William sat on the side of the bed, feeling foolish. There really hadn’t been anyone since Karen died. The fact was, when his wife had gone he’d been so devastated by the entire event, he didn’t believe he’d ever love again. And then, this stranger waltzed into his house... More like sleepwalked... And suddenly, his heart was all over itself, unable to stop its pounding each time that she was near. There was something about her, he didn’t know what, that just seemed so right. It was like she’d belonged in this house . . . and in his arms, he thought, as his neck flushed hot. Though he never truly got the chance to hold her like he’d yearned to do. He tried to imagine what that might be like, having a wife and mother in this house once more. He’d never before trusted there would be a way for that to work. The person would have to be very special. Extra special. To fit such a large bill.

  But what was he doing entertaining such cockamamie notions? Tomorrow, Lucy was marrying Mitch. That was the life she was meant to lead, and had decided on, long before she’d wound up on William’s sofa. It wasn’t like a few days with his family were going to change her mind.

  Lucy trudged through the snow up to William’s house, her palms damp inside her warm wool gloves. For the past forty-eight hours, she’d been dreaming up any excuse she could think of to come on over. Then, she recalled Bridget’s packages. Of course, she had to get them back and make that delivery. After all, she’d promised Mitch.

  Maybe it was true that deep inside she longed to see William again. Ever since staying with the Kinkaids, she’d felt oddly conflicted about her upcoming wedding. Perhaps dropping by this morning would set everything right. She’d had a few days to gather her thoughts and distance herself from the disconcerting events that had occurred here, she thought, climbing the front porch steps. Lucy paused, taking in the pretty handmade Christmas wreath, tied up with a bright red bow and hanging from the front door. Everything in this house teemed with life.

  Especially William! She looked up with a start when he opened the door, before she could ring the bell. He stood there in his parka, appearing more handsome than ever, light brown eyes sparkling with surprise. “Lucy!” he said, holding a stack of Christmas gifts.

  “Bridget’s packages,” she exclaimed, heaving a breath. “I was just coming to get them!”

  He raised his brow. “You were?”

  “Who’s at the door, dear?” Emma called from inside. She appeared behind William a few seconds later, followed by Grant.

  “Why, Lucy!” she said, rushing over to give her a hug. “What a pleasant surprise.”

  “Indeed,” Grant said with a grin. “In fact, we were just talking about you.”

  William turned to his parents and parroted with Lucy, “You were?”

  “Yes, yes, of course.” Emma ushered Lucy inside and shut the door. “Come on in and out of the cold. I just put a pot of coffee on.”

  Hearing voices downstairs, Justin and Carmella decided to go investigate.

  “Carmella, look,” Justin whispered at the top of the steps as his Poppy helped Lucy off with her coat and his dad set down a stack of packages.

  “Wow,” Carmella whispered back. “That worked fast.”

  Justin nodded. “Guess that’s what they mean by instant upload.”

  “Hey kids!” William called upstairs. “Come on down! We’ve got company!”

  Justin and Carmella smiled at each other, beginning their rapid descent.

  “Justin! It’s so good to see you,” Lucy said with a happy grin. “And you know, I have something to tell you. I’m not mad at all about that Web page.”

  Justin glanced at Carmella, then spoke, his voice lightly cracking. “That’s great!”

  “I know you kids were only trying to help,” Lucy said sweetly.

  Carmella beamed from ear to ear.

  Lucy bent low and held out her arms to the little girl. “Come here, you.”

  Carmella rushed over and gave her a happy hug, as Justin’s heart brimmed. He studied his father, who appeared equally pleased that Lucy was here. Sometimes it was nice to do a good thing.

  “Let’s all head into the kitchen, why don’t we?” Emma said. “Gingerbread’s in the making.”

  “Oh boy!” Carmella crowed.

  Justin approached Lucy as she neared the threshold and spoke in a low, confident manner. “Good to see you, Luce.”

  She stared at him, her cheeks aglow. “Why Justin, that’s very nice of you to say. It’s awfully good to see you, too.”

  William sat in the kitchen with the others, thinking how good it was having Lucy back in this house. As they sat around the kitchen table, laughing companionably and sharing warm gingerbread, it was almost as if she belonged here.

  “I thought the farmer was a hoot,” Grant said, as they relived happy memories.

  “I liked the knight on the horse,” Emma said.

  Justin sipped from his cocoa. “I liked the paratrooper.”

  “Yeah, well, I liked Daddy best!” Carmella chirped, looking around.

  The adults chuckled as Lucy hung her head with a blush.

  She looked up, meeting William’s eyes, and his heart skipped a beat. “You really were the best out of all of them... I mean, as far as keeping everything organized. I don’t know how I could have managed without you.”

  “William’s very good at organizing things,” Emma said.

  “And he’s an excellent provider,” Grant piped in.

  The tips of William’s ears burned hot as Lucy’s cheeks colored. “Yes, well...” William stumbled with the words. “The important thing is that we provided a place for Lucy when she was lost.”

  “Confused was more like it,” she said. “I’m so very grateful to all of you. For taking me in and making me feel so much at home.”

  “It’s amazi
ng that this was your house once,” Emma said.

  “Yes,” Lucy agreed. “It seems I have a happy history here.”

  “History has a way of repeating itself,” Grant said with a knowing look.

  What were his parents driving at? It was almost embarrassing the way they were throwing themselves at Lucy, dropping hints here and there concerning everyone’s feelings for her. Including his own, he acknowledged, sentiment overtaking him. Here she was, this wonderful, beautiful woman, whom his parents and his kids obviously adored. And she was getting hitched to another man.

  “You know, we’ve been thinking,” Emma said as she stood to refill the adults’ coffees, “Grant and I...” She cast her husband a look. “That, with the New Year upon us, it would be terribly good to get together and celebrate.”

  “At our house for a change,” Grant added. “You know, card games, puzzles. Champagne at midnight. A good old-fashioned family New Year’s Eve.”

  “Yes, dear,” Emma said, her expectant gaze on Lucy’s. “And we were hoping you could join us.”

  Lucy’s eyes brimmed with gratitude. “That sounds lovely,” she said. “Really special. You don’t know how much I’d like to come. But I can’t.” She set down her mug resolutely, then looked around the room, taking them in one by one. “I’m afraid that I’m getting married tomorrow night at eight o’clock.”

  “Married?” everyone but William cried.

  “Didn’t William tell you?”

  Grant studied his son. “No, I’m afraid he left that little detail out.”

  “Where is the ceremony, dear?” Emma asked kindly.

  “Up at the Old North Church, out on River Road.”

  “Of course, we know it,” Emma said. “Sweet little place.”

  “If I could, I’d invite you all,” Lucy said. “But the chapel’s small, and it’s only family.”

  “Naturally, we understand.” Emma took her seat with a heavy heart. William felt as if someone had ripped his heart from his chest and replaced it with a huge iron anchor.

  William turned toward Lucy, sinking into the depths of her eyes. They were beautiful eyes, angel eyes. But this Christmas angel belongs to someone else, William reminded himself. “And we wish you and Mitch the very best,” he said quietly.

  Justin rubbed his forehead as Carmella watched her father with a frown.

  Grant stood and warmly patted Lucy’s shoulder. “Of course, we do. Congratulations. From all of us.”

  ****

  Chapter Eleven

  Lucy stood glumly before her mirror applying the last of her makeup. Well, this was it. The big day had arrived. She studied her reflection, deciding she looked passable in the simple wedding dress she’d bought online. Mitch would never guess it was a second. The important thing was, she was wearing it for the first time with him. Lucy sighed and pulled on her heavy coat, expecting him at any minute.

  She noted the light was blinking on her answering machine and hit play.

  “Hey sugar, it’s me, Gus,” his voice said. “Don’t get me wrong here. I’m still pleased as punch to be walking you down the aisle tonight, but all of us over at the diner found something on the Internet we think you should take a look at.”

  Moments later, Lucy sat at her PC typing in the URL Gus had provided. The page loaded and her eyes watered, threatening to overflow. Clearly this was something Justin had crafted, probably with Carmella’s help.

  There was a Kinkaid family picture and her figure had been cut and pasted in. The caption read: Sexy Cyber Dad Seeks Mom. Only those answering to “Lucy” and perfectly matching this photo’s description need apply. Personal experience with Santa and his reindeer team a plus. Extra room in her heart for two great kids mandatory.

  “Crazy, adorable kids,” she said, as tears escaped her.

  Mitch knocked at the door and she nabbed some tissues off a nearby table to dab her weepy eyes. She had to pull herself together. The man who loved and wanted her was just outside and prepared to whisk her away and into a new and happy life. She would be happy, wouldn’t she?

  “Wow, you look gorgeous,” Mitch said as she opened the door.

  “You don’t look so bad yourself,” Lucy answered. And he didn’t. Mitch had cleaned up very well, and looked really nice in his tuxedo and red rose boutonniere.

  “So, ready to go and do this thing?” he asked with a grin.

  Lucy forced a shaky smile. “You bet.”

  “Great. That makes two of us.” He held out his arm to escort her. “Your carriage awaits!”

  “Mitch?” she began tentatively.

  “Yeah?”

  “Have you ever tried blueberry pancakes with chocolate syrup on top?”

  “Ew! That’s disgusting! Why would you ask...? Wait a minute. You’re not trying to prep me up for some of those pregnancy cravings, are ya?”

  Lucy cast a sorrowful gaze toward her computer. “I can’t really have the kids without the father, can I?”

  “Now, you’re talking crazy, Luce.” He stopped walking and turned toward her. “Are you all right?”

  “Yes, fine.” She pulled herself upright and looked him in the eye. “I’m sorry, Mitch. I just had a weak moment, but it’s passed. I know what I want to do.”

  The mood was grim at the senior Kinkaid house. Grant and Emma couldn’t get anybody to do anything. Justin didn’t want to play cards and Carmella refused to work puzzles. Finally, the grandparents gave up and turned on the television, letting the kids watch a New Year’s Eve show, complete with stage performers and marching bands.

  William was sure his mom had cooked a delicious dinner, but the truth was that he hadn’t been able to taste a bite. It was like his whole world was in a haze and he was detached from everything. He’d meant what he’d said to Dr. Mass when he questioned the older man about Santa Claus. Something unusual, magical, had happened when Lucy arrived. And when she’d gone, she’d taken all that brightness with her, leaving him in this dark well of despair. How could it be that the fates had brought home just the right person for him... for all of them.. and then just as suddenly snatched her away?

  William looked up from where he sat on the sofa and Grant motioned him into the kitchen—and out of the earshot of the others.

  “Want a drink, son?” his dad asked gruffly.

  William glanced at the still untouched glass in his hand. “Thanks, I’ve got one.”

  Grant met his gaze. “How about something stronger? A kick in the ass?”

  “Dad!” William said with surprise.

  Grant massaged his chin and studied William. “You know, son, we Kinkaids might be many things, but I’ve never thought of any of us as quitters.”

  “Quitters?”

  “Just look at yourself. All moping about and giving up, while the woman of your dreams goes waltzing down the aisle with someone else.”

  “That’s just it! She’s already marrying someone else.”

  His dad shot him a disappointed look. “Well, fine. Okay, then. Just throw in the towel if that’s how you feel. If you really, in your heart, believe Lucy’s making the right decision.

  “But if you believe, even for a second, that she’s making the wrong one, don’t you think you owe it to yourself—and her—to go out there and tell her so?”

  Gus and Lucy stood at the top of the short aisle. The small chapel was lovely, still decorated for Christmas with candles and holiday greenery. Mitch waited up front, beaming brightly beside the waiting priest.

  “Remember,” Gus said, taking her arm. “Just keep it nice and steady.”

  “Thanks for being here, Gus.”

  He leaned toward her, speaking under his breath. “I feel like I’m walking you to your execution.”

  “Sometimes you have to take what life serves you up,” she whispered back, “even if it gives you indigestion.”

  “Right, but I won’t tell Mitch that you said that.”

  William stared at his father, affronted. “Dad, are you calling me a wimp?
”

  “Why, yes. Yes, I suppose I am.”

  William set his jaw, knowing one thing firmly. He wasn’t some coward who backed down from a challenge. Never had been. Who was he to step aside and assume Mitch was the right guy for Lucy? Shouldn’t he let her decide that for herself?

  “Now, I know things have been tough since—” his dad went on.

  “Hold that thought,” William said, nabbing his keys off the counter. Damn straight Lucy should decide things for herself. But how on earth could she, when she hadn’t even been presented with a choice?

  “Atta boy!” Grant called, as William raced from the room. “Go get her!”

  Emma and the kids stared at him, stunned, as he yanked on his parka and bolted for the door. “Be back soon,” he said, as their faces all brightened in smiles.

  William rushed through the snow to his SUV, noting it was coming down heavily again. He held up an arm to shield his eyes from the onslaught. When he was nearly to his driveway, a cascade of heavy wet flakes poured down on him “What on earth?” He squinted heavenward, almost swearing he’d heard sleigh bells. “No,” he said, shaking his head. “No earthly way.”

  Ten minutes later, William burst through the door of the chapel covered in white flakes. “Hang on just one second!” he shouted. “I object!”

  The priest eyed him curiously as he bustled his way to the front. “I’m afraid, young man, we haven’t yet gotten to that part.”

  Lucy blushed mightily. “William!” she cried with unmasked delight.

  “You!” Mitch declared, not nearly as happy to see him.

  A man stood from the front pew. From his looks, he appeared to be Mitch’s father. “What’s the meaning of this?” he demanded.

  “The meaning of this, sir,” William said as he pressed his way to the front, “is that something’s happening here that maybe shouldn’t be.”