Avalon scowled. “Your family has so much money you could afford to do it if you wanted.”
Jase exchanged looks with Kristen. If Avalon thought it, no doubt her dad did, too. That was likely the reason for the studio rent increase.
Kristen’s chin came up. “We didn’t do it. You won’t find a single shred of evidence. Not because we’re so good at covering it up, but because it never happened.”
Avalon’s eyes filled with tears. “I wanted my dad to be proud of me,” her voice little more than a whisper. “You don’t understand. I needed to win.”
Kristen put her hand on Avalon’s arm. “Of course he’s proud of you. Why wouldn’t he be? You’re an accomplished, beautiful woman.”
But Jase knew it wasn’t enough for Mr. Penhaven. “Avalon, I’m so thankful my parents love me and show their approval.”
Kristen shot him a surprised glance, but he kept his focus on Avalon. “There’s something far more important, though. People tend to react without thinking. Even parents. Even spouses.” Even boyfriends. He didn’t dare check where Marisa was, if she or the other women listened in. “We can’t get our value from what other people think of us.”
Avalon’s brown eyes brimmed with tears, and one snaked down her cheek. She brushed it away.
“The only way we can get lasting value is from God. He created us. He declared us beautiful. Good. Made in His image. When we accept His love for us, it changes everything.”
Kristen nodded. “What Jase says is true. It’s like building a house on a sandy beach prone to tidal waves, versus building on a solid foundation. When we ground ourselves in God, it doesn’t matter about the storms. We can still stand tall.” She laughed. “Or you can, anyway. I’m too short to stand tall.”
Avalon almost smiled. “Really? I’ve never thought much about God.”
“Then it’s a good time to start.” Jase patted Avalon’s arm. With any luck, that wouldn’t propel her into his arms. “And you’ve created a lot of awareness for breast cancer, too. The foundation will be very pleased with all you’ve done.”
“You think so?”
“I know so,” Kristen answered firmly.
Avalon dashed away another stray tear. “I’m sorry. I just… I really counted on winning this.”
With her eyes locked on his, Jase wasn’t sure if she meant the tiara or him. Maybe both.
Aware that Marisa had slipped in beside him, he twined his fingers through hers and pulled her to his side.
Avalon’s gaze lurched back and forth between them a few times. “Congratulations,” she managed to get out before turning and hurrying away.
Jase slid his arm around Marisa and tugged her closer.
“You did a super job handling that,” she whispered.
“I did?”
She leaned over and kissed him lightly. “You did.”
Warmth spread through him as he turned her fully in his arms, his gaze catching on the tiara. “That snowflake looks good on you.”
She grinned. “Which one?”
CHAPTER 18
She'd meant to pack up and sleep out at the farm Christmas Eve, but by the time the crowds thinned out and she and Jase had managed to say goodnight, it hardly seemed worth the effort. Diana had given her a congratulatory hug and driven back to Great Falls to have Christmas morning with her family, so Marisa’d had their room to herself for the little sleep she’d managed.
You ready? Jase texted.
Her bags were packed and stacked beside the bed. Marisa opened the door and walked into Jase’s embrace.
She could so get used to this.
“Christmas Brunch is served, m’lady. Most of the guests have arrived. We’re just waiting on the guest of honor.”
“Do I need to wear the tiara?”
“Not today.” He sobered. “You’ll be wearing it a lot for the next twelve months. Enjoy the days off that you do have.”
She ran her fingers down his clean-shaven jaw. “The wedding can’t be for a year. It’s in the rules.”
“I know.” He kissed her lightly then winked. “You up for a Christmas Day wedding next year?”
Marisa laughed. A whole year. It seemed so long, but would doubtless go quickly. “I don’t think anyone would forgive us for messing with their holiday plans.”
“You’re probably right.” He tapped his jaw. “The twenty-sixth?”
“How about early January?”
“You want me to wait an extra week or two?” Jase nuzzled her hair. “I’m not sure I can survive that long.”
Marisa looped her hands around his neck and touched her forehead to his. “What are you going to do this year while you wait for me?”
He grinned. “Probably follow you around and take thousands of photos. Build a home for us here in Helena. That is, if you want to live here?”
They should probably have talked about these things before she agreed to marry him, but what did it matter? She’d go wherever he was and do it gladly. “If you want to.”
“No, really.” He rubbed his nose against hers. “You keep talking about Kenya. Do you want to go back there for our honeymoon? And afterward, I’d love to have the chance to do more documentaries about children in need.”
Now that was a life calling she could get behind. “Helena would make a great home base for all that.”
“It would, wouldn’t it?” His lips claimed hers.
For twelve months, they’d only have stolen moments like this one. Even now, her future called them forward to the resort’s dining hall. She pulled away reluctantly and tucked her arm through his as they strolled across the grounds. Snow sifted gently all around them.
The door swung open as they drew near. Christmas music and the aroma of cinnamon rolls spilled out.
“They’re here!” called Jase’s mom.
Did everyone in the room already know she and Jase were engaged? Marisa glanced around the guests. She’d told her mom last night, but Bob was here, and Bren and the kids, and others from the CSA, and a bunch of friends of the Mackies.
Jase slipped Marisa’s coat from her shoulders. “I have an announcement to make.”
When the guests quieted and turned toward them, Jase looked down at her with a smile. “I’ve asked Marisa to marry me, and she said yes!” He lifted their twined hands, exposing the diamond ring to scrutiny. “Save the date for the first Saturday in January, a year from now. You’re all invited.”
A cheer went up.
Bob cleared his throat. “While we’re saving dates, how about Valentine's Day?”
Marisa stared at him then at her mother, grinning smugly at his side. What? When had this happened?
Bob winked at her. “I’ve asked Wendy to marry me, and we’re too old to wait as long as these kids. So that’s in six weeks, not a full year for us.”
Marisa squealed and flung herself across the room into her mother’s arms. “Really? I’m so happy for you.”
Mom smoothed Marisa’s hair. “Thanks, sweetie. I’m thrilled for you, too. I always wanted a son, and Jase will do just nicely.”
And Marisa had always wanted a dad. Not sure Bob could fill that spot exactly, but she liked him well enough. He’d make Mom happy, and that was the main thing.
Wait. Bob had a farm. Mom had a farm… and Marisa wasn’t going to be around to run it. She swiveled to catch Bren’s eye.
Bren laughed. “I guess I have an announcement, too. I’m getting married…”
Everyone stared.
“Okay, I’m kidding about that. But Wendy has asked if I’d like to learn to manage Hiller Farm. I’m taking some courses through distance education and the kids and I will be moving out to the farmhouse at the end of January. I’m giving notice on our rental this week.”
“Yay!” Marisa reached for her dear friend. How wonderful that her good fortune — and her mom’s — could bring such a great result for Bren, Davy, and Lila. “Do I get to live there, too, in between all my trips?”
“You betcha. I’m counting on i
t. As if I’d dare kick you out of your own home! Besides, Baxter would never forgive me.”
Two little girls sat half under the Christmas tree, hugging matching dollies.
“Kristen couldn’t wait to give them their presents.” Bren wiped tears from her eyes. “Thank you for letting me and the kids be part of your life.”
“I wouldn’t want it any other way.” Marisa felt Jase’s presence an instant before his arms slid around her from behind.
“Do you want to put your baby in the wooden cradle my daddy made?” Charlotte bent her head to peer at Lila.
“It’s like the baby Jesus manger,” Lila said in awe when she caught a glimpse. She tucked her doll inside and rocked it. Both little girls began to sing Away in a Manger.
“Kristen got Lila a doll like Charlotte’s?” Marisa whispered to Jase. “That’s so sweet of her. Lila has had so little.”
“My sister has her moments. But don’t make too big a deal of it, or it’ll go to her head.”
“Oh, you.” Kristen gave him a playful swat as she swept in with a hug for Marisa. “I’m delighted to be a part of what you’re doing. Count on us.” She waved a hand to encompass everyone in the room. “Not just to support for our Snowflake Queen, but to share your vision for Helena’s families.”
“And around the world,” agreed Jase.
Marisa’s heart filled to overflowing as Jase reclaimed her and kissed her, right there in front of everyone. She had the tiara, but, oh, so much more.
Dear Reader
Thanks for reading More Than a Tiara! I'm so honored that you chose to spend the last few hours with Marisa, Jase, and me. You are appreciated.
Did the mentions of Marisa's ancestor, Calista, make you curious? If you love authentic fiction set in historical Montana, I'd love to introduce you to the writings of my friend Angela Breidenbach. Calista and Albert's romance is found in The Debutante Queen, first in Angela's Montana Beginnings series.
I’m an independent author who relies on my readers to help spread the word about stories you enjoy. Would you take a few minutes to let your friends know on Facebook, Pinterest... wherever you hang out online? Also, each honest review at online retailers means a lot to me and helps other readers know if this is a book they might enjoy. I’d sure appreciate your help getting word out.
I welcome contact from readers. At my website, you can contact me via email, read my blog, and find me on social media. You can also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of new releases, contests, special deals, and more!
In fact, I'm offering a free short story, Peppermint Kisses, to email subscribers. Peppermint Kisses takes place after Wild Mint Tea, the second book in the Farm Fresh Romance series, and it's not available any other way. Click here to subscribe.
Keep reading for a sneak peek of the next Christmas in Montana Romance, Other Than a Halo. I hope you'll join me in celebrating a love of Bren's own!
~ Valerie Comer
www.valeriecomer.com
http://valeriecomer.com/connect/enewsletter/
Other Than a
Halo
A Christmas in Montana Romance 2
Valerie Comer
GreenWords Media
Chapter 1
“Don’t you think it would be great fun for both girls?”
Bren Haddock stared at her daughter’s best friend’s mother. “Um, no. I pretty much you’re crazy.” In what universe did a single mom’s seven-year-old compete in a beauty pageant? Why would Bren even want her to?
“What’s crazy about it?” Kristen O’Brien’s brown eyes were alit with excitement. “It’s not competitive like the Miss Snowflake is for adult women. It’s just for fun.”
Bren spun her pottery mug on the table in Helena’s Fire Tower Coffee Shop and raised her eyebrows. “Have you never heard of Crowns for Kids?”
“Of course I have.” Kristen giggled. “Wasn’t that reality—” she air-quoted the word “—show nuts? There was nothing real about it. And this won’t be anything like it.”
Bren had watched several episodes with wide eyes, aghast at what some people would do for fortune and fame. She shook her head. “I can’t believe you want to put Lila and Charlotte through that. No way.”
“Todd and I will gladly pay Lila’s entrance fee and buy her dress—”
“No. I’m not a charity case.”
Kristen’s eyes softened. “I know that, Bren. I know how hard you’ve worked to get on your feet and make a solid home for your kids. How hard you work every single day. This is something Todd and I want to do. Call it our Christmas gift to Lila. She’ll have a couple of adorable outfits and some happy memories of a perfect Christmas week spent with her bestest friend in the whole world.” Kristen’s voice mimicked Lila’s.
“I don’t see how it can lead to anything good.” Bren met Kristen’s eyes across the wooden table. Around them, the lunch crowd drifted out. “I really don’t. I appreciate that you guys have money and run in different circles than we do, but I don’t want to get dragged into this. I don’t want Lila thinking she can have whatever Charlotte has. She needs to learn to be satisfied with what I can provide, not want what other people have.”
“I—”
“Being a single mom is hard, Kristen. I didn’t even graduate from high school, thanks to being pregnant with Davy.”
Kristen’s hand touched Bren’s arm. “I’m sorry you had to go through all that. I really am. I know you don’t regret Davy and Lila, though.”
“You’re right. I love my kids, but look at me. I’m twenty-six with a nine-year-old and a seven-year-old. I finally got my GED and am taking college via distance ed. I’ll be fifty before I get my degree at this rate. I want better for my kids.”
“The pageant can help.”
Bren shook her head. “Back to that, are we?”
“I’m serious. It will help teach both girls poise. Remind them there are hopes and dreams to reach for. And there are scholarships.” Kristen leaned closer. “Besides, Marisa will coach them. You know how much they both adore her.”
Who would ever have guessed that being one of Marisa Hiller’s projects would lead to all this? The former New York model had come back to Helena, Montana, several years earlier and helped her mother enter the Hiller Farm in the Tomah Community Supported Agriculture organic food box program as a grower. On a couple of underused acres and in her spare time — Bren could still hardly believe her friend had any of that — Marisa had invited several single moms to grow food for their families.
Bren chose her words carefully. “Marisa is amazing. I can’t thank her and Wendy enough for teaching me to cook and preserve food. I’m not the only person whose life she changed in more ways than one. She introduced me to Jesus.” She chuckled. “But her year in pageantry isn’t over until Christmas Eve, plus she’s planning her wedding to your brother for January. How could she possibly have time to coach the girls?”
Also, why on earth were they still having this discussion? Did that mean Bren’s resolve was weakening? Surely not.
“How about if their pageant dresses were their flower girl dresses?” Kristen’s eyes sparkled. “How about if their talent was a song they could perform at the wedding?”
Bren sipped her now-cold coffee. One more try. She tilted her cup toward her friend. “Kristen. Look. I’m a black coffee kind of girl. No frills. I can’t even remember what yours is called. I appreciate your friendship. I really do. But we’re not in the same league.”
“It’s a sugar-free white chocolate mocha with a shot of peppermint and no whip.” Kristen laughed. “And our taste in caffeine has nothing to do with life.” Her gaze went past Bren’s head. “Oooh. There’s someone I want you to meet.” She waved frantically then wiggled her finger in a beckoning manner.
Bren turned slightly in her chair.
A tall guy with dark curly hair lifted his hand in response as he walked toward the front counter.
She swiveled back and glared at her friend. “Kristen.
Don’t even start.”
“Start what?” Kristen winked. “He works for Todd at the ad agency. A Christian and new to Helena. What’s not to like?”
The man placed his order at the counter, giving Bren the chance to look him over. Those curls brushed the collar of a tailored suede jacket that ended at narrow hips. He glanced over his shoulder and met her gaze. A small smile played at the corners of his mouth.
Bren snapped her gaze back to Kristen.
“Cute, isn’t he?” whispered her friend. Her traitorous friend.
“Looks that way.” Bren kept her voice even. “I really should get going. I have to—”
“School isn’t out for another hour. You don’t have to be anywhere.”
“Kristen.”
“Hmm?”
“Stop trying to set me up. I’m not looking for a man, okay?” Even good-looking guys could be jerks. She should know.
Kristen glanced over her shoulder. “It’s not like tha—. Oh, hi, Rob. Care to join us?”
He towered over the table, a mug in his hand. “Hello, Kristen. Nice to see you. I don’t believe I’ve met your friend.” His dark eyes looked Bren over.
Bren’s lips tightened into a hard line.
“Rob, this is Bren Haddock. She’s the single mom of Charlotte’s best friend, Lila.”
Way to slide in the single part.
“Bren, this is Rob Santoro. He recently moved here from... Spokane, wasn’t it, Rob?”
He nodded as he flipped a chair around and straddled it. “Via Billings. But yes, I’m Spokane born and bred. Most of my extended family still lives there, all within about six blocks of each other.”
“But you escaped.” Kristen giggled.
Rob’s grin was lopsided. “Someone had to. Big families have their place, but I got tired of everyone being in my business all the time.”
More Than a Tiara: A Christian Romance (Christmas in Montana Romance Book 1) Page 13
