The Christmas Bliss Romance Collection

by Jennifer Youngblood

“For what it’s worth…” He paused, and she was shocked to see regret simmering in his eyes. “I’m sorry about everything. I should’ve listened to you about Carol Ann. I was just so angry that you left and went to New York.”

  She swallowed the lump of emotion in her throat. When she spoke, her voice was hoarse. “You should’ve come with me.”

  Seconds … minutes … a lifetime seemed to pass between them. “As much as I love this town and the people … if I had it to do over again, I would.” His voice hitched. “I keep thinking about our last Christmas together. The hateful things we said.” A faint smile tugged at his lips. “How you pulled down the mistletoe and hurled it at my head.”

  She smiled, remembering. “You deserved it.”

  “I miss you, Kinsley.”

  The intensity of his words evoked a longing in Kinsley. She missed him too, more than she’d realized. Her anger had masked much of the pain. Being away from Gunner, she’d been able to make herself believe that she didn’t need him. Now, she realized that was a lie she’d told herself to cope. No wonder she’d not been able to commit to Fleming. How could she commit to anyone else with this unfinished business hanging over her? Her mama’s words rushed through her mind. Could she and Gunner rewrite the past? Even as the question ran through her mind she pushed it aside. No, Gunner had married another woman, crushing her heart, erasing all trust. This was real life, not a play. “I’m sorry, Gunner,” she said stiffly. “What we had is over. It’s time for both of us to move on.” She pushed open the door and walked through it, not looking back.

  6

  Being in the kitchen with Mama and preparing dinner helped restore a sense of normalcy, like Kinsley hadn’t been gone for so long. It was good to have something with which to distract herself. Kinsley had spent much of the day brooding over her conversation with Gunner. She kept replaying his words, how he said that if he had it to do over again, he would’ve gone with her. Her heart clutched as she rolled the last napkin and placed it beside the plate. It was easy for him to say that now. Kinsley wondered how different her life might’ve been had Gunner come with her. She wouldn’t have spent the past years floundering, trying to find meaningful relationships.

  Fleming had called her back, begging her to drop everything and come back to New York. He even told her that if she came back, they could take an impromptu trip to Paris. “How would you like to spend Christmas gazing at the Eiffel Tower?” he’d asked. Gently, but firmly, she’d turned him down. She was here and needed to see this through. Also, seeing Gunner again made her question her feelings for Fleming. While she was fond of him, she was uncertain they could have a future together.

  Her thoughts went to A. G. Wells. Hopefully, Lillian would have some good news for her tomorrow. She tightened her jaw. As instructed, she picked up Lillian’s lunch and took it back to the Inn, only to find that Lillian wasn’t there. Sam explained that Lillian had gone home for the day. Lillian had an enormous mansion on the outskirts of town where she stayed when she visited. Sam put the food in the refrigerator so it wouldn’t spoil. Lillian asked her to grab a lunch that she hadn’t planned to eat. It was like Lillian got some sort of wicked delight in having people do her bidding.

  Her mama removed the biscuits from the oven and set them on the stovetop as she wiped a hand across her forehead. “All right,” she sighed. “It’s ready.”

  As if on cue, Kinsley heard footsteps, giggles, and excited chatter. She turned as her nieces bounded into the room. Nine-year-old August was the first to approach Kinsley as she flung her arms around her and gave a tight hug.

  “It’s good to see you,” Kinsley said, returning the hug. “I’ve missed you.” She pulled back, inspecting August. “How tall are you now? 5’5”?” She touched the top of her head. “You’re as tall as me now.”

  “Yep,” August said proudly, grinning to reveal dimples. Her long, brown hair was braided, her dark eyes lively. She was long and raw-boned, like she was going through a major growth spurt. Tara, three years younger than August, was standing back with her head averted slightly like she was shy. Instinctively, she ducked a little to be closer to Tara’s height. “Hey, Tara,” she said in a friendly, easy tone meant to put her niece at ease. “It’s good to see you.”

  A tentative smile curved Tara’s lips. Her hair was wavy and tipped with blonde on the ends like Kinsley’s, but she was more petite like Kinsley’s sister Jolene.

  Sue Ellen held out her arms as both girls rushed to her side, giving bear hugs.

  “My beautiful girls,” Sue Ellen purred. “It’s good to see you. Take your coats off and hang them on the rack by the front door. Dinner’s ready.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” August said dutifully as they went out of the kitchen, carrying their coats.

  Jolene and Hollis came in. When Jolene saw her, she paused in her step, giving Kinsley a guarded look. “Hey, sis.”

  A feeling of awkwardness overcame Kinsley, especially when she saw the tension in Jolene’s face. Like everyone else, Jolene was frustrated that she’d been gone so long. “Your hair.” The last time she’d seen Jolene it was shoulder length. Now, it was cut in a pixie style that made her look stylish.

  Jolene touched it, smiling slightly. “Yeah, I got tired of fooling with it. Now, I can just wash it and go.”

  Hollis slid an arm around Jolene’s shoulders and pulled her close. “I think it makes her look sexy.” He planted a kiss on her cheek as Jolene blushed, glancing apologetically at Sue Ellen.

  “Hollis,” she protested, rolling her eyes. “You shouldn’t say things like that.”

  He removed his arm from her shoulders, laughing, not the least bit embarrassed. Hollis was a doctor, a family practitioner. His business was booming. He and Jolene had a large, beautiful home in one of the newer, upscale neighborhoods in Remember. Jolene was a stay-at-home mom who was heavily involved in the school PTA and the girl’s activities.

  Kinsley bridged the distance between her and Jolene and gave her a tight hug. “I’ve missed you, sis,” she said heartily.

  That’s all it took for Jolene to thaw. Her lips tipped in a smile. “I’ve missed you too.”

  Jolene looked her up and down. “New York agrees with you, sis. You look good.”

  Sue Ellen’s hand went to her hip as she turned a critical eye at Kinsley. “She’s as skinny as a yard chicken, but a few good meals will take care of that.”

  Jolene laughed. “Yeah, stick around here and you’ll put on a good five or six pounds, for sure.” She gave Kinsley a conspiratorial look. “I’m sure that’s exactly what you’re wanting—to gain weight.”

  A smile pulled at Kinsley’s lips. While the older generation frowned on being skinny, the younger generation lived for it. Kinsley was just fine with her weight and had no intention of putting on a single pound, much less five or six.

  They heard the garage door open. A second later, Lee came in carrying a briefcase.

  “Papaw!” Tara squealed, rushing to his side and giving him a big hug.

  “Hey, there. How’s my little princess?”

  She beamed up at him. “Good.”

  Autumn frowned. “What about me? Am I a princess, too?”

  Lee smiled. “Of course you are. Come here, you.” He hugged her also, then looked around. “Hey, everybody.” He removed his coat, draping it over his arm. “Let me just put these things away, and I’ll be right back.” He gave Hollis a hearty handshake and pat on the back as he passed by him.

  “Don’t dilly dally,” Sue Ellen called after him. “The biscuits are getting cold.” She brought her hands together. “Everyone have a seat.”

  A few minutes later, with everyone seated around the table, Kinsley realized there was an extra space. “Who’s that for?”

  Sue Ellen’s cheeks turned pink as she grinned. Kinsley looked around the table at the exchanges that took place amongst the adults. “What am I missing?”

  No sooner had she asked the question when the doorbell rang.

  �
��Uh, Kinsley, can you get the door?” Sue Ellen asked.

  “Are we expecting another guest?” Her brows darted together. “Who?” Kinsley scooted back her chair and stood. Everyone was acting so strange. Suddenly, a thought occurred to her, causing her heart to seize. She shot them accusing looks. “Who’s at the door?” she demanded.

  “Just get the door, pumpkin,” her daddy encouraged.

  She looked at Jolene, caught the amused glint in her eyes.

  They wouldn’t! She let out a heavy sigh. “Is it Gunner?”

  The doorbell rang again.

  “Please tell me you didn’t invite him to dinner,” Kinsley continued.

  Sue Ellen rolled her eyes. “Could you just please get the door? It’s rude to leave him standing out there.”

  So, it was Gunner. Kinsley let out a humorless laugh. “I can’t believe y’all would do this to me,” she spouted as she marched down the hall and opened the door.

  “Hey,” Gunner said casually, his hands jammed in his jean pockets.

  She was tempted to slam the door in his face and turn back around, but she knew her family would freak out if she did. “Hey,” she said flatly, hoping he’d get the hint that she wanted nothing more to do with him.

  She stepped back and motioned. “Come on in. Everyone’s expecting you,” she added, acid dripping from her voice. She couldn’t believe her family would set her up like this! No wonder she had a hard time coming back home. They certainly weren’t making the situation any easier!

  He lifted an eyebrow, stepping in and closing the door. His eyes flickered over her. “You look great.”

  “I’m wearing the same thing I was earlier,” she retorted, glancing down at her sweater and slacks.

  He wasn’t in the least affected by her sour attitude. “Well, I didn’t get a chance to tell you earlier, so I’m telling you now.” His nearness sent tingles circling down her spine. As usual, Gunner’s commanding presence filled the foyer. Quick like a flash, her eyes took in his broad shoulders, tapered waist, and long, jean-clad legs. He strolled past her, continuing down the hall to the kitchen. She stood for a minute, shaking her head, before following him. Sheesh, even his easy stride was confident.

  “Hey, everybody,” she said in a cheerful voice, oozing sarcasm. “Look who it is. Surprise, surprise,” she added dryly.

  “Hey, Gunner,” Lee said. “We’re glad you could join us. Have a seat.”

  Gunner sat down at the empty spot, directly across from Kinsley, as everyone made small talk with him. Kinsley slumped down in her seat, irritation bubbling inside her like a pressure cooker. Finally, she couldn’t handle it any longer. She glared around the table. “This is ridiculous!”

  Sue Ellen’s face fell. “What’re you talking about?”

  “I don’t need any of you trying to play matchmaker with me and Gunner.” She shot him a blistering look. “The two of us are through.”

  A stunned silence descended over the room.

  Kinsley looked at Gunner. His blue eyes radiated a hard amusement. Everyone else was embarrassed.

  Her daddy was the first to speak. “Pumpkin, I believe you’ve misunderstood the situation.”

  “I don’t think so,” Kinsley retorted. “I’m not stupid. You keep inviting Gunner over in the hope that we’ll get back together. Do you really expect me to believe that he just happened,” she made air quotes with her fingers, “to be over here last night watching the game? Now, he’s here for dinner.” She grunted. “Yeah, right.”

  Sue Ellen’s face turned chalky, her voice tinged with outrage. “Kinsley, what’s gotten into you? We don’t treat guests this way.”

  “I’m only calling it as I see it,” she responded, lifting her chin. Yeah, this was awkward, but everyone should’ve thought about that before dragging Gunner here … again.

  “Gunner didn’t come here because of you,” her daddy said.

  Kinsley nearly choked on her own saliva. “Huh?” Blood rushed to her head, making her dizzy.

  “He’s been helping me fix some plumbing problems in the basement,” her daddy continued. “In exchange, we’ve been having Gunner over for dinner. It’s the least we can do considering he’s doing us such a huge favor.”

  Kinsley looked at Gunner, who flashed a cocky grin. “I’m the one who’s getting the better end of the bargain. I’d help a hundred times over for Sue Ellen’s cooking.”

  “Thank you,” Sue Ellen chimed, smiling with pleasure.

  Kinsley’s skin crawled with ants, her cheeks flaming hotter than a solar flare. She wanted to shrink to the size of a pea. Her eyes met Jolene’s. Her sister gave her a look of pity, which made the situation a thousand times worse. “I’m sorry,” Kinsley said numbly. “I shouldn’t have assumed.” She looked at Gunner, who was watching her with an amused expression. She felt like a complete moron.

  Gunner waved a hand. “No worries,” he said good-naturedly.

  Tara tugged at Jolene’s sleeve. “Why did Aunt Kinsley get so upset?” she asked in a loud whisper.

  “Because Kinsley still thinks the world revolves around her instead of the sun,” Sue Ellen said stiffly.

  Kinsley jerked like she’d been slapped. Was she self-absorbed? In the playwriting world, it was hard not to become self-absorbed. Kinsley put so much focus on her own skills, or lack thereof, that she hardly had a minute to think of anyone else. Kinsley wanted to leave the room and hightail it back to New York.

  “Let’s say grace,” Sue Ellen prompted. She leveled a stop-an-army-in-its-tracks glare at Kinsley. “Maybe you should say it.”

  At this point, Kinsley would’ve danced a jig on command, anything to make amends for her folly. The prayer. She could do this! Kinsley often prayed silently to herself, but it had been a long time since she’d prayed out loud in front of an audience. “Sure,” she heard herself say. She bowed her head and offered the prayer, expressing gratitude for the food and her family. Also, she voiced her gratefulness for the Christmas season and the birth of Christ. When she finished and said a quick Amen, the adults around the table agreed with Amens also.

  Thankfully, the tension dissolved when everyone began eating. Kinsley felt like it would be better to just keep her mouth shut. This thing with Gunner was tying her in knots to the point where she couldn’t think straight. It had always been there, a blemish beneath her skin. Coming back here brought everything to the surface. Also, Kinsley was still smarting from her mama’s remark.

  The food was excellent, although Kinsley had a hard time concentrating on it with Gunner sitting across from her. She tried hard to avoid eye contact with him, but that was difficult considering how drawn to him she was. Several times, he caught her staring at him. She could tell that he was getting a kick out of watching her squirm. He probably thought she was an idiot who was still pining for him.

  “How’s the hardware business going?” Lee asked, reaching for a biscuit.

  “Busy with all the new construction at The Landing.”

  The Landing was the neighborhood where Hollis and Jolene lived. Jolene’s life was so different from Kinsley’s, part of the reason the two of them had drifted apart. They’d not spoken on the phone in several months.

  “The lot next to us was just purchased,” Hollis said, “by a family moving in from California. I heard they’re going to start building after the first of the year.”

  “I’m sure all of this construction has helped the hardware store,” Lee said.

  “It has,” Gunner agreed. “I’ve had to hire several new people just to keep up with the orders.”

  “How’s the children’s choir coming?” Sue Ellen asked.

  Kinsley had just taken a bite of biscuit and the crumbs went down the wrong way. She coughed to clear her throat, then chugged down a few swallows of water.

  Gunner smiled. “I guess we’ll see tonight.”

  “We’re looking forward to it,” Jolene said. “The girls have been practicing for days.”

  “Both of you are good si
ngers,” Gunner said, looking at August and Tara.

  “Thanks,” they chimed, flashing broad smiles.

  “Yes, they are,” Hollis, added proudly. “I’m going to video the whole thing.”

  Kinsley waited for someone to explain about the choir. When they didn’t, she was forced to ask, “What’s going on with the children’s choir?”

  “Gunner has been working with the children. They’re singing a medley of carols tonight at the Live Nativity Christmas Celebration.”

  Her earlier accusation came rushing back as Kinsley blushed. “You’re still singing?”

  Gunner sat back, placing his napkin beside his plate. “It’s just something that I piddle around with,” he said off-handedly, but Kinsley knew the words were meant expressly for her. She caught the subtle look of now-you-know-the-rest-of-the-story on his handsome face.

  Every time Kinsley opened her mouth, she put her foot so far down her throat that she was unlikely to ever get it out again.

  “I hope everyone saved room for dessert. I made pecan pie,” Sue Ellen announced.

  Murmurs of pleasure sounded throughout the room. Pecan pie with ice cream was one of Kinsley’s favorites. Her mama knew this and probably made it for her. She looked at her mama as their eyes met. Yes, Mama had made it for her. “Thank you.”

  Mama nodded regally. “You’re welcome.”

  After everyone had eaten dessert, Gunner glanced at the clock on the wall. “Well, I’d better get to the town square.”

  Kinsley scooted back her chair. “Me too.”

  All eyes turned to her in surprise. “Are you going to the Nativity?” her daddy asked.

  “Yes, I agreed to be a stand-in for Mary. The lady who was supposed to do it has the flu.”

  “That was nice of you,” Lee said. “Home for one day, and you’re already getting involved.” Admiration coated his voice. “I’m proud of you, pumpkin.”

  Kinsley nodded. “Thanks.”

  “I guess we’ll see you there,” Jolene said. “Girls, you’d better put on your Christmas dresses.”

  Kinsley grinned looking at the girls. “I can’t wait to hear you sing.”