The Christmas Bliss Romance Collection

by Jennifer Youngblood

  “Beverly, please,” she said in a cultured, Charlestonian drawl that sounded like Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind. She ignored Haven’s outstretched hand as she pulled her into a hug. The subtle scent of her expensive perfume wafted through Haven’s nostrils.

  She released Haven and looked her up and down with a keen eye, much as Marguerite had done. “You’re stunning,” she declared as if she were examining a piece of art.

  “Thank you. You’re beautiful too,” Haven said.

  Beverly’s eyes widened in surprise, and she rewarded Haven with a grateful smile. “Why, thank you, Brynn,” she said graciously. At first, Haven thought Beverly was around her same height, but then she looked down at her pointy-toed, oyster-colored heels peeking out beneath her winter white slacks. Beverly had a petite, thin build. The faint dusting of freckles over her nose reminded Haven of dots of cinnamon. Her piercing blue eyes were the same color as Wyatt’s, or vice versa. “How was your drive in?”

  Wyatt grinned, his eyes connecting with Haven’s. “It was interesting.”

  Beverly motioned to the twin, high-back, white leather chairs in front of her desk. “Have a seat.” She walked around and sat behind the desk as Wyatt and Haven took their seats.

  “What happened?” Beverly asked, curiosity lighting her features.

  Wyatt crossed his legs in a wide stance, his ankle resting on his knee. He reached for Haven’s hand, linking his fingers through hers. The gesture was personal, protective. Haven was grateful for it. Nevertheless, heat crept into her cheeks when Beverly’s gaze lingered on their clasped hands. Haven tried to get a read on Beverly’s expression. Did she approve of Haven/Brynn, or was she still holding to the idea that Wyatt would be better off with his ex-girlfriend?

  “Last night, we stopped in a little town called Remember, North Carolina and stayed at an inn. We met an elderly lady named Lillian. This morning, when we were eating breakfast, Lillian asked if we’d go to a nearby stream and search for her lost wedding ring.”

  A puzzled look overtook Beverly’s features. “That’s odd.”

  “We thought so too,” Wyatt agreed. “Anyway, to make a long story short … we didn’t find the ring.” He glanced at Haven. “We found something else—a box filled to the top with jewelry.”

  Haven couldn’t help but grin inwardly at the bewilderment on Beverly’s face as Wyatt told her the rest. When he’d finished, Beverly sat back in her chair. She propped her elbows on her desk, her fingers forming a steeple. “That’s one of the strangest things I’ve ever heard.”

  Wyatt uncrossed his legs and sat up straight, releasing Haven’s hand. “Unfortunately, there were scads of reporters there. They realized who I am. I’m sure it’ll make national news.”

  A shudder ran through Haven. The story would break and then this wonderful dream would come crumbling down around her.

  Beverly’s face fell. “Great,” she exhaled. “We do not need reporters hounding us during Christmas. I hoped to have a quiet, family celebration.” She drummed her fingers on her desk. “Does your dad know?”

  “No, I haven’t told him yet.”

  She blew out a long breath. “I’ll discuss it with him when he gets home.” She rubbed a hand across her forehead. “Of all the people to find that box.”

  Wyatt pushed out a dark chuckle. “Believe me, I know.” He spread his hands in defeat. “We were trying to do a good deed.”

  “Yes,” Haven agreed glumly. “No good deed goes unpunished.”

  Beverly gave her a questioning look. “I would think that something like this would bode well for you, considering the publicity it will generate.”

  Haven tensed, catching the subtle cut in Beverly’s voice. Yes, Brynn would love the publicity, but not her! She chose her words carefully, trying to keep her tone neutral. “Like you and Wyatt, I’d hoped to have a nice, quiet Christmas.” She thought she caught a flicker of admiration in Beverly’s eyes, but it was hard to tell for sure through her glasses.

  “Well, it sounds like it’s out of our hands now,” Beverly lamented. She tipped her head. “What are you going to do with the jewelry?”

  Wyatt turned to Haven, his expression suggesting that he’d never even thought about it. “I don’t know. Do you want it?”

  Haven felt Beverly’s eyes on her as they awaited her answer. Was it a crime to want a little extra spending money? She’d like to buy some good winter boots, a new coat. Maybe tuck aside a little for a rainy day. Only those who had more than enough money to spare acted as though money was inconsequential. “I’m not sure,” she finally said.

  “Well, the good news is that you don’t have to decide today,” Beverly said. Her tone had a forced cheerfulness, letting Haven know that she’d given the wrong answer.

  “What’s on the agenda?” Wyatt asked, changing the subject.

  Beverly’s eyes took on a new light. “Tonight’s our Christmas karaoke.”

  Haven’s heart sank. Karaoke? Really? “I can’t sing,” she said. That wasn’t exactly true. Haven could sing, but she didn’t like singing in front of people.

  Wyatt laughed. “Don’t worry. It’s more for fun rather than skill.”

  That didn’t help one iota to ease Haven’s trepidation. What had she gotten herself into?

  A peculiar expression came over Beverly. “The Schneiders are joining us.”

  “Seriously?” Wyatt lamented.

  Beverly gave him a reproving look. “They join us every year.”

  “Who are the Schneiders?” Haven asked.

  “The parents of my ex-girlfriend Kat,” Wyatt muttered.

  “Oh.” Needles pricked Haven’s spine. The ex-girlfriend was coming tonight. She assumed Kat would come to the Christmas Eve Party, but Haven didn’t figure on having her around at other events. Knowing Beverly was watching her like a hawk, Haven tried her best to keep her expression guarded.

  “Neal and Lois are two of my closest friends,” Beverly said stiffly. “Just because you and Kat had a tiff, doesn’t mean I’m going to stop inviting the Schneiders over.”

  Wyatt let out a long breath. “Fine.” He offered Haven an apologetic smile. “We’re not gonna let my past with Kat ruin our Christmas.”

  “Okay,” Haven said dully. Did Wyatt still have feelings for Kat? He was certainly sensitive where she was concerned.

  “Let me tell everyone you’re here.” Beverly stood and walked over to the wall near the double French doors. She pushed a button on what Haven soon realized was an intercom. “Wyatt and Brynn are here,” she announced. “We’re in my study.”

  “I’ll be right down,” a woman said.

  “On our way,” another added.

  The meeting with Beverly had gone better than she anticipated. For the most part, Haven liked her. There was the jab about the publicity, but that didn’t apply to Haven. Like Beverly, Haven preferred staying out of the limelight. She also wanted a quiet, family Christmas, not necessarily in this enormous mansion, but beggars couldn’t be choosers. She was with Wyatt. That was what mattered most. Haven sat up in her seat and took in a deep breath, preparing herself for round two.

  12

  A girl with long, copper-brown hair, sporting a University of Alabama sweatshirt, was the first to bound into the room. Wyatt barely had time to get to his feet before she rushed into his arms, nearly toppling him over. “Hey, bro,” she said with gusto.

  “Hey, Ellie,” he laughed.

  “I’m so glad it’s Christmas,” Ellie exclaimed, her voice going an octave higher. “No homework! No exams! Just fun with fam … and your plus one,” she added. Her eyes sparkled as she turned to Haven, a friendly smile tipping her lips. “Hello. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Nice to meet you too,” Haven responded, instantly liking Ellie.

  “You’re gorgeous,” Ellie blurted.

  A smile tugged at Haven’s lips. “Thanks.”

  Ellie caught Haven in a tight hug. “We’re gonna have a blast!”

  Haven�
��s spirits lifted. Maybe it would all work out, after all.

  Ellie gave Wyatt a soft punch on the arm. “Brought the hotshot clothing designer home to meet the fam, huh.” She grinned conspiratorially at Haven. “My brother needs a good, strong woman to keep him in line.”

  “Hey now,” Wyatt countered, a smile stretching as easily as warm taffy over his lips. He gave Haven an intimate look that turned butterflies in her stomach.

  Ellie laughed. “True love.” Her face twisted in feigned disgust. “It’s gross.” She giggled. “And romantic.” She touched Haven’s arm. “Hey, maybe you can help me decide which dress to wear to the party?”

  “Sure.” Haven was swimming in deep water.

  “She’s going to help me too,” Beverly added.

  “Yes, I’ll be happy too,” Haven said, forcing her voice to sound cheerful. The deep water was starting to turn like a whirlpool. She didn’t know how much longer she could keep from getting sucked under. Then again, how hard was it to give advice on dresses? She winced inwardly. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be too hard.

  They heard movement and turned as a man and woman entered with two young boys in tow. Haven assumed it was Aubrey and her family. “Hello,” she said pleasantly.

  Aubrey looked her up and down with a cool eye. “Hello,” she sniffed. She waved a hand. “This is my husband Christopher.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Christopher extended his hand and gave Haven’s a limp shake. It was like he feared he’d crush her hand if he clasped it too tightly. He looked every bit the banker with his lanky frame, tailored sweater, and John Lennon style glasses. His coffee-colored hair was tapered on the sides and back and longer on top where it formed a stylish wave dipping over one eye. He was good-looking—a little too pretty for Haven’s taste—with perceptive, light eyes.

  Aubrey was tall and raw-boned with hair the same color as Wyatt’s. It was cut in an A-line style with the front longer than the back, lifting in a neat stack. Aubrey and Wyatt looked a lot alike. Whereas the rugged, sharp features made Wyatt incredibly handsome, they made Aubrey look severe and masculine.

  Haven looked past Aubrey to the boys. Wyatt followed her gaze. “That’s Conner,” he said pointing to the older one, “and that’s Noah.”

  Haven smiled, feeling a rush of tenderness. She felt so much more comfortable around children than adults.

  The boys looked at each other, a silent exchange passing between them. Then, they rushed at Wyatt. “Hey, now,” Wyatt groaned when they slammed into him. “No fair. Two against one.” He swept Noah up in his arms as Conner jumped on his back. The three of them wrestled around for a few minutes.

  “All right boys,” Christopher said with a nervous laugh, “give your uncle a break.”

  By this time, they were hanging on Wyatt’s arms.

  Beverly laughed. “All right little monkeys. Go in the kitchen and tell Marguerite I said you can have some ice cream.”

  “Yay!” They let go of Wyatt. Before they could dart off, Wyatt ruffled Noah’s curly hair. “High five,” he said to Conner who slapped his hand loudly.

  “Ice cream,” Noah squealed, his face filling with glee.

  “Yeah!” Conner flexed his muscles, doing a body builder pose and growling. Then they ran out of the room.

  Beverly stood and came around the desk. She touched her glasses, and then folded her arms. “We’ve got to do something to unleash that energy before they tear the house apart.”

  “I don’t know that ice cream was the best idea,” Aubrey said. “They’ll be bouncing off the walls.”

  “Ah, let ‘em be boys,” Wyatt argued.

  Aubrey scowled. “That’s easy for you to say. You don’t have to deal with them 24/7.”

  “They’ll grow out of it.” Christopher made a face. “Hopefully.”

  Aubrey shot Wyatt an irritated look. “You never did.”

  Wyatt rocked back in surprise as everyone else laughed.

  “Let’s go into the living room,” Beverly suggested. She strolled out of the room like a graceful dancer as the rest of them followed.

  Wyatt draped an arm around Haven’s waist. A dart of electricity tingled through her as she snuggled into the protective curve of his shoulder.

  When they took their seats, Haven’s eyes rounded as she took in the enormous tree that towered well into the second story of the cavernous room with an open-beam ceiling. The tree was bigger than those she’d seen at shopping malls, the white lights happily sparkling like dainty jewels. Every branch was decorated with elaborate ornaments, the majority were cut glass and porcelain. Red and gold ribbon was artfully intertwined in the branches. It was glorious, breathtaking. Haven felt eyes on her and realized Aubrey was giving her the once-over. “So, you design clothes,” she sniffed like it was an insult.

  “Yes.” Haven swallowed hard, fearing lightning would strike. So many lies.

  “You’re also quite the socialite,” Aubrey continued, homing in on Haven like a wolf circling a rabbit before the kill. “I see your picture online, often with a different guy on your arm.”

  Haven’s face burned, and she felt Wyatt tense. The air sucked in a startled breath as everyone looked at her expectantly. Her mind scrambled to think of a way to answer. “In my line of work ...” Her heart pounded so fiercely in her chest, she was sure everyone could hear it. She cleared her throat. “Things aren’t always as they appear.”

  Wyatt gave her an adoring look. “I’m learning that. The Brynn I know is much different than the one in the tabloids.”

  “I guess that remains to be seen,” Aubrey said, folding her arms tightly over her chest.

  “That’s enough, Aubrey,” Beverly warned, her face glowing red.

  Beverly looked at Haven. “I’m so sorry.” She smiled thinly. “We want you to feel welcome here.”

  “Thanks,” Haven mumbled, thinking how these people were going to hate her when they learned the truth. She straightened in her seat, locking eyes with Aubrey. “Regardless of what you think you know about me, you’re wrong. I’m not that other person you speak of,” she finished, her voice shaking with intensity.

  “I like her,” Ellie proclaimed with a cherubic smile.

  The words were spoken without an ounce of guile. Haven offered an appreciative smile. “Thanks,” she said more genuinely.

  Wyatt caught hold of Haven’s hand as he glared at Aubrey. “You have no right to censure my girlfriend.”

  Aubrey raised an eyebrow. “Your girlfriend?” she scoffed. “Yours and everybody else’s. If I were you, bro, I’d be a little more careful about the company you keep.”

  Haven could feel the anger radiating off Wyatt. She glanced his direction, saw the veins in his neck popping out like ropes. He leaned forward. “You know, sis, if you’d spend more time worrying about your own shortcomings, rather than picking everyone else apart, your family wouldn’t be in shambles. When’s the last time you spent time with your boys instead of pawning them off on someone else?”

  Aubrey sucked in an audible breath, her eyes flashing fire. “You’re out of line, little brother!”

  “Now you know why everyone says Aubrey’s such a pill,” Wyatt chortled under his breath to Haven.

  “How dare you!” Aubrey seethed.

  “That’s enough!” Beverly barked, eyeing Aubrey and Wyatt. She took in a deep breath, rubbing a hand over her blouse to smooth the imaginary wrinkles. Her voice had a frilly, pleasant edge to it as she continued. “We are going to have a nice Christmas, even if it kills us.” She clenched her jaw. “Do you understand?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Wyatt relented.

  “Fine,” Aubrey snapped, shooting Wyatt a death glare.

  Haven couldn’t help but feel awe for Beverly. She was a Steel Magnolia—all grace and smiles on the outside, but a powerful matriarch on the inside, skilled at controlling the family tides.

  “Hello,” a deep, male voice boomed.

  “Charles,” Beverly said with a half laugh. “You’re home.” S
he looked at him in relief.

  He stopped in his tracks, frowning. “What’s going on?”

  Wyatt, his siblings, and Christopher stood. Haven also got to her feet.

  “Hey, Dad,” Ellie said, flinging her arms around him and kissing his cheek. “I’ve missed you,” she said exuberantly.

  He smiled. “I’ve missed you too, princess.”

  “Hey, Aubrey … Christopher … Charlie.” He hugged Aubrey and Wyatt and shook Christopher’s hand.

  “How’ve ya been, Dad?” Wyatt asked, touching Charles’s arm.

  “Busier than a one-legged man in a kicking contest.”

  The joke brought laughter from the group.

  “It sure would be nice to have some help running the company,” Charles said, focusing in on Wyatt.

  Haven felt Wyatt’s discomfort as if it were her own. She watched as he rubbed his neck, his jaw tightening. Then, he forced a smile. “Good to see you, Dad.” He motioned. “There’s someone I’d like for you to meet. This is Brynn.” His eyes softened as he looked her direction.

  She held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Nice to meet you too,” Charles said as they shook hands. He flashed a wicked grin. “She’s much prettier than the girl you brought home last year.”

  “That’s not funny, Dad,” Wyatt moaned, chuckling.

  Charles pointed a finger, his eyes smiling. “And yet, you laughed.”

  No surprise. Charles Davenport was a handsome man. Tall with a shock of silver hair, his olive skin and chiseled features reminded Haven of Wyatt. His perceptive eyes were deep brown, his heavy brows touched with refinement. He wore a long, black, wool coat and gray plaid scarf. Charles and Beverly Davenport were a power couple from the word go. No wonder Wyatt wore his confidence like a second set of skin. He’d been bred to greatness.

  Charles glanced around. “Where are the boys?”

  “In the kitchen, gorging themselves on ice cream,” Aubrey said tartly.

  “Ah, let ‘em be kids,” Wyatt countered.

  “Do I detect an undercurrent?” Charles asked, lifting an eyebrow. “Maybe I should get you two some boxing gloves.”