Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology (Echo Ridge Romance Book 1)

by Lucy McConnell

With a deep breath she commanded herself to focus on what needed to be done. Now was not the time for sentimentality. She was the acting CEO.

  Carlos came toward her and took off his helmet. “Hi, Keira. I’m truly sorry. Chief is taking care of some things with the truck. We’ve put out the fire, contained the smoke, and everyone is out. But the clean-up will be fairly significant. We’ve already called in fire volunteers from two counties for tomorrow. People can start helping in the morning.”

  Keira nodded, pushing out the hazy surreal feeling. The smoke, the fire engine lights, the commotion and firefighters. Was this really happening? “Thanks, Carlos. I’ll round up volunteer workers and have a food tent going in the morning to feed them. I called Bob Carmichael, he’s the insurance adjustor, on the way to meet me here. He’s a family friend. What else do we need to consider?”

  “Nothing right now, you’ve done great. The fire inspector will likely update you more.”

  “Thanks again, Carlos.” With that, Keira walked around the damage as much as she was allowed. In areas it was quite severe, while other areas had remained untouched but smoke affected. Afterward she sat in her car and made more phone calls. When the When the remaining TV news cameras arrived she held several interviews, some with the fire chief. For a moment gratitude filled her as she recalled the interviews she and Tayton had done together. Who knew the experience would come in handy and so soon.

  She talked with Drew about the financial implications and took moments for deep breaths. The toys were definitely gone— for the domestic violence center, the trailer park kids, the rest of the donations. Part of her couldn’t think too deeply about it. Tears and unsteady emotions threatened to spill over.

  Stay steady, she was handling it. But the ache for Tayton only increased. If he were here, they would be tag-teaming, rounding up volunteers, helping with financial questions, deciding a course of action that worked best for the store. And he would be wrapping his secure arms around her shoulders.

  Keira put her forehead on the cold steering wheel. The coolness against her hot skin refreshed her overloaded mind. A knock at the window made her groan inwardly— more bad news from Carlos. Tired, she looked up.

  “Tayton?”

  Keira blinked and blinked again. His dark hair gleamed in the streetlight framing his face and crinkling eyes. That smile— warm, comforting, assuring. She blinked to focus. Was this a tired vision? Was he really here, with her?

  She opened the door as he stood back.

  Oh, he was real.

  Wordlessly, she reached for him and he embraced her fully, crushing her to him and burying his head in her hair. Without warning, Keira broke down in sobs. The fire, the store, her dad, Cecilia leaving, missing him, the weight of it all. She didn’t try to stop or explain it. Tayton simply stroked her hair and back. He spoke softly but firmly. “I’m here. It’s okay.” Keira soaked up his strength and the feeling of being able to fully let down emotionally.

  After the tears subsided, she pulled back and gazed at him. “How did you know?”

  “Carlos texted me, he thought I’d want to know. And he was right. I jumped in the car and drove.”

  “But your contacts and your meetings in New York? And how did you get here so fast? I thought you’d be in China by now.”

  “It’s a long story but I didn’t have to go right now. And you do not want to know how fast I drove to get here.” He brushed a thumb down her cheek to her lips then pulled her in close. “How can I help? I talked with Carlos and he told me the basics. I contacted Trav to let him know, to put out a call for prayers and help.”

  Keira looked up at him. “You did that? For prayers and help. Not pity donations? Not numbers?”

  He smiled down at her. “You know, even downtown New Yorkers have a heart somewhere deep inside.”

  With a fierce embrace, she let him know that her myriad questions could wait. His sister, how long was he here for, what about them. They would face these later. For the time being, it was enough to know that he was here and that he got it. He understood this was more than making the ultimate financial project goal. It was about a town and a store and a part of her life.

  After talking with the fire chief and updates on damage, Bob the adjustor met with her to discuss some initial thoughts and protocol. Finally, at 2 AM. the fire was given the final okay and details had been discussed. They could go home and the clean-up would start the next morning.

  Keira walked with Tayton to her car, hand in hand, utterly spent. The weight suddenly seemed unbearable. “It’s Christmas Eve tomorrow. And so much of the gift push is gone. I’ve no earthly idea what to do from here.”

  Tayton leaned his body against the car door and pulled her to him in an embrace. “You let me worry about that. I have some ideas. What I need from you is to go home, shower, get in your flannel footies or whatever you call them, and get a good night’s sleep.”

  “But what about you, driving three hours, no sleep—”

  He put a finger on her lips. “No arguing with the marketing director. Which in some third-world countries is more important than the president. You focus on your short list, leave the rest to me.”

  Keira paused. She didn’t want to come off needy or damsel in distress, but she could not be apart from him tonight. “Will you make calls from my house?”

  He paused, searching her. “Naturally. You’ve got way better service than the Ruby Mountain Resort.”

  “You got that right.” She hesitated then said softly, “I just want to be near you.”

  Tayton smiled, a glorious, full of emotion smile. “I believe that’s what the fire chief ordered.” With one more kiss he scooted her into her car and followed her home in his Land Rover. After making cocoa she curled up next to him on the sofa while he made phone calls, speaking softly so as not to disturb her. Before realizing it, Keira drifted into a sleepy haze filled with bits of plans, calls, twinkling lights, and the comforting scent of cologne and Tayton Wells.

  Keira awoke with a start. Was Tayton here? Had there been a fire? Was it a dream? She sat up on the couch, a pillow at her head and her mother’s baby blue afghan over her.

  “Morning sunshine.” Tayton looked over from switching on the gas fireplace switch. Keira held in a gasp. Slightly tousled hair, jeans and his trademark Henley shirt. To wake up to this every morning? Heaven.

  “Cocoa is on.” He walked to the couch and knelt beside her. “It’s 8:30. You were out last night. I got you set then went back to the resort to finish calls. Right now, I’m headed over to the store to organize the volunteers. And you, my sleeping beauty, are resting.”

  “Oh no, I’m not, Prince Charming. But I may need a morning kiss just to awaken me.”

  Tayton took care of that.

  Keira leaned back against the couch. Tayton gently pushed aside her soft curls. She fought the need to face reality and wanting to stay cocooned in her home with him. “About the volunteer clean up today—” he shook his head— “no, I’m coming, and I’m helping, and I’m not up for argument on it.”

  He searched her face. “Okay then.”

  They arrived at the store to find a group of about thirty volunteers. Keira held back tears. Both from the goodness of these wonderful people whom she loved, and the reality of what they had lost. Now was the time to be a leader. With Cecilia obviously absent, others were looking to her to set the tone.

  Divvying the responsibilities, Tayton checked in volunteers and helped to organize them in groups. Martha Jean and Chip set up the food tent while Keira alternated serving food to volunteers and conversing by cell about details on insurance and money for Kenworth’s. They still had no clarity on online and charity toys that had been already bought and paid for but were now burned, and the ones which had yet to be gathered for today’s deliveries. The reality was that no more children would be getting their Christmas toys from Kenworth’s.

  A somber feeling lay over the project until a few of the teens exited the open doorway lugging a s
ort-of white-flocked-interspersed-with-green object.

  A collective gasp went up. The Hope Tree.

  It had weathered a hard night to be sure, shown by missing branches and ornaments, and a general lopsidedness. But it was mostly, and almost unbelievably, intact. A happy holler and outcry sounded as they collectively walked around to the city center majestic tree that still twinkled with its white lights. They placed the Hope Tree at its side. Someone made a makeshift sign— “Hope shining brightly before us.” The symbolism was profound.

  Tayton walked over to stand by Keira, putting his arm around her shoulders. “I would call that a miracle.”

  Keira nodded in wonder. “That’s exactly what that is.”

  Trav took some pictures of the tree while some spontaneously sang a few Christmas carols, “Joy to the World” and “Angels We Have Heard on High.” After a while the festive spirit carried over to the next phase of clean-up, giving a needed boost.

  As the day progressed, Keira and Tayton encouraged volunteers that needed to be with family to head out without worry. Slowly people began to disperse and by nine o’clock that evening, all that remained were Tayton, Keira, and a few stragglers helping to secure the building for the night. They had done a great job and cleaned out the worst of it. The local restoration crew had promised to be there the day after Christmas to do the detailed work.

  Tayton settled Keira in her home. But he insisted on going back to his condo to get presentable for the morning despite Keira’s protests. “Besides, I’m Santa’s helper tonight and need to ‘wrap up’ a few things. And you’re too tired to argue about it.”

  “You know me so well.” She knew his lighthearted mood covered his angst. Going to the condo was only an excuse to be alone to think.

  With a wry grin, he kissed her soundly then smacked her backside to get to bed. “No peeking out the window or Santa won’t come.”

  She watched him back out and drive away, feeling a part of her go with him. Financial details would need to be dealt with over the next few days, but the store was done for, something neither of them had articulated but that continually surrounded them. She knew he felt he had failed, regardless that the fire had been out of his control. Keira felt her failure more keenly, and avoided scenarios of how to tell her father. The reality was, Keira had been entrusted to save the family legacy, and she had lost it.

  Tears streamed down her face at the thought of the bitter reality. She sat on the chair with the embroidered pillow, clasping it with her arms. It reminded her of Tayton. What about their reality. Now that he was back, could he stay? Would he? And if not, should she offer to go with him?

  With a sigh, she read the pillow inscription, “It’ll all work out.” But how?

  She hoped her Christmas gift would be clarity.

  CHRISTMAS MORNING KEIRA STOOD before her sweetly decorated tree, trying to be filled by the familiarity. It was as the night before and yet, it wasn’t. Without Tayton’s presence, as infrequent in her home as it had been, an underlying emptiness pervaded it. She wrapped her arms around herself. All that usually comforted her could not: her own family Hope Tree stood sure and true in the cozy knick-knack cluttered room, blinking lights, and framed family pictures. But something was missing.

  A sound from the porch made her turn. The door made a tired scraping sound as it was pushed open.

  Tayton.

  He smiled that warm, delicious, I-love-looking-at-you smile. Keira burst. It was ridiculous, like a sappy holiday movie, but she ran to him and didn’t care. It was their way. He set something on the side table before she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and breathed in his earthy scrubbed scent.

  He kicked the door closed with his foot and embraced her fully, then lightly caressed her back and held her head, then caressed some more, burying into her hair and neck. “I must come bearing gifts more often.”

  She nestled in his neck. “A gift?” He nodded at a golden wrapped box. Keira finally pulled away, staring at his deep brown eyes that held love and a hint of merriment. What was going on? He seemed genuinely happy, not the put-on-a-face smile from last night.

  He handed her the box and with a swift move, picked her up and deposited her gently on the couch.

  “That’s not fair,” continued Keira, pulling him down to sit together. She opted to stall conversation on the store. For whatever reason, he exuded Christmas cheer and she could use that today. Unless, of course, he was about to deliver really bad news and wanted to prep her.

  They quickly assumed their favorite cozy sitting position— her legs draped over his bent ones and leaning into his shoulder, the box in her lap. She toyed with the golden wrapping. “I feel badly, I wanted to nicely wrap yours.”

  He traced her cheek and gave a small kiss to her lips. “What’s that song…You’re the only gift I need? I’d sing it with that country twang but I’m trying to keep the moment here.”

  Keira smiled and reached up to caress the back of his neck. How had she ever done without this man? What would she do when he was truly gone for good? The thought brought her back to reality, and the sinking feeling threatened again.

  Tayton moved to see her better. “What?”

  She shook her head. “Nothing. Just trying to hold onto the happiness of Christmas. It’s been a rollercoaster ride. I’m not sure where to go from here.”

  “Ah.” He nodded then held her closer. “Well, my love, perhaps you will want to open your gift and see what awaits.”

  “A crystal ball?”

  “Perhaps something slightly better.”

  Keira cocked her head, then pulled her legs to sit underneath her. She shook the box. “Hmm, too light to be a crystal ball.” Winking mischievously, she opened the top lid. Inside sat a folded square of Chips Diner take-out paper. “Professional wrapping or a store promo?”

  Unfolding the paper revealed a handmade Christmas tree ornament— a rough-hewn tree with nails glued on as branches and metal nuts for ornaments. The year and “Hope Tree” were written in permanent marker at the bottom.

  Tayton flushed slightly. “I wanted something better. It’s entirely grade school but no time and it’s what was handy. Whatever you do, don’t look at Carlos’s version. Anyway, it’s a reminder of me and you and the Hope Tree, and the miracle it has given to all of us.”

  “How so?”

  Tayton grinned. “Miracle one: Target and the discount stores have agreed to replace all the toys that were burned in the fire.”

  “Are you serious?” Keira sat straight up.

  “Only on Christmas. The gifts were wrapped late last night and are being delivered even as we speak.”

  She clapped her hands together. “I can’t believe it.” He put up a quieting finger. “Miracle two: Ice Money came through for replacing a good portion of the Women’s Clothing department. And…”

  “What!”

  “And the best, Miracle three: Amazing savvy Trav posted the picture of the Hope Trees on city center plaza— plus some pictures from the fire, volunteers, etc.— with the whole story. The response was immediate and incredible. So much so that he created a GoHelpMe fund.” He leaned in to her, almost whispering “People have been donating since midnight last night. The donations are up to $170,000 and climbing.”

  Keira squealed. With the chandelier and auction/dance money, the Big Barn Boutique, the online sales, all of it, they would be over what the store needed. “That can’t be…that’s…that’s amazing and beyond belief…that’s…”

  “A miracle.” He chuckled. “Well, it didn’t hurt the other stores’ publicity either, now that they’ve seen our social media machine.”

  “And miracle number four: Tayton Wells.”

  “Actually Savvy Trav. But it is Christmas, so by all means…”

  Keira rested her head back on his shoulder and took it in. The insurance money would fix the store. But with that amount of donations, they could survive and then some. Maybe even continue the promotions and keep it going through
the typically dead winter months post-Christmas. Perhaps they could expand the Big Barn Boutique or pursue some of the ideas she and Tayton had for the ski lift.

  But he wouldn’t be here.

  She turned abruptly to him, a question in her face she was afraid to ask. No, she wouldn’t make him feel badly, not after all he’d done. He had a life in downtown and a sister who needed him.

  “Your sister? What’s—”

  “Paperwork is signed, money won’t be needed until next week. I’ve been busy the past few days.” He glanced at the box with an encouraging nod. “Go on.”

  With fingers trembling for reasons she didn’t understand, Keira opened the next box.

  “Like I said. The ornament was okay…but I wanted something better.” He became more serious. “I think I found it.”

  Slightly holding her breath, Keira found a folded white paper. Opening it revealed letterhead for MarketOne, Tayton’s ad agency.

  She scanned the letter—it was about the promotion. “Wait, this is a refusal. From you. You mean you got the promotion?”

  “Ah, the tone of surprise.”

  Keira lowered the paper. “You got it, and you turned it down?”

  He nodded, his face intent upon hers. “I didn’t want to tell you, I didn’t want to pressure you into any feelings you may not have. They called me last week.”

  “Before the fire?”

  “Last Friday. But I told them I’d have to think about it. And I did, over the weekend. That was one of the other reasons I went downtown.” He gently caressed her fingers, then looked back to her. “When I came to Echo Ridge I planned to make a quick store turnaround, get a big bonus, and a promotion, and bam, back to my downtown life by Christmas Eve. What I had no idea was that a Keira Kenworth would be thrown in the mix, and there went that plan.”

  Keira wanted to laugh but could scarcely breathe. What was he saying?

  The early morning light lit the earnest expression on his face. “I’ve been fairly sure about my life so far. And fairly wrong about a few important things. I don’t want to be wrong anymore. These past few weeks with you have shown me so much, Keira.” His voice caught. “But more than anything, that I don’t want to be without you. Ever. It’s not that it’s not doable. It’s beyond unthinkable. And yet, I know your heart is here. I get that.”