by Tena Stetler
Lathen shrugged. “If they are as good as you say, no problem. If not, I’ve a backup plan.” Lathen shoved up from the couch, grabbed Pepper around the waist, and walked to the door. He let Ray out and closed the door behind him.
“So did you get what you wanted,” Pepper asked flicking her fingers in the direction of the fireplace.
“Yep.” He smiled as the fire roared to life. “Ray almost got more than he expected.” He raised an eyebrow, his lips twitched. “Might want to make sure we are alone, before…”
“I did. Sorta.” She grimaced. “I’m glad things worked out. Gwen will be here on Friday. So I have a couple of days to tie up any loose ends.” Pepper stared at the pile of boxes in the center of the room. “Where’d these come from?”
He shrugged. “Don’t know. They were here when I arrived with your boxes.”
She examined the boxes and opened a couple. “They must be Ashling’s. She and Colleen loved to decorate at Christmas time.”
“Great. So where do you want the tree?”
“In front of the big picture window facing the ocean.”
Lathen opened the box, set up the tree, and tested the light strands before hanging them. “This tree smells like real pine.”
Pepper snapped her fingers. “Of course. It’s Ashling’s. I remember now. It’s enchanted. Colleen was slightly allergic to pine, so bringing one in the house was out of the question. Ashling created that one. Which is the best of both worlds. Looks and smells like a real tree, but doesn’t shed needles or bother Colleen.”
Lathen nodded, rummaging through the boxes. “The lights were hers too?”
“Yep. Colleen liked colorful lights. Bubble lights were her favorite.”
“That explains the several strands of bubble lights. Boxes and boxes of spares that seem to all be empty. Unfortunately, there’s a couple lights out on each strand.”
“I can fix that.” She waved her arm over the tangle of bubble lights. “They’ll work now.”
Pepper helped Lathen untangle the strands and arranged them on the tree. After locating a power strip and plugging all the lights in, he asked, “Wouldn’t it be easier to use magic to light the tree?”
“That would be frivolous, not celebratory and not something I’m willing to do,” she said primly. “There is a difference.”
Lathen’s eyebrow shot up nearly to his hairline. “But I thought Christmas magic could be used at will, with no repercussions. Your mom said…”
“My mother and I don’t always see eye to eye. Dad and Ashling believed that Christmas magic should be used conservatively even though we don’t pay the physical price during the holidays. I share their feelings.”
“Got it.” He shrugged.
They worked well into the night decorating the cabin. Lathen wound multi-colored lights along the porch railing while Pepper hung lights in the windows. The big pine beside the driveway was the only outdoor tree they decorated, and that took a multitude of light strands to accomplish. At Lathen’s insistence, they had to have a tree topper for the big tree. She used a bit of magic to create a brightly lit blue star atop the pine.
“All done,” Lathen declared, rubbing the back of his neck. He needed to wolf out, as Pepper liked to say, and go for a run. Could he wait until his dad and brother arrived? He scrubbed his hand over his face and sighed. “Pepper, I’m going for a run, need to work out the nervous energy before reporting to the naval base tomorrow.”
Concern wrinkled her brow as she studied him. “Okay, a good night’s sleep might be a good idea too.”
He caught her in his arms and kissed her. “I won’t be gone long.”
The grandfather clock in the living room chimed the last notes of midnight as Lathen strode through the door. He ascended the stairs silently so as not to wake Pepper and slipped between the sheets.
“Better?” she asked sleepily.
“Yes. Go back to sleep.” He wrapped an arm around her, curved his body around hers.
It was still dark when Lathen rose and showered. Walking out of the bathroom toweling off, he noticed Pepper was not in bed where he’d left her. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted up from the kitchen.
He padded downstairs to find a warm bowl of oatmeal on the table beside a plate of buttered toast. Pepper sat at the table, her hands wrapped around the mug of hot chocolate. A half-eaten bowl of hot cereal in front of her.
She smiled up at him. “Can’t send you off to save the world on an empty stomach.”
“I appreciate that. One stomach growl and the whole mission could be compromised.” He shot her a cheeky grin. “Nothing to worry about. I’ll be home before you have a chance to miss me.”
She rolled her eyes then met his gaze with a saucy smile. “I’ll be too busy to miss you.”
“Okay then.” He sat down, shoveled in the oatmeal, and chewed through three pieces of toast. Taking the last swig of his coffee, he glanced at the empty travel mug setting next to the coffee maker.
“Didn’t want to fill it until you were on your way out. Are you ready to go then?” Pepper stood up from the table, filled the mug with steaming liquid, and handed it to Lathen. “Play nice with the other kids.” She grinned.
“Not possible.” He paused for a beat. “But I’ll try.” Taking her into his arms, he kissed her thoroughly. “There, that should hold you ’til I get back.” He shrugged into his parka and took the mug she handed him.
With a smile, she drew his face to hers in a renewed embrace, kissed his lips softly. “Good luck.”
“Luck has nothing to do with it when you are as good as I am.” A cold burst of air rushed in as he opened the door, turned and winked at her, then closed it behind him.
It had been several years since he’d darkened the entrance of a military installation. Mixed emotions swirled through him as he took out the security badge and ID Raymond had given him. Would this be the only assignment required of him, or would there be more? He started up the truck and turned out of the gravel driveway.
Chapter Eighteen
A Week Before the Wedding and All Seems Deceptively Quiet—Never a Good Sign
As golden rays crept beneath the curtains and spread across the bed, Pepper stretched, yawned, and rolled over to cuddle with Lathen only to find a huge copper wolf sharing her bed. She shrieked and jumped out of bed. Tonk and Ember rushed into the room and looked around eventually pinning their gaze on Pepper.
The wolf’s aquamarine eyes blinked open and stared at Pepper for a second. The edges of his fur blurred as he returned to human form curled up naked on the bed, looking confused.
“You nearly scared ten years off my life.” Air whooshed out of her as she plopped on the edge of the bed. Pepper’s heart thundered in her chest. “Well what do you have to say for yourself?”
Finding nothing out of the ordinary, Tonk and Ember made a whiffling noise and trotted out of the room.
“That’s never happened before.” Lathen raised his hands, palms up in a gesture of surrender. “Hazards of living with a werewolf?” he offered, a sly smile played on his lips.
“My ass.”
“Yes, and it’s a very fine ass. But what does that have to do with this situation?” A deep chuckle rose from his throat. He leaned up on one elbow to meet her gaze.
Her heart still pounding, she grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. “Don’t you ever do that again.”
Lathen ducked, caught the pillow and stuffed it behind his head. “Okay, but since I don’t know why it happened, I can’t give you any guarantees.” He smirked and rolled out of bed.
“You go off on secret missions then you come back and this is what happens?” She spread her arms wide.
He sauntered into the bathroom. “Secret missions have nothing to do with it, and you know it, though it was an extremely successful mission. The one I am considering at the moment, requires you to join me in the shower. Should you accept this mission…” His lips twitched trying to keep the laughter at bay.
“Apparently.” He reached for the shower knob.
“You never woke up in wolf form while in the SEALs?” she asked incredulously.
“Not that I know of, but they were aware of what I was, so probably wouldn’t have been a shock.”
“I know what you are, and it still scared the bejeebers out of me. You could have warned me.”
“What would the fun in that be?”
“And why didn’t Tonk and Ember react?”
“Because they’ve seen my wolf form, to them it was nothing unusual. As far as the SEALs, I didn’t share a bed with any of the team, though we slept in close quarters most times. While on an op, deep sleep was a luxury we couldn’t afford.” He snapped his fingers. “Which may be the reason it happened here. I’ve nothing to fear and feel completely safe. Otherwise, I have no idea. It’s a question I will bring up with Kolby.”
“Wouldn’t your dad know?”
“Yes, but I’d never live it down and neither would you, if he was privy to that information. Kolby on the other hand can be black-mailed into silence.” He turned the shower on, adjusted the water, and flipped a handful of water at Pepper.
She dodged the water as her mouth formed an O when the statement sank in and she nodded. “One more question. The mission was a success, so is that it?”
“Yep, as far as I know. Now let’s get you wet and soapy and have a little fun.” Lathen growled playfully.
****
The days flew by in a flurry of activity. The tree lighting ceremony in the town square kicked off the Christmas celebrations. Pepper and Lathen meandered through the crowd, visiting with friends they’d not seen in a while, discussing the Thanksgiving holiday in Colorado. For the first time in quite a while at a town gathering, Lathen’s handyman services weren’t needed.
Pepper reveled walking hand in hand with her man doing nothing more than enjoying themselves. She sucked in the cold air and blew out a breath that clouded around her head then drifted off with the breeze. Christmas carols wafted through town square, thanks to the new sound system Lathen had installed. A loud speaker squawked, interrupting music as the mayor announced Lathen would be lighting the tree. The honor was his, since he’d repaired most of the light strands, designed and built the new electrical system in the square.
Lathen barked out a laugh and tugged Pepper along with him to the front of the tree. “I’m honored. But the real reason you want me to do it is because if something goes wrong, it’s on my head and you have all these witnesses.” He leaned over and checked the industrial power strip connecting the light strings and tree topper for the massive pine. Then he swaggered over to the gazebo, and flipped the main power switch. Pepper held her breath as the forty-foot tree lit up in a multitude of shimmering colors without a problem. She clapped her hands together, released her breath which promptly formed a cloud around her head.
Ooohs and ahhhs swept through the crowd before massive applause erupted across the square. Small trees twinkled with red and green lights. Frosted white icicle lights that trimmed the gazebo, shone brightly among the sea of multi-color lights. Sparkling ice crystals floated through the night air reflecting the bright colors, and adding to the festive holiday atmosphere.
Pretending to wipe his brow in an exaggerated gesture, Lathen gave a quick wave. The church choir assembled in and around the gazebo led a Christmas carol sing along until finally the pastor announced pot luck was ready in the church basement.
Everyone rushed toward First Street, with Lathen leading the pack to the St. Joseph’s Church basement where the food was being readied.
“If we don’t get in line right away, it will be a long wait, and the best home-baked food goes first.” Nearly dragging Pepper, he hurried across town square toward St. Joseph’s a block down the street.
She stumbled once, but he steadied her. “We can visit while we are in line,” she offered breathlessly trying to keep up with him.
“I’d rather visit with a plate full of food.” His stomach growled loudly as if in agreement.
Pepper giggled as he shoved the heavy well-worn wooden door open. Delicious aromas of fresh baked breads, cookies, cakes, and stews wafted out the door along with gales of laughter and dishes clattering as Lathen and Pepper maneuvered their way near the front of the line.
Matt from the Seacrest and his wife were a few people ahead of them. They waved with a knowing smile. He picked up a plate, loaded it full to running over as his wife rolled her eyes and grinned at Pepper.
“See what I mean.” Lathen picked up a plate and handed one to Pepper, pointing out who made what and suggesting what she should try. They finished a circuit around the serving table and found seats at a table with several friendly faces.
A fun time was had by all, and when the evening ended, Pepper was glad all she had to do was go home. No one had asked her to help with this shindig. Probably because they knew she was getting ready for the wedding and she was thankful. Her only obligation was three dozen deviled eggs, which she had delivered upon their arrival.
Lathen grabbed the empty serving platter. “Those eggs were the hit of the party. Ready to go?”
“I am. It was nice to have to do nothing but visit, eat, and visit some more.”
“Don’t get used to it. I heard plans were in the works for a spring celebration and—you’ll be tapped for decorations. That’s how it’s done in these small towns. People are always planning something.”
“Which is what I like about living here. But they’re out of luck. We’ll be on our honeymoon.” She snickered.
“Well there’s still time to warn them when we’ll be gone,” he teased.
She narrowed her eyes. “You do and you’re a dead man.”
“Got ya.”
****
Gwen arrived two days later, sporting aqua highlights rather than the usual pink in her hair last time Pepper had seen her, and happy to help with the wedding preparations. Pepper checked in with Kelly who assured her everything for the reception was ready. Gwen and Pepper stepped out of Wedded Bliss onto Maple and nearly collided with Dr. Brock Scutter.
“Hi Brock, I didn’t realize you were still here. Staying for Christmas?”
“Hadn’t planned on it, but Dylan came down with a nasty bug. Every time she felt able to go into work, that damn stuff came back. So I’m going to stick around until the first of the year.”
“She told me on the phone it was just a cold, nothing to worry about.” Pepper frowned feeling bad about the several calls she’d made to Dylan.
“Yep that’s what she told everyone, until the doctor said a week of bed rest. I took her phone and car keys away.” He shook his head and smiled. “Hard headed that one. But she’s doing much better.”
“That’s good to hear. What about your practice in Salem?”
“It’s slow this time of year—for the most part, and I have two partners and a couple interns. They’re handling it fine. Haven’t taken a real vacation in several years, so I’m really enjoying this. I like her varied practice. After this experience I’m considering expanding the practice.” Brock shifted his gaze to Gwen and back to Pepper, his lips curved at the corners into a gracious smile.
“Oh…sorry. Brock this is my friend, Gwen. She runs a wildlife sanctuary on the outskirts of Salem. I’m surprised you never met.”
“My clinic sees mostly cats and dogs, a few reptiles on occasion.” Brock offered his hand to Gwen.
She took his hand and smiled. “Nice to meet you. Pepper’s told me quite a bit about you. Saved her Thanksgiving vacation.”
“Well, I don’t know about that, but I was happy to help out. Nothing serious.” He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a business card. “I’d like to add wildli
fe and house calls to the practice when I return. Maybe you could give us a try a couple months into the new year?” He handed the card to Gwen.
“Ever worked with a wildlife rescue? What kind of qualifications do you have?” Gwen took the card, studied it, then stuck it in her coat pocket.
“No… Not in a long time. Right out of veterinary school, I worked in a wildlife rehab for a couple years. Then I took over a troubled clinic. With the help of a good staff, we got it turned around. But I never thought about returning to the wildlife aspect, until now.”
Gwen rummaged around in her purse and pulled out a tattered business card. “Give me a call and we’ll arrange something. A vet that was helping us out retired and moved to Florida.” Gwen shivered and sidled over to a patch of sunshine. “I don’t see how it can be so cold, when the sun is shining bright.”
“I asked Dylan the same thing when I arrived.” He chuckled. “Something about being on the coast and the moisture from the ocean.”
“Brock, why don’t you stop by the Center. Dylan said she’d be by in a couple days to check on everyone, but I didn’t know she’d been so sick. Then we can continue this conversation in the warmth of the cabin,” Pepper offered, wrapping her arms around herself.
He pulled his phone out of his pocket, scrolled through the calendar. “Gotta get back to the clinic right now. I’ll try for tomorrow. If not the next day. Will that work for you?”
“Sure. And thanks again. See you in the next day or two.” Pepper started down Maple to where her SUV was parked.
“Nice to meet you, Brock.” Gwen waved and hurried after Pepper, grabbing her arm. “What are you doing?” Gwen hissed.
Pepper raised a brow and glanced down to where Gwen grasped her arm. “Having Brock check the rescues rather than Dylan,” Pepper said innocently, unlocking the vehicle door. “Don’t want to be responsible for Dylan having a relapse.”
Gwen released her hold and gritted her teeth, as she jumped into the SUV. “Oh…no… I can see that little brain of yours working overtime. Don’t play matchmaker… I don’t have time for such nonsense,” she warned settling into the seat.
