Christmas with the Marine

by Candace Havens

  He rubbed his hands together, clearly happy with himself. “Just so you know, Ains, I might have gone a little crazy. My engineering brain took over, but it’ll be easy for you to use.”

  Now she was nervous. Her neighborhood had rules, and if he’d gone too crazy she’d probably get cited. If he’d put Rudolph in her yard or one of those giant blow-up Christmas ornaments, they were going to have to have a chat. And he’d been so sweet. She didn’t want to disappoint him.

  But she also didn’t want to get fined by the homeowners’ association.

  She and Bebe followed him to the front yard. Jake was there, putting a ladder into his truck. “Thanks for helping out,” she told him.

  “No prob,” Jake said. “We actually had some fun. And it was interesting to see the way Ben’s mind worked.”

  “How so?” Ainsley asked.

  “Ben can do anything with a bunch of wires and some electricity. He’s a magician. Wait until you see.”

  They all talked about how smart Ben was, not that she’d seen anything to the contrary. But he wasn’t a showoff about it. They’d talked about books, the world, music, politics, but he was never a snob about anything.

  “What happened to Brody?” she asked.

  “Mari called, so he headed home. She’s due any day, so it’s better if she isn’t alone a lot of the time. And she was hungry. I swear, I had no idea a person could eat so much.”

  “I guess it’s true about eating for two,” Ainsley said. Still, she believed Mari was gorgeous. “I hope she’s doing okay.”

  Jake shrugged. “Brody didn’t seem too worried. He’s like a mother hen around her. So if he’s not worried, I’m sure she’s fine.”

  “Are you ready?” Ben asked. He was on the porch now, holding an iPad.

  She nodded, curious to see what they’d been doing all afternoon.

  He handed her the iPad. “I made it easy for you. All you have to do is push the button on this app. Go on, just push the button and you’ll see.”

  It was silly, but her hand was shaking a little.

  She did as he asked and then gasped. It was beautiful. He’d used white lights to outline the architecture of the house. The rooflines and windows, as well as the columns. They’d even wrapped the chimneys. Wreaths had been hung over each of the windows. It was simple and beautiful, like something out of a winter wonderland. It couldn’t have been more perfect for the home if she’d designed it herself.

  “I love it.” She turned and threw her arms around him, squeezing him tight. “Amazing. It’s everything. I can’t even thank you.”

  On each side of the porch he’d put two Christmas trees with matching lights. It was a scene from a postcard. All they needed was some snow and it would be Norman Rockwell worthy.

  Not that snow was a possibility in Corpus, unless it was the fake kind.

  “I’m glad you like it,” Ben said, looking relieved. He’d been worried she wouldn’t like it? Oh, that made her heart beat even faster.

  “I was kind of afraid it might be too much. But we were having a blast. The lights go off automatically at midnight. Or you can turn them off with the iPad. And they come back on at seven p.m. It gets darker in the winter. That way, you don’t have to worry about it. I know how busy you are.”

  “Ben.” She brushed her fingers across his cheek. “I’m so happy. You totally got me and what I wanted. You really are a true hero. But with wires, like Jake said.”

  “Jake, perhaps we should leave these two alone,” Bebe said. “This looks like it could get X-rated soon.”

  “Shh,” Jake said. “Let’s just tiptoe away.”

  “Relax, guys.” Ben turned her so they were both facing the house. “I promised Mari we’d drive by their place later so you can see her blue lights. We used part of the white ones Brody had bought to finish off the roofline. He said there’s no need to pay him since I helped him out. You’ve got a very big house.”

  “I can’t believe all the work you put into this, and you did it in a few hours. It’s wonderful,” she said, starting to sniffle. I will not cry. I will not cry. I will not cry. It was all the kindness that was getting to her. It was one of the reasons she loved her business so much because it was focused on giving.

  But Ben had given her the greatest gift. And he always talked about how busy she was, but he worked just as hard, and often more hours. A couple of times she’d caught him doing work on his laptop when he thought she was asleep, and he was up and at the base in the morning before she’d even thought about waking up.

  “I don’t think anyone has ever done something this nice for me.” She hugged him.

  He pushed her hair behind her ear. That was his thing, and every time he did it, she fell a little bit harder.

  This man gave her all the feels.

  “This was a new one for me. I’ve never had a house with Christmas lights. When I was growing up we lived in apartments. I got Mom the house a couple of years ago, but I can’t remember if she decorates. Like I said, it’s been a long time since I’ve been home for the holidays.”

  “You bought your mom a house?”

  He shrugged. “I thought I told you that. She’s paying me back. I don’t want her to, though she insists now that she’s got a good-paying job as a charge nurse. Anyway, I like doing things for you.” His voice grew husky and then he stepped back.

  He’d bought his mother a house. And this was his first time home for Christmas. It made her want to bake him cookies and put up a tree. Hmm, maybe not the baking. She was dangerous in the kitchen. But the tree—definitely. She was so taking him to buy a tree. And maybe one for her place, too.

  She’d meant to ask him about his apartment. If maybe he wanted her to come there sometime.

  “Jake wanted to put a giant plastic Santa on the roof, but I drew the line there.”

  She laughed. “Thank you for that.”

  “Hey,” Jake said, jumping in. “There’s nothing wrong with Santa. Santa’s a classy touch.”

  “Yeah, dude, if you say so.” Ben grinned. “Jake did have a good idea for later, that is, if you have time.”

  “I thought we were eating dinner?”

  “After that,” Ben said. “I know you aren’t a fan of heights, but we thought it might be in keeping with the season to go and look at Christmas lights.”

  She frowned. “I’m confused. Why would I have to be afraid of heights for that?”

  “We want to take you and Bebe up in one of the Apaches. I’ve got to get some flight time in this weekend, and it might be fun. Bebe, what do you say?”

  Helicopter. Big sigh. She’d been in one in Hawaii, but it hadn’t been her favorite experience. In fact, it was one of the reasons she hated flying in general. She did it, but she wasn’t a fan.

  On the other hand, Ben seemed so excited and she didn’t want to disappoint him. And there was the fact that this was his work and he wanted to show it to her. Yup. That was just plain sweet.

  Suck it up. She hugged him again to delay her answer. Just say yes. But she couldn’t quite form the words. Sweat trickled down her back.

  “I don’t know about Blondie. She’s not a fan of flying, but I’m in,” Bebe said. “I’ve never been in a helicopter and certainly not a military one. Sounds like fun to me. And Christmassy. All these lights make me a little homesick for London.”

  Her mouth opened, but still the yes wouldn’t come out. Ainsley usually considered herself brave. She wasn’t afraid of anything—with the exception of helicopters. Planes, she could shut the window shade and pretend she was in a safe tiny capsule. But with helicopters there were windows everywhere.

  “I promise, we’ll make it a smooth ride,” Ben said. “You won’t even realize we’re in the air. The weather is perfect, not too windy or cold. And we’ll be up for maybe forty-five m
inutes max. Come on.”

  She squeezed him hard. “Okay.” He was so happy and she didn’t want to be the buzzkill.

  That’s when she realized she’d do anything for him just to see that smile.

  The thought scared her. It was a slippery slope if she wasn’t careful. She refused to be like her mom sometimes, giving in to her dad’s whims. But Ben had done so much for her, she wouldn’t let him down.

  Not tonight. Relationships were about compromises.

  And she refused to be ruled by fear.

  “It’ll be a blast.” She didn’t think she sounded very convincing.

  He gave her another one of those smiles. Mmm-hmm, she’d do just about anything to make him happy. And that might be scarier than the promise of any helicopter ride.

  * * *

  AINSLEY WAS NERVOUS. That much was obvious. He hadn’t realized just how bad her fear of heights was. As they ascended, she squeezed her hands so tight, her knuckles were white.

  He was beginning to wonder if maybe they should have eaten after their little excursion.

  “I swear, it will be the smoothest ride you’ve ever had,” he said over the headset.

  Her eyes were clamped shut, but she nodded. Dang. He’d hoped this would be enjoyable for her.

  “Woo-hoo. This is bloody brilliant,” Bebe said from the backseat. The Brit and Jake had been giving each other a hard time, but their bluster was all an act. They were getting along great.

  “Any time you want to go back, just say the word,” he told Ainsley. “I can get my hours in tomorrow.”

  “No.” She coughed and then cleared her throat. “It’s fine. Really.”

  He grinned. “Might be easier for you to see the lights if you open your eyes.” He held the copter low over the gulf so she could see the lights all across town. He’d never seen anything like it.

  He watched as she peeked with one eye open and then the other.

  “Oh,” she said. “That’s cool. I mean the rotor blade thingies are kind of loud, but it doesn’t even feel like we’re moving.”

  He laughed. “I’m holding us steady right now, but I’ve been taking it slow, and at this altitude with no wind, no issues.”

  She glanced out at the scene ahead. “It’s so-o-oo pretty. I’m glad you made me come.”

  “So what happened to make you afraid of flying? I know you’ve traveled the world. You’re maybe the only person who’s been to more places than I have.”

  “Travel was my means of escape. I spent a lot of time with my professor grandmother, studying different cultures during her summers off from college.

  “The last time I took a helicopter ride was in Hawaii three summers ago. When we went over one of the volcanos, something happened. We dipped down low and just when I thought we would crash, the pilot pulled the helicopter back up. But I was pretty green by then, and that pilot was lucky I didn’t puke on his shoes.”

  “You don’t have to worry about that with this one,” Jake said, pointing at Ben. “He’s one of our best pilots, and if we were going to crash you’re in the safest hands possible.”

  Ainsley’s hands balled into fists again.

  “No crashing tonight,” Ben promised. “No wind shears, which is probably what happened in Hawaii.” He shot a glare to Jake.

  His friend shrugged and mouthed, I’m sorry, man.

  “We won’t have any air currents or volcanos to worry about,” Ben assured her. “We’re good. Ainsley, you know I won’t steer you wrong.” He meant those words on all levels, though he wasn’t sure if she was hearing anything at the moment. She still seemed panic-stricken.

  “You can let go of your hands, Ains, and maybe breathe a little before you pass out.”

  “I feel so dumb,” she said. “People do this all the time.”

  “Not really,” he told her. “It’s a different kind of flying experience. And it takes a bit of getting used to. You should see some of the grunts on their first flights. Nervous as all get out. But the more you do it, the easier it gets. At least that’s how it is most of the time.”

  “Thanks for being so patient,” she said.

  He caught her watching his hands work the controls, so he explained what he was doing. Her shoulders dropped and her breathing was finally normal.

  He inched the bird forward, slowing as they flew over the beach houses and into town. He circled downtown and then took them back to the base.

  As he was landing, a big smile lit up her face. “That was way better than the last time,” she said. “I might want to do that again. And I’m so proud of you. You’ve been doing this a long time, sure, but it’s one thing to know what someone does, and it’s quite another to actually see it in action. And then I was thinking, wow, you do this under fire, with unbelievable stress because it’s life and death. You’re incredible.”

  He laughed. “I don’t know about that. I’ve had a lot of good training, and the team I’m a part of is second to none.” Once he landed the copter, he jumped out and went around to open the door so the others could exit. He helped Ainsley and Bebe. Jake could handle himself.

  “Did you like it, Bebe?” When they’d been up in the air and he’d glanced back to ask Jake a question, he noticed his friend’s hand on top of hers. He wondered what that was about. Hopefully, Jake was just keeping her calm, though Bebe didn’t seem to have a problem flying. The last thing he wanted was his best friend upsetting Ainsley’s business partner and closest friend. Jake was a “love ’em and leave ’em” kind of guy.

  Then again, that’s the way Ben would have described himself until a few weeks ago. It was weird having someone he felt so connected to, who’d been there for him. Made him nervous in a way, as if he had something to lose. Strange how it was so hard to even think about what his life had been like before he’d met Ainsley.

  He wasn’t even sure if he could do more, meaning, formalize their relationship. Although he’d sort of been watching Brody for that. What his friend and Mari had was about as strong as it came. Pretty much looked like they put each other first. That was the trick. His job, which was still important to him, had always been the focus of his life. But now, he could see how maybe it would be possible to put someone else ahead of all that.

  After checking on a couple of maintenance issues, and making sure the paperwork was in order, he headed out to the truck, where his friends had said they would wait for him.

  As he neared, Ainsley was watching him from inside the cab. There was a smile on her face, but something else in her eyes, something he couldn’t quite define.

  He stepped up into the truck. He was about to turn on the ignition when she reached for his hand. Leaning across the console, he kissed her. They were lost in each other for a good two minutes, before something niggled in the back of his brain.

  They had an audience. He reluctantly pulled away, surprised neither Bebe nor Jake had said anything.

  He glanced over his shoulder, and that’s when he noticed that Jake and Bebe weren’t there.

  “Hey, where did they go?”

  Ainsley grinned and shook her head. “You just now noticed?”

  “My eyes were on you, babe.”

  “Good answer, Marine. Jake said he had one of his motorcycles here and asked if she wanted to go for a ride. It’s some kind of British one and she was all excited about it. Also, I think she might be a little sweet on Jake. He’s not hard to look at.”

  They were passing the guardhouse, and Ben stepped on the brake. “You think Jake’s hot?” He wasn’t sure how he felt about that.

  “Settle down. No one is as hot as you. But Bebe was doing her thing.”

  “What thing is that?”

  “She gave him a hard time, and then she got quiet. That means she might like him. Though, with her, it’s hard to tell sometimes. S
he can be a real ballbuster, but she’s also one of the kindest human beings I know. I’ve never had a better friend. And she’s like you in the sense that she’s not dazzled by the fact that my family has money.”

  Ben turned the truck onto the main road leading to the highway. “I’m not sure I should say this, but Jake’s not really, uh, boyfriend material.”

  She laughed. “Way to throw your friend under a bus. Listen, she’s not looking for Mr. Right. She just wants Mr. Right Now. She’s not the settling-down type, either. But she usually goes for supersmart nerdy guys.”

  Ben shrugged. “Well, he might be pretty, but he’s not stupid. Jake actually designs a lot of the drills and almost every component of the combat exercises.”

  “Hmm. You wouldn’t get that from a conversation with him.” She slapped her hand over her mouth. “Wow. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean that the way it came out. He just doesn’t seem to take life too seriously. He’s always making jokes and teasing.”

  She was right. Jake wasn’t one to brag about how bright or capable he was, unless it was with the team and they were offering some kind of challenge.

  “Promise me if something happens between them, it won’t affect us.”

  They were pulling up in front of her house. The Christmas lights were on and he was pretty proud of himself.

  “It won’t,” she said. “Bebe’s a big girl and after what happened with Jake last week, I’d think he’d be a little gun-shy when it comes to women.”

  “Ains, you can’t keep a good Marine down. And Jake’s a great Marine. Might have been good for him to get taken down a peg or two. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard of a woman turning him down.”

  “You coming inside?” She gave him a shy smile.

  “You’ve had a long workday. Are you sure you aren’t too tired?”

  She pursed her lips as if she was thinking. “I was earlier, but after watching you fly... I could use a little extracurricular activity.”

  “Like volleyball? Or maybe badminton?”