Marry Me at Christmas (Fool's Gold)

by Susan Mallery

  “I still love you. But you might want to be thinking of a way to explain it all. If you want to see him again.”

  Oh, no! Madeline hadn’t thought that part through. For a second she considered asking Shelby to turn around, but changed her mind. She needed to think. She needed a little space and she really needed to change her clothes.

  “I’ll send him a text,” she said.

  “That’s romantic.”

  “Hey, what about being on my side?”

  Shelby drove into Fool’s Gold. “You don’t get to have attitude this morning, missy. I closed the bakery and drove up a mountain for you. Remember that.”

  Madeline smiled at her. “I will. Forever.”

  * * *

  Jonny read the text again. It was simple and to the point. I freaked. I’m sorry. Can we talk later?

  He supposed he could be pissed, but in truth, he appreciated the honesty in the message. Last night had been unexpected—for both of them.

  He’d already showered and had breakfast. Now he wandered through his house and tried to figure out how it could feel so empty. Madeline had been with him less than forty-eight hours. There was no way she could have had such an impact on him or the place. Yet here he was, walking around as if he were a lost puppy.

  He checked his email, then flipped through the script Madeline had read the previous day. It would be a departure for him. Something no one expected. He told himself that stretching was good, and if he failed, he could always make Amish Revenge 3.

  By noon he couldn’t stand his own company. He drove into town and parked by Paper Moon. He walked toward the store, reached the door, then turned away. Madeline was working. They had nothing to say to each other that couldn’t wait. He wasn’t some sixteen-year-old kid after his first date.

  All of which sounded logical, but didn’t take away the need to see her. Finally he turned in the other direction and began walking.

  Snow was piled up high everywhere. The streets and sidewalks were cleared and the temperature had climbed high enough that the sound of music, car engines and conversation was accompanied by the steady drip-drip of melting snow. Figured a blizzard would be followed by a warm-up.

  He headed for the lake, then walked by Morgan’s Books before stopping at Plants for the Planet. Knowing he was fifteen kinds of an idiot, he walked inside.

  Ten minutes later he was going back the way he came, but this time with two dozen red roses. Talk about a cliché. Worse, he knew he was grinning like a fool and he couldn’t stop. Nor did he seem to care.

  He pulled open the door to Paper Moon. Madeline was with a client and the first thing he heard was the sound of her laughter. She and a bride were trying on different shoes with a fitted dress that flared out at the bottom. The bride, a pretty brunette, teetered in four-inch heels while Madeline offered her arm for support.

  “I want to be taller,” the bride said with a laugh.

  Madeline grinned. “I get that, but how much do you want to be able to walk?”

  “You’re saying I have to pick?”

  “It’s that or move the wedding to Happily, Inc., and have the Cleopatra wedding where you’re carried in on a palanquin.”

  “A what?”

  “The seat with the four guys carrying it on poles.” Madeline dimpled. “Sometimes it’s a crossword clue.”

  The bride wobbled and started to go down. Jonny rushed for her and caught her just as she slipped. He was careful to keep hold of the roses with his other arm.

  Both Madeline and the bride stared at him.

  “Wow,” the bride said. “You look a lot like some actor... I can’t think of his name.”

  Jonny winked. “I get that all the time.” He helped the other woman back on her feet. “Mind if I steal Madeline for a second?”

  “Go ahead. I’m going to stand here and will myself to grow two inches taller.”

  Madeline hesitated, then nodded. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Take your time. I’m going to try on all the shoes again and pick my favorites.”

  Madeline looked at him. “Give me one second.”

  She hurried into the room that held the bridesmaids’ dresses, then returned with a straight-back chair. She set it next to the other woman.

  “Hang on to this. I don’t want you falling.”

  “You’re so sweet. Thank you.”

  Madeline smiled at her, then turned to him. “My office?” she asked.

  He followed her down the hallway. They stepped into her office. He closed the door and faced her, even as he realized he had no idea what he was going to say. Not that it mattered because, at that moment, speaking was highly overrated.

  He put the roses on her desk and pulled her close, then kissed her. He was relieved when her arms came around him and she hung on as if she had no plans to let go. His mouth settled on hers and he felt the familiar heat and desire pouring through him.

  There was something about being with Madeline, he thought, his blood pooling in his groin and his mind shifting from why he was here to what they could do on her desk. Some sexy combination of how she turned him on and how he liked being with her, regardless of what they were doing.

  But this was her office and she had a client waiting, so he reluctantly drew back.

  “I’m sorry,” she said quickly, her blue eyes searching his face. “For what happened this morning.”

  “You freaked,” he murmured, remembering her text.

  “Yes. I woke up and we were naked and I didn’t know what to think. Being with you was great.” She bit her lower lip. “But confusing.”

  Because she’d been scared, he thought, her actions suddenly clear. They were friends and she was helping him with his sister’s wedding. But there hadn’t been any definition of what they meant to each other. They weren’t dating, so this wasn’t the next logical step.

  “I’m not seeing anyone else,” he told her firmly. “I’d like to be seeing you.”

  Her mouth curved into a smile and color stained her cheeks. She looked at him as if he’d just defeated an entire galaxy of invaders.

  “Really?”

  He kissed her again. “Yes, really.”

  “I’d like that, too,” she whispered.

  His chest tightened a little. It had been a long time since having someone want to be with him had mattered. Since he’d cared this much. He liked knowing that part of his heart wasn’t completely dead.

  “I brought you roses,” he said, motioning to the flowers. “I went traditional.”

  She picked them up and breathed in the scent. “They’re beautiful. Thank you.” Her expression turned wistful. “I’d love to talk but I have to get these in water and I have a client.”

  “I know. I’ll see you later?”

  “Yes, please.”

  He started for the door, then turned back. “We’re dating. Exclusively.”

  The smile returned. “I got that.”

  “I’m confirming. I don’t want some tourist coming in here and sweeping you off your feet.”

  “I don’t get a lot single guys coming into the store.”

  “That’s not the only reason I worry.”

  She sighed. “You make it very hard to resist you.”

  “Good.”

  He walked out of Paper Moon. The sun was out, the snow a brilliant white. Everywhere he looked, there were Christmas decorations and happy people. Some called out greetings. He returned them with an easy smile. Today was going to be a great day.

  * * *

  Madeline raised her glass of iced tea. “We salute you,” she said with a laugh.

  Noelle giggled as everyone toasted her victory in the annual holiday window display contest. “We really worked it,” she admitted. “Gabriel and I have been planning the windows since August. Josh gave me a run but we hung on.”

  Every year the businesses in town competed for the best holiday decorations. Well, not all the businesses. Madeline and Isabel had discussed joining the competition, bu
t then had agreed neither of them were all that interested. Noelle and Josh were locked in a fierce competition and getting between those two would require way too much effort.

  Instead, Paper Moon went for quiet, seasonal lighting and a couple of glittery snowflakes. Their customers seemed happy, the season was celebrated and no one was caught in the competition crossfire.

  Bailey put down her glass. “I had no idea you were so competitive. It doesn’t show at all.”

  Noelle sighed. “I’m not usually. There’s just something about the window display contest that gets me going. Maybe because it’s only at Christmas and I have the Christmas store in town.”

  Taryn looked at her. “I think you’re hiding a killer instinct. You need to channel it into something safe or we’ll all be in trouble.” She raised her eyebrows. “I know. Isabel is having triplets. You could compete with that.”

  Noelle winced and held up both hands. “No, thank you. I surrender. Isabel wins. One at a time is plenty for me.”

  Isabel touched her rapidly growing belly. “I’m not sure this is a victory so much as an endurance sport. I’m torn between counting the days until I’m no longer pregnant and terrified of what life is going to be like with triplets.”

  Madeline knew that Isabel’s mother and mother-in-law would be there 24/7, if that was what she and her husband wanted, but she also understood her friend’s dilemma. Three babies at the same time? When was she supposed to sleep?

  Shelby leaned close. “All this talk of babies is making me want to insist on bottled water. Something is going on with the birth rate in this town.”

  Madeline chuckled. “You know it’s not in the water, right? I mean, do we have to have another talk about the birds and bees?”

  “Very funny.” Shelby looked at Madeline’s phone. “Oh, look. You just got another text.”

  Madeline felt herself blush. She’d left her phone on the table, but had turned off the sound. Silly, really, but Jonny texted her a dozen times a day. Fun little messages that he was thinking of her or telling her about how negotiations were going on the Dean Woodley project. It was day two of dating Jonny Blaze and she had to say that, so far, it was pretty terrific.

  Last night they’d gone out to dinner and then he’d stayed at her place. It had been magical. Now she glanced around the table to see if anyone was paying attention.

  “No one knows,” Shelby said quietly. “I haven’t said anything.”

  Madeline saw that Shelby was right. Everyone else was talking and no one had noticed the text or her friend’s teasing comments.

  “I’m just not ready to go public,” Madeline admitted. “I don’t know what people are going to say.”

  “They’ll be happy for you.”

  She nodded, but on the inside she was wondering if they would all be questioning what he saw in her. She wasn’t famous or beautiful or exotic. She was an ordinary woman living in a small town.

  Larissa hurried into the restaurant and joined them. “Sorry I’m late,” she said, plopping down next to Taryn.

  Taryn looked at her. “Let me guess. You were doing something for Jack.” She turned her attention to the table. “I love that Jack has found his career one true love in coaching, but to hear that one talk, he’s saving the world.”

  “Starting a football program at Cal U Fool’s Gold is a big deal,” Larissa said, “but that’s not why I’m late.” She reached into her large tote and pulled out postcards. “I was picking up these.”

  She handed one to Taryn first, then passed the rest of them around the table.

  Madeline saw it was a “save the date” card for the surprise anniversary party Larissa was throwing for her husband. “Valentine’s Day 2016,” she read aloud.

  “What day of the week is that?” Shelby asked.

  “Sunday,” Larissa and Madeline said together.

  Shelby shook her head. “I guess Larissa would know that because it’s the day of her big party. How do you know it?” Her expression brightened. “Oh, it’s a wedding gown thing, right?”

  “Uh-huh. Valentine’s Day is very popular with brides. I know the date of every significant holiday in 2016, not to mention every Saturday from May through September.”

  “All the women in my life are impressive,” Taryn said with a happy sigh. She turned to Larissa. “Big party?”

  Larissa grinned. “Only the best for Jack.”

  “Dear God, you’re renting out some stadium, aren’t you?” Taryn leaned over and hugged her friend. “If it makes you happy, then it makes me happy, too.”

  Madeline watched everyone chat with Larissa. Talk turned to other weddings and upcoming events. Taryn looked at Madeline.

  “So,” she said. “About Jonny Blaze.”

  Madeline froze. How had Taryn figured it out so quickly? She knew Shelby hadn’t said anything, which meant what? They’d been spotted together? Madeline had the obviously “I’ve been having amazing sex with a fantastic guy” glow?

  “He got in touch with me this morning,” Taryn continued. “He said he’s willing to donate a bunch of toys to the drive, but they aren’t ready and that you would know about them. That they need to be painted first?”

  Madeline’s relief was immediately followed by guilt and panic. In all the excitement of taking things to the next level with Jonny, she’d totally forgotten about the toys. So while the world didn’t know they were having sex, she was a horrible person for not following through on Christmas gifts for needy kids.

  “I forgot,” she said, pressing a hand to her chest. “Oh, no. Children aren’t going to have toys because of me.”

  Taryn pulled her phone out of her handbag and entered her password. “Don’t be silly. No one’s Christmas is going to be ruined. We’ll organize a paint party. Let me look at the Sprouts’ calendar to see what’s what. We have an activity day planned already. It’s only a couple of days before the end of the drive, but it can’t take that long for paint to dry.”

  Shelby was already texting. “Let me check with Destiny and Starr. I’m sure they can help.”

  Bailey was on her phone, as well. “I’m sending myself a note. Taryn, once you get the date and time nailed down, I’ll put out the word in town. Madeline, let me know how many more people you’re going to want. Eventually, we’ll hit the point of diminishing returns.”

  Madeline swallowed against the tightness in her throat. Of course, she thought with relief. She wasn’t in this alone. There was no way her town was going to let children be disappointed on Christmas. She could screw up and someone would always be around to help her figure out a way to make it better. She still had to deal with the fact that she’d forgotten about the toys, but that was for later. Right now the more important problem had been fixed.

  She promised to talk to Jonny about the work area where the toys were so they could decide how many people would be helpful and at what point there would be too many hands to be efficient. Conversation shifted to more personal topics. Isabel teased Taryn about what designer something Angel would be getting her this year while Noelle and Bailey discussed the best brunch casserole for post-present-opening Christmas morning.

  After lunch, Shelby walked out with Madeline.

  “You okay?” her friend asked as they crossed the street.

  “Still feeling horrible about forgetting the toys.”

  “You know the problem’s going to be fixed, right? You aren’t the Grinch.”

  “I was so caught up in the guy that I let something important go.”

  Shelby waited until they were on the sidewalk before facing her. “Stop beating yourself up. Honestly, when was the last time you were this crazy about someone?”

  “I can’t remember.”

  “Exactly. So enjoy every minute of it. It’s the holidays. You’re allowed to have a good time. The toys will get painted, children will be happy and you still get to have hot monkey sex with you-know-who.”

  Madeline hugged her friend. “You’re a very nice person.”
<
br />   “So I’ve been told.”

  They started walking again. Madeline unfastened her jacket. “It’s really warm. I can’t believe that two days ago we were in the middle of a blizzard. It has to be at least fifty degrees.”

  “It’s very strange weather,” Shelby said. “The weather guy said it was going to stay warm through tomorrow and then we get sideswiped by a polar vortex. So there’s still a possibility of a white Christmas.”

  “I hope we get at least a light dusting. The kids always love that.” Not to mention how beautiful Ginger’s wedding would be.

  They reached Paper Moon. Shelby smiled. “You okay? I don’t have to worry that you’ll be beating yourself up all afternoon?”

  “I have a couple of appointments, so I won’t have time for major guilt. But I will probably still have a little self-loathing.”

  “As long as it doesn’t go on too long. You’re a good person, too. It’s okay to mess up once in a while. Everyone still loves you.”

  “Thanks.”

  Madeline went into the store and walked to her office. After hanging up her coat, she turned to her desk. Sitting next to her keyboard was a small gold box. She recognized it as coming from the local candy store.

  Inside was one perfect, dark chocolate truffle. Her favorite kind. There wasn’t a note, but she knew who had delivered the sweet to her. Because Jonny was nothing if not thoughtful.

  Talk about hard to resist, she thought as she put the truffle in her desk drawer. How was she supposed to keep things light when every time she was around him, he got better and better?

  If only... If only he wanted something more. An impossible dream, she told herself firmly. Even if this was Christmas, and a time for miracles.

  TWELVE

  “YOU KNOW YOU don’t have to be here, right?” Madeline asked in a low voice.

  Jonny grinned at her. “I can’t help myself. It’s better than reality television.”

  “It’s a meeting about the Live Nativity. How is that compelling?”

  “I want to hear the discussion on which animals will be allowed. Plus, who knows what Eddie and Gladys will get up to.”

  “You so need to get back to work.”