Promises to Keep

by Vanessa Devereaux

  “Make this your Christmas gift to us. Go along and talk to Ms. Sutton and at least let her try and find you a date if nothing else.”

  He’d had enough intervention for the day. He stood, pulling his jacket off the back of the chair just as the waitress arrived with a try of plates containing the grand slams.

  At least his sisters’ meddling hadn’t spoilt his appetite. He grabbed the slices of bacon and headed out of the door without saying another word. They’d get the message that he just wanted to be left alone.

  He flung open the door to the café and pulled up the collar on his jacket as he headed to his truck. He got in and chewed on a piece of bacon while looking back at Mabel’s. They’d pushed their luck, family or not. They’d pissed him off big time.

  Cole chewed on the second slice of bacon and then turned on the ignition. He put it into gear, the last piece of bacon still hanging from his mouth and headed out onto the road.

  When he got to the first set of stop lights, something sharp suddenly dug into his side.

  He tried to ignore it, but it was getting painful. He eyed the light, making sure it hadn’t changed to green, leaned over, and put his hand into his jacket pocket. There was a sheet of paper in there. The light changed and he stepped on the gas pedal, holding the paper in his hand. He had to concentrate on the road, so he wasn’t able to look at it. Instead, he waited until he got to the next stop light. He glanced down.

  It couldn’t be.

  He’d seen it on the table when he’d left the café but here it was in his hand, the gift certificate for Perfect Pairing. His sneaky sisters…he wondered which one had slid it into his jacket pocket when he wasn’t looking.

  He was about to tear it up when he saw a woman’s face appear on it.

  Shit, he almost dropped it.

  No, no you don’t. You come along and see me and I’ll show you how perfect your life can be.

  Just who the hell was this middle aged lady talking to him?

  The sound of a horn blasting behind his truck made him jump. He quickly put his foot on the accelerator and took off through the intersection.

  He checked the address on the certificate. It was a suite number in a part of town he didn’t often visit, but when he looked around here he was.

  Cole shook his head. Just what had his sisters slipped into his coffee?

  And if all this wasn’t bad enough, he suddenly had a strong urge to at least go inside and check out Perfect Pairing.

  Chapter Three

  “These are the best pancakes I’ve ever tasted,” said Sadie.

  Hayley topped up Sadie’s coffee.

  “Thank you, but it’s not my recipe, the previous owner’s left it for us.”

  “For us?”

  Hayley nodded and slid onto the chair opposite Sadie.

  “I purchased this place with my then fiancé.”

  “I take it things didn’t work out.”

  “Not if you call finding him in bed with someone else working out.”

  “Oh dear,” said Sadie, dabbing the corners of her mouth.

  “That’s something I don’t ever want to walk in on again.”

  “I could imagine it was an awful shock. So you’re running this place all by yourself?”

  She nodded. “I’ve tried selling it but had no takers. I might have to advertise for a partner.”

  “Well, that sounds like a good idea.”

  “And if that doesn’t work out then it’s back to Spokane I go with my tail tucked between my legs. Sort of told my boss to shove his job when I left.”

  Sadie laughed and put her hand on top of Hayley’s.

  “Just hang in there. Now I have to hurry, because something tells me an important client is already waiting for me. However, tonight we’re going to sit down and brainstorm about ways to drum up some business. If you want to stay here and run this inn then I don’t see any reason why you can’t.”

  Sadie stood and grabbed her bag. She’d have to intervene quicker than she’d expected. This new client was going to be another stubborn one. A bit like Luc, and a lot like Jake who’d also been widowed. She’d forced Cole to drive near her new Casper office, and now if she didn’t use a little magic she wouldn’t get there in time.

  Looking to her left and right, making sure that Hayley wasn’t around or watching, she clicked her fingers and vanished from the inn.

  ****

  Cole headed up the stairs and walked to an office where the words Perfect Pairing were written in gold lettering just like on the gift certificate. He knocked on the door but then decided to just walk in. There in front of him was a middle aged, red haired lady shuffling some files. He’d seen her somewhere before, but he just couldn’t place where it was exactly.

  “Good morning. Can I help you?” she asked.

  “I have this gift certificate.”

  “Of course, yes, you must be Cole True. Come in and take a seat. Sorry for the mess, but I just got here and haven’t had a chance to sort through my files. My name’s Sadie and I’m the president of the company.”

  They shook hands and Cole sat. She pulled up a chair and reached for a clipboard on which she attached a sheet of paper.

  “Your sisters did tell me a lot about you.”

  His sisters. Wait a minute. What was he doing here? He’d told them he wasn’t interested. He couldn’t even remember driving here.

  “Look Sadie, I’ll be honest. I don’t want to be here.”

  “I love honesty because it helps me find you a better match.”

  “No one can replace my wife.”

  “Cole, lots of people believe they’ll never find another love, but the universe often thinks differently.”

  She rested her hand on top of his. Not a death like grip like any of his sisters. Her gentle touch made him feel suddenly at ease. She looked into his eyes. “I once had a client, Jake, who lost his wife to cancer. He never thought he’d love again, but then he found Gen. They are now married and expecting a baby next year.”

  “I can’t ever love someone again.”

  She waved her finger at him. “You can, and you will.”

  He watched her finger move back and forth. Was she hypnotizing him? Because his eyelids felt heavy.

  “Tell me about your wife,” she said.

  He smiled, suddenly feeling happiness in his heart. He hadn’t experienced this sort of bliss since that morning when he’d kissed her goodbye not knowing he’d never see her again.

  “She was beautiful. Peaches and cream skin. Made me laugh. Laughed at my silly jokes. Made me feel like I was the most important man in the world. Made me think I could do anything, and do it well.”

  Sadie made notes on the clipboard. He didn’t know if she wanted him to continue or not, but he was going to. Amanda had so many wonderful attributes he could go on forever.

  He relaxed back on the chair, feeling it mold into his spine.

  “Amanda was easy going, never shouted when I rolled in from the ranch and put muddy footprints all over her recently mopped floor.” He smiled, recalling how she did shake her index finger at him a few times. “She was happy to stay at home, listening to music or watching a good movie and eating popcorn. She accepted that we didn’t have a ton of money, but that was okay with her.”

  Sadie reached across and put both her hands on top of his.

  He looked into her eyes. He’d never seen pupils quite that large ever before but he wasn’t intimidated. “I’m going to find you a woman who will love you like your wife did and who you’ll love in return.”

  He blinked his eyes a few times, feeling like he’d come out of a long and peaceful sleep where he’d dreamed non-stop about Amanda.

  “If you could just sign here I’ll get your information into the system.”

  He leaned across and put his name on the dotted line.

  “Wonderful and I’ll be in touch when I have a suitable match, which I’m guessing won’t be long.”

  Cole stood and headed o
ut of the door, down the stairs, and got into his truck.

  What had happened back there? The woman was sneakier than his three sisters. Or maybe, just maybe the four of them were in co-hoots.

  He’d given her the okay to find him a new partner. How the hell had that happened? He’d signed on the dotted line.

  Well, Sadie could at least try, but she better be aware that he wasn’t going down without a fight.

  Chapter Four

  Sadie realized she was running late for the second time today. Poor Cole. No wonder he’d been so adamant about not finding another a love. His heart was literally in tatters. She’d seen it when she’d held his hand. The poor man. But she’d go out of her way to match him with the ideal woman. She hadn’t failed yet.

  She glanced at her watch. Why she’d rented a car here in Wyoming, she wasn’t quite sure, because her own mode of transportation was coming in handy. Plus, she didn’t have to drive in the snow. She snapped her fingers.

  Sadie kept her fingers crossed that no one had seen her appear out of nowhere and even if they had, hopefully they’d just think they’d had too much to drink. She headed into the hotel’s reception, knowing she was fifteen minutes late and probably keeping them waiting. As she turned the corner, there they were; the most beautiful family in the whole place. Brad, Lucy, and Presley who had grown by bounds since the last time Sadie had last seen her.

  Presley was the first one to spot Sadie. She pointed and gave a giggle of delight.

  And she was walking now, quite confidently in fact, as she made her way toward Sadie.

  Sadie swooped her up in her arms and planted a big kiss on her cheek. She walked to greet Brad and Lucy.

  “I can’t believe how fast babies grow,” said Sadie.

  “I know, it’s almost sad,” said Lucy, brushing some hair out of Presley’s eyes.

  Sadie kissed Lucy, and then gave Brad a peck on the cheek.

  “Good to see you again, Sadie, and sorry I have to say hello and goodbye. I’m running late for one of my law enforcement seminars, but you girls have fun and I’ll catch up with you later.”

  He kissed Lucy, tweaked Presley’s nose, and headed down a corridor to the left. Sadie was sure he’d grown even more handsome since the first time she’d seen him in the convenience store in Montana.

  “So what’s new with you?” asked Lucy. Presley got hold of her hand and pulled it.

  “Toys, toys.”

  “Presley, hang on, I’m just talking to Aunt Sadie,” said Lucy. “I promised her we’d buy a toy in town,” she whispered to Sadie.

  “Then let’s walk to the car and talk at the same time. I just opened an office here in Casper, and have my first client.”

  “Well, good for you. I’m happy to hear business is doing so well.”

  They stopped while Lucy zipped up Presley’s coat, and then slipped on her Hello Kitty mittens.

  “So you’re not staying at the hotel?” asked Lucy.

  “No, I found a quaint inn, but it looks like the owner’s having trouble keeping it afloat.”

  “It’s a tough business, especially these days. Did I tell you I’m working as a call in nurse?

  “No you didn’t.”

  “I’ve been doing it for a month. It’s great because I earn some money and get to stay home with Presley.”

  Lucy unlocked the SUV and Sadie lifted Presley into the car seat and fastened it.

  “I thought we’d do some shopping and then have a long leisurely lunch,’ said Sadie.

  “That sounds like my sort of day,’ said Lucy.

  ****

  Hayley checked the online sites for jobs in Spokane. Today she’d given herself a goal. If business hadn’t picked up by Valentine’s Day, she’d have to take a loss on the inn and head home. She’d tested the waters with her parents, seeing if her old room was still available. Sounded like it was, but she didn’t want to burden them with any of her problems. Plus, the thought of her being close to twenty-seven and moving back home immediately depressed her.

  Maybe Sadie would think of something. Pulling out the business card she’d given Hayley, she noted the raised gold lettering spelling out the words Perfect Pairing. Maybe she should sign up, and ask Sadie to find her a rich Wyoming oil man. Now that would be the answer to all her problems.

  Hayley sat back on her office chair and paged through the Casper newspaper to see what was happening in town. Only three weeks left until Christmas. Where had the year gone?

  She saw a short piece about the fire department selling Christmas trees to raise money for the local food shelf. She looked out into the reception area. That would be a great spot for a tree. She’d decorate it with Wyoming themed ornaments and hang twinkling lights on it. If she did get more guests to come through the door it would be something to greet them and make them feel at home during the holiday season.

  Hayley put a circle around the days and times the lot was open. Now all she needed was someone with a truck to pick it up and bring it to the inn.

  ****

  Sadie was glad to be off her feet and more than ready for some lunch with Lucy and Presley. She hadn’t realized how energetic a toddler could be, and poor Lucy must be in need of a rest too. Making sure no one was looking; Sadie slipped off her shoes under the table and flexed her toes. She’d eat her lunch bare footed.

  “Can I get you ladies something to drink while you look over the menu?” asked the waitress.

  “I’d love a tea,” said Sadie.

  “Me too, and do you think I could get some milk for this sippy cup?” asked Lucy.

  “Absolutely, and I’ll be right back with the beverages.”

  Presley fingered the crayons the hostess had given her when they’d been seated.

  “Oh before I forget I might as well give you your Christmas card,” said Lucy, pulling out an envelope from her purse. “And we were wondering if you’d like to spend Christmas with us…I mean if you don’t have something planned with your family.” She handed the card to Sadie.

  Sadie had never spent the holidays with mortals before, but she loved the whole idea of wrapping gifts and making cookies. “I would love to spend some time with you over the holidays. I could even go skiing with my friend who lives in the area.”

  “Then that’s settled.”

  The waitress brought their teas and Lucy put the milk into the sippy cup for Presley who was now busy scribbling on the placemat. Sadie opened the card and saw that it was a family portrait of Brad, Lucy and Presley, and also a cat.

  “You have a pet now?” asked Sadie.

  “We didn’t plan on it. In fact, Brad was thinking about a dog and then one day this cat showed up at the door and it wouldn’t leave. It would look in the window at Presley and softie that I am, I started feeding it. Presley seemed to love it so much that Brad took it to the vet to make sure it had a clean bill of health and I guess we’re its new family. The time it spends with Presley is unbelievable, they’re like siblings.”

  “So Presley, what’s the kitty’s name?” asked Sadie showing her the photo.

  Presley pointed to it. “Kitty.”

  Lucy nodded. “Yep, that’s the name she gave it.”

  Sadie slipped the photo into her purse as the waitress came back to take their order.

  “I’ll have the roast beef sandwich,” said Sadie.

  “I’ll have the chef salad, and I know Presley will want mac and cheese, she’s really into that right now.”

  “Cheeess,” said Presley.

  “I’ll get these orders in for you.”

  “While we’re waiting, I’m going to head to the ladies room,” said Lucy.

  “And Presley and I will entertain ourselves,” said Sadie.

  Lucy headed to the back of the restaurant with Presley not taking her eyes off her.

  “So Presley what are you going to draw for Aunt Sadie?”

  She didn’t respond but now seemed more interested in the little boy at the next table who was probably just a l
ittle older than her. Well, not so much him, but the teddy bear he was playing with.

  “You like teddies?” Sadie asked her.

  She didn’t respond, and didn’t even turn to look at Sadie. The next thing she knew the bear was levitated out of the boy’s hands. He watched it float higher in the air, his mouth wide open as it hung there.

  Sadie looked around, sensing that another witch had to be present in the restaurant. She tried to key in on that someone, but couldn’t. And usually she was spot on knowing a fellow witch from a mortal.

  The bear was heading their way, and she noticed Presley’s index finger making circles to bring it in for a safe landing on her placemat.

  Sadie went cold. Presley was the witch. No, it couldn’t be true.

  “Teddy,” said Presley, turning and showing it to Sadie.

  “That’s very naughty. It’s the little boy’s bear and you have no business doing that,” said Sadie.

  She grabbed it, but Presley moved her finger upward and the bear shot out of Sadie’s hand and landed back on Presley’s placemat. The force had been so strong it had even given Sadie a slight shock to her hand.

  It was impossible for Presley to be this strong without training. Brad wasn’t a warlock and Presley’s birth mother hadn’t been a witch. None of this made any sense.

  Sadie took two gulps of her tea, burning her mouth in the process and suddenly felt her stomach turn.

  She knew how this was happening. Sadie had taken her to the Other Realm when she was a baby to protect her. She’d been warned and these were the consequences.

  There would be lots of trouble. She might lose Perfect Pairing and she…

  Keep calm.

  Sadie rummaged through her purse, pulling out the Christmas card Lucy had given her. She studied the photo again. The cat. She recognized the cat. He was from the Other Realm. The cat was Presley’s familiar. That’s why he’d stayed so close to her.

  Sadie was in no end of trouble and she had to get the child under control.

  Snatching the teddy from Presley’s hands before the toddler realized it was gone; Sadie marched over to the little boy and put it in his hands.

  She turned back to look at Presley. They were locked in battle, eyes glaring at one another. Presley raised her finger in the air, Sadie did the same.