Island Christmas

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  “Hey there.”

  She spun around to the left. “Chris. Are you the person waiting to take me to my car?”

  “Actually, I was instructed that you are not to drive until tomorrow. I’ll give you a lift to your vehicle in the morning. Right now, we both need to get back to the B&B. You’re a popular lady. Piper stopped by to check on you, but no one would tell her anything or allow her to see you, so she left.”

  “No kidding. That was really nice of her.”

  “Yeah. So why the frown?”

  “Just thinking. Tonight is going to cost me a small fortune in insurance deductibles and babysitting. If I’d been thinking clearly I wouldn’t have agreed to the ambulance ride to the hospital.” She shivered. At this rate she’d never be able to afford a little place for herself and her son. She hoped there was a good selection of rentals because after tonight, she wouldn’t be able to put a down payment on a house any time soon.

  This island held a special place in her heart, and her dream since leaving it three years ago was to move back and make a life for herself and Jason. Would that dream ever become a reality?

  Chris looked Rachel over from head to toe. He felt bad for her and was glad he’d thought to come check on her before heading to the B&B for the night. The longer he’d waited the more concerned he’d become, but other than her drooping eyelids that threatened to cover her deep brown eyes and her somewhat slumped shoulders, she appeared to be doing great. Anyone would be worn out after the ordeal she’d had this evening. He hadn’t been the one to pass out and spend several hours in the hospital, and he was more than ready for his comfy bed.

  She slid the band off her ponytail and massaged her head. Her raven colored hair cascaded to her shoulders and looked silky soft. Yep, she looked good. “Thanks for coming for me.” Rachel shot him a look filled with gratitude.

  “I’m happy to help.”

  She swayed slightly.

  He shot his arms out to steady her. “You sure you’re okay?”

  “Just crazy tired. Aside from the day I gave birth to Jason, I think this has been the longest day of my life.”

  “Yeah, I get that.” He kept a hand on her elbow and gently guided her outside to the parking lot. After making sure she was seated, he closed the door and rushed around to the driver’s side of his black Prius. The sooner he delivered her to the B&B the better. She was ready to drop.

  Comfortable silence filled the car as he whisked them to the bed-and-breakfast. He pulled into the driveway and parked in the same spot he’d vacated earlier in the evening. “I have an appointment with a Realtor in the morning. Do you think you could be ready to go by nine?”

  “I’m not sure. How about we play it by ear. If I can’t catch a ride with you, I’ll figure something else out.”

  “Okay.” He slid out and moved around to get her door, but she was already out and heading up the stairs.

  She stopped, her hand resting on the railing. “Thanks for tonight. We’ve just met, yet you were there for me.” She shook her head. “You’re rare, Chris.” She opened the door. A dim light illuminated the stairwell and together they plodded up the stairs. At her room she rested her hand on the doorknob. “Goodnight.”

  “Sleep well, Rachel.” His heart did a little pitter-patter at the look in her eyes. He knew that look. Had felt it himself a few times in his life. Wanted to feel it again, but now was not the time.

  “You too.” She slipped into her room and closed the door softly.

  He moved to the next door and went inside. He couldn’t shake the feeling that his life had been permanently altered tonight. But at thirty-five he was too old for Rachel, he didn’t want the complication of a relationship right now, and then there was his family medical history. Rachel did not need to be subjected to that. She’d already lost one husband—not that he was thinking marriage, he barely knew her. But he had to think about those kinds of things when he was attracted to a woman. Rachel would remain in the friend zone. It was best that way for both of them.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Chris sat at the breakfast table across from a family of four. Rachel and her young son had yet to show. He forked a bite of the most wonderful pancakes he’d ever eaten into his mouth. A commotion in the other room drew his attention.

  “I hungry, Mommy. Hurry!”

  He grinned. That was definitely little Jason.

  The boy dragged his mother into the dining room. A scowl covered his face.

  “Good morning, Jason. Rachel.” Chris’s eyes met Rachel’s as she lifted her son onto the chair at the end of the table.

  “Good morning.” She offered a weak smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

  “How are you feeling?” She looked like she could have used a few more hours of sleep based on the dark circles under her eyes.

  “I’m fine. Thanks again for waiting for me last night.”

  “You’re welcome. Hey, Jason, you’ve got to try the pancakes, they are the best ever.”

  The boy’s eyes lit, and his head whipped toward his mother. “I love pancakes,” he said in a stage whisper.

  “That’s right.” She took the plate Chris passed to her and forked a single pancake onto her son’s plate, then poured syrup over the top and cut it into bite-sized pieces.

  “He doesn’t like butter?”

  She shook her head. “Neither of us use butter on our pancakes.”

  He sipped his coffee and took delight in watching Jason devour the pancake his mother had cut up. The family across from them excused themselves, leaving him alone with Rachel and her son. “When do you think you will be ready to go, so I can drop you off at your car?”

  “As soon as we finish eating. In fact, I have an appointment as well this morning, so we should get a move on. I don’t want to be late. Jason and I are looking for a rental home.” She bit her bottom lip. “Oh no.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Jason’s car seat is in my car. He can’t ride in yours without one.”

  Jill swept into the room. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I heard your dilemma, Rachel, and I don’t mind keeping an eye on Jason while you run over and pick up your car.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I am. My niece had a great time with him until she had to go to sleep since she has school today. Her dad came by early this morning and took her home to get ready for school.”

  “I’m so sorry about last night.”

  Jill waved a hand. “Things happen. Don’t worry about it. Jason was a good boy, and after I read him a few stories he went right to sleep.”

  “I’m glad. Thanks again for rescuing me.” She chuckled dryly. “Although I think it may have been better if I’d called in sick.”

  Chris pushed back from the table and stood, catching Rachel’s eye as he did. “Can you be ready in ten minutes?”

  “I’ll be ready and waiting.” She downed a glass of orange juice then propelled her son up the stairs.

  Chris followed a little more slowly. He felt bad for Rachel and wanted to be there for her, as a friend. He didn’t have a lot of friends and looked forward to forming some good relationships in his new life here on the island.

  He had been a workaholic, but he was well on his way to following doctor’s orders and taking life at a less stressful pace, leaving room for fun and relaxation. He’d cut back the number of clients he took and was being more selective. Some people were more stress than the job was worth. According to his doctor, his future depended on his ability to reduce the stressors causing him tension.

  His dad had died at forty-two from a heart attack, and his grandpa had died even younger. He didn’t want to follow in their footsteps. No, he planned to live many more years. Diet and exercise, or lack thereof, played a role in each of their deaths, but even though his job required he be at a computer for much of the day, he’d always been careful to eat properly most of the time and get plenty of exercise.

  He quickly brushed his teeth and tidied his room. He didn
’t want Jill, or whoever it was that cleaned the bathroom and made his bed every day, to think he was a slob. He pocketed his wallet and stepped into the hall. He met up with Rachel and Jason at the stairs. “Fancy meeting the two of you here.” He grinned.

  Jason held out his hand to Chris. “I want you. Not mommy.”

  Rachel’s mouth opened slightly and shock registered in her eyes, but she recovered fast. “If Chris doesn’t mind.”

  “Not at all.” He grasped the boy’s hand and together they went down the stairs. Chris’s heart turned to mush, like it had done when his parents gave him a puppy at the age of ten. He’d loved that dog until the day she died. Ruby was a beagle and easy to love, much like this little boy who’d slipped his warm hand inside Chris’s.

  Jill stood at the bottom with a box full of toys and books. “We keep this stuff around for young families. I thought you might enjoy playing in the sitting room, Jason.”

  He nodded, tugged his hand from Chris’s. “’Bye, Mom and Chris.” He skipped into the sitting room.

  “Well, I can see when I’m not wanted.” She grinned at Jill. “I won’t be too long. Thanks again.”

  Chris opened the door for her then closed it behind them. “So you’re looking for a rental on the island?”

  “I am. I’d hoped to buy, but after last night, I think renting would be a better idea for now.”

  He nodded, not sure if she was talking about her job or the expense last night’s trip to the hospital had surely cost her. Maybe she meant both. He opened the car door, and after she was settled, he hustled to his side. “Where were you living before you came here?”

  “With my parents. After I had Jason, I attended culinary school and earned my associates degree in culinary arts. I worked in a little café near my parents for almost a year and then landed the job here.”

  Her story somewhat surprised him. She hadn’t mentioned her husband at all. He’d assumed the man had died after Jason was born, but it sounded like she was pregnant when he’d passed away.

  His heart hurt for this surprisingly resilient woman. It must be difficult to have experienced that kind of loss at such a young age. He knew what it felt like to lose loved ones. It’s what drove him to be successful at a young age and what drove him now at thirty-five to find a quieter and slower-paced lifestyle. He pulled into the resort’s parking lot. “Where’s your car?”

  “Around back in the employee parking.”

  He frowned. If that were the case why had she come out through the main entrance last night? Maybe she’d been more disoriented than he’d realized. He followed a sign directing the way to employee parking and stopped beside her vehicle.

  “I never imagined a place like this would exist on Wildflower Island when I first came here a few years ago, but I’m so glad it does. I had hoped for a tour of the place last night, but I didn’t get to work early enough and well, you know how my evening ended.” Rachel released her seatbelt and opened her door.

  Compassion filled him. “Maybe we could tour it together sometime. If you have a few minutes we could do a quick walk through right now. I have the time.” He wasn’t much into architecture or that kind of thing, but he rather liked the masculine appearance of this resort. The outside resembled a mountain lodge with its stonework and use of natural wood, and he wouldn’t mind exploring the inside. He’d gone straight to the restaurant last night without giving his surroundings much thought.

  “That would be fun, but I promised Jill I’d be quick. Rain check?”

  “Sure.” He pushed down disappointment but determined to find a way to spend more time with Rachel.

  “Thanks for the ride.” She gave a little wave then pulled open the door to her Subaru.

  He watched her drive away and decided to take a walk and explore the resort before going to his appointment, since he had time to spare. He drove around to the front of the building, parked, then ambled toward the lake. He passed a large fountain feature near the entrance and continued onto a pathway of pavers that meandered toward a pristine lake. Few people were out and about, but he noted a couple of joggers on the far side of the lake. Why people chose to jog in cold weather he’d never understand, then again, he preferred to work out in a gym. The treadmill was more his style. He hadn’t found a gym on the island, so he probably should invest in a treadmill.

  The Christmas tree on the dock that he’d noticed last night was still lit, shining vibrant colors. He had a thing about Christmas decorations being up before Thanksgiving, but in this case he’d excuse the faux pas. Piper’s explanation about there being too many decorations to put up in a short time made sense.

  A worker with a box filled with Christmas lights stopped beside a planter. “Good morning.”

  Chris nodded to the man who matched his own six-foot height. He wore a Seahawks stocking cap and a flannel jacket. “Does the resort do anything special for Christmas?” He figured they must since they’d “decked the halls” so well.

  The man pulled out a string of lights. “My wife is a huge fan of Christmas, so the entire month of December will have special activities.”

  “Oh, you’re Piper’s husband? I’m Chris Campbell, a new resident of Wildflower.”

  “Welcome to the island. I’m Chase Grayson. This place has grown quite a bit since the resort opened. I hope that doesn’t bother you. Then again why would it? You’re new.”

  Unsure if being new was a bad thing or not, he decided to think the best of the man. “I came here for the slower pace. I’m looking for peace and quiet. The fact that this island, aside from the resort, feels like stepping back in time is exactly what the doctor ordered. Is there a schedule of events for the holiday, and is it open to the public?”

  “Yes and yes. The schedule is online or you can get a copy at the concierge desk. All events are open to the public. Do you have kids? We do a fun sleigh ride that a lot of families enjoy.”

  Chris chuckled. “No, but how does that work without snow?”

  “There are wheels on the sleigh. We haven’t had snow in a number of years, but it’s been known to happen.” Chase shrugged. “I suppose you have to use your imagination a little, but it’s a lot of fun. The kids love it.”

  Chris thought of little Jason and imagined he’d get a kick out of a sleigh ride, snow or not. He glanced at his watch. “I’ll be sure and check it out. Thanks. Maybe I’ll see you around.” He strolled to his Prius. He’d be right on time to the Realtor’s office.

  Rachel had gone back to the B&B for Jason as soon as she’d retrieved her vehicle. It would have been nice to do this without him, but she couldn’t expect Jill to watch him all day. Now she sat facing Debbie Faucet, her Realtor. “I’m looking for something small. A single level with two bedrooms and a decent fenced yard.”

  Debbie clicked through listings on her computer and paused. “There are two houses that meet your specifications. Do you want to take a look now?”

  Only two? Somehow she’d expected a better selection, but this was Wildflower Island and she should have known better. Rachel let out the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. “Yes! That would be great. I want to get out of the B&B as soon as possible and settled before the holidays.”

  The front door of the office opened, and Chris strode in. His cheeks looked a little windblown with their red tone. She’d noticed he hadn’t left the resort when she did. He must have gone exploring. She couldn’t blame him, even if the temperature was only in the fifties with a strong breeze.

  He nodded. She offered him a smile. She liked the man and especially appreciated that he hadn’t made her feel awkward about her medical issue the evening before. Debbie’s husband, the other Realtor in the office, greeted Chris.

  Debbie stood. “Would you like to follow me?”

  Rachel gathered her jacket and purse. “That would be best. Come on Jason.” She held out her hand to her son who played at a child-sized table in the corner.

  “Ah,” he groaned. “Do we have to go, Mo
mmy?”

  “Yes.”

  He tucked his chin to his chest, and his shoulders slumped as he shuffled his feet and eventually made his way to her side. She scooped him into her arms. At the rate he was moving, she’d have to leave for work before they even made it to the car.

  Chris chuckled. “Hey there, buddy. Don’t you want to go pick out your new house?”

  Jason’s face lit at the sound of Chris’s voice. He clearly hadn’t noticed the man until that moment. “I like the B&B. It’s fun.”

  “Having your own bedroom will be fun too,” Chris said.

  Jason buried his face into her shoulder. She mouthed thanks to him and followed after Debbie.

  “If you lose me, you have my number?” Debbie held the door for them.

  “Yes, but I won’t lose you.” She was exceptional at driving. Call it a hobby or whatever, but when Jason was a fussy newborn, she’d put him in the car and they’d drive for hours. She’d become a very good driver in all types of road conditions and especially enjoyed winding roads. Her parents thought she was nuts, but those hours behind the wheel gave her clarity about her future and the direction she should go with her life.

  Ten minutes later, they pulled into the driveway of a single-story white cottage. It looked uncomfortably small from the outside, but she was willing to give it a look.

  “I hate it!” Jason wailed. “I want to go to the B&B. I like it there.”

  Confused at why her son had such strong emotions about a place he’d only stayed at for a day, Rachel tilted her head to face him. “Come on, buddy. We need to at least look.”

  Jason crossed his arms and stuck out his lower lip. With a sigh, she got out of the car, opened his door, unclasped his car seat restraints, and hoisted him into her arms. He tried to wiggle free, but she held strong. It was times like this she wished for a dad for her son, but what man wanted a ready-made family? None that she’d met.

  Her thoughts drifted to Chris. Jason adored him. She had to admit, the man was a jewel among men, but he had to be close to ten years her senior. That wouldn’t stop him from being someone her son could look up to. Jason needed good male influences in his life. But she had a feeling they wouldn’t be seeing much of Chris once they moved out of the B&B.