A Very Crimson Christmas (Crimson, Colorado 4)

by Michelle Major

  His hand stilled as he dumped the sliced strawberries into the bowl but he didn’t look at her. “Game?”

  “I know how angry you were when you left here. You felt like people in town blamed you for—”

  “I was an outsider. Of course they blamed me.” He took a mug from the cabinet and poured a cup of coffee. “I certainly blamed myself.”

  “You weren’t driving.”

  “I was—”

  “Mom, can we have chocolate chips in the pancakes?”

  She glanced to the kitchen table. “Sure thing, buddy.” Ruth’s eyes were knowing. Sometimes the woman was lost in the past and other times as perceptive as ever.

  “Liam, we’re decorating and hanging ornaments tonight,” Ruth called. “You should come over to help.”

  “Do you still have the singing Santa Claus?” he asked, placing his coffee mug on the counter and pulling out a chair next to Ruth at the table.

  “Of course I do,” the older woman said with a smile. “Stan and I used to shop the after-Christmas sales—we got the best deals on our decorations that way.”

  He took her hands in his, kissing the swollen knuckles and Natalie’s heart gave an extra fast thump.

  His love for Ruth was clear on his face, but he’d stayed away from Crimson for so many years because of what had happened in the past. She knew his relationship with his parents had never been close and it made her sad to think that he’d been missing out on any unconditional warmth in his life. It was stupid, she knew. Liam probably had more friends and possibly lovers than she could count. But something about him in this small farmhouse made her believe that this meant more.

  “Is it okay if Tanner comes, too?” he asked, his gaze swinging between Ruth and Natalie. “He’s a sucker for the holidays.”

  “Of course,” Ruth answered. “Any of your friends are welcome here. If you want to invite some guys from the football team, there’s plenty of room.”

  “Tanner works for me, Ruth,” Liam said gently. “My football days are over, but thank you for offering that. How about we bring dinner?”

  “And brownies from the bakery?” Austin prompted.

  “You haven’t even had breakfast,” Natalie said with a smile. “And already you’re planning dessert?”

  “You love Katie’s brownies more than anyone,” her son retorted.

  “Brownies sound delicious.” Ruth sat up, rubbing her stomach. “I’m hungry.”

  Natalie laughed. “I’d better get breakfast going quick before I have a mutiny on my hands.”

  Liam began to help Austin put together the Lego set, reading the instructions and listening intently as her son explained the differences in Lego ninja warriors. Her heart responded to that even more. As much as she tried to be everything for her son—to throw balls, get excited about bugs, listen to endless details about fast cars and big machines—there was no way for her to replace the lack of a father in his life. She understood that loss better than most.

  She dropped scoops of batter onto the hot skillet, then added a sprinkling of chips to each one. As they cooked, she poured juice and took out plates and forks, trying to keep herself busy so she wasn’t tempted to watch Liam and Austin together, to imagine what could have been if she hadn’t pushed Liam away all those years ago.

  * * *

  The bells over the bakery door jingled as Liam walked through. He could have sent Tanner on this errand, but he hadn’t mentioned the brownie promise to his assistant. For some reason it seemed important that he be the one to personally handle dinner and dessert tonight. Besides, Tanner was busy arranging the other supplies.

  A cute woman behind the counter straightened, waving him forward as she set a tray on top of the display cabinet. “Welcome to Life is Sweet,” she said, transferring cookies to a large platter. After a moment she glanced up. “How can I...” Her voice trailed off as she caught sight of him. Her eyes narrowed and Liam searched his brain for a name. She looked vaguely familiar, with dark brown shoulder-length hair and a heart-shaped face, but he couldn’t quite place her.

  “I’m Katie Garrity,” she said, as if reading his mind. “I was a year behind you at the high school.” She paused then added, “I’m friends with Natalie.”

  He gave her a quick nod at the same time he cursed himself for not having Tanner pick up the damn brownies. “It’s nice to meet—or remeet—you.” He stuck out his hand and she shook it, looking almost surprised he’d offered it. “I’m actually here to pick up brownies for Natalie and her son. We’re hanging Christmas ornaments at my nan—at Ruth’s house tonight.”

  Katie’s face relaxed a little. “I have a fresh batch cooling in the back—the ones with a caramel center. They’re Austin’s favorites. I’ll wrap up some for you. It will only take a minute. Would you like a cup of coffee while you wait?”

  “I’m fine. Thanks.”

  She disappeared through a doorway behind the counter and he walked closer to the display cabinet, wondering for a moment what it would be like to have someone care about his favorite preferences besides the people he paid to care.

  The café tables near the front corner of the store were filled with an older couple, a group of teenagers and two mothers with younger children. Sparkling holiday lights hung across the exposed brick on the far wall and snowflakes dangled from the ceiling. Holiday music played softly in the background. A teenager came out from the back to help a customer who approached the counter. Liam moved out of the way, although he couldn’t quite take his eyes off the pastries and treats that filled the display.

  “Do you have a favorite?” Katie stood next to him, a brown bag tied with red ribbon in her arms.

  “I’m not much for sweets,” he answered automatically.

  “He says to the bakery owner,” Katie finished.

  Liam gave a startled laugh, unused to good-natured teasing. “Lemon bars,” he amended. “They’re probably not popular this time of year, but I like lemon bars.”

  “I’ll remember that.” Katie slipped behind the counter.

  “How long have you owned the bakery?”

  “My grandmother left it to me when she passed a few years ago.”

  “I’m sorry for your loss.”

  She nodded. “I was lucky to have her in my life. Every kid needs someone to give them unconditional love. She was it for me.”

  “Ruth was my nanny, but she was the closest thing I had.”

  “Oh, she loves you all right. Have you seen her scrapbook?”

  Liam’s stomach dipped. “What scrapbook?”

  “The one with every clipping and article she could find that mentioned your name. She used to have the local librarian save the old finance and business magazines for her. She was so proud of everything you did, used to brag about you like you were her own.”

  Liam felt his mouth drop open as a swarm of emotions went through him at the same time. Disbelief, gratitude and an overwhelming sense of loss. He’d kept his distance from Ruth for so long while she was collecting stories about him.

  Katie’s smile was infinitely gentle. “I’m going to put in one of my mini pecan tarts. You’ll need a cold-weather favorite, and it’s my personal mission to make everyone in town a fan of my bakery.”

  The bell rang and another group came into the store, pulling off scarves and hats as they did.

  “I haven’t talked to one person in town who doesn’t love this place.” He took the bag she set on the counter. “Besides I’m only here through the holidays, not regular customer material.”

  “I heard you may be moving your new company here.”

  All the emotion, the newfound affection for Crimson he’d been feeling dried up, like an errant drop of water in the desert. It didn’t stand a chance against the harsh light of the truth. The only reason Katie Garrity was being ni
ce to him, the only reason anyone in this town gave a damn, was because they saw dollar signs when he walked into the room.

  He was used to it, so why did it rankle him so much? Maybe that’s all he truly had to offer anyone. If that was the case, did it matter if he set up LifeMap in Crimson or some other town?

  As if he’d summoned it, his past came walking into the bakery at that moment in the form of Logan Travers. He was bigger and broader than he’d been in high school, his long arm draped casually around the shoulders of the polished and surprisingly straitlaced-looking woman next to him.

  Katie looked stricken for a second before pasting on another bright smile. She waved to Logan and the woman.

  “Olivia, I don’t think you’ve met Liam Donovan.”

  The woman’s dark eyes remained focused on Liam, but she wrapped a hand around Logan’s waist and squeezed, as if calming a wild animal.

  “Welcome back,” Olivia said. “I’m sure Ruth is very happy to see you again.”

  “She might be the only one,” Liam said, keeping his gaze on Logan, who stared right back.

  “How much do I owe you for the brownies?” Liam asked Katie.

  “They’re a gift to Ruth.”

  He glanced at her, brows raised. “I can pay.”

  She laughed, another surprise. “I’m well aware of that. From what I understand, you could pay for half the town without noticing a dent in your bank account.”

  “Katie,” Olivia whispered. One side of Logan’s mouth quirked.

  Liam found himself returning the bakery owner’s smile. “Then why comp me? Why not take advantage of my bank account while you have the chance?”

  Katie shrugged. “Because some things are more important than money. The fact that you are here for Ruth this Christmas is one of them.”

  Olivia turned to Logan. “I’m going to talk with Katie about the order for the Winterfest reception. Would you get me a cup of tea?” She reached up to stroke his cheek and Liam noticed a diamond band on her left hand. Logan’s wife. Not who he would have picked for the wild and reckless boy he’d known Logan to be.

  “Earl Grey?” Logan asked, dropping a soft kiss on his wife’s temple.

  With a nod from Olivia, the two women walked away. “Could we talk outside for a minute?” Liam asked.

  Logan’s eyes widened a fraction, and then he gave a sharp nod and led Liam toward the door. If he was going to have this conversation, Liam figured it would be better to do it outside the bakery, with its cheery decor and warm atmosphere. What he had to say to Logan wasn’t cheery or warm.

  Tucking the bag under his arm, he welcomed the rush of cold air. The sidewalk was crowded with holiday shoppers, the buildings along the main street glowing in the pale afternoon light. This would be a good town for LifeMap, he thought, despite his complicated history here. Unfortunately, the conversation he was about to have would almost certainly blow that kernel of a plan to bits.

  Logan walked several paces, out of sight from the bakery window, then turned. “Whatever it is you want to say to me—”

  “I’m sorry,” Liam interrupted.

  Logan stilled for a moment, then tucked his hands into the pockets of his thick corduroy jacket. He didn’t respond, or throw Liam into a wall, which was a pretty good sign as far as Liam was concerned.

  “I should have said it ten years ago or at any point since then, but I’m telling you now. You lost your sister that night and I’m sorry I was there, that I had anything to do with her death.” He drew in a breath, the cold air burning his lungs. “I’m sorry I didn’t stop her from getting into that car.”

  Logan rocked back on his heels, glancing up at the gray sky for several long moments. A cloudy day in Colorado was a rare thing, even in the winter. Liam thought it fit the tenor of this conversation perfectly.

  “I blamed a lot of people for the accident that killed Beth,” he said finally. “My parents, my brothers and myself most of all.” His piercing blue eyes, as cloudy as the sky above, met Liam’s. “For a while I blamed you, too. Plus the idiot who was driving.”

  “I shouldn’t have let it happen. I’d been drinking—we’d all been drinking—but I wasn’t so far gone that I didn’t know better.” He crossed and uncrossed his arms over his chest, pain from the memory of that night slicing through him. “I’d had a fight with my dad that day, and Natalie was busy with her grandma, who was really sick. I just wanted to forget everything, to obliterate it with alcohol.”

  “You and Beth had that in common,” Logan said quietly.

  “If I could change what happened, trade places—”

  “No.” Logan cut him off, shaking his head. “You were the only one to survive the accident. That’s a lot of guilt to carry around for a decade. Things happened the way they did. No one can change the past. I wish it would have been different, but I’m done with blame and guilt. They were my relentless companions for a lot of years, but I’ve left them behind.”

  “I’m glad,” Liam said honestly. “I’m guessing your wife has a lot to do with that.”

  “It took me a long time to believe I deserved to be happy, that I was more than what people around here thought of me.”

  “From what Jase has told me, you’re now the go-to contractor for historic remodels in the area.”

  Logan shrugged his broad shoulders. “I do all right. Turns out I was a lot harder on myself than anyone else.” One blond brow lifted. “Sound familiar?”

  Liam barked out a laugh. “It’s a bit of a different story with me. I was always an outsider in Crimson.”

  “Not to Ruth. Or Natalie.” He held up a hand when Liam would have argued. “I don’t particularly care whether you stay or go. Although I will say that Natalie has been a good friend to my wife, and I like my wife to be happy. But if you do decide to look seriously at Crimson, let me know if you need help with locations or buildings. I’ve got some contacts around the area.”

  “Thank you.” The two words seemed inadequate, but they were all Liam could manage.

  Logan nodded. “I’m going to bring Olivia that tea.” He went to step around Liam, then paused. “A few of us are going out to my brother’s ranch for dinner Wednesday night. They’re having a pre-Winterfest party. If you’re available, come by around six. Jase will be there, and Noah Crawford is coming up from Denver.”

  “I haven’t seen Noah since high school,” Liam answered. “We played football together for a year.” He toed the sidewalk with one boot. “Is Natalie invited?”

  “Always to the ranch, but she doesn’t usually make it unless she’s off work. That woman works more than anyone I’ve ever seen.” He gave Liam the barest hint of a smile. “If you can convince her to take a break, everyone would love to see her.”

  “She isn’t... I don’t...” Liam stammered then stopped himself. “I’ll try,” he answered simply. Logan nodded and walked back to the bakery.

  Liam took a deep breath, realizing a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Maybe this town wasn’t such a bad place for him after all.

  Chapter Nine

  “Mom, come down here.” Austin’s voice was pitched high with excitement. “You’ve got to see this.”

  Natalie took one last look in the mirror. She pulled her hair back, feeling a little stupid that she’d curled it. They were just putting up Christmas decorations, no reason to wear her hair in anything but her normal practical ponytail. But after straightening her cherry-red sweater, she flipped her hair over her shoulder. It was even stupider to waste a decent-hair day because of nerves.

  She pinched her cheeks and turned for the stairs, glancing back at the mirror one more time. Her dark jeans were tucked into knee-high boots and she hoped she looked casual, not as if she’d gone to great lengths to get ready this evening. For most women, jeans and a sweater were probably daily
attire, but she spent most days in scrubs or sweatpants, so it felt as though she was Cinderella getting ready for the ball.

  “Mom!” The cry was louder this time, and Natalie ran down the steps and to the front door, then stopped short.

  “What the...”

  Two huge trucks were parked in the driveway and a team of six men unloaded boxes and cartons onto the front yard. Liam’s black SUV pulled up behind them and he climbed out, a huge grin on his face as he met her gaze.

  “What’s all the commotion?” Ruth came to stand next to Natalie. Her eyes widened as three of the men pulled a wire snowman out of the truck that was well over six feet tall.

  “Look at all this.” Austin jumped up and down on the front porch. “It’s our very own winter wonderland. There’s more decorations here than at Winterfest.”

  Liam came to the edge of the porch. “I wanted to give you the biggest, brightest Christmas you’ve ever seen,” he said to Ruth.

  Austin looked back over his shoulder. “It’s so awesome. Right, Ms. Ruth?”

  Natalie saw the older woman look between Liam and Austin. “Are these my decorations?” Her voice was small and confused.

  “Liam got them for you, Ruth.” Natalie put her arm around the woman’s bony shoulders. “It was a surprise.”

  “I have colored lights,” Ruth said, pointing to the strands of soft white lights one of the workers had just plugged in near the side of the house. “Those aren’t my lights.”

  Natalie glanced at Liam out of the corner of her eye and saw his smile drop. “We’ll put colored lights on the tree,” she said quickly. “Remember your tree with the snow on the tips? We’re going to hang ornaments on that tonight.”

  “And colored lights?” Ruth asked, her brow knitted in concern.

  “You bet.”

  Ruth nodded, her gaze taking in all the boxes as she rubbed her hands up and down her arms. “It’s cold out here. I’m going to sit by the fire. Wheel of Fortune is on now.”