by Brower, Dawn
“I’m a coward,” he admitted. “I was afraid of rejection.”
She could relate to that. Every day she faced that same fear. They were far more alike than she ever realized. This was probably good for them. She’d held him on some sort of pedestal for so long. An illusion of a boy she had loved. The man was a reality she liked much better.
“No,” she said. “You’re not. Sometimes it just takes time to do the right thing. Everyone faces moments of doubt—it just took you a little longer than you would have liked to see reason.”
“Let’s go,” he responded seeming to ignore her insight. “I have a surprise for you.”
“Oh?” she replied eagerly, forgetting her earlier assumption. Maybe he was just excited to share the surprise with her. “What is it?”
“If I told you then it wouldn’t be a surprise would it?”
They closed her front door and started walking toward the town hall where the party was being held. It was an annual gathering and almost everyone in town attended. There would be a potluck dinner and dancing later on. It was fun for all ages. Santa would even make an appearance for the children. It took them fifteen minutes to walk from her place to the town hall. It was already filled to capacity. A fire was lit in the fireplace and the scents of food drifted by them. Some children ran past them on their way to the line to meet Santa who’d apparently come early this year.
“Do you want to sit on Santa’s lap?” Mack whispered in her ear. “You can tell him what you want for Christmas this year.”
She shook her head. “I’ve already had a wonderful Christmas. There’s not much more I could ask for.” She wrinkled her nose upward. “Besides I’m rather old to be sitting on Santa’s lap.”
He wiggled his eyebrows. “In that case you want to sit in mine? It’s been a while since I had a sexy woman in my lap.”
“Ha, ha,” she said. “You’re incorrigible.”
“Always,” he replied.
“If it isn’t M and M themselves,” someone said from behind—their old nickname pouring off her tongue. “I never thought I’d see you two in the same room again let alone together.”
Meghy turned and met Cynthia Rhode’s gaze. She was blonde, perky, and annoying as ever. She was a cheerleader in high school and the biggest snob. “Isn’t that your husband waving to you over there?” Meghy asked.
Cynthia didn’t bother to turn and look. She turned her nose up at Meghy and then turned her attention to Mack. “It really is a nice surprise to see you. How long are you in town?”
Meghy wanted to shove Cynthia away and grab Mack out of her reach. She had a thing for Mack back in high school and it appeared as if she still did. Her poor husband...
“That depends on Meg,” he replied and slid his hand around her waist. “She’s the only reason I’m here.”
Cynthia didn’t like that response at all. She glared at Meghy and if looks could kill—she’d be dead. Instead of giving into the urge to be mean, Meghy smiled at her. That might have made it worse though because Cynthia gave her a sour one in return. “I thought you would have managed to find better taste while you were away.” Cynthia shrugged. “But I guess she’s wormed her way back into your life regardless.” Cynthia tossed her hair back and stomped away. “Some people...”
“Well,” Mack said. “She hasn’t changed.”
“Not one bit,” Meghy agreed.
He led her to a chair near the fireplace—one that faced the stage where the band was setting up. “Stay here and I’ll bring you something to drink.”
“What about my surprise?”
“Patience,” he ordered. “It isn’t time yet.”
He went to the drink table and grabbed two mugs, then carried them back to her. He handed her one and then sat in a nearby chair. She took a sip of the hot liquid and sighed. Hot cocoa—her favorite. “mmm,” she muttered to herself.
“Still love it do you?”
“It’s the closest thing to heaven I’ll ever find.” The only thing that would be better was to have Mack’s love. “Tell me about the album you’re working on.”
“I may have found a little inspiration while I’ve been here.” He smiled. “When I return I think I’ll be able to finish. How do you feel about warmer weather?’
She set her mug down and said, “I am amicable why?’
“I’d like you to come back with me.”
Her mouth fell open in shock. “But...”
“Don’t answer yet,” he replied. “I want you to think about it.”
She nodded like a fool. Mainly because she had no response for him. Her in Los Angeles? Why did he want her to go with him? Was it only because he’d finally found his muse again and attributed it to her? She’d gladly help him with anything, but she didn’t want to be by his side just to stir his creativity. She wanted far more than that from him.
Someone tapped on a microphone a loud screech echoing through the hall. “Is this thing on?” the mayor said.
“Yes,” everyone shouted so he wouldn’t tap on it again. The screech had hurt the eardrums of almost everyone in the crowd.
“Good,” he said then laughed. “You’re in for an extra special treat tonight. As you know we have dancing every year and while the local band is good—they don’t have the talent Mack Taylor has.” The mayor held his hand up on his forehead blocking the overhead light as he searched the crowd. “Mack? Are you here?”
“That’s my cue,” he said and hopped to his feet, setting his cup next to hers on the table. He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers quickly. “Wait here for me.”
She lifted her hand to her lips. That was different. He’d kissed her on the cheek, even her hand earlier. But the only other time he’d kissed her lips had been in the snow a decade ago. She didn’t know what to make of it.
Mack hopped on the stage and took the microphone from the mayor. “Hello Suttons Bay,” he nearly shouted. “It’s been a while since I’ve been home—too long really.”
Everyone clapped excitedly and moved closer to the stage—except Meghy. Mack had told her to stay where she was. She didn’t dare move afraid if she did she’d fall flat on her face. What was he up to?
“I wanted to sing a couple of songs for you if you don’t mind.” He gestured to the back who started the beginning of a Christmas song everyone was familiar with. “This particular one is special to me. It brings back memories of a time when I didn’t think I’d ever be happier.”
He started singing the lyrics to Winter Wonderland never once taking his eyes off of Meghy. What was he trying to say to her? That he wished he could go back to that day when he kissed her. Memories flooded her of their time together in the past, and over the past week. He’d been so attentive and let her lead them through every conversation. He’d been patient, kind, and wonderful. She never loved him more. Her heart pounded in her chest as he finished the song.
“Thank you,” he said as the crowd clapped again. “This next song is one I wrote and never recorded. It was too special to share with the world, but I’d like to sing it for you today, and I hope to have it on my next album.”
The band started playing the notes of a ballad. The melody was alluring and enticing, almost entrancing in its beauty. The lyrics nearly broke her heart. He wrote this song for her and it was about them. She’d suspected some of his songs were related to them in the past, but none more than this one. It was about their one kiss and the loss he’d felt leaving her behind. She knew in her heart that he wanted her to know how much he loved her. He was putting it out there in the world and hoping she felt the same. Mack took a risk where she never would have—and she loved him even more for it.
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland
CHAPTER FIVE
Mack hopped off the stage and headed toward Meghy. He didn’t take his gaze off her the entire time he’d be
en on stage. He wanted her and he prayed she felt the same too. She could work from anywhere as long as she had her computer. All he had to do was talk her into spending the rest of her life by his side. He’d give up his music if she refused to leave with him, but he hoped it didn’t come to that. He did love it, and her. Choosing between the two might break him.
She stood when he reached her. “Meghy...”
“Don’t say a word,” she said. “I understand.”
“You do?”
She nodded. “Let’s get out of here and take a walk.”
They grabbed their jackets and headed back out into the cold. A sleigh was outside for those wishing to take a ride. “Do you want to?” he asked.
“Oh yes,” she said. The horse and sleigh was something new the planning committee thought to add to the festivities. She hadn’t thought she’d actually utilize it, but with Mack... She was excited at the prospect. He helped her up into the carriage and then joined her. Meghy grabbed the blanket and spread it across their laps. Mack wrapped his arm around her and pulled her against him. Their mingled warmth kept them toasty as the sleigh moved around town.
“I’ve been thinking about your offer,” she said.
“Oh?”
“About going to Los Angeles with you.” That sounded dumb—that was the only offer he’d made her...
“And?”
This was the hard part, and it shouldn’t be. She had a hard time admitting her feelings to herself, let alone him. He’d laid his heart out before her and it was up to her to accept it or not. She wanted him so it should be easy, and yet, it wasn’t that simple. It would be a huge step for her to go with him. She never left Suttons Bay—for any reason. She was a shy person and didn’t socialize well. She’d be an albatross for him to carry. What kind of life would that be for them?
“I’m not sure it’s a good idea.” She wanted to go... “I don’t do well with people I don’t know.”
“You would know me,” he said. “The rest will come in time.”
He made it sound so easy. “What if I embarrass you?”
The carriage came to a stop near the meadow where they’d first kissed. Mack pushed the blanket off of her lap and said. “Come with me.” Once they were out of the carriage the driver pulled away leaving them to their privacy.
He led her to the middle of the field. In the center was a snowman. It had been dressed with a tie, top hat, and had a book resting between wooden hands. “Miss M,” Mack said. “I’d like you to meet Parson Brown—turns out he decided to come out of retirement.”
“Did he now?” Her lips quirked upward. “However did you convince him?”
“I explained to him that I was in desperate straits.” He had a solemn expression on his face. “I had to convince the girl I loved to spend the rest of her life with me. If he refused I might have to live with a broken heart for the rest of my life.” Mack rubbed his chest. “It’s almost mended now but one more blow and it might be fatal.”
She stared at him with bewilderment. Did he just say he loved her? She suspected as much from the song, but hearing it was entirely different. This was real. “Pinch me,” she demanded.
“What?” He pushed his eyebrows together.
“I said pinch me,” she repeated. “None of this is real. I have to be dreaming.”
It was straight from something she’d have come up with for one of her romance novels. The environment, the admission of love, and the swirl of excitement pooling through her blood—all of it screamed happy-ever-after. It was too much and so hard for her to believe was real.
“Darling,” Mack said his voice dripping with charm. “I can do you one better.”
He pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss sizzled and drenched her with desire. She wrapped her arms around him and met his kiss with equal enthusiasm. This felt too good not to be real. She reached up and ran her fingers through his dark locks. The stubble from his beard rubbed against her chin enticingly. She liked it more than she probably should.
Mack stopped kissing her, but resumed again by trailing his lips across her cheek, and then down her neck. He twined his fingers through her curls and yanked on them lightly. He started to trail his kisses upward to her jaw, then back to her lips again. Mack kissed her with everything inside of him and she could feel it straight to her toes. He was right—this was so much better.
He lifted her up into his arms and twirled her around until her laughter echoed around them. She’d never been happier than in that moment—with him. The shell of a person she’d become without him was not who she wanted to be. She didn’t want to live like that anymore. She wanted to be a newer better version of herself. It was time to let go of the past and enjoy life.
“Stop,” she said between laughs. “I can’t take it anymore. The world is spinning.”
“Then you know how I feel whenever you’re near,” he said and set her down. “Since the moment I met you my world has been topsy turvy. I’m sure that isn’t entirely your fault.” He grinned. “I did come here an orphan, but you made me feel welcome. I think I fell in love with you all those years ago.”
“At five years old?” She lifted a brow.
“Yes,” he said adamantly. “I just didn’t realize it. What five year old would?”
She had to agree with him on that point—well, on all of them really. Sometimes she believed she’d fallen for him when they were both five too. They had bonded back then, and even though they’d spent so many years apart it hadn’t been destroyed. It might have bent a little bit and allowed them to grow and change into the people they had become, but it was still strong—unbreakable.
“So what changed?”
He remained quiet for several heartbeats. Meghy started to think he might not answer until he did. His voice was always so wonderful to hear and this time was no exception. “Nothing—everything,” he finally said. He rubbed his hand over her arm. “Being here again with you was more than I could have ever imagined. I didn’t come here hoping for this. I never would have dared for anything so wonderful.” He brushed his hand over her hair. “Please be with me. I’m selfish and I don’t deserve you, but I want to have a chance at forever.”
Her heart was in her throat and she fought tears of happiness. She failed as one slipped down her cheek. Mack reached up and wiped it away. Snow began to descend upon them like white glitter sparkling in the night sky. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes,” he urged. “Come to Los Angeles with me. I promise you won’t regret it.”
“I don’t know.” Why couldn’t she say what he wanted to hear? She wanted to say yes, but something inside of her wouldn’t let her. The doubts she carried deep inside reared their ugly head. “It’s a big step.”
“Take your time,” he said. “I can wait as long as you need. I’m not leaving again without you.” He pulled her hand into his. “Why don’t I walk you home.”
She nodded and let him lead her away from the meadow. The walk to her place wasn’t far from the field. Nothing in Suttons Bay was a long walking distance. Still, it was far too short for her liking. She didn’t want the evening to end yet. When they reached her front door she turned to face Mack. “Do you want to come inside?”
“Do you think that’s a good idea?”
She smiled. “I don’t want you to leave me.” Uncertainty filled her. Was she being to direct? She wanted to be with him, and this was a test for him and herself. What he did next was going to be the deciding factor on whether she went with him, or stayed in Suttons Bay. It was perhaps a little ridiculous, but she believed in signs and she desperately needed a good one.
“I’m never leaving you again,” he replied earnestly. “Not unless you want me to.”
“I don’t,” she said. “I love you.” There she said it. The one thing that had terrified her more than anything—saying aloud how she really felt about him, and somehow she managed to survive it.
“I love you so much,” he replied. “T
here should be nothing standing in our way. The whole world is before us. All we have to do is be brave enough to explore it.”
There was only one thing she could do. “I’ll move to Los Angeles,” she told him. “Are you sure that is what you want.”
“There’s nothing I want more...” Then he leaned down and kissed her again. Snowflakes danced around them covering them in their magic. Sometimes dreams did come true... Meghy had gotten more than she could have hoped for when she realized that Mack had come home. Now she had so much to look forward into the New Year.
Tonight though—happiness spread through her like wildfire, and she owed it all to Mack and his bravery. If he hadn’t admitted how much he loved her and sang that beautiful song she might not have found the courage to acknowledge her own feelings. She had never loved him more than in this moment. They understood each other and everything that they could be—alone and together.
Gone away is the bluebird
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings...
EPILOGUE
They left Suttons Bay before the New Year and headed back to Mack’s home in Los Angeles. They had spent a wonderful Christmas with Mack’s Aunt Rose, and then his manager had shown up to escort them back personally. Their trip had been uneventful and tiring.
“I see the trip was a success,” Ben said.
“Better than I expected,” Mack admitted. “I want to schedule time in the studio to start recording.”
“Is the girl the reason for this change?”
It wasn’t as simple as that. Yes, Meghy made a difference. He was at peace with his past and hopeful for their future. They still had a lot to work through and he was ecstatic to have that chance with her. She’d settled into the office he had set up in the house and never used claiming it as her own. He was glad to give it to her. He’d give her anything she wanted if it made her happy.
“Just set up the studio time and let me know when to be there. I wrote some songs I want to lay down and prepare the album for release.”
