A Holiday Proposal

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  “She will.” Time to change the subject before his sister fell apart. He’d been impressed by how strong she was, but obviously she struggled with her husband being away. “I’m glad you can spend a couple months with me. It’s been fun getting to know my niece.”

  “You’re a good uncle, Matthew. Ava adores you. Plus, it’s good for her to have a male role model with her dad gone.”

  “She has John, too.”

  “Of course.” April laughed. “Did you know he took her skiing?”

  “I heard.” Matthew noticed the electric chafing dish for the first time. “Smart. That’s a great way to keep everything warm.”

  “Yep. It’s made today a breeze.”

  Twenty minutes later they all gathered around the kitchen table and Matthew offered a blessing over the meal. They dug in and, too soon, the meal ended. Wonder of wonders—John offered to load the dishwasher.

  Matthew noted the abundant leftovers and pulled a heavy-duty paper plate from the cupboard. He placed a large piece of white meat, mashed potatoes, gravy, yams, cranberry Jell-O, two rolls and some green bean casserole onto the plate, then covered it with tinfoil.

  “What are you doing? Afraid you won’t get leftovers later?” April rested a hand on her hip.

  “Nope. I’m taking it down to the hospital for Holly. She has to work, so I thought she’d enjoy this.”

  “That’s sweet of you.” She pulled open a bakery bag and drew out two cookies. “A little birdie told me these are her favorites.”

  Matthew placed the snickerdoodles in a baggie. “Thanks. Be back in a bit. Feel free to have dessert without me.” After testing a plethora of sweets at the bakery yesterday, he had no desire for dessert. He should know better than to sample his own wares, but George had suggested a few new items, and he couldn’t resist tasting them. On top of that, he’d been so busy he hadn’t had time for a real meal. Of course, the gingersnaps he’d eaten probably hadn’t been wise, either, but when he’d spotted Holly and she looked so cold, all he’d wanted to do was make sure she was taken care of. It was the best he could come up with under the circumstances.

  Matthew trudged to his SUV and set out for the hospital with a wide grin. Holly would be so surprised. Over coffee yesterday she’d mentioned possibly missing out on the meal with her family if things got too crazy at the hospital. He couldn’t wait to see the look on her face when she saw what he’d brought.

  * * *

  “I’m going to take my break, Leslie.” Holly signed off her computer and stood. The quiet halls made her yawn. The place was virtually dead and had been for the past hour. At this rate, she’d make dinner at her mother’s for certain. A smile tugged at her lips. She’d been looking forward to Thanksgiving ever since she’d talked with Jessica about their mom, and she was determined to have a good time, even if her mom tried to set her up with the guy from church.

  Leslie waved her off. “Have a good one. I’ll page if you’re needed.”

  Holly nodded. Hopefully she would have a quiet break to put her feet up and take a catnap. Two more hours, barring an emergency, and she’d be out of there for three days. Her bag for the weekend was already packed and sitting by her apartment door. She was excited about the trip. She prayed Mom wouldn’t go off on her again. Somehow she’d have to figure out what strange hold the holidays had over her mother.

  “Holly.”

  Her heart skidded as she turned and spotted Matthew striding toward her.

  “Glad I found you. The nurse at the desk said you went this way.” Matthew grinned and held out a foil-covered plate. “I thought since you had to work you might enjoy turkey with all the trimmings.”

  Holly took the plate. “How nice.” She lifted the cover and inhaled the aroma of turkey and gravy. “I was just heading into the break room. Join me?”

  He hesitated. “Are you sure?”

  “Of course.” She poked her head into the room. “No one is here. Come on in.”

  He followed. “My sister insisted on cooking everything herself. Of course, I made the rolls and cookies, but April made the pumpkin pie.”

  Holly washed her hands and sat at one of the round tables. “I can’t imagine doing that all by myself. I usually help my mom and sister cook. I have to say I don’t miss the hot kitchen today.”

  He chuckled. “And here I thought you were always cold.”

  The teasing glint in his eyes brought a smile to her face. “That’s because you always run into me outside, where it’s in the low twenties.” She pulled off the foil as her stomach growled. She slapped her hand to her midsection and felt her face heat. “Guess I’m hungry. I probably shouldn’t eat too much, though, since I’m having a big meal at my parents’ when I get off.” She hadn’t had time for more than a piece of peanut butter and toast for breakfast, and she couldn’t pass this up, whether she’d be eating another meal in two hours or not. “How’d you keep it warm when it’s so cold outside?”

  “Hand warmers.” He pulled two from his pocket. “I had it wrapped in a towel and put the hand warmers in the towel.”

  “Smart man.” She cut a piece of turkey and dipped it in gravy. “Oh, my, this is good. Please tell April I said so.”

  “I will.”

  She held up the plate. “Want some?” No way should she eat all of this. None of her clothes would be comfortable if she ate two turkey meals.

  He shook his head. “Thanks, but I’m stuffed. How long do you get for your break?”

  She glanced at the wall clock. “Ten more minutes.” Her eyes held his, and she stopped chewing. What was going on between them?

  He broke eye contact and cleared his throat. “Are you going Black Friday shopping tomorrow?”

  “Actually, I am. Jessica, my mom and I are taking the train to Seattle and spending the weekend.”

  “John is heading out in the morning, too. Maybe I’ll see you at the platform.”

  “I’m sure you will.” She started when Matthew rested his hand on hers. She looked up and saw tenderness in his eyes. Her heart beat a rapid staccato.

  “I was hoping you might agree to go skiing with me this weekend, but since you’ll be away maybe next weekend would work?”

  “Um.” Holly’s pulse pounded in her ears. This sounded like a real date. Not their impromptu playtime in the snow or unplanned coffee.

  She rammed her hands into the pockets of her sweater. This was her chance to undo a wrong from high school. Thanks to her ridiculous pride she’d turned him down for prom because she was too embarrassed to walk into the dance on the arm of a pimple-faced boy. To this day she felt bad about that snub, but would saying yes now be just as bad if she only went out of guilt?

  She blinked rapidly—she didn’t want to say yes from guilt. She actually wanted to go, even if it was a date. She liked Matthew, but what about being a nurse? What if she opened her heart to the possibility of dating and something more developed down the road?

  * * *

  “Holly?” Matthew’s gut clenched. She was going to say no—again. He should have waited for God to answer him regarding Holly. He knew better, but they were getting along so well...what was it about him that made dating him such a turnoff to Holly? “Sorry. Forget I brought it up.” She’d humiliated him once, but he was a grown man now. Could he handle only being friends with her when he felt so much more than friendship for her? He should have heeded Todd’s warning. What was he thinking, coming here?

  She cleared her throat and looked nervously toward the door. “Do you remember back in high school when you asked me to the prom?”

  His eyes widened and he took a step back. “Yes, but I’m surprised you do.”

  She winced. “I’ve never forgotten.”

  “But you didn’t even recognize me when I brought April to the hospital.”

  “You’
ve changed a lot since then. Plus, I was focused on your sister and doing my job. I barely noticed you.”

  He swallowed the lump in his throat. Honesty was always best, but it wounded his pride to hear it sometimes.

  “Anyway, I’ve felt horrible about that for a long time. You’re an amazing guy and you deserve a great catch. I’m focused on my job. If I agree to go skiing, it’s just as friends.”

  The tension on her face nearly did him in. “Relax, Holly. One day on the slopes doesn’t mean you’re committing your life to me. My bakery has been open less than a year, and I need to stay focused on building my business. But I also need to enjoy life a little, too.” He couldn’t believe the line of hooey that spewed from his mouth. What he wanted to say was that it didn’t matter if they were both career-minded. Somehow they’d make it work.

  “Good point. Thanks. Guess I’m a little jumpy because of what happened with Todd.”

  “Understandable. So, next Saturday, then?”

  “Sure.” She took a bite of the roll and closed her eyes. “These are melt-in-your-mouth delicious. You really should sell them.” Her eyes twinkled.

  He tweaked her nose. “Will you be able to make it to dinner on time with your family?”

  She swallowed then took a long drink of water. “Barring an emergency, yes.” She frowned. “Of course, my mother hasn’t stopped her matchmaking. She invited a man named Thomas from church. Do you know him?”

  Matthew stilled. “I don’t think so.” He didn’t like the idea of another man showering attention on Holly, but if history was any indication, he had nothing to worry about. “I’m sorry she can’t be happy for you in your present state of singleness.”

  Her eyes widened then she laughed.

  His face heated. Had he really just said something so stupid? A half grin touched his lips. “Stop making fun.”

  “Forgive me. I think I needed a good laugh. Thanks.”

  He chuckled. “Anytime.”

  Holly re-covered the plate then stood and placed it in the minifridge. “I’ve got to get back. Be sure to tell April thanks for me. The food was fantastic.” She moved toward the door then whirled around, bumping into him.

  He grasped her arms to steady her. “Hello.” He drew the word out with a grin. Her eyes widened then looked lazily at his mouth. She moistened her lips. He tilted his head and hesitated for a second. She leaned in. He brushed his lips across hers. Wrapping an arm around his neck, she drew him closer—her lips probing.

  His hands rested on her back. Her lips tasted delicious, and he deepened the kiss.

  She pulled back a few inches and locked her gaze with his. Her breath warmed his already too-hot face. “Matthew?” She pursed her lips.

  He cradled her cheek with his palm. “Hmm?”

  “Let’s not do that again. It complicates things.”

  “Okay.” His heart sank.

  “Thanks for the meal.” She spun around and fled from the break room.

  Matthew stood helpless, knowing if he followed she’d push him away, and if he did nothing she might avoid him forever. But one thing was certain—Holly might say she wanted only to be friends, but that kiss screamed otherwise.

  Chapter 14

  Holly drifted through the hospital hall in a daze. She touched a finger to her still tingling lips. She’d kissed Matthew! He’d only given her a light peck but she’d gone full throttle. And then she’d all but scolded him. Her cheeks burned and she groaned.

  Leslie, the other nurse on duty, looked at her with concerned eyes. “Are you sick? You looked flushed.”

  “I’m fine. What did I miss?” She sat.

  Leslie stared at her, one eyebrow lifted. “Nothing. Quiet as can be.”

  “Good. Maybe I’ll get out of here on time.”

  Nodding, Leslie returned her gaze to the computer screen.

  A light on the board flashed. “I’ll take care of it.” Holly stood and walked back in the direction she’d come from, forcing her mind to return to work. Matthew came around the corner. She stopped and looked down, unable to meet the challenge in his gaze. Yes, she’d blown it big-time.

  “I won’t keep you, but we need to talk—soon.”

  She nodded. Her mind jumbled. Matthew was everything she wanted in a man and more—why couldn’t she be a nurse and have a relationship? The answer stared her in the face. She couldn’t divide her focus. She’d proven that time and time again. Lord, what should I do? Matthew is amazing, but You know how I messed up before. I can’t do that again.

  She remembered a scripture in Proverbs about trusting God and not leaning on her own understanding.

  Of course she trusted God. What did that have to do with Matthew? She pushed the door into her patient’s room. “Hello, Tommy. Did you need something?”

  The teen coughed. “I’m thirsty.”

  She left the room and filled his water bottle, then returned and handed it to him. “You do know it’s okay for you to get out of bed?”

  He shrugged and took a long draw from the straw. “Guess I forgot. What are you doing?”

  “Talking with you.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Can you sit with me for a bit?”

  She glanced at the wall clock. “I can’t right now. I need to give someone her medication. Maybe you could watch football.” She handed him the remote.

  “I hate football.”

  “Would you like a magazine? I spotted a car one in the waiting room.”

  His face lit. “Yes.”

  Holly left his room to go retrieve the magazine. She felt sorry for the teen. His parents had been in earlier, but couldn’t stay with him all day because they had a house full of guests for Thanksgiving. She grabbed the magazine and a few others that might interest her patient and returned to his room. “Here you go.”

  “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. I’m off for the next few days, so I probably won’t see you again. Take care of yourself, Tommy.”

  “I will. I don’t like hospitals, and I don’t plan to come back ever again.”

  She nodded and walked out. Tommy reminded her of Matthew as a teen. At least Matthew had been a wrestler, but Tommy didn’t appear to have anything going for him. She collected the medicine another patient needed and knocked on a closed door before pushing it open.

  “Time for your painkiller, Mrs. Jacobs.”

  The middle-aged woman perked up. “Finally.”

  Holly refilled the woman’s water bottle. “Are you in a lot of pain?”

  “Some.”

  “If you find the pain to be too much, please let one of us know. We want you to be comfortable.”

  She waited for the woman to swallow the pills. “Is there anything I can get for you?”

  Mrs. Jacobs laid her head back and closed her eyes. “Thanks, but I think I’m going to rest for a bit.”

  Holly slipped out of the room and headed back to the nurse’s station.

  “How’s Tommy?” Leslie sent her a concerned look.

  “Fine. He was thirsty and bored.”

  Leslie shook her head. “It’s so sad that he has to spend Thanksgiving alone.”

  Holly enjoyed alone time, but being lonely would be horrible. Was she destined for loneliness for the rest of her life because she wanted a career? She had her family, but what about love?

  The clock finally struck five. She punched out then retrieved the rest of the leftovers Matthew had brought. At least she had a family who loved her and was willing to put off their meal to wait for her. Excitement bubbled as she raced across the street. Holly pulled out her cell and called her parents’ number. Despite the recent problems she’d had with her mom, she loved the holidays and couldn’t wait to see everyone.

  “Hello?” Mom’s voice sounded tired.
/>   “Happy Thanksgiving, Mom! I just got off work. I’ll shower and be there in time for dinner.” She zipped up the stairs to her apartment.

  “I’m glad you’re going to make it, but the turkey cooked faster than expected, and since everyone was here we went ahead and ate.”

  Holly stopped at the door and frowned. “You already ate?” How could they start without her? She swallowed unexpected tears.

  “I figured you’d probably have to work late, anyway. But don’t worry. There are plenty of leftovers. I’m sorry, honey, but everyone went home. I don’t think you would have hit it off with Thomas, anyway. The only thing the man could talk about was himself.”

  Holly’s shoulders sagged. She’d missed the holiday. “Are you and Dad the only ones there?” She pushed the door open and shuffled inside.

  “Yes.” Her mom yawned. “When do you think you’ll be here? I’m wiped out and thought I’d take a bubble bath then head to bed early since we have such an early morning tomorrow.”

  “It sounds like it’d be best if I don’t come.”

  “You need to eat.”

  She still held the plate Matthew had brought to her. “Don’t worry. A friend brought me leftovers. I won’t starve.”

  “Well, if you’re sure. That’s probably best. I’ll see you at the train station in the morning. Are you packed and ready to go?”

  “Yes. Is Daddy dropping you off? I thought you could swing by and pick me up so we could go to the platform together.”

  “Sure. That’s a good idea. See you in the morning.”

  The line went dead. Holly plugged her phone into the charger and collapsed on the couch. How could her family have celebrated without her? Now she really knew how Tommy felt. The knot in the pit of her stomach tightened. Was this what it would be like forever if she chose to put her job ahead of everything?

  She touched a finger to her lips. She’d kissed Matthew—seriously kissed him. Her face heated and she buried it in her hands. She needed balance. Balance in her relationships and priorities. But how could she achieve balance and still stay focused?

  Matthew said they needed to talk. Would he mind a call this evening? Somehow she doubted it, and since she was heading out of town in the morning... Holly reached for the phone and hesitated. Maybe it was a sign that calling tonight was a mistake.