Romancing the Holidays: Twelve Christmas Romances - Benefits Breast Cancer Research

by Crista McHugh

  “I don’t know. Just a typical boy. I played baseball, rode my bike everywhere, hunted and fished with my dad. Stayed in my fort most of the time, a treehouse my dad built. Normal boy stuff.”

  “What about all the handyman skills? Where did you learn how to do that?”

  “My dad, mostly. He worked in construction. He built houses. Pretty much taught me everything I know.”

  “Sounds like you were a lucky boy.” She hesitated. “You’ve lived here all your life?”

  “I have.” He glanced at her. “Spit it out. Don’t hold back now.”

  “Well, it’s a small town. Not much here. I mean, its lovely, but have you ever wanted more?”

  “And there is the elephant in the room, isn’t it? Are you asking if I’m satisfied with my life?” He pondered her question for a moment. “I am, mostly. I’m content. My family and friends mean the world to me. You won’t find better people than the citizens of Wilson’s Hollow. I like fixing things and restoring things that otherwise would be thrown out. I like my simple life.”

  “I don’t know my father.” She dropped the statement like a rotten tomato. “He left my mother after he got her pregnant and never looked back.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  She shrugged her shoulders. “It is what it is. My mom blamed me for it. She wasn’t around much. She jumped from boyfriend to boyfriend. When I was 16 I bought an old camera at a pawn shop and the rest is history. I’ve been on the road ever since.”

  “Do you ever want more?” He knew it was a double-barreled question.

  “More? I’ve gained notoriety as a photographer, I have money, a beautiful apartment, and friends like Sara. What more is there?”

  “Love.”

  She pursed her lips, shaking her head. “Love. That happily ever after fairytale crap they feed you as a child?” Her brows drew closer, her face tightening. “I don’t believe in that stuff. I think we are attracted to each other and eventually it wears off. I watched it happen over and over.”

  “My mom and dad were married for 45 years.”

  “Then they are from a rare mold, my friend.”

  “Yes, I will agree with that.” He paused before continuing. “I’ve seen both sides of the coin, Lindsay. What I do know is you aren’t a product of where you came from. You aren’t your mother. Just because she didn’t have the wherewithal to commit doesn’t mean you don’t.”

  “I don’t want to, but if I ever do decide to settle down, I’m getting a dog.”

  “You’ve got quite the stubborn streak, Hot Shot.”

  “And you’re squishy in the middle, Mountain Man.”

  * * * * *

  Main Street made her feel like she had stepped onto the set of a Hallmark movie. The quaint little town had neatly painted

  and decorated mom and pop shops lit up for the holidays. The hardware store was apparently a place Luke frequented.

  “Heya, Luke. What can I get for you, this morning?”

  “Morning, Hank. Just general supplies this morning. I do need some 2x4s – Ten of those. Here’s a list of the other supplies. I need some more padding ordered for Nate’s studio too.”

  “You got it. Who’s this pretty little thing with you this morning?”

  “Hank, this is Lindsay McKay, a friend of Sara’s. She is visiting for a while from New York.”

  “Oh, you’re the one taking pictures for Sara of the inn, aren’t ya?”

  “That would be me, yes.”

  “Must be a big change from New York. You might just decide to stay.” Hank winked at her.

  “It’s lovely here, but I’m a city girl I’m afraid, Hank.”

  “That’s too bad. Luke would be a good man for you to call your own. No one better. Unless you are already married.”

  “Hank…” Luke warned.

  “What? It’s the truth.”

  Lindsay’s laughter at Luke’s expense filtered through the hardware store.

  “I’ll keep that in mind, Hank. Nice to meet you.” Lindsay threw over her shoulder as Luke escorted her out of the hardware store.

  “That was sweet.”

  “Not what I would call it. Moving on.”

  They walked down the sidewalk, Lindsay window shopping as they passed each shop.

  “Is that a one-hour photo store?”

  “It is. Cindy and her husband Stan own it. Why?”

  “I didn’t think those existed anymore. I could get some prints of the inn made from my USB. Do you mind?” Excitement danced in her eyes at the possibility of getting prints made for Sara.

  “No. I will just head to the diner and get a cup of coffee until you get there. Then we can order lunch. It’s on the corner up ahead.”

  She kissed his cheek. “Great! See you in a few.”

  Luke pulled back, clearing his throat.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…” Lindsay’s eyes averted to her boots, not looking at Luke.

  He tilted her chin, forcing her to look at him directly.

  “We’re in a small town. PDA of any kind, especially with someone like me that isn’t attached, will spread like wildfire. I’d bet money, Sara’s already received a phone call from somebody.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

  “Honey, you keep saying one thing, but your lips keep doing another.” He pulled her close to him right there in the middle of the sidewalk on Main Street. “If they’re going to talk, let’s really give ‘em something to talk about.” He bent her backward slightly, his arm supporting her as he kissed her thoroughly in front of God and the citizens of Wilson’s Hollow. “That should do it. I’ll see you at the diner.”

  He’d curled her damn toes. The man had curled her toes. No one had ever accomplished that before. Her fingers touched where his lips hand been moments ago, the sensation still tingling. She wanted him. No doubt about it. Why couldn’t he understand that it didn’t have to be anything more? Maybe she could convince him otherwise.

  She turned any entered the photo shop. Unsurprisingly, the shopkeepers had been looking out their front window at the spectacle Luke had just made them.

  “Hi, I’d like to print some photos.”

  “Of course, come in. I’m Cindy. This is my husband…”

  “Stuart. Yes, I know. I’m Lindsay, a friend of…”

  “Of Luke’s. Yes, we know.”

  She left the USB with them, asking for two copies of each photo. She couldn’t wait to show Sara the proofs. She would spend tomorrow going through them. She knew tonight there was a family dinner to attend. Walking to the diner, she took in the town gazebo across the street in a park. She could hear Christmas music playing. She felt giddy inside. How could you not be happy in a place like this?

  Entering the diner, she found Luke seated in a booth by the front window.

  “Find what you needed?” he asked, sipping from his mug.

  “Yes. I think we gave Cindy and Stuart a thrill too. They seemed quite excited.”

  A waitress scurried over. “Hi, hon. Can I get you something to drink? We make a wonderful homemade hot chocolate.”

  “Ah, you know what? That’s sounds wonderful.”

  “Marshmallow?”

  “Why not?” Lindsay thanked the waitress. “What do you recommend?” She picked up the menu.

  Luke wiped at his mouth with his napkin to hide his grin.

  “Someone seems to be enjoying themselves,” he observed.

  “Why wouldn’t I be? It’s almost Christmas. I’ve had a wonderful visit with an old friend. I’ve made new friends. Life is good. Now bring on the chocolate.”

  “What are you hungry for? The food isn’t fancy, but it’s good.”

  “I’ve eaten some strange things in my travels. Good food is a blessing. I think I just want a good old-fashioned burger. Loaded.”

  Luke looked over to the waitress and noticed the occupants of the diner grinning in their direction. He nodded, acknowledging their stares.

  “How many times a
week does Sara host family dinner?”

  “Uh, Sunday dinner is a given. Maybe one other time during the week. Not always. Why?”

  “Just wondering. They’re pretty close, huh…her brothers and her?”

  Luke’s shoulders shook with laughter. “You could say that. They almost murdered Nate last year when they found her in bed with him at his cabin.”

  “What? Why haven’t I heard this story? She’s holding out on me.”

  “Bring it up at dinner. It’s sure to ignite some sparks.”

  “You’re a trouble-maker.”

  “I never said I was an angel, Hot Shot.”

  “Could have fooled me, Mountain Man. I don’t think I’ve met one person that hasn’t sung your praises. I’ll bet you’d win citizen of the year if they did that kind of thing here.”

  “Three years in a row,” he told her with a straight face.

  “Oh, my God! Seriously? I knew it.”

  He couldn’t hide the mischievous grin that spread across his face.

  “Gotcha.”

  “I…you…” she burst out laughing. “I like that side of you.” She sighed heavily.

  “What side is that?” His eyebrows furrowed.

  “Your sense of humor. It’s quirky. It’s sarcastic. It’s unexpected. You’re unexpected.”

  Lindsay’s stomach flipped at his intense gaze. They were interrupted as the waitress brought them their food.

  “Here you are. Two burgers, loaded. One medium and one well done.” She set the plates down. “Can I get you anything else?”

  They shook their heads and dug in.

  Ketchup dripped down her chin as she savored the first bite.

  “This. Is. So. Good,” she mumbled through a mouth full of food.

  Luke took his napkin and gently wiped her chin. “Obviously.” He smiled at her enjoyment.

  They finished their meal and headed over to Luke’s mother’s house.

  “What are we stopping here for?”

  “I just check in at least once a week to make sure everything is okay. We lost Dad last year, so I just keep an eye on her. She says I don’t need to, but I do anyway.”

  “There’s another golden boy point for you. Keep racking them up,” she teased.

  He pulled the truck into the driveway of a brick ranch home centered in the middle of a neighborhood block. They entered through the side door into the kitchen.

  “Mom, it’s Luke,” he hollered to alert her.

  A small white-haired woman with bright blue eyes rounded the corner. “Hi, honey. How was the diner?” She spotted Lindsay standing behind Luke.

  “This must be the girl you were kissing on Main. Lindsay, is it? I’m Jenn, Luke’s mom.”

  She stepped forward, a blush creeping up her neck into her cheeks. Lindsay glared at Luke.

  “Minus ten points,” she mouthed to him.

  She turned to his mother, smiling. “Hello, Mrs. Davis. It’s so nice to meet you.”

  “Oh, please. Call me Jenn. Come in and chat for a few minutes while Luke does his weekly walkthrough. I tell him he doesn’t need to, but there is no stopping him. He has to check the toilets, the faucets, the door locks, and my fridge to make sure I’m eating.”

  “I think that’s sweet.”

  “Don’t get me wrong. He is a good son. The best, but I’ve been taking care of myself for 65 years. I keep waiting for him to show up with diapers.”

  “I’m not changing your diapers, Mom. I’ll pay someone to do it, but I promise you it won’t be me,” Luke hollered from the kitchen.

  Lindsay snickered. The mental image of him changing diapers was hilarious. Then the image changed to changing baby diapers. He was laughing and cooing. Luke would make a great father someday. Whoa. Where had that thought come from? Back up the baby train.

  “Tell me about yourself, Lindsay. I’ve already received several calls tonight asking if I know the woman Luke is practically making love to on Main Street. I was quite intrigued. I must say, now that I’ve seen you, I can understand why he might be kissing you. You’re gorgeous, but it is unlike my Luke to be so publicly affectionate. In fact, I don’t recall him ever doing anything like that.”

  “Your son was paying me back for my smart mouth and quick reactions, but I think it might have backfired on him,” she whispered, knowing Luke was listening.

  “Ah, he does have his father’s sense of humor. Tends to get him into trouble on occasion. Are you enjoying your visit with Sara?”

  “Very much. The inn is spectacular. I’ve enjoyed catching up and taking pictures of the beautiful scenery here.”

  “Wilson’s Hollow is a special place. I thought I would hate it here, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.”

  “You’re not from here originally?”

  “Oh, no. I was born and raised in Chicago. City girl through and through. Fate stepped in and brought Luke’s father and I together. My friends and I were on our way to the beach for a holiday. Our car broke down right here in Wilson’s Hollow. Met him at the same diner you ate lunch at today.”

  “What happened?”

  “We spent a week together, and I knew he was the one for me, but I fought it. My parents were against it. My father was a well-off business owner that wanted his daughter to marry a doctor or a lawyer. That’s what I thought I was supposed to do. It wasn’t what I wanted to do. I did go back home. For a month he wrote letters to me. My father kept them from me. I thought he had forgotten me. Then one day, he showed up at my front door. Said he would only ask me once. Didn’t know why I hadn’t answered his letters, but he had to hear me say it for myself. He said he loved me and wanted to marry me. If I said no, then I would never hear from him again.”

  “What did you do?” Lindsay was in awe of her story.

  “I ran into his arms and never looked back. We got married that day at the courthouse. I packed my bags, kissed my parents, and never looked back. They were angry for a long time, but when Luke came along, they couldn’t stay away. The rest is history, as they say.”

  What about the city? What about college? You never followed your dreams? You just got married and had a baby. That was enough?”

  “Sweetheart, dreams can change. My heart knew what I wanted. I could have done anything I wanted to. My husband wouldn’t have stopped me. He would have supported me. I chose to be a wife and a mother. It’s what made me happy. I found fulfillment in committees and school functions and charity work. That became my life’s work. I guess to you, someone who travels the world, it seems like a small dream.”

  “Maybe. I guess. I don’t know. I’m just having trouble wrapping my mind around it. My mother was never satisfied with anything.”

  “Ah, I see. Everyone is different. We all must find our own path. Sometimes our paths change. Mine certainly did.”

  Luke came back into the room.

  “Everything is in order, Mom. Sara asked me to invite you to dinner tonight. If you’re finished grilling Lindsay, we are going to head back now. It has started to snow.”

  “Tell Sara thank you for the offer, but I think I’ll stay in tonight. No reason to make you go out in this weather.” She kissed her son’s cheek and hugged him tightly. “Love you.”

  “And Lindsay, it was a pleasure chatting with you. I hope we can do it again before you leave.” She hugged Lindsay too. She whispered in her ear, “Not everything can be felt and seen through a camera lens, dear.”

  “I see what you mean.”

  Luke’s head cocked sideways, “About what?”

  “Your mother. She’s amazing. She’s a force to be reckoned with. I’ll bet you didn’t get away with much growing up.”

  “You would be right about that. She had eyes in the back of her head, plus all the busybodies around town. That’s one of the downfalls of living in a small town as a kid. You couldn’t get away with anything. Someone would call your parents before you even made it home.”

  “I can just imagine a little boy Luke riding up on his b
ike with his mom waiting for him.”

  “I finally got smart enough to figure it out, but not before a few spankings and weeks of being grounded.”

  The snow was falling in big white snowflakes as she picked up her photos, and they drove back to the inn.

  “How much are we supposed to get?” she asked Luke.

  “Six to eight inches overnight was the last forecast I saw. Not too bad.”

  “It’s something to watch, isn’t it? So pure and beautiful.”

  “Maybe, but it’s a bitch to shovel.”

  She giggled. “See. There it is again.” She turned toward him in her seat. “Thanks for today. I really enjoyed it.”

  “You’re welcome. I did too.”

  He opened her door for her to exit the truck and walked beside her up the steps. He opened the inn door for her to pass, but turned to step back outside.

  “You’re not coming in?” she asked in surprise. She wasn’t quite ready for their time together to end.

  “I’ll be in after I put these supplies in the shed.”

  Her soft, welcoming eyes pulled him in. He couldn’t resist her. With his free arm, he circled her waist and pulled her into him. He didn’t know who moved in first, but their lips met and held, soaking in the sweetness of hot cocoa and the flavor that was Lindsay herself – warm and spicy.”

  “See you at dinner, Hot Shot.”

  “It’s a date, Mountain Man.”

  Chapter 6

  Family dinners were loud and rowdy. Sara and Nate, Russell, Michael, Dan, his wife Cheryl and their year-and-a-half old son, Jacob, Luke and Lindsay sat around the dining room table. The massive stone fireplace was lit and providing a nice warmth and flow across the room.

  “When do you go back out on the road, Nate?” Cheryl asked.

  “Not until February. I’ve been working on new music. The new studio is working out great.”

  “I guess you two will find out if you can really stand each other then,” Michael threw in.

  “Ouch! What? What did I say wrong this time?” He rubbed his shin where Dan had kicked him under the table.

  “The only thing tearing me away from Sara is death, and I’m hoping we grow old in the rocking chairs out front.”