by Jody Holford
“I hope you guys are ready for this,” she said as the girls and Elliot stomped the snow off of their boots on Lucy and Alex’s porch.
Elliot laughed and ran a hand down her hair, then leaned in and kissed her cheek. “We’ve hung out with your family, Kate.” He pushed open the door without even knocking, and music and voices tumbled out as the girls ran in.
“It might be too much excitement for them after everything. Maybe we should have stayed home and just kept tonight quiet. Tomorrow will be chaotic too,” Kate said.
Elliot framed her face with his hands. “They’re okay. They want to be here.”
Even though she believed him—could see in his eyes that he meant it—her stomach continued to tumble. This was big. She’d never even brought a date to a family event and here she was bringing a man she’d unexpectedly fallen in love with and his two children. Kate looked past him, knowing they had only seconds before someone in her family descended.
“Do you?” she asked. “Want to be here? It’s a lot. They’re a lot. We’ve jumped in, head, feet, whole body first.”
Elliot rested his forehead against hers and she closed her eyes, breathing him in. “Kate. I want to be wherever you are. And for the record, I like your head, your feet, and your whole body. A lot.”
Gripping his wrists, she opened her eyes and beamed up at him. His words went a long way toward loosening the pressure in her chest.
“Okay. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
They managed to get into the house, hang their jackets, and make it to the kitchen before they were bombarded by her mother, who hugged Elliot tightly.
“We’re so glad everyone is okay and that you’re joining us for Christmas,” Julie said.
Releasing her, Elliot smiled. “Thank you for making my girls and I feel so welcome.”
Julie winked at him. “Back at you with my girl.”
Then she hugged Kate and ushered them farther into the fray. Luke and Char were at the long, wide, gorgeously restored farm table, setting up Monopoly with Grace, Beth, and Carmen choosing their pawns. The dining room and kitchen were one large room, but the living room was through an arch. In it, Kate’s dad was settled on the floor, back against one of the couches, amusing Emma and Mia. They were belly laughing in a way that made the rest of Kate’s nerves fade away.
Mark stood. “There’s my girl. Elliot,” he said, shaking Elliot’s hand and clapping him on the back. “Glad your girls are okay, son. Gina doing alright?”
“Yes, sir,” Elliot said.
Kate glanced at him, confused by the stilted tone in Elliot’s voice. She hugged her dad, hard, comforted by the scent of his cologne. He kissed the top of her head.
“I’m going to go help Alex and your mother with dinner. You okay to keep an eye on these two?” Mark asked, releasing her.
“I thought Lucy was making dinner,” Kate said.
Lucy came down the stairs, her hair bundled on top of her head. “I am. Sort of. I just had to change. There was a potato mishap,” she said, coming to Elliot and Kate.
Hopefully Elliot wasn’t put off by her family of huggers. He didn’t seem to mind when Lucy gave him one. “Glad the girls are okay. And Gina too.”
“Thanks Luce. Can we help with anything?” Elliot asked, his tone even again.
“Just what Dad said: watch these two munchkins while we finish up in the kitchen,” Lucy said.
Lucy tugged on a lock of Kate’s hair. “It turns out I’m more of a sous chef,” Lucy said.
Kate laughed. “Not surprising.”
“Hey!” Lucy said, giving her a mock pout.
“You have many other talents, honey,” Mark said, throwing one arm around Lucy’s shoulder.
“Thanks, Dad.”
Kate was still smiling as she sat on the floor with Emma and Mia. Emma picked up a book and brought it to Kate, but wouldn’t hand it over.
She glanced at Elliot, who sat beside her on the floor. “You okay?”
He stacked some blocks on top of each other, waited until Mia was watching, and then tipped them over, making her laugh. “Yeah. Just… ” He stopped and shrugged.
“Just what?”
Elliot stacked the blocks again. “I’ve been around your family lots. Just not after I’ve slept with and fallen in love with their youngest daughter,” he whispered.
Kate laughed. “I think they’ll still like you,” she said.
“Let’s hope so, seeing as I don’t plan on putting a stop to either,” he said.
By the time dinner was eaten, games were played, and they’d each opened a present, Kate was exhausted. She’d worried about the girls but they clearly had untapped reserves of energy. Luke and Char were packing up to go home, and Kate was about to suggest she and Elliot do the same when she caught sight of Lucy and Alex whispering to each other. His hand was on her hip and hers was on his chest. Alex swept a hand down Lucy’s hair and kissed her forehead. It made Kate’s stomach dip with happiness. She had that, too.
She looked at Elliot, who was tracing circles on her hand with his thumb. “We should go home,” she whispered. Home. That word now held more meaning than she ever could have imagined.
“I think you have something to share before we do,” he whispered back. His happiness and pride when she’d told him about the loan still set butterflies loose in her stomach.
“Now?”
“What better gift for you and everyone that loves you than knowing your future, the future you want, is right here where they are?”
He gave her hand an affectionate squeeze. Their day had been so busy with the Christmas play earlier that she’d barely had time to think. The girls had been adorable, and Kate had received a dizzying number of compliments on her designs. She had no doubt she’d be getting some custom orders and that grad season was going to keep her busy.
She stood up. “We have to get going, but I wanted to tell everyone something before we leave,” Kate said.
It took a moment for everyone to quiet down and then they were all looking at her, waiting, ready for whatever she said. A wave of bliss stole her breath. Everyone she loved and needed was right here. She was truly going to have it all.
“We already know you have a crush on Elliot,” Lucy said.
Kate glared at her but Julie spoke first. “Lucy, don’t bug your sister.”
Lucy stuck her tongue out, making both Kate and Char laugh, and Elliot nudged her foot.
“I got approved for a small business loan, and I’ve found a shop. I’m officially going to be opening my own dress boutique in Angel’s Lake.”
Everyone squealed in delight, rushing her all at once, including the kids, who hadn’t really been paying attention but were happy to take part in the excitement. Kate wondered if there was a world record for the most hugs given in a day. If so, whatever the number, her family topped it.
In the quiet of the car, Elliot held Kate’s hand. The girls were nearly asleep in the back seat, and Elliot and Kate had to each carry one of them into the house. They curled into their beds after being peeled out of their matching coats and were sleeping before Kate and Elliot left the room.
“I’m going to put on some pajamas. You want to watch a movie?” Kate asked.
Elliot kissed her, light and quick. “Sure. I’ll put one on, grab some wine, and then we can fill stockings.”
Kate laughed. “That sounds like code for something,” she said.
Elliot gave her another kiss, this one noisy and playful. “That’s after.”
Kate took her time getting ready for bed, removing her make-up, and brushing out her hair. When she came into the living room, the lights were low, a movie was cued up, and two glasses of wine sat on the coffee table. But no Elliot. She heard a door and then he came into the living room with a sheepish expression.
“What are you doing?”
He walked to her, pulling her into his arms. “I’ll tell you in a minute. Let’s sit down first.”
She sat, intrigu
ed, but felt some of the tension seep back into her shoulders. He turned her so they were facing, pulled her as close as she could get without sitting on his lap, then passed her a glass of wine.
She sipped, watching him as he did the same.
“I’m proud of you. I think you’re amazing and I want you to know that I’ll do everything I can to support your dream.”
She melted a little inside. “Thank you.” Reaching out, she pressed her palm to his cheek. “That was a lovely thing to say.”
“I mean it. I want our life together to be about compromise. I’ll give you everything I have and never take you for granted.” He laughed roughly. “I’ll mess up. But I promise to buy flowers.”
Kate laughed, setting her wine down, and scooted closer. “I’d rather have chocolate than flowers. What should I get you when I mess up?”
His eyes twinkled. “Guys are pretty easy.”
She watched his gaze shift, become more serious. “How do you feel about kids?
Elliot put his glass next to hers and took her hands, staring at them. When his gaze met hers, the emotion in them stopped Kate’s breath, making it back up into her lungs.
“I love Grace and Beth, but I’m not looking to be their mom. I won’t try to take Gina’s place. Do you think all of this is too soon? Too fast? Too much?”
Elliot shook his head. “They love you back. They don’t want you to leave. But that’s not exactly what I meant.”
Kate was letting the glow of his words warm her when she realized what he did mean. “Do you…do you want more kids?”
Now he tugged her hands, pulling her forward so she was nestled between his legs. “I didn’t think so. In fact, I was sure I didn’t. Until you. But I want that with you.”
Kate’s heart pounded against her rib cage rapidly, like it was punching its way out. “You do?”
“I do. I’m not usually big on fate or kismet or whatever you want to call it. But I feel like all of the things that have happened led us here. I’ve wanted to ask you out for years but the timing was never right. But no other time would have been right for either of us. We wouldn’t be who we are right this minute without all of the things that brought us here.”
Kate bit the inside of her cheek, thinking about that. “All roads lead you where you’re meant to be.”
Elliot leaned back on the couch, bringing her with him. “Exactly. I love you. Maybe it is fast, but it’s right. I mean, we don’t have to start trying right this minute or get married next week. But I want all of it. With you.”
Kate’s smile started on the inside and spread to her lips. “I want that too. With you and the girls. I want all of it. I love you, Elliot.”
He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. “I’m really glad.” He opened his eyes and sat up, nudging her off his lap. “The girls seemed pretty sure of what you wanted for Christmas. I figured that if you were at all unsure about us, about everything, maybe this would convince you.”
When he stood up, so did Kate, her eyebrows scrunching together. “I’m not unsure. At all. What would convince me?”
“Stay right here,” he said.
Kate stood still, refusing to pace or worry about what he was doing. She heard a door again and realized it was the garage. Unable to stay in one spot, she walked to the fireplace and flipped the switch. Orange and yellow flames danced immediately.
The door opened and closed again. She stepped away from the fire, listening but heard nothing. Pacing, she tried to be patient but curiosity won out. She was heading for the kitchen, intent on finding out what he was doing, when Elliot came back into the living room. In his arms, he was holding a wriggling, whining ball of grey fur.
Kate rushed over. “Oh my goodness! You got a puppy?”
Elliot’s cheeks scrunched up when the dog licked at him and tried to nip. His little nose sniffed at his shirt. “I got you, us, a puppy. She’s a Weimaraner. They’re smart and good with kids. They have a lot of energy, but I figure the girls will match her there.”
Kate stopped in front of him and reached out a hand, then paused. “Wait. You got a puppy hoping I’d stay?”
Elliot shrugged. “Who could leave this face?” He held the puppy up in front of her.
Kate took her from Elliot and snuggled the little one into her chest. “Not me. But I’m pretty fond of your face too. I wasn’t planning on leaving it.”
Elliot wrapped his arms around Kate, laughing when the dog gave a tiny bark that sounded more like a meow. “That’s good news. But the girls were really sure you wanted a puppy. And I want to give you everything I can to make you happy.”
The puppy settled her snout on Kate’s neck, its breath tickling her skin. “You make me happy, Elliot. You and Beth and Grace. I just want you. I want this. I want us to be a family.”
Elliot’s eyes darkened as he came closer and kissed her, sinking into her as his hand found its way into her hair. The dog perked up, pushing its nose between them.
They both laughed and Elliot’s hand settled at the base of Kate’s neck. “We already are. Maybe by next year, we’ll be an even bigger one,” he said.
The puppy started to yip and squiggle. Kate passed her back. “Let’s see how we do with a puppy and two girls first.”
Elliot laughed and kissed her again. “Probably a good idea.”
They sat on the couch, the puppy between them. Elliot pressed play on the movie and with the fire crackling in the background and Elliot’s fingers linked with hers, she wondered if there’d ever been a better Christmas.
“Kate?”
“Hmm?”
“Next Christmas, it’d be nice if all of us shared the same last name.”
Kate looked at him, wondering if he could see her heart flailing around in her chest. She leaned in to kiss him, careful not to wake the puppy. “Even the puppy?”
Elliot frowned. “We should probably give her a first name.”
Kate’s heart continued to hammer like it wanted right out of her chest. They were talking about being married and living happily ever after and all she could think was “yes.”
“Where were you born?” Kate asked, knowing he’d moved to Angel’s Lake for the job.
“Indiana.”
Kate thought about it. Played with the word in her mind. “Indy. Indy Peters. I like it. Do you like it?”
With the same care he’d give a newborn, Elliot transferred the pup to the corner of the couch and then turned to Kate.
“I do. It’s a good name. You know what other name sounds pretty great?”
Kate grinned, moving closer, her fingers playing with the collar of his shirt. “Hmm.”
Yanking her against him, he whispered against her mouth, “Kate Peters. That’s a good name.”
“Or Elliot Aarons. Also a good name.”
Elliot pulled back and laughed. “I might actually like it better. Except then the girls would have to change their names or we wouldn’t match.”
Kate trailed her lips up the side of his neck up to his ear. “You’re right. I guess we better go with yours,” she whispered.
She lost her train of thought when his hands started gliding over her body beneath her shirt as his lips met hers over and over again. “Elliot?”
She felt his smile against her neck. “Hmm?”
“I think this is my favorite Christmas ever.”
Pulling back, Elliot looked at her like he saw her completely. Like he wanted everything she was or wasn’t. Would be or wouldn’t. Good or bad. No matter what. That was the best gift.
“Next year will be even better,” he promised.
Acknowledgments
How to begin? I wrote Kate in June of this year after some fans of Falling for Home gently suggested they wanted another visit to Angel’s Lake. I was happy to go back. I’ve always loved small town stories where you care about not just the hero and heroine, but the people who matter to them. Thank you to Jessica at Penner for her constant support and acceptance of my stories. Thank you to my
editor, Carolyn for pushing me to make sure every character was represented in the best way possible, regardless of their purpose in the story. Thank you Brenda, Christy, and Tara for taking time from your busy schedules to read this when it was nowhere near Christmas time. Thank you to my family: my husband and my daughters for always supporting my writing and for encouraging it and believing in me when I forget to do that for myself. Thank you to anyone and everyone who reads my stories. Without you, they’re just documents on my computer. Thank you for giving them life. Thank you everyone else at Penner, including the cover designer who makes my stories look so appealing at first glance. Thanks to my mom for loving everything I write. I’m forgetting someone, I’m sure, but the good news is, I have four more books coming out, so I can make amends in the next one. Thanks to my twitter peeps for amusing me with both words and gifs. Thank you Kara for always letting me bounce ideas off of you. It’s comforting to know you live on the computer like I do. To anyone I forgot, you matter. I’m just forgetful. Merry Christmas everyone. Hope yours is as special as Kate and Elliot’s.
About the Author
Jody Holford lives in British Columbia with her husband and two daughters. She’s a huge fan of Rainbow Rowell, Nora Roberts, Jill Shalvis, and Emily Giffen. She’s unintentionally funny and rarely on time for anything. She loves books, Converse shoes, and diet Pepsi, in no particular order. When she has to go out into the real world, she’s a teacher. She writes multiple genres but her favourite is romance because she’s a big fan of love and finding happily ever after. Probably because she’s lucky enough to have both.
Connect with Jody:
@1prncs
Authorjodyholford
jodyholford.weebly.com
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