Christmas Magic on the Mountain

by Melissa McClone

  Time seemed to slow while he waited for her answer.

  Say yes.

  “Until you’re out of the hospital,” Zoe said.

  Sean smiled. That was good enough for him.

  Zoe couldn’t remember what day it was. She stared at her exhausted eyes and pale skin in the mirror of the women’s restroom. She looked as if she’d been up half the night. Which she had. Again.

  Zoe yawned. She was running on fumes. Not even caffeine would help at this point. She had spent another night at the hospital while Connie and Hank slept at the motel. They’d decided to split into shifts. Zoe had offered to take the night shift to limit her interaction with Sean’s family and friends. There was only so much pretending she could take. She didn’t like misleading people. The sooner everyone knew the truth the better. She didn’t know how much longer she could keep up the charade.

  Sean’s parents were up in his room now. They had arrived minutes ago to relieve her. A tag team of family and friends would spell them throughout the day.

  Zoe splashed cold water on her face. It didn’t help. She couldn’t wait to return to the motel. Connie had generously rented a room with two queen-size beds and handed Zoe a key so she, too, would have a place to sleep outside of the hospital.

  She dried her face with a paper towel from the dispenser above the counter and tossed it into the trash. She would give the Hughes a few more minutes alone before Hank drove her to the motel. They needed time together as a family.

  And Zoe needed time away from Sean.

  She applied lip gloss. The rest of her makeup as well as her backpack were at the motel.

  She liked Sean. He wasn’t just a pretty face with a hot body. His injuries hadn’t dampened his sense of humor. He hadn’t complained or seemed all that down. In fact, he’d been handling his situation with a courage and attitude she respected.

  Too bad respect wasn’t the only thing she felt for him.

  The way Sean looked at her when he woke up from one of his naps made her feel special even in the middle of the night. He wanted her at his side. She wanted to be there for him. Feeling wanted was a whole lot better than feeling like a screwup.

  For once she was no longer oopsie-baby, the nickname given to her by her older brothers, or Zany Zoe, which her friends had called her after all her trouble with the tabloids. She preferred being simply Zoe.

  Zoe Flynn, she reminded herself. Zoe Carrington had all but ceased to exist the past few weeks. Maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing.

  The more time she spent with Sean, his family and friends, the more she liked them and the less she missed her old life. She could never imagine Connie or Hank sending one of their kids away so they would learn responsibility and wouldn’t cause any problems. Zoe wished the Hughes were her family and she’d be spending Christmas with them, not alone in a strange town somewhere far away from home.

  She felt a pang in her heart.

  Stop. Now.

  Thinking like that was too dangerous. And not possible. December twenty-fifth was too far away.

  Sean was handling his pain better. He’d been visited by a physical therapist and an occupational therapist. He would be out of here before Zoe knew it, and so would she.

  She wasn’t his real girlfriend. He didn’t really need her. Nor did Connie and Hank or any of the other family members or friends Zoe had met.

  The realization made her heart drop to her feet with a resounding splat. She was all alone and had to remain that way until after the special election.

  Feeling sad and even more tired, she returned to Sean’s room. He had fallen asleep again.

  She glanced around.

  Crayon drawings by the children of his extended family and friends hung on the walls. One was a picture of Denali. Another was a mountain surrounded by space ships. More flowers and balloon bouquets had been delivered along with cards. A part of her wished she could send Sean one of the lovely flower arrangements, but all she could afford at the moment was a single rosebud without the vase. Zoe sighed.

  “Would you mind running down to the gift shop with Connie before I take you to the motel?” Hank asked quietly. “She wants to pick up some things for her shift.”

  “Not a problem,” Zoe said.

  “I’ll stay here in case Sean wakes up,” Hank added.

  Downstairs in the gift shop, Connie tucked a newspaper under her arm and studied the candy selection. She had a real sweet tooth. “While you were gone, the occupational therapist stopped by. She gave her recommendations to the discharge planner.”

  Relief Sean was doing well enough to be discharged pulsed through Zoe. “That’s wonderful news.”

  Good news for Sean and his family. As for her…

  It was best if she moved on.

  “I just hope Sean doesn’t fight their recommendations,” Connie said. “He can be stubborn sometimes.”

  “He also has a concussion, a sprained ankle and a broken leg.” Zoe scanned the newspaper headlines. She hadn’t watched much TV in Sean’s hospital room because she hadn’t wanted to disturb his sleep. She’d been too tired when she got to the motel. She felt as if she were emerging from a cocoon and needed to catch up on what she’d missed the last couple of days. “Stubborn will only take him so far.”

  “He may need you to tell him that.”

  She flashed Connie a supportive smile. “If he does, I will.”

  That was the least Zoe could do, even if Sean wouldn’t listen to her. She owed the Hughes family big-time. They had provided a warm place for her to sleep and shower, dropped off food for her at Sean’s hospital room and given her rides back and forth to the motel. She hadn’t spent a dime since buying her lift ticket on Thanksgiving morning. She now had enough money to make it until her monthly allowance would be deposited into her checking account on the first of December. She would find a way to repay their generosity somehow, someday.

  Zoe glimpsed the cover of a tabloid and did a double take. She reread the words in the top corner of the front page.

  Party Animal Zoe Carrington Caged?

  Her heart plummeted to her feet.

  She glanced at the name of the tabloid. Weekly Secrets.

  Anger burned. They were one of the worst gossip rags out there, the first to publish the photos of her at that club with Lonzo the liar. They’d only gone on two dates, but he’d made it out to be the love affair of the century. The lying, married jerk.

  She saw Connie shuffling through greeting cards. Zoe wanted to ignore the headline, but curiosity made her reach for the paper. She opened the tabloid. A file photo of her, with blond highlighted hair, a ton of makeup and an expensive designer cocktail dress, greeted her. She cringed.

  Party Animal Zoe Carrington Caged!

  Garrett Malloy and Fred Silvers

  Political insiders claim Governor Vanessa Carrington, currently embroiled in a special election for a coveted U.S. Senate seat, has banished her youngest daughter, Zoe, from the state, possibly the country. The move is not surprising given the scandal that erupted when photos of the lovely socialite and heartthrob actor Lonzo Green surfaced two months ago.

  Zoe claimed Green told her he was divorced, but he countered her statement by saying, “Young women have a tendency to hear only what they want to hear when they are in love.”

  When asked about his missing ex-paramour, Green replied, “No comment.”

  His indifference is surprising since the publicity resulting from the scandal is widely credited with Green landing a lead role in the highly anticipated blockbuster Tsunami. No doubt he hopes to ride the wave straight to the A-list. As for Green’s wife, soap opera actress Britt Bayer, she has been at his side ever since the story of her husband’s torrid affair broke.

  Sources close to the governor claim twenty-four-year-old Zoe simply wanted a break from her hectic social schedule. But if that’s the case, why has no one seen or heard from Zoe?

  “A break means a short trip to Paris or New York or Milan,” gossip blogg
er and hanger-on Charlotte Rafferty said. “There are always parties. Appearances. Photos. Zoe constantly sent tweets until her disappearance, and her Facebook page hasn’t been updated in weeks. Something has definitely happened to her, but the governor keeps shutting down any attempts at an official investigation into Zoe’s whereabouts.”

  There is speculation the governor may have committed her wild child to a mental health or rehab facility to avoid more embarrassing headlines that would compromise her senate run.

  If you know the whereabouts of Zoe Carrington, please contact us here at Weekly Secrets. She’s one of our favorite headline makers, and we’d like to make sure she’s safe.

  Safe. Yeah, right. Zoe grimaced. The only thing tabloids cared about was selling more papers. She only interested them when she was doing something scandalous or glamorous. Nothing else rated with them.

  She glanced at Connie who still stood at the card display.

  Disgusted to be touching such trash, Zoe shoved the piece of garbage back into its slot on the rack. If they were looking for her, others would be, too. Not good.

  Okay, she no longer had blond hair and wasn’t wearing much makeup now. She barely recognized herself, but that didn’t mean someone else might not put two and two together.

  The longer Zoe stayed in a city the size of Portland, the better the chance of being discovered. She needed to find a place to hide away. A small, cheap town with an ATM where she could access her checking account.

  A cell phone rang. Connie’s.

  One of the many family members calling or something about Sean? Zoe’s muscles bunched.

  Connie answered the phone before the second ring with a strained hello, but soon her eyes lit up and she smiled.

  Thank goodness. Zoe relaxed.

  “That’s great, Hank,” Connie answered, animated. “Yes, he must be feeling more like his old self. No, we’ll be right up.”

  Zoe waited until Sean’s mom had hung up. “Are they discharging him?”

  “Not yet, but the press is on their way to Sean’s room to interview him about his experience. A rescuer being rescued by his own unit.” Connie set three candy bars, a get-well card and a newspaper on the counter. She pulled out her wallet. “We need to get up there.”

  The air rushed from Zoe’s lungs. Every single nerve ending went on alert. Being in the same building as the media was bad enough. No way could she risk being in the same room. “I’m too tired.”

  “Sean will want you there.”

  No, he wouldn’t. Especially if he knew the truth about her. Zoe forced a smile. “I’m not the story. He is.”

  Connie didn’t look convinced as she paid the elderly cashier wearing a pink jacket.

  Zoe would try another tack. “There’s going to be a lot happening up there, and the room’s not that big. I’m going to stop by the cafeteria for a coffee. Maybe I’ll make it back before they’re finished.” Emphasis on maybe.

  “Okay.” Connie picked up her bag of purchases from the counter. “But if Sean asks—”

  “I’ll tell him you wanted me up there,” Zoe interrupted. “You’d better hurry so you don’t miss anything.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Yes.” Zoe had never been more certain of anything in her life. “Now go.”

  The camera crews were gone. The last reporter had left.

  Where was Zoe?

  Sean felt cranky and deflated.

  The news from his discharge planner wasn’t making him feel any better. He was used to taking care of other people, not needing someone to take care of him.

  “I’m sorry, Sean.” Meghan, a well-dressed thirtysomething woman with bright red hair piled on top of her head, spoke gently, as if her soft voice would ease his frustration. “An independent discharge is not possible. You cannot ambulate safely with both your fracture and a sprained ankle.”

  “I understand the OT’s assessment.” He was still on pain medication, but not even that was going to make him go along with this nonsense. “But really, I’m used to living alone. I can take care of myself. My ankle will be fine. I’ll hire a physical therapist to help me with the recommended exercises. I have friends to help with my dog. It won’t be a problem.”

  Zoe entered the room quietly. Relief washed over him. Now he might have an ally and—

  “Problem or not, you’re going to be using a walker for the first couple of weeks,” Meghan said. “You’ll need help preparing meals and bathing. Living alone in your current condition is not possible.”

  “You don’t know me.”

  Connie opened her mouth. Hank tapped her thigh. His mother pressed her lips together.

  “I don’t,” Meghan said patiently. “But I’m required to follow what OT recommends. A recommendation your orthopedic surgeon agrees with.”

  Sean gritted his teeth.

  Zoe walked toward his bed. “What are Sean’s options?”

  “The first is a sniff,” Meghan said.

  “A what?” Connie asked.

  “Skilled nursing facility, also known as a SNF,” Meghan explained. “Hiring homecare is another option. But usually the best solution, especially with a head injury, is for Sean to go home with someone capable of caring for him.”

  “He can stay with us,” Connie said without a moment of hesitation.

  Hank nodded. “That’s the best option for our son.”

  Sean forced himself not to grimace. He didn’t want to hurt his parents’ feelings. “Mom. Dad. I appreciate the offer, but I’m a little old to move back home.”

  His mom glanced at his dad. The determined look in her eyes told Sean she wouldn’t change her mind without a fight.

  He had friends and family who would gladly stay with him, but Sean didn’t want to put anyone out.

  “Would you mind if we discussed this in private, Meghan?” Hank asked.

  “Take your time.” The woman rose. “I’ll be at the nurses’ station.”

  “Thank you,” Connie said.

  “Would you like me to leave?” Zoe asked.

  “Stay,” Sean said.

  “Of course you should stay,” Hank said. Connie nodded.

  Silence descended on the room. Meghan closed the door behind her.

  “I know you’re independent, Sean, but you won’t be at home with us forever.” Connie spoke as if the decision had already been made. Not good. “Only until you’re back on your feet and can take care of yourself.”

  “I can take care of myself now,” Sean countered. “I can order takeout when I’m hungry. I’ve been on climbing trips where I haven’t been able to shower.”

  Hank shook his head. “Your mother’s right, son. Coming home with us is your best option.”

  Only option was what his dad meant.

  Sean had to be careful here. He’d put his parents through enough these past few days. “December is a busy time of the year for both of you. I don’t want you to have to take care of me on top of everything else you do at Christmastime.”

  “You’re our son. Caring for you is not a burden.” Connie’s chin jutted forward. “We aren’t about to let a stranger take care of you.”

  Sean’s gaze locked with Zoe’s, pleaded with her to help him out.

  As if reading his mind, she walked to the side of his bed and patted his hand, the way she’d done many times before. Despite his frustration, despite the fact that she probably made the gesture to fool his parents, Sean was oddly comforted. Reassured. He spread his fingers so hers fell between his.

  She smiled at him.

  He smiled back.

  “Unless…” Connie’s voice faded.

  Sean’s gaze narrowed. He was willing to consider any alternative to going home with his parents. “What?”

  “Zoe,” she said.

  “Zoe?” Sean repeated, confused.

  “Me?” Zoe sounded puzzled.

  “Great idea,” Hank approved.

  “It took me a minute to understand why you didn’t want to come home with
us, but I finally figured it out,” Connie said with a pleased smile. “You want your pretty girlfriend to take care of you while you recover. Not your mother. And honey, I’m perfectly fine with that.”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Take care of Sean?

  Panic ricocheted through Zoe.

  Connie might think that was a good idea, but Zoe didn’t. Sure, she felt good helping the Hughes family. But she needed to say goodbye to them, not entangle herself deeper in their lives. Time to get out of here, except…

  With Sean holding tightly on to her hand she wasn’t going anywhere.

  “I don’t know how much time you’ve spent in Hood Hamlet, but everyone will pitch in and help with Sean’s recovery,” Hank said to her. “You won’t find a more supportive community.”

  “The way Sean’s friends have rallied around him since his accident makes it seem like a very friendly place,” Zoe admitted.

  “Nothing beats living near family,” Connie piped in.

  Hank nodded. “I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”

  Sean smiled at Zoe. “It’s friendly, definitely. Your typical small town. I gave living in Portland a try once, but I prefer the mountains.”

  The Hood Hamlet Chamber of Commerce would be proud of the Hughes for championing the town. Too bad their sales tactics were wasted on her.

  “Who knows, Zoe?” Connie grinned. “You might just fall in love.”

  Love? The air whooshed from Zoe’s lungs.

  Sean’s lips thinned. “Mom.”

  “What?” Connie feigned innocence. “Zoe might fall in love with Hood Hamlet. It’s a very nice place to live.”

  Maybe for them, but not Zoe. She was used to city living. On her own. Not caring for someone who needed more help than she knew how to give.

  Her shoulders sagged, a combination of exhaustion and frustration. They spoke as if this were a done deal, as if she would be staying in Hood Hamlet. “About taking care of Sean…”

  “Yes,” he said. “About that…”

  “My son isn’t the best patient.” Connie smiled at Zoe, as if sharing a family secret. “I remember when he had chicken pox. You would have thought his world was ending.”