Her Snow Valley Fake New Year's Eve Boyfriend

by Taylor Hart

  “Grandpa,” he said after a few moments.

  His grandpa looked at him, and Jax could swear he saw tears in the old man’s eyes. “Look, I don’t know what happened between you and Tia. But I love you, boy, and your home is here, with me. If you want it.”

  Jax couldn’t even fathom that. “Thank you, but I have to go.”

  His grandpa sighed. “Then go ahead and be your mother—leave when things are hard.”

  Chapter 20

  Tia sat in the parking lot of the town hall and checked the rearview mirror again, making sure her lipstick was perfect. Check.

  She was undeniably nervous. She couldn’t believe she was going to show up dateless to this event. But she wouldn’t let Michael down. She couldn’t. She had to open the event, introduce the band, Iron Stix—the Snow Valley sensation—and then the governor. Eek.

  Her heart jumped as she watched different people strolling into the building. She put her hands on her chest, imagining that this was what a panic attack would feel like.

  No! She couldn’t do this. She started the car and pulled out of the parking lot, driving to the flower shop. All the while, tears streaming down her face. She’d call her cousin, Chase. He would do it.

  Chapter 21

  Jax’s rental car sped toward Snow Valley. His duffel bag was packed, and his flight to Cabo was booked. His blood pumped hard into his chest, into his arms. After each mission, the team met with the higher-ups and analyzed every move, every precise thing they’d done or hadn’t done, and discussed the results from their actions. Clearly, coming to Snow Valley had been the wrong call.

  His grandpa had a whole community to help him. He didn’t need Jax. There was Chase Moon to do the chores. There was Martha, who would fuss over him. There were the doctors, the nurses, and Pastor John. He had a whole community who cared about him. Now that Jax had hired a cleaning lady, it would be fine.

  His hand twitched on the steering wheel. He only got that twitch after poorly executed missions, when he was beating himself up for something. Like when his best friend Tim had died. He’d felt unshielded in the worst way. It’d led him to meeting Karli at the bar, to falling fast and insisting on the elopement to Maui.

  Pain wrenched his heart, followed by anger. He wasn’t his mother. He wasn’t running when things got hard, because Tia wasn’t anything to him. It had been fake. He slammed his hand against the steering wheel. She’d said at the beginning to just have fun. No falling in love.

  All he’d wanted was dinner and a kiss. He had been so lonely.

  Jax cursed and tried to blink away the tears, but they spilled down his cheeks. Crap. He wiped at them, unable to believe he was actually crying. In a flash of inspiration, he found himself thinking about something Tia had said about being lonely in New York.

  She’d prayed.

  He snorted. The idea was ridiculous, but he found himself saying, “God, what should I do? What should I do?”

  The turn to go into town came up, and Jax slowed down, but he realized he was still taking the curve too quickly. He overcorrected and found himself spinning. Then lights were coming right at him. Huge lights. And he was back in Faluga, the explosion blinding him. He yelled at Tim to get out of the way and get down. He closed his eyes.

  He slammed into something. A loud horn blared, and his eyes flashed open. He realized that the car was on the side of the road, halfway beneath a huge snowbank. His heart thumped and his hands clutched the wheel. He peered out of the window, at the snow coming down, the haze of the fog and the lights. He cursed. The truck hadn’t even stopped.

  Jax scrambled out and saw that his tire marks had formed circles. He should have been dead. He saw the sign for Snow Valley, and he was at a complete loss. He should have just been killed. It was a miracle.

  A chill rushed over him. He couldn’t believe it. He felt tears in his eyes, and he wanted only one thing: to thank God. He fell to his knees. “Dear God, thank you. Thank you for saving me.” His voice choked up. “Thank you for helping me. Thank you for bringing me to Snow Valley and for helping me see that you’re there. Even through darkness, you’re there.”

  Then he heard someone honk, and he opened his eyes and jumped up. He was an idiot. He’d been praying in the middle of the road.

  The car slowed as it approached him, and Jax recognized it. If he’d thought he’d had a miracle five minutes ago, now he was certain that God had blessed him with the perfect miracle at the perfect time.

  The window rolled down on the Jetta. “Jax, what are you doing?”

  He laughed and rushed to Tia’s door, swinging it open and admiring the sight of her in her dress. “Dang, you look beautiful.”

  Her hair was in a French twist, but her eyes were red. “Have you been crying?” She pointed to his car. “Is that your rental car?”

  “It is,” he said, taking her hand and pulling her out.

  She looked at their hands. “What are you doing? Are you okay?”

  “I’m staying.” He had never been surer of anything in his life. Gently he leaned in, touching his lips to hers. “I’m not re-enlisting. I’m staying.”

  She blinked. “You’re staying?”

  He laughed, feeling lighter than he’d felt in a long time, and he pulled her to him, holding her close. “I’m so sorry about my behavior.”

  Her eyes brimmed with tears. “Don’t do this if you’re not staying. Don’t.”

  “I was scared, afraid, but ya know when George jumps into the river to save Clarence? I just asked God what to do, and I got into a huge wreck.”

  She looked confused. “Okay.”

  “And I got the miracle, but I think that miracle is you. Us. Being here. And I couldn’t see it until I asked for help. And I want to forgive my mom. Because I don’t want to be angry anymore. I want to be here. With you. Please, I just want—”

  “I do too.” She pulled him in and hugged him.

  He laughed and held her for a moment. “Can I take you to the ball? Please, let me take you.”

  “Yes, you can.”

  Chapter 22

  Tia stood on the stage in the old hall and ignored the racing of her heart. She ignored the feeling that she wanted to throw up. She ignored that Brad was angrily staring at her from the side of the gym, his arms crossed.

  The only thing she focused on was Jax, who was standing there in his jeans and tight black athletic shirt, looking like a Viking. He smiled at her like he’d just realized he had purpose in his life.

  He was staying. He was staying!

  She hadn’t really had time to process what that meant. But pushed everything else out of her mind, thinking of what her mother used to tell her before every performance. It’s just you and one person. You’re just performing for one person. Train your focus on them.

  “Fellow Snow Valley-ians,” she said into the mic, “I would like to introduce you tonight to the governor of Montana, Bill Harris.” The governor and his wife walked out, and she offered them a plaque. “The town of Snow Valley wants to give you a plaque, Governor, that signifies your support of this town and the cause of fighting cancer in the state of Montana.” The crowd clapped as she shook his and his wife’s hands.

  Tia turned back to the audience as Chase strolled out, grinning like the rodeo champion he was. “Chase and I will be honoring all of the people of Snow Valley who have helped contribute to Toys for Tots this year.” They read off lists of people, and when they finished, everyone applauded.

  Tia’s confidence in herself was growing, and she was proud that she was onstage. “And I’d like to have you give a big hand to the Iron Stix, our Snow Valley rock band, who agreed to perform for this special occasion.”

  The crowd erupted again.

  The drummer of Iron Stix suddenly whispered in Tia’s ear, making her jump. “Our lead singer just got really sick—like, he’s barfing in the bathroom right now. I don’t know what to do.”

  She stumbled, thinking of the last time she’d tried to sing onstage
. “I don’t know,” she said, her eyes going back to Jax.

  Jax looked perplexed, then moved to her side. “What’s up?”

  The drummer told him about the situation.

  Jax smiled at her and took her hand. “You can do this. You love this. Do it. God will help you.”

  Tia sniffed and leaned into him. “You’re kinda preachy, ya know.”

  Jax’s grin widened and he gently put the back of his hand to her cheek. “I learned from this preachy girl I recently met.”

  Warmth filled her. “Oh yeah.”

  He leaned in, brushing his lips to hers. “But I kinda like preachy, so there’s that.”

  Fire filled her. She leaned back in, kissing him back. “Preachy looks good on you, SEAL guy.”

  He took her hand and lightly squeezed. “Better make a decision quick.” He looked around.

  The crowd was getting restless.

  With a surge of determination, she brought the microphone to her mouth. “Folks, it looks like Iron Stix’s lead singer won’t be able to perform, but …” Her hand shook.

  “You know a lead singer can’t introduce herself.” Jax took the mic and shooed her away. “Go on now.”

  The lead drummer laughed and linked his arm through hers as they ran back to the band. He pointed to the microphone that was set up at the front. “What song do you know?” he asked her.

  “All of them, of course.”

  “Then let’s start with ‘Fire and Ice.’”

  The band started the intro beats.

  Jax turned back, lifting his arm. “I give you Iron Stix, with lead singer Tia Snow!”

  The crowd clapped emphatically.

  The lights went up, and Tia’s heart hammered inside of her chest. For a moment, she thought she might faint; then everything kicked in like muscle memory. Unbelievably, she felt a rush of confidence similar to what she’d felt all those years ago, like she was soaring high in the sky and no one could knock her down. Her hand was in God’s hand.

  Jax gestured to her from the side of the stage, grinning broadly. She scrunched up her nose at him, and he laughed. The people began dancing as she sang, and it felt like this really could be a beginning—a time for something new.

  Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Brad standing in the same spot, his arms still crossed. Ellie appeared next to him. Tia tried not to watch, but it was hard not to notice how Brad put his hand up and walked out the side door.

  Somehow, seeing them both so unhappy didn’t make Tia happy. Which was odd. For so long, she’d thought that she’d be satisfied when he finally got what he deserved. But she realized now that Brad would never feel any joy until he cared about others more than he cared about himself.

  In this moment, she forgave him. Warmth filled her as she hit the high note in the song. She giggled and glanced at Jax. He gave her a thumbs-up.

  Her heart raced. He was staying. The man was staying!

  Chapter 23

  Jax walked Tia out of the New Year’s Eve Ball, happier than he’d felt in a long time. They’d stayed late, saying goodbye to Iron Stix. He couldn’t believe how amazing this woman was. “You did it,” he said as they got to her car and he opened the door for her.

  She slipped her arms around his shoulders. “We did it tonight. Both of us conquered our demons.”

  He put his hands on her waist. “It’s easy when I have you in my arms. Have I told you that?”

  “No, but I think the way you were staring at me all night kinda told me.”

  Gently, he brushed his lips against hers. “You were so amazing out there. I’m really happy for you.”

  “You’re staying?”

  “If you’ll have me.”

  “I’ll have you, but you promised to dance with me, and I don’t know if anyone will believe this relationship if we don’t dance.” She pulled out her phone and put on a song.

  Dramatically, he took her hand and spun her into him. She laughed. He fell into a two-step with her, getting lost in the moment, in this woman, in everything he wanted with her.

  The song ended, and she leaned into him. “Can I kiss you?”

  “Only if you know I’m sorry and I was stupid.”

  She kissed him softly. “You can apologize over and over, because you’ll be here.”

  He tugged her in, kissing her more deeply. She moaned against him, and he knew he wanted this woman in the deepest part of his soul.

  She pulled back and smiled at him. “Tonight was a good night.”

  He knew this was crazy, but he slipped down to one knee. “My grandpa is going to love this story way too much.”

  “What are you doing?” Her hand flew to her mouth.

  “Will you marry me, Tia Snow? And go next level with me? Play with me, love me, work with me, live the next hundred years with me?”

  Tears appeared in her eyes. “Yes.”

  He stood and picked her up, swinging her in a circle. “Yes?”

  She put her hands on his face and kissed him. When he put her down, they kissed until they were almost frostbitten.

  “Come on,” he said. “Let’s get you home.”

  “There’s only one thing, Jax.”

  He paused. “Okay.”

  “I won’t elope. Snow Valley is my home, and I know my aunt and uncle will kill me if they aren’t there.”

  He laughed. “Then we’ll do the big wedding.”

  “Really?”

  “It’ll give me time to build you a house.”

  She laughed too, saying, “Sounds next level to me.”

  Epilogue

  Jax tugged at the tie that was part of this monkey suit.

  “Leave it alone, boy. You look great. Just let it be.” His grandpa shooed his hand away.

  They were standing in the guest house on Hamilton property. The guest house had been assigned as the best man base, while the main house was for the bridesmaids.

  When Michael and Janet and the rest of the Hamiltons had come home, including Lacey and Mikey and their families, Jax had wondered if he’d gotten a lot more than he’d bargained for. But they’d done as he’d promised her, slowed it down and planned the big wedding. They’d also waited on marriage intimacy, and he was glad about that. Although he wouldn’t lie—tonight was something he’d been looking forward to for a long time.

  In the past two days, it felt like the whole town of Snow Valley had come out to the Hamilton place and helped prep for the wedding. In more ways than just his grandpa and Tia, this town had become home, especially the Hamiltons. Michael and Janet were larger-than-life people who pulled you in and made you family. Lacey and Dom were amazing too. Jax and Dom had nice, healthy fights in the boxing ring, and they argued about whether Air Force or Navy was better. Mike was more than a match to take on in the rink, too. But more than anything, they really were all like family, popping in and out of each other’s lives.

  True to his word, Grandpa had given Jax ten acres a mile down from his property, and Jax had spent the better part of the last four months building. He’d thought it would take longer, but he hadn’t factored in Michael Hamilton and the resources he would provide, wanted or not.

  It was good to have family. More than good.

  Grandpa paced the floor.

  “What’s going on, old man?”

  Grandpa cursed, then turned to face Jax. “Boy, I’m sorry about this, but I couldn’t keep her away.”

  Through the window, Jax saw the woman moving toward the guest house. His mother. With a man by her side. He froze. He didn’t want to deal with this right now.

  “If you really want me to tell her to go, I will.”

  The doorbell rang, and he still didn’t move. He heard the door open.

  “You should wait,” his grandpa said.

  His mother appeared. She looked the same, but different. Her hair used to be long, and now it was in a bob. She wore a pink suit. Her lip trembled as her eyes swept him up and down. “Jax.”

  He tried to do the trick that T
ia had told him she did onstage, the one where she focused on one thing or person in the room. He stared at the couch.

  “I wanted to come and tell you in person that I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

  Jax looked up, meeting her eyes. He’d gone through so much because of her. In a breath, he relived all the heartbreak, the feelings of rejection that he hadn’t even realized he’d carried.

  Her eyelids fluttered, and a tear fell down her cheek. “I wanted to tell you this for so long, but I had so much shame. Shame about what I did, how I left. But … I’ll go. I just wanted you to know I’m sorry. I had to tell you.”

  She trudged out of the house. He peeked through the blinds and watched her walk down the driveway, picking her way down through all the cars.

  Jax thought of what he’d been trying to do. Forgive.

  He bolted out of the house and down the steps. People were coming hand in hand toward the property, getting ready for the wedding, and he had to weave in and out of the hustle and bustle. “Mom! Wait!”

  She stopped and turned to face him. He saw that more tears were on her face and she was shrinking into herself. “I’m so sorry, son. I mean it. I’m so …”

  He took her into his arms and held her. “It’s okay.” Tears fell down his cheeks.

  “My son.” She looked up. “I should have come sooner. I should have been braver.”

  “But you came,” he said. “And I forgive you.” Warmth filled him, and he knew it was true. In forgiving her, he forgave himself—for losing Tim, and for all of the ugliness he’d had in his life. He’d thought he’d changed for good when he’d asked Tia to marry him, but now he knew he would never stop changing. With God’s help, he would become the man God wanted him to be.

  They held each other for a long time. Grandpa came over and embraced both of them.

  His mother said quietly, “I’m sorry to you, too, Dad.”

  “I know, girl. I know.”