by Cheryl Wyatt
“I have military in my blood. I’d love to help.”
“We’d love to have you. Will you, as my wife?”
“Depends. You gonna play any more masked charades on me?”
He choked out a laugh. “Absolutely not.”
“Good, because you’re lucky I love you enough not to kick out both of your kneecaps, buster.”
He grinned. “My sister made me promise to confess she was also an instigator.”
“That doesn’t surprise me. So, when do we do this ROTC thing? I’d love to head up the girls and you and Asher could head up the guys and for uniforms we could hit Lauren up to—”
“Kate.” He chuckled. “Are you going to let me talk?”
“Sorry, yes.” She put her head down and stared at their hands. Elation overcame her shock and she smiled up at him. And even though she’d said she’d let him speak, she couldn’t stop the words that spilled out of her mouth.
“Caleb, are you sure? I know how much it would mean for you to have to give up your military career. I don’t want you to resent me.”
“Kate, the only thing I want now—besides the opportunity to finish a sentence—is a future with you.”
His serious look forced her mouth shut.
“My reason for wanting the rangers wasn’t sound. I’ve worked that out with God. Also went to visit my dad. While his brain may not have understood a word I said, I know his spirit did. Something about that visit set me free inside. Free to be who God intended. Not who unforgiveness tried to mold me into. Now I know that what I really want isn’t waiting for me in Syria or ranger school. It’s right here in Eagle Point, with you.”
“Caleb!”
“Since you won’t let me get a word in edgewise...” He leaned in and kissed her senseless. When she forgot the sum of human language, he trailed his mouth to her ear. “Sweetness, will you marry me?”
She reached for him and clung. “Darkness never, ever defeats the dawn,” she whispered into his shoulder. “You taught me that. I love you, Caleb.”
He leaned back and grinned. “Just Caleb?”
She smirked. “On our off days, I may even call you Landis.”
“Doghouse days?”
She hugged him again. “I doubt there’ll be many of those. I love you, Caleb.”
“I love you, Kate, more than anything on earth.”
“Tia is going to be so happy.”
He grinned. “She already knows.”
“My goodness! She’s wonderful at keeping secrets.” She playfully smacked his chest. “Then again, so are you.”
He blushed. How endearing! “We bribed Tia with a new doll and a carriage ride.”
“I see that.” Kate laughed elatedly.
“So, your answer, Princess Dalton?”
“Yes! Of course I will marry you. However, we will not, I repeat not, have a wedding with any kind of mask or costume. That will be a symbol to ourselves and our friends that we’ll always have courage to show our true colors.”
Caleb chuckled and peeled off the mask of his wife-to-be, then took off his hat and set her mask inside it.
A perfect fit. Like the two of them.
“Agreed. No masks allowed at our wedding.”
An ornery look came over her. “And you will let me use your power tools at will.”
He grinned. “We can negotiate that one later. But suffice it to say, I’ll probably be easily bribed.” His gaze raked her mouth so boldly it made her blush.
“You never cease to surprise me, Casanova.”
He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Not Casanova. Or bandit. Or BB. Just Caleb.”
She paused and sidled his face in her hands. “You’ll never be just Caleb to me. In fact, you never were. You weren’t the only one wearing a mask all this time, Caleb. I’ve been interested from the start.”
“Well, let’s take that interest to a whole new level—a romantic carriage ride awaits. And I happen to know a little princess who left chocolates and sapphire roses inside.”
“From you?”
“From Bri, Tia, Ian, Mitch, Lauren, your parents, Lem. The works. A happy engagement gift of sorts.”
“How did they know I’d say yes?”
He smiled. “You’ve been more transparent lately.”
She smiled. “Thanks to you.”
“And thanks to you, I’ll be the happiest man on earth.”
“Unmasked.”
He laughed and helped her into the lighted carriage that would begin their engagement season. “Unmasked.”
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from A SEASON OF LOVE by Kim Watters.
Dear Reader,
Children are amazing to interact with. Book hero Caleb made me laugh many times in this story as he entertained Tia. I loved subjecting him to a princess at a tea party. I’m surrounded by real men who’d do just as Caleb, ignore their egos for the sake of bringing joy to a child. I have pictures on my reader-centric Facebook page of the elaborate paper tea set Caleb made with Tia. I found a wonderful craft link that describes each step with photos, http://spoonful.com/crafts/pretty-paper-teapots. If you have a little girl in your life, she’ll adore the homemade tea set but more so, she’ll remember the time you spend with her.
Also, here’s a link containing photos and instructions to create the healthy veggie scooter snacks Kate made with Tia: www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Scooter-Snacks.
I hang out on my Facebook page daily (www.facebook.com/CherylWyattAuthor). I hope you will visit (and “Like”) my page for story extras, glimpses, photos and links that bring books alive. Come join my fun community of readers there. I seek reader input often and use reader-generated ideas in books, which makes the process incredibly fun for me.
You are appreciated and loved, prayed for and never, ever, not for one word, noun, page or verb, taken for granted. If you like my books, please tell your friends about them. I cherish readers staying in touch. You mean so much to me ([email protected]).
Blessings to you and your loved ones.
Cheryl Wyatt
Questions for Discussion
Caleb was deeply affected by words spoken over him as a child. What words and which person had the most impact (healthy or harmful) over you growing up? Please discuss.
Do you think Caleb was wrong to follow his sister’s advice to keep up the bandit charade for as long as he did? Why or why not?
If you and a date or friend received an invitation to Lem’s storybook ball, which character would you and your date/friend show up as?
What do you think most contributed to the breakdown of Kate’s parents’ marriage, and what do you think the turning point was for them in terms of reconciling?
Do you hope Asher Stone follows through on his promise to move to Eagle Point? If so, would you enjoy seeing him have his own happily ever after in a future book?
Kate was concerned about comrade Dr. Clara Lockhart. Do you think Kate was right to defend Clara’s secretiveness surrounding the personal tragedy that brought her to Eagle Point? Please discuss.
After Kate had her epiphany about realizing that it was okay if people saw her struggle, what conversation would you imagine Kate would have once Dr. Lockhart returned to work? Do you think Kate would encourage her to open up? If so, how?
Caleb was afraid to pray because he felt as though when he did, things got worse. Have you ever experienced this yourself? In what way, and how did you respond?
What was your favorite scene and why?
Which secondary character(s) would you like to have their own story?
Could you understand Caleb’s rift with God? How do you think you would have responded in his situation? What advice would you give to someone dealing with similar disappointments?
Which character did you relate to most and why?
Could you understand the pressure Kate was under to appear strong all the time? If so, how so? Is there anyone in your life who seems to do everything perfectly? How do you think he or she deals with the expectations?
Why do you think it took Kate so long to realize who the bandit was? Did you expect her reaction when she found out? Or did you envision a different reaction from her? If so, what did you envision?
When you interact with children in your life, what positive words of affirmation would you speak over them that could have an impact on who they are for the remainder of their lives?
We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired story.
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Chapter One
Another Christmas carol drifted through the airwaves and settled on Holly Stanwyck’s shoulders as she sat in her deserted shop. Normally the music would soothe her, but not today. She needed some customers to walk through the front door of ’Tis Always the Season and buy enough merchandise to pay for the day’s overhead expenses. Without being able to put out new offerings in the past few weeks, though, the odds of that happening were nil.
Taking a break from the computer, she opened her mail and stared at another past-due notice before she placed it in the manila folder with the others. The real meaning of Christmas and the reason for the store had died two years ago, along with her dreams of a happily ever after.
“Bah, humbug.” Holly never thought she’d utter those words. Fisting her palms, she rested her chin against them and stared out at the tree behind the wrought-iron fence, its bare limbs scarcely darker than the clouds spitting snowflakes. Even the cold marble pillars and structure of the courthouse in the center of the square seemed to shrink under the weight of the early November storm. She blew her wispy bangs from her eyes.
She missed her husband. The store had been his idea; a way to keep Christmas in their hearts all year round and a way to sell the hand-carved wooden crosses, ornaments, figurines and crèches he made in the workshop behind their bungalow, along with other Christmas merchandise. Only one of his masterpieces remained, and with Jared dead, no new ones would grace the shelves.
In a few moments, she regained her composure and breathed in the scent of cinnamon wafting from the candle on the shelf behind her head. It reminded her of her grandmother’s house in the suburbs of Chicago, and she envisioned Nana Marie’s soft arms cocooning her in comfort. There is nothing in life that you can’t handle, child. Just put your trust in the Lord, and everything will be all right.
Easier said than done. She didn’t believe anymore and only went through the motions for her twelve-year-old son, Cameron. Still, Holly Stanwyck was no quitter. She would not lose everything she and Jared had worked so hard for. The new business venture she’d thought of last night would work. Refocusing on the words on the computer screen, she felt hope blaze through her. She’d get caught up on her bills and give Cam the Christmas he longed for.
Where was Cameron anyway? She glanced at her watch and her heart sank. School had ended an hour ago. If he didn’t show up in the next few minutes, she’d have to close up the shop and go searching for him again.
The bell above the door jingled. Quickly stuffing the folder under the counter, she stood and plastered on a smile, hoping her customer wouldn’t see the desperation lingering in her eyes. “Welcome to ’Tis Always...” Her words died in her throat as the door shut.
A tall, dark-haired stranger stood behind her son, and the scowl on the man’s face didn’t bode well. Cam had obviously forgotten their numerous talks about stranger danger, even in the small town. But then again, from first impressions, she guessed Cam didn’t have much of a choice. Knots formed in her stomach. This wasn’t a social visit. What had her son done now?
The man’s drab olive military-style coat did little to hide his muscular frame and only accentuated his height. Snowflakes clung to his cropped dark hair and dusted his jacket, but a few hugged his long eyelashes, outlining incredible but unsettling sapphire-blue eyes. His lips had yet to break into a fraction of a smile. She straightened her shoulders, refusing to be intimidated by him as she concentrated on her son.
“Cameron.” She glanced at her watch again. “Where have you been?” Trying to keep the censure from her voice and keep her tone light, she failed miserably. “Thank you for bringing him back, Mr....”
“You’re welcome. It’s Pellegrino. Ethan Pellegrino.” He spoke as if she should recognize his name. His lips formed a straight line and fatigue bracketed his eyes. He took his left hand off her son’s shoulder and put it in his pocket, but not before fisting and then flexing his fingers.
Holly racked her brain but came up empty. She would remember meeting him, although his name did sound vaguely familiar now, as if she’d seen it written down somewhere in the recent past.
“Holly Stanwyck.” Holly had enough manners to jut her hand out. The man didn’t reciprocate. He stared at her outstretched hand and shifted his weight. How rude. Holly let her hand drop back to the counter.
After a few uncomfortable seconds, she picked up a pen and twirled it in her fingers. Glancing past his broad shoulders, she noticed the steady stream of snowflakes increasing outside the front window. More anxiety tightened the knots inside her. If the snow continued, she’d have to drag out the shovel by nightfall and, worse, drive in it. But that was probably going to be the least of her worries. What had Cameron done now that this Ethan Pellegrino had to bring him to the shop?
“Pleased to meet you, Mr. Pellegrino.” I think. She glanced at the frown hugging her son’s lips. “What’s going on?” Her words added another layer to the growing tension. Uneasy, she walked to the other side of the counter, put her arm around her son and pulled him to her. At the man’s immobile expression, her nerves threatened to dislodge the glass of water she’d drunk earlier.
“Your son should tell you.”
“Cameron?” Her son pulled away, hung his head and then kicked at an imaginary spot on the floor. “What have you been up to?” She clipped her words and tried to remain unemotional, but failed. Cameron had been getting into trouble a lot lately.
Who was this stranger residing in her son’s body? He looked the same with his unruly dark blond hair and blue eyes, but his attitude had gone south. She needed to get a handle on it because in the next year or so, he’d be taller than she’d be. And more opinionated and more uncontrollable. The pen in her hand bent under the pressure.
“I took the long way here.”
She ground her teeth as a scowl twisted Cam’s lips. “With Patrick?”
“Why do you care who I walk with?”
Her son’s new friend was bad news, but the more Holly brought that fact up, the more Cameron hung out with him instead of his other friends. Her grip tightened. She’d lost Jared two years earlier, and she was going to lose the store in a few months if things didn’t improve. She couldn’t lose Cameron, as well. “I care because I love you.”
Her son’s scowl deepened and he moved away when she tried to push his bangs from his eyes. “I don’t see why you won’t let me take the bus home after school. Everyone else does.”
Holly sighed, refraining from the age-old saying of asking if everyone jumped off a bridge, would he follow? “Because I’m not there, I’m here, and you didn’t want to go to the YMCA. And now there’s apparently a good reason you’re to come here, that’s why.”
“The YMCA is for babies. Why did Dad have to die?” Cam threw his backpack down and crossed his arms over his chest. “If he were alive, you’d be at home like Matt’s or Tyler’s mom.”
At least she understood where the anger came from now. Communicating with her son lately had been harder than talking to the accounts-receivable people trying to collect on her past-due invoices. “Cam—I...”
Ethan Pellegrino shifted his weight, reminding Holly they weren’t alone. Her shoulders sagged. Now was not the time to have a heart-to-heart talk with her son about the fact that even if his father were alive, she’d still work outside the home as she’d always done. She had no choice now, and once she faced the reality that the store would be going out of business soon, she’d have to find another job to pay her bills. She’d been a bookkeeper before and could do it again, but she’d deal with that later. “What were you doing that Mr. Pellegrino felt compelled to bring you here?”
“Patrick and I were having some fun.”
“Fun?” Holly sank against the counter and rubbed her forehead. Her shoulder muscles tightened, creating an instant headache. “You know I don’t want you hanging around him. Thanks for bringing him to me, Mr. Pellegrino. I can take it from here.”
The man crossed his arms, pursed his lips and glowered at her son. “Not until I hear him utter the truth about where he was and what he was doing.”
“Excuse me?” Holly shoved her hands onto her hips and bit back her anger as she glared at Ethan Pellegrino. Somehow she’d lost control of the situation. “You don’t trust that I can deal with whatever my son has done?”
