Home For Christmas: A Small Town Second Chance Holiday Romance

by Emma Tharp

  Home For Christmas

  A Second Chance Holiday Romance

  Emma Tharp

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Epilogue

  21. Chapter 1 The Trade

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Also by Emma Tharp

  One

  Connor

  "I'm leaving you!" Liz spits out as she hurls clothes haphazardly into her suitcase.

  I move into our bedroom, but the glare in her eyes stops me in my tracks. She wasn’t expecting to see me now. I thought I’d surprise her and bring Thai for lunch today. She was planning on leaving me while I was at work. "But, Liz, we can work this out." My tone is halfhearted at best.

  "Nope. I'm done waiting. I've had enough. You’re a forever dater, completely incapable of committing." Liz's nostrils flare as she tosses a stack of T-shirts into a bag.

  "That's not true." Well, it is sort of true. "I love you." And I do love her…as much as I'm capable.

  Liz storms into the closet and comes out with an armful of shoes. "If you loved me, you'd have proposed by now. How many times have I brought this up? Ten? Twenty? No, probably more. I want to get married and start a family before my hair is gray." The shoes land in a heap on the bed.

  “But, Liz—”

  She throws her hands in the air. “Nope. I’m done. I’ve tried and tried with you, Connor. I’ve given you my all. I’ve been loyal to you and I’ve loved you.” Big tears start sliding down her cheeks.

  Jamming my hands in my pockets, I stare at the floor, unable to look Liz in the eye. “It’s true.”

  She plops down on the bed and swears under her breath. Shoes clunk onto the hardwood, one by one. Liz rests her head in her hands and she sobs.

  I let her cry. Part of me wants to comfort her, but she’s livid with me. From experience, I know it’s best to give her time.

  It’s only a matter of seconds before she stands, rubs her hands over her face, and starts to pick up her shoes. “Damn it. I didn’t want to do this. That’s why I was going to leave while you were at work.”

  Even though it all makes sense, I simply stare at her, unsure of what to say. This strong woman is crumpling before me. I’ve broken her down and never intended to. “I thought we could have lunch together.”

  She lets out a sobbing half-laugh. “No more lunches, or dinners, or anything, Connor.” Her voice raises. “Ever again.”

  I can't fault her. Liz is a selfless woman who always put others first, at her job as a nurse and at home with me. I think I’ve taken her for granted. The last couple of years we’ve been more like roommates—the distance between us growing day by day. I should’ve seen this coming. She deserves better than me. I can’t fight her on this.

  It was always good with Liz, but it never felt quite right. "I understand."

  She palms a heavy metal trinket from her nightstand and looks as if she’d like to hurl it at my head. Instead, she stares at me expectantly as if I'm going to change my mind and propose now. I just can’t do it. She puts the trinket in her bag and tries to slam it closed. With some effort she eventually gets the zipper to zip. "Okay. I'll send for the rest of my things."

  "Okay."

  She drops the suitcase to the floor and squares her shoulders, looking a lot less like my longtime girlfriend Liz, and more like someone ready to go to battle. "You’ll never be happy with anyone until you work on yourself, Connor." And without another word, she storms out.

  I don’t go after her. Does that make me a heartless bastard for not fighting for her, or a saint for letting her go?

  As she leaves, a dull ache forms in my chest. Liz is a good woman and I’m going to miss her. I can’t even begin to wrap my brain around what it’s going to be like without her here in my home, in my bed, and in my heart.

  Oddly, the shattering splinter-like pain I’d expect to feel after such a breakup just isn’t there.

  I take a seat on the bed right where Liz just sat and run my fingers through my hair. She’s probably right. Maybe I do need to work on myself, but where do I even start?

  I did love Liz, but clearly, it wasn't enough.

  I'm not sure it ever will be.

  My phone vibrates in my pocket with an incoming call. I pull it out and answer.

  "Hey, Mom. How are you?"

  "Great. It’s been a few days, so I thought I’d check in.”

  I speak with my mom and dad at least twice a week. Living a couple hours away, I like to touch base and make sure my family is well. “It’s been a busy week at the office.”

  “That’s good. I know you’re everyone’s favorite dentist,” she says with pride beaming in her voice.

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  “I’m making lunch for your father and thought I’d see if you’re free.”

  She has no idea just how free I am. “Sure, I can talk.”

  “Good. We were wondering if you were going to be able to make it home for Christmas this year?” There’s a strong tinge of hope in her voice.

  "Yes. I'm taking two weeks off, but it's just me." I can already see the confusion on my mom's face.

  Pans clatter in the background. "No Liz?" She’s disappointed. I can hear it. My parents love Liz. They think she’s good for me. Mom has asked me more than once if I planned on proposing to her.

  "Nah. We broke up."

  "Are you okay, son?"

  I give this question some thought. I should be torn up and broken, but for some reason, I only feel relief. "I think so."

  This year, going home will be easier. No expectations from anyone for a Christmas proposal, at least.

  And maybe I’ll run into some old friends.

  Two

  Minnie

  "What really happened, Minnie?" my older sister, Kit, asks. She's sitting with her legs crossed, up against my bed.

  I fold a tank top and lay it gently in my dresser drawer. It's surreal to be back here in my childhood home in Bluff Harbor, moving back in, divorced and childless. Not how I pictured my life at thirty. "He cheated one time too many. And I wasn't happy." So many things were wrong in our relationship. If I’m honest with myself, from the moment we got married, tiny pieces of me started chipping away like old paint, and I never figured out how to get them back.

  "So, you up and left? You don't think he'll be coming here to try to win you back?"

  "I don't care if he does. I'm filing for divorce on Monday morning. The marriage never should've happened." I wish I would’ve done this years ago. For a long time, it was just easier to put one foot in front of the other instead of facing the truth.

  Kit runs her fingers through her thick brown hair, so much like mine, and shakes her head. "I never understood what you saw in Chris."

  There’s a sour tang that churns around in my stomach. For the life of me, I can't remember what I saw in him either all those years ago in high school. It was young, foolish love. He was a hot jock who said all the right things and I fell for him. "Thanks for telling me now."

  She puffs out her cheeks, then lets out a long breath of air. "I
am sorry, but you know I never cared for him. He was always so slimy in high school." My sister never did hide her feelings, but being a teenager, I didn’t listen to her, or anyone for that matter, when it came to matters of the heart. Part of it was my rebellious side that thought I knew it all, and part was Chris. He knew exactly what to say to me to win my affections.

  Even when I was unsure about a decision, he’d find just the right words to swing my choices in his direction. He’d also make suggestions on which clothes I should wear and what friends to hang out with. As a naive teen, I thought he was only looking out for me. Now, I know what it was. Control.

  I close one drawer and open the next, placing socks inside. "Yeah. I wish he never followed me to St. John Fisher for college. Maybe I wouldn't be in this mess now." While I was surprised that Chris applied to all the same colleges as me, I was pleased when we both got accepted to the prestigious university.

  The sympathetic look on my sister's face is the same it's been since I pulled in this morning and announced to my parents that I was leaving Chris. Kit drove right over and has been by my side all day. We’re much closer now as adults than we were as teenagers. We were too opposite to be close. She was a rule follower who always worked overtime to please our parents. Not me. I’d do whatever I wanted, like stay out past curfew and party. Not goody-two-shoes Kit. She wouldn’t even cover for me if I needed her to. But through the years, we started to develop a friendship, but I never did share with her how bad things were with Chris. Shame prevented me from telling anyone.

  It's time to come clean with the full story. I want her to know.

  “You remember how Chris and I got married too fast ten years ago? What I didn't tell anyone was that we only did it because I got pregnant and Chris said that it was ‘family tradition’ and we had to get married and raise the baby together. I should’ve never listened to him when he told me it was safe to have sex without a condom during the ten-day stretch I was on antibiotics. I read that the birth control pill was less effective while taking antibiotics, but Chris assured me that he’d pull out and we’d be safe. One more lie he told me to get what he wanted. And like a fool, I listened.

  “We were sophomores in college and I never wanted to quit school, but Chris told me it was the only way and that he would be able to take care of me." I laugh a dark, humorless laugh. He was such a good bullshitter. "After the shotgun wedding, we left college and moved away so that Chris could take a job as a contractor in one of his father’s friend’s firms. I was hesitant, but didn’t feel like I had a choice.

  “Two weeks later, when I was twelve weeks pregnant, I miscarried.” My stomach drops at the memory. It was one of the worst days of my life. “Chris wasn't even around. I couldn't get ahold of him. That was probably the first of many times he cheated on me. I only have proof of two times, but the rumor is there were multiple occasions. I should have left him after the first time, but now, I'm here.” Ready to heal in my childhood bedroom.

  My sister’s eyes glaze over. She eases up off the floor and is at my side in a heartbeat. She wraps her arms around me and squeezes me tight. "I'm so sorry that he treated you like that. You didn't deserve it. I'm so glad you're home."

  Tears stream down my face and it's not from the loss of my marriage. That's liberation. It's because I'm finally back here, in Bluff Harbor, where I belong. I never should've left. "Thank you."

  Kit pulls back and looks at me. Her eyes are full of comfort and sincerity. God, I've missed her. "You got me, and Mom and Dad, and all of your friends here. We're going to support you through all of this."

  Kit has a full-time job, a husband, and two sons, but I know she’ll be here for me any time I need her and for that I'm so grateful. "I know. I'll try not to bother you all the time."

  She shakes her head vigorously, her thick brown ponytail flying back and forth. "Never. Anytime, day or night, you can call me. And since it's the holidays, you're going to see a lot of me around here."

  That warms my heart and makes me smile. It’s also why I came home. To sink into the comfort that can only be found here, with the people that love me.

  Holidays at home have always been magical. Right now, I couldn't feel any lower. All I need is my family and friends to help me get through this mess.

  Now I can only hope that Chris doesn’t show up here and try to manipulate me into leaving with him.

  Three

  Connor

  Signaling, I pull onto Main Street in Bluff Harbor.

  Home.

  Warmth spreads through my chest as nostalgia sets in. The town has gone all out this year, with twinkling lights illuminating every tree lining the street. All the houses and businesses down the road are decked out in holiday decorations, ranging from lit-up porches, Nativity scenes, and Santa with his reindeer. Even with the way my last week has been, lousy and depressing since Liz walked out, it's hard not to smile and get excited being home and seeing everyone's holiday cheer.

  I closed my dental practice for the next two weeks, starting today. The break will do me good. I love what I do, but, besides a couple of long weekends, I haven't taken a vacation this year. It's long overdue.

  My practice is small. There's myself—the only dentist on staff— one hygienist, one assistant, and two office staff. Thankfully, we're always busy and I have a good reputation in town. We all work hard, and the staff was ready to leave and start celebrating the holidays when we closed down today.

  With the two-hour ride behind me, I pull into my parents’ driveway. My heart swells in my chest and every muscle in my body relaxes when I see my family's home, lit up in red and green lights for Christmas. It doesn't take that long to get here, yet I barely ever come home. I resolve to be better in the future and visit more regularly.

  I take my bag out of the trunk, and make my way to the front door. Before I can even knock, my mother has opened it and is pulling me in for a warm hug. I tower over her and can rest my chin on her head, which I’ve been able to do since I was twelve. Definitely got my height from Dad.

  "You look so good, Connor. I'm very pleased you're here." Her voice is full of happiness and excitement. Guilt tugs at my heart for not getting here sooner.

  Pulling back, I give my mom a kiss on the cheek. "It's good to see you, Mom. You look great, too." Her cheeks are rosy and her dark hair is curled perfectly, like always.

  Her eyes scan my face and her cheery demeanor slips. “Are you sure you’re okay? It’s strange to see you here without Liz.”

  I give her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “I’m good, Mom, really.” The last thing I want is for her to worry about me.

  My dad, still tall and fit, rounds the corner and steps out on the porch to shake my hand. "Son, I'm glad you made it safely."

  "I did. The snow held off. It was a nice drive." He also looks good, healthy. Maybe a few more grays in his salt-and-pepper hair, but it gives him a distinguished look.

  "Come inside. Colin is here. He’s fixing the cable. What can I get you to drink?" Dad asks.

  I lug my suitcase inside the door and set it down. The house smells like cinnamon and other spices. My mouth waters. Mom has to be making me an apple pie. She always does over the holidays, knowing it’s my absolute favorite. Her crust is so flaky and buttery—it’s something that Liz and I tried to replicate, but never got quite right. "I'll have a scotch."

  "Coming right up. Why don't you take your luggage upstairs and I’ll get that drink for you," Dad says, pointing toward the staircase.

  Nodding, I say, "Okay." I make my way upstairs and down the hall to my childhood bedroom.

  Mom has redone the space and it’s now her sewing room. It’s tidy, but there are scraps of material stacked next to the sewing machine and a partial quilt lies folded over the back of the chair. Mom took up quilting after Colin and I left for college. She’s been obsessed ever since.

  Even though it looks nothing like my old room, I'm still filled with a sense of wistfulness being here. I had a wonderful c
hildhood with loving parents and a solid relationship with my brother. I’ve built so many memories in this room and in Bluff Harbor.

  I set my suitcase on the bed as footsteps near my open door.

  "Hey, you're back. It's good to see you, man," my younger brother, Colin, says, reaching for my hand.

  We shake, hug, then he gives me a glass filled with ice and amber liquid. "Thank you, brother. Is this the good stuff?"

  He nods and smirks, a dimple forming on his left cheek. We look almost identical, even though I’m two years older than he is. Same thick eyebrows, straight nose, and strong jawline. The only basic difference in our features is the dimple. I don’t have one. "It's Glenfiddich. Fourteen years old, I think."

  I take a sip and enjoy deep notes of caramel, spice, and oak. I'm definitely a scotch drinker because of my father. He's always had an appreciation for old, expensive bottles. He started introducing Colin and me as soon as we both turned twenty-one. At first, I hated it and thought it tasted like cough syrup, but through the years, I’ve developed a taste for it, and now it's my favorite drink.

  "This is perfect, thank you," I tell Colin and take a seat on the bed.

  He sits down on the chair with the quilt hanging on the back. "Mom told me that you and Liz aren't together anymore. How are you holding up?"

  "I’m okay. How are things with you and Salina?"

  His eyes light up when I mention his fiancée's name. They met at the gym Colin owns. She's a fitness instructor. She didn't work there long before they fell in love. Colin proposed to her this summer and she said yes. "She's great. She's in full-on planning mode for the wedding next fall. Everything is going well at the gym, too. But quit deflecting. You were with Liz a long time."