“Excuse me, your ...”
“Henry. Yes, it's me, Henry. Hello, Amalia. Fancy running into you in Florida.”
Henry could not believe his luck. Amalia von Trachter was the daughter of a baron and a high society maven. She was the last person he would have expected to find in Key West and the worst possible one to run into. His cover was blown.
“May I introduce my companion, Brian. He's working with daddy on a new resort complex here in Key West.” Brian held out his hand but immediately took it back when he saw Henry's expression. It was only at that moment that he noticed Henry's companion.
“Callie?” Brian seemed shocked that she should be in Key West. Did he think she was home, crying her eyes out over him? Arrogant jerk.
“Hello, Brian.” Callie was civil but polite.
Amalia's eyes lingered over Callie, sizing her up. And looking surprised that she wasn't part of their usual crowd. “And who is this charming lady with you?”
“I'm Callie. Pleased to meet you, Amalia.” Callie extended her hand and gave the woman her hand. She shook it weakly. It made Callie think of something her father said, to never trust someone with an anaemic handshake. She certainly didn't trust this woman; her gut instinct told her she was trouble. How appropriate she was with Brian.
Brian was about to say something, when Henry authoritatively cut him off. “Sorry to interrupt, but we're in a bit of a rush, we're expected elsewhere tonight, we just stopped in for a quick bite. As always, a pleasure, Amalia.” He said nothing to Brian. He gave them a quick wave, as did Callie, and they continued on their way out. When Callie snuck a look back, Brian looked fit to be tied. And Amalia looked like she was plotting.
Henry led Callie back to the car and they got in before he said anything.
“Are you OK?” He looked at her.
“Yes, I am. It was a bit surprising to see him but I'm fine, actually. It was great to see the look on his face. Like he thought I'd be housebound eating ice cream after he dumped me.” Henry laughed. She was right, he did look somewhat put out. “Who is Amalia?”
“Well, she's someone I know socially. She's one of those people who lives off her parents. She's only started doing interior design the last year or two because her father told her she had to get a job, and she's working in his company.”
Callie nodded. It made sense now. If she had money and her father had a big real estate company, Brian would be interested. What did you call a male gold digger? Whatever it was, he was it.
“Did you ever date her?” Callie wasn't sure why she thought so, maybe Amalia's open hostility, but she had to ask.
“No. She's really not my type. But she's let it be known on more than one occasion that she was interested.” Henry wondered if Callie was jealous. It made him kind of happy at the idea that she was.
Callie breathed a sigh of relief when she heard his response. She didn't think that Amalia seemed like his kind of girl, but it made her feel better to hear Henry say it.
They headed back to Sunnyside Key, with Jimmy tailing them the entire way.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
December 25th, Christmas Day
Henry finished the last of his packing and had everything ready to go. He had come back to the boat last night and put in a call to Biggs. They discussed his running into Amalia and decided it would be best if he returned home on Boxing Day. He'd planned to stay in Sunnyside Key a few days after Christmas, but the risk of discovery was too high now. Amalia was indiscreet and could gossip for all of Europe and it was only a matter of time before her chatter got him on the paparazzi radar, or worse.
He didn't know how he was going to tell Callie. They hadn't really discussed anything beyond Christmas, but he felt a pull to stay in Sunnyside a little longer. While this whole thing might have started out as an impetuous good deed, he was more and more enamoured of Callie as they spent time together. And there was no denying there was a connection. He just wasn't sure what to do about it.
He'd purposely been taking things slowly because he was worried she still had feelings for Brian. But last night proved him wrong. And now that he'd met Brian, he wasn't worried any more. He wasn't impressed.
The other troubling issue was his parents. How did he bring up the fact that he wanted to date a girl who baked cookies for a living from Florida? He was concerned they'd be against it, because she wasn't from Laurenia and because she was not titled. He'd have to make the Kate Middleton argument. Henry knew his mother, in particular, would like nothing more than to see him married and starting a family. But until this point, he'd never met anyone he thought he could spend a lifetime with. The question was, could she endure the public nature of his life and embrace it? And how would she take the news that he was actually a prince?
Callie's alarm went off at 7 a.m. , and she got out of bed with a grin. It was Christmas, and she loved this quiet time in the morning before the family craziness began. She went into the kitchen and made herself a caffe mocha. While it was cooling off, she grabbed her Bible and read the Luke 2 and took a moment to reflect on the Christmas story before starting her day.
She reached under her tree and picked up Erin's gift. She sat down and opened it, and it was a beautiful beaded necklace. It would go perfectly with the dress that Callie had planned to wear for Christmas day. Erin knew her taste so well. It was a thoughtful gift.
She finished her coffee and went to shower and change. She left her new pajamas on the bed. Her mother had always bought new pajamas for them for Christmas Eve and she'd kept this tradition herself. This year's were a Snoopy and Woodstock print, with the two cartoon buddies doing Christmasy things like decorating the tree. She hadn't been able to resist them when she's seen them.
She was dressed and ready when Henry buzzed. Callie had had the forethought to carry down the two boxes of pies and leave them at the concierge desk. She could see Henry loading them into the SUV as she exited the elevator and she smiled. She also had a bag containing the gifts for Henry and her cousin Rayna, and a big box of cookies to take to church.
Henry took her parcels and placed them in the back seat of the SUVs with pies. He gently took her face between his hands and kissed her.
“Merry Christmas, lovely.” Callie smiled. She felt warm and glowing from the kiss.
“Merry Christmas to you, too.”
They got into the SUV and Callie directed him to her parents’ home a few minutes away. They had a rancher, a single level long and wide bungalow on a large lot overlooking the canal. Her father had strung the lights and they had a beautiful nativity scene on the front lawn. For as long as Callie could remember, this was how the house looked at Christmas.
“Very festive.” Henry admired her father's handiwork. Not overdone, simple and well thought out. He liked it. It was a far cry from the crazy displays they'd seen in Key Largo or even on the boats in Key West the night before. Much more his style.
Henry easily carried the boxes of pies to the porch of the house, then came back to collect his own bag of goodies, which included gifts, the champagne he'd promised Milly, and a seasonal bouquet of roses, evergreen and holly.
He and Callie walked to the house arm and arm, and stopped at the front door.
“Ready?” he asked.
“I am if you are.”
“Let's do it.” Callie reached out and knocked on the door loudly before opening the door and letting them in.
“Merry Christmas, y'all!” A chorus of reciprocal greetings met her. Her mother and aunts were in the kitchen, while the men were outside setting up the Big Green Egg in preparation for the turkey. Callie dropped her parcels and handbag on the hall table, and guided Henry to the kitchen with the pies.
“Calista! And Henry! Merry Christmas.”
Henry presented her mother with the bouquet of flowers and the bottles of champagne that Callie had carried in for him. And Milly positively beamed.
“Are those the pies? I'm so glad you had time to make them, you always do such a nice job.�
�� Callie was surprised by her mother's praise. Her aunts immediately descended on Henry, who was his usual charming self. Auntie Jolie, who was her youngest aunt and more a friend than an auntie, gave her a big thumbs up behind Henry's back and Callie blushed.
“Thanks, mom. Happy to help. Is there anything I can do?” She took in the hive of activity in the kitchen.
“I think we're good, honey. We're getting everything ready to go into the oven. Why don't you introduce Henry around and get ready for gift opening? We'll be in shortly.” She nodded at her mom and motioned for Henry to follow her down the hall.
She quickly made the round of introductions with her uncles and cousins. They seemed to take to him right away, but Henry did give off a certain alpha male authority.
“Welcome to our home, Henry. So glad you could join us.” Jackson Meyers shook Henry's had enthusiastically and offered him a mimosa, which he took.
They chatted amiably with Callie's relatives for a few minutes and then the aunties and her mother began to file in.
Jackson took his place beside the tree. He always handed out the gifts, and put on his red Santa hat in preparation.
“Henry, perhaps you'd be good enough to assist me.” Henry was up out of his seat and at Jackson's side without being asked twice. Unusual, her father had never asked for help before. She wondered what he was up to.
Auntie Jolie took his spot and whispered in Callie's ear. “That's the cutest elf I've ever seen. Good going, girl!” Callie giggled. Her aunt was incorrigible.
“Where'd you find him?”
“At the Happy Clam.” Her aunt looked at her skeptically. “Henry's a friend of Tom's, they served in Afghanistan together.” Her aunt nodded understanding.
Callie's father hushed them and began calling out names. Soon, the living room was awash in chatter and the sound of rustling paper and bows. Callie marvelled at the creativity and thoughtfulness of her family. There were some great gifts this year. Homemade jams and pickles, a kitchen cutting board, a new sail for her cousin's daysailer, and a quilt were just some of the thoughtful handmade gifts that were in evidence.
Cousin Rayna loved her sweater and her cookies, which made Callie happy. And her gift, from her cousin David, was equally thoughtful, a small kitchen shelf meant to sit on the counter top to hold her cookbooks. But the real surprise was Henry's gift to her father. Homemade fishing lures.
“Son, they're fantastic. How did you know?” Henry beamed, pleased that Jackson was appreciative of his gift.
“I confess, sir, I had a little help from Tom. But I did make these myself.”
The next package pulled was for Henry, from Callie's mom. He opened the colourfully wrapped bag and pulled out the framed watercolour that Milly had painted.
“Mrs. Meyers, did you really paint this? It's just lovely. Truly. What a gift. I have just the place to hang it. Thank you.” Henry got up and gave her mother a hug. Milly looked embarrassed but also quite pleased. She was definitely Team Henry now.
Callie hadn't put Henry's gift under the tree. She was hoping to find a quiet moment to give it to him, perhaps in the car on the way to church.
Once all the gifts were opened, everyone went into the dining room and squashed up elbow to elbow at two tables. Milly liked a festive table and had laid out Christmas crackers and place cards. Callie was pleased to see Henry was seated with her at the adults table. Maybe she'd finally graduated from the kids' table for good. That alone was a great Christmas gift.
They took their places and Milly and her helpers laid out a tremendous brunch buffet of sausages, bacon, hash browns, grits, pie, breakfast bread pudding and fruit salad. Accompanied by coffee, juice and another round of mimosas, it was a breakfast unrivalled by any restaurant.
Before everyone started, Jackson got up from his place at the end of the table and addressed his family.
“Thank you, ladies, for such a beautiful meal. I can't wait to dig in. But before we do, let's take a moment to remember why we're all gathered here today. Let's give thanks to our Lord, for the many blessings that we enjoy. For the freedoms that we sometimes take for granted. We remember those who have gone before us to prepare a place in Heaven, and those who serve to keep peace in the world. We are grateful for their sacrifices. Lord we ask for your blessing on this family, on this meal, and on the hands who prepared it. We are grateful for all you do for us and for this wonderful family. In the Lord's name, Amen.”
A chorus of Amens was followed by the clinking of dishes as serving bowls got passed around and food was put on plates. The chatter level rose and the gathered extended family made short work of the massive feast. Nary a bit remained after brunch. Southerners did love their food.
As was their family tradition, the men did the dishes while the ladies finished coffee on the porch. Henry did his part and was drying dishes. He was enjoying himself and loved the closeness of this family and how they kidded each other. His family was much more formal. Not that there there wasn't love, but there was a distance. It was fun to be here. He could see that Callie's childhood must have been a happy one.
The aunties and girl cousins were giving Callie a hard time about Henry, in a gentle way. Many were surprised to see her with someone so soon after Brian, but it was clear they preferred Henry. No one had expressed much enthusiasm where Brian was concerned.
The men finished the dishes and people began disbursing into various cars to head over to the church. Henry and Callie headed for his SUV and were the first out of the cul de sac.
They made the short drive to church, but most of it Callie spent on her cell phone. Erin had called to say Merry Christmas, and they quickly exchanged thank yous for their respective gifts. After she hung up, Callie snapped a picture of herself wearing Erin's necklace and texted it to her friend.
When he'd parked the vehicle, Henry moved to get out, but Callie put her hand on his arm and stopped him.
“Before we head in, I wanted to give you a small gift.” She handed him the package and saw his eyes crinkle with surprise and pleasure.
“Callie, that's so sweet. Should I open it now?” She nodded yes.
He unwrapped the package and saw the cover. His finger traced his initial embroidered on the front. He opened the cover and was touched to see it was a Bible, and that at the back there was a pocket holding a notebook and pen. He turned back to the front and turned to the dedication page, and saw a simple message – For Henry, so you'll never be lost. Merry Christmas.
Henry looked at Callie and nodded. He was moved by the gift and the significance of it. Not only had she heard what he's said but it showed much care and thought. Callie was a godly woman and he appreciated she was guided by the Lord. He'd become closer to God when he was in the military, and felt his ability to lean on the Lord through adversity had kept him going.
“Thank you. I can't imagine a better gift. Did you make the cover?” She nodded yes. “It's perfect. And I'll think of you when I use it.”
Henry placed the tin of baked goods back in the bag and put them in the back seat. He got out and moved to open Callie's door. She exited and they walked into church, arm and arm, with Henry holding his Bible.
The service was uplifting, a true birthday celebration. Callie was glad to see Henry use her gift and even make a few notes. There were Christmas carols, a reading of the Christmas story and a heartfelt message from Pastor Ed. At the end of the service, he offered a blessing and invited everyone to adjourn outside for cider and baked goods.
Callie and Henry made their way outside to join the others, giving and receiving holiday greetings. Tom came over and gave each of them a hug.
“So, how did it work out with, you know, the thing?” Tom was asking about the fishing lures for Jackson.
“Aces, mate. Aces. He really liked them. Thanks so much for helping me. It worked out really well.” Henry smiled at Tom. He was going to miss him. As Callie was chatting to Tom's mother, he moved over a few steps, out of her ear shot, and Tom followed.
Her Christmas Prince (Love in the Keys) Page 9
