Caroling in the Snow: A New Hope Sweet Christmas Romance - Book 2

by Lacy Andersen

  They weren’t finished - not if he had any say about it.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chloe pressed her forehead against the wooden door frame of the church and gazed at the Christmas Eve service. The citizens of New Hope had packed into the pews, like sardines in a can. Every spot was full - even that pew in the very front that church members avoided on Sundays. They were nearing the end of the service. Pastor Steve had just asked them to stand for the last hymn.

  Tonight was supposed to be the big musical performance. Her cast was all here - all except for one important member. Empty stage settings sat in the back of the church, useless now without her star.

  She hadn’t been able to make it through the whole service sitting on those hard pews. It felt like the air itself was suffocating her, pressing in heavy on her lungs. About halfway through, she’d rushed toward the back to get some air. Gemma and Laurie had spotted her hasty exit and followed her to the foyer. They’d wanted to know what happened to Jordan.

  “You did what?” Gemma demanded after she heard the story of the previous day’s events. She stood next to Chloe in a gorgeous red velvet dress that fell to her knees with a bow tied at the back of her neck. “Tell me you ran after him.”

  “I shut the door in his face.” Chloe closed her eyes and groaned. “You guys should have heard me. I was so awful to him. He hates me now.”

  Her eyes searched over the crowd, hoping against hope that the back of Jordan’s head was there among the sea of attendees. Instead of finding him, they settled on the backside of Ashley Lynn’s perfect blowout and red cashmere cardigan. Sitting stiff-backed next to her was Aaron, their arms looped together. The sight made Chloe’s eyes burn. Brianna was sitting only a few rows in front of them, completely unaware of the jerk behind her.

  As if on cue, Ashley Lynn glanced over her shoulder, making contact with Chloe’s furious stare. She returned the stare and then revealed her big white teeth in something that resembled a snarl more than a smile. After an exaggerated wink, she returned her attention to Pastor Steve, pulling Aaron’s arm closer to her side. Chloe had to fight the urge to pounce on her and tear that little cardigan to shreds.

  “He doesn’t hate you.” Laurie placed a comforting hand on her back. She wore a high-necked cream lace dress that perfectly complimented her pale skin. “I’m sure he’ll understand if you just call him. Tell him you’re sorry.”

  “But you guys don’t understand.” She turned toward them, misery apparent in her eyes. Despite the fact that her play had been canceled tonight, she’d still shown up at the Christmas Eve service in the new outfit her sister had helped her pick out weeks ago - a deep green vintage satin dress that fell off the shoulders and hugged her small waist and hips in just the right way. She had hoped Jordan would get to see her in it. She had also hoped it would make him drool. “I told him we weren’t meant to last. That we weren’t even a thing and he didn’t matter anymore. You should’ve seen the look on his face.”

  There was silence for a moment as each of the women considered what she’d said. Chloe hid her face and breathed deeply. How could she have been so mean? It wasn’t Jordan’s fault that her sister’s happily-ever-after was never going to happen. Maybe she’d screwed up her own happy ending because she’d felt so guilty about Brianna. Or maybe she was just an awful person. Either way, this feeling hurt.

  “Why don’t you call him?” Gemma pulled a phone out of her purse and nudged it into Chloe’s hands. “Apologize. You’ll feel better.”

  A wry smile appeared on her lips. “Not if he tells me he hates me.”

  Laurie pushed her toward the exit. “He won’t. I promise. Now, do it before you lose your nerve.”

  The congregation had just begun the first chorus to Joy to the World. Chloe shook her head, but proceeded to leave the church in search of a little quiet. The cool night air greeted her, kissing her cheeks and the tip of her nose. Just across the street and halfway down the block was the entrance to the city park. Thousands of white lights lit up the trees, making for a fantastic sight. Chloe spared it a short glance and then looked down at the phone.

  “Here goes nothing…” she mumbled.

  Guilt had been weighing on her shoulders since yesterday. She’d thought about calling him a million times already, but never felt brave enough to press that button. He hadn’t even texted her to say he’d made it home yesterday. No call. Nothing. Not that she blamed him.

  “Don’t pick up, don’t pick up,” she said as the phone rang.

  Leaving a voice mail seemed easier to her. She could pour out her apology without worrying about his reaction. The phone rang six times and then went to voice mail, making Chloe’s pulse race in anticipation. Here went nothing.

  “Um…hi, Jordan. This is Chloe. Listen, I’m so sorry I didn’t call you before now. I was stupid. I shouldn’t have said those things about you, about us. They weren’t true.”

  The last chorus of Joy to the World rang out from inside the church. She pressed a hand to her ear to concentrate on the message.

  “I guess I was just really freaked out. You know, I grew up thinking love was supposed to be this perfect thing. Like a story from a fairy tale. But it isn’t. I mean, I just found out from my mom that my parents split when I was little. They worked it out, but still, that really rocked my world to hear that. And then Aaron went and cheated on Brianna and now they’re broken up. Sometimes there is no happy ending. Just like for your mom.”

  She swallowed and rested her head against the cool stone of the building. The first few people were beginning to exit the church. The service was officially over.

  “I guess I’m rambling… The point to this message is that I’m sorry. I’m sorry I said those things to you and that I chased you away. We’re not perfect, but we are perfect for each other. These last few weeks have been like something out of a dream. I can’t imagine you not being here, with me. Hopefully it’s not too late. I don’t want you to hate me. I don’t want to lose you.”

  Closing her eyes, Chloe dropped the phone from her ear and ended the call. She wasn’t sure if she’d said everything she needed to, but it was enough for now. At least she’d said her piece. If she never heard from him again, she could at least have comfort in knowing she’d made an effort.

  Still, that slight comfort didn’t fill the giant gaping hole in her chest at the moment. She missed him desperately. She would’ve gladly given up all her hard work and glory of the musical to have him back, holding her hand. If only she hadn’t been so awful.

  By now, the crowds were streaming from the church. A sea of hats and coats surged forth and onto the street. She stood with her back against the wall, watching them all leave. It seemed like they were all headed to one destination - the middle of the park. Standing on her tiptoes, she squinted at the procession, wondering what was going on.

  “Are you coming?” Pastor Steve asked as he exited the church. He had draped a black woolen coat over his black suit. Standing at least a foot taller than her, he smiled down at the top of her head. “Don’t want to miss the best part.”

  Music began to drift their way. She jumped in step with Pastor and tried to catch the tune. “Did you add a caroling portion to the Christmas Eve service? What a great idea! I love singing in the snow.” She could use a little pick-me-up. Christmas carols were just the ticket.

  A sly smile lit up Pastor Steve’s face. “That’s exactly what we’re going to do. By the way, I’m sorry we didn’t get to see your musical.”

  Chloe looked up at him with sad eyes. “Me, too. I’m sorry I let the church down. It was too bad Ashley Lynn was too busy to take on the Christmas play this year. She would’ve put on a better show.”

  He stopped suddenly, causing her to dig her heels in the snow and slide to a quick halt. “Ashley Lynn wasn’t too busy to put on a play this year,” he said with a tilt of his head. His mouth twisted into a wry smile. “She wanted to do it again this year, but then we also had your application. The board de
cided to do a blind test and pick the best play. Yours won, hands down.”

  She felt her mouth fall open as she stared up at his brilliant gray hair. “You mean, I beat Ashley Lynn for the job? All this time, she’s been telling me she was too busy. She lied? I won, fair and square?”

  The left side of his mouth twitched as a sparkle lit up his eyes. “I suppose you can put it that way. As your Pastor though, I highly discourse beating anyone. It was simply a friendly competition.” He winked at her and continued their walk toward the park. “But off the record, I’m very glad you won.”

  She gave him a small smile, happy for his support, but feeling guilty all the same. Yes, her play had won, but that didn’t mean much now. Not when she’d had to cancel it at the last minute.

  It was at that moment that a familiar song caught her notice. The first few notes perked up her ears and then her feet came to a complete halt. Those were the notes she’d written - the first few lines of her musical. What were they doing, playing those songs? They didn’t belong out here.

  “What’s going on?” she vaguely asked Pastor Steve. He shrugged and grinned, his eyes glinting with mischief.

  Pushing through the crowd, Chloe worked her way toward the front. She had to blink a dozen times as she stared up at the city gazebo before she could realize what she was looking at. There were her set pieces. A heavily pregnant Amanda was strolling in front of them, a hand on her swollen belly. Laurie, as the angel, stood on a platform in the back with a brilliant spotlight aimed at the back of her head that lit her up like an other-worldly creature.

  That was when Jordan’s voice began to ring out across the dark night. Chloe’s heart did a flip flop, not daring to believe he was really here. With his gorgeous tenor, he hit every note with perfect accuracy and stomach-dropping beauty. He stepped out from behind a pillar, a microphone in hand. Chloe gaped up at him, not sure whether to cry or laugh or simply stare.

  He’d stayed in New Hope. Even with his job on the line, he’d risked everything to put on her musical. She couldn’t believe what she saw.

  The show was better than every rehearsal they’d had. Everyone hit their timing perfectly. The little ones behaved and drew laughter from the crowd. Amanda belted out her solo with heart-felt vibrato. And Jordan - the real star of the play - moved through each scene with a sincerity so strong that it brought tears to the corners of Chloe’s eyes. Gone was the stiffness and the sullen actor. In his place was a man who truly believed in romance.

  It was over before she could breathe again. The actors bowed and she threw her hands together with as much effort as she could muster, causing the palms of her hands to sting. The crowd cheered around her and several people clapped her on the back as it began to die down. Chloe didn’t care, she only had eyes for Jordan. For the first time that night, his gaze drifted to hers. They each held it for several long moments before he lifted the microphone to his mouth again.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, may I present the lady of the hour? Our writer, director, and all-together artistic genius, Chloe Walker.”

  Several hands helped lift her on stage as the audience roared. Chloe felt her cheeks burn bright and she joined the cast in a line. Jordan held out his hand to her. A smile lit up his face from ear to ear. He pulled her in close when she placed her hand in his, wrapping his other arm around her.

  “I’m so sorry for what I said,” she whispered out of the corner of her mouth. The crowd continued to clap.

  “I’m sorry, too,” he whispered back with a wave at Pastor Steve. “I’m sorry what you had to go through with your sister. I understand why you freaked out.”

  She looked up at him. The stage lights that had been moved to the park nearly blinded her. “You do?”

  “Yeah.” He gazed down at her, a smoldering expression burning in his eyes. “But just know this, Chloe Walker. You may be stubborn and bullheaded, but I can be just as stubborn. And despite my promise to myself to never fall in love, I have stubbornly fallen in love with you. That’s what you did to me, Chloe Walker. What do you have to say for yourself?”

  She grinned as a warm feeling emerged from her stomach and entered every limb in her body. Reaching up for his shoulder, she pulled him down into a kiss that only served to fuel the warmth and cause the crowd to whoop and holler. When they finally parted, she grinned out from the stage, truly happy and satisfied.

  “I love you, too, Jordan Davis,” she said with a soft sigh. He squeezed her hand in response. And the two of them took a final bow, before running off the gazebo and into the lighted park for some much needed privacy.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chloe’s foot teetered on the top of the ladder as she stretched to wind the last few feet of white ribbon around the wooden beam of the gazebo. Just a couple more inches. The place was beginning to look like a wintry palace, complete with hundreds of strands of white lights, yards of sheer tulle, and glass snowflakes hanging from the ceiling. Only a few more days until the big day. She couldn’t believe it was already here. It seemed like they’d planned for this day forever.

  “Don’t fall,” Laurie called from below. She had a tight grip on each side of the ladder, her knuckles white. “Please be careful.”

  “I’m almost there,” Chloe responded through gritted teeth. She had to finish the job and it had to be perfect. “One more inch.”

  Her foot slipped from the rung, catapulting her over the side of the ladder. She careened headfirst toward the floor, shrieking in surprise. Waving her hands in giant circles did nothing to stop her quick descent. It wasn’t until she felt strong arms surround her and cradle her head did she stop flailing and blink up at the bright ceiling.

  “Just in time to save the damsel in distress,” Jordan said, smiling down at her. “Didn’t I tell you to let me do all the ladder work?”

  Chloe picked herself up and wiped imaginary dirt from her knees. She huffed and threw the empty ribbon spool over her shoulder. “I’m an incredibly self-sufficient woman, Mr. Davis. We’ve been together a year. You ought to know that by now.”

  “I do.” He grabbed her hand and yanked her forward, wrapping his arms tight around her waist. “And I love that about you.”

  She laughed as he covered her mouth with his. Their bodies pressed together, hands roaming over each other’s shoulders. It wasn’t until they heard someone clear a throat that they pulled apart with sheepish grins.

  “You’d think they were the ones getting married in a few days.” Gemma was standing on the top step of the gazebo looking in. Her face flushed in a pretty pink shade that complimented the excited sparkle of her eyes. “Kissing under my gazebo. Stealing all my luck.”

  “Stop stealing my lady’s luck,” Lance demanded, as he ascended the stairs and grabbed Gemma’s hand. He wore a black pea coat over an expensive suit and shiny Italian leather shoes. His hair had grown longer over the last few months, hanging over his ears in a wavy rugged style. He winked at them and smiled mischievously. “Seriously, guys, you don’t want to make this bridezilla angry. She’s scary when she’s angry.”

  “I’m not a bridezilla!” Gemma punched him on the shoulder and glared at him with mock anger.

  “See?” Lance’s eyes got wide. “Bridezilla’s already coming out. Everyone run!”

  They all broke into laughter as Lance pressed a kiss to Gemma’s forehead. The thought of Gemma as a bridezilla made them all smile. If anything, she was the opposite of the domineering and demanding bride.

  When the church they’d wanted to get married in closed down for an emergency roof renovation, Gemma had simply looked for other options and found the city park. It made complete sense to marry there. This was where they’d first come together as a couple. Despite the cold of the late December month, they all had no doubt it would be a beautiful wedding.

  “How’s the job, man?” Lance asked Jordan as they shook hands. They stood back to let the women gather and discuss the status of the decorations.

  “Awesome.” A warm smile l
it up Jordan face with boyish energy. “It’s everything I hoped for. Chloe’s old professor is the best boss anyone could want. They’ve even let me start doing two days in the office and three at home so I can be back in New Hope for most of the week.”

  “That’s great!” Lance chewed on the inside of his cheek and frowned. “I wish I worked for a football team. Free tickets to every game? I’m so there.”

  “Yeah, well, you own your company, so I’m not going to feel sorry for you,” Jordan replied with a laugh.

  He grinned, flashing his perfectly straight teeth. “Touche.”

  “Alright, boys, time for you to do your thing,” Chloe said, shooing them away with a wave. She winked at Jordan and then waved them away again. “We’ve got a bachelorette party to get started. No boys allowed.”

  Lance and Jordan groaned with grins plastered on their faces. They retreated to their cars as the ladies congregated and discussed the first moves of the night.

  “First, we get dolled up,” Chloe announced. “Then, our first stop is at the diner. Can’t have a bachelorette party on an empty stomach.”

  “And then a surprise at my place,” Laurie added with a wink.

  “Guys!” Gemma held up her hands. “You don’t have to do this. I’m fine with just having a movie night or something.”

  “You’re the first one of us to get married.” Chloe pressed her lips into a hard line. “You don’t get to chicken out. I need this. You need this. It’s happening.”

  “OK, fine. But when its your turn, I’m returning the favor.” She gave her a wicked grin. “So anything that happens tonight, will be ten times worse for you.”

  Chloe held up her left hand. “There’s no ring on this finger.”

  “Yet!” Laurie shouted.

  “I wouldn’t be surprised if your Christmas present this year is a tiny little box,” Gemma added with another wicked grin. “I’ve heard him and Lance whispering. Those boys are up to something.”