Blush Duo - Marriage Under the Mistletoe & The Christmas Inn

by Helen Lacey

  “And when will your survey work be finished? Have you still got internet access?”

  “I don’t know. Scott, why are we even doing this survey if Advantage plans to sell the inn?”

  “I explained that to you at the salon. They want to be able to tell any potential buyers that the inn is operationally sound, that it’s a turnkey operation with no hidden problems.”

  “Wouldn’t the potential buyer want to do their own evaluation?”

  “Of course, but this is Angus McAndrew we’re talking about. He’s a perfectionist to the core. Marnie, I needed this done yesterday. I want Advantage as a client, and this is their test. If I deliver for them, I’m going to get a whole lot more business from them.”

  “You have lots of business already.”

  “In case you haven’t noticed, there’s a recession going on out there in the world. Companies are cutting back, spending less, and it’s affecting us as much as anyone.”

  Marnie wanted to help her brother, she really did, but she couldn’t hurt Luke in the process. “Scott, I hate staying here under false pretenses. These people are kind and caring, and I’m spying on them.”

  “Not really. You’re simply doing a survey of their operation.”

  “Without telling them!” she said, exasperated that he didn’t seem to understand what was going on with her. But how could he? She hadn’t told anyone how much she cared about Luke. She hadn’t even told Luke, for that matter. She drew in a deep breath. “I’m coming home as soon as the roads are cleared, which may not be for another day or so. But as much as I don’t want to do your survey work, I will try to finish it before I leave.”

  “Thank you so much. I really appreciate it, sis.”

  She got off the phone. What if she didn’t make it home for Christmas? What if she ended up staying right here with Luke? No family pressures, no list of things to do to prepare for a party she didn’t want to attend and no hiding from all the questions directed at her over her sale of Total Elegance. It sounded like a dream.

  Feeling an urgent need to get out of the room, away from her mixed-up feelings, she pulled on all the warm clothes she could wedge under her winter jacket and started downstairs. She reached the bottom and, not being able to see her feet with all the layers she’d bundled on, she aimed her cumbersome body at the front door, then tripped, only to be caught up in Luke’s arms.

  * * *

  “WHOOPS!” LUKE STEADIED HER, feeling the heat of her body through the bulky clothes she was wearing. But her bulky clothes couldn’t hide her appeal. What he wouldn’t give to spend the rest of the day with her, without any distractions....

  But that was wishful thinking, and there was no room for it in his life…at least for now. “Where are you going in such a hurry?”

  Her eyes were looking straight into his, her breath coming in short gasps.

  “I’m going outside to see if I can help them shovel. I need the exercise and I want to be useful.”

  Reluctantly he let go of her, already missing how she felt in his arms. “You’re just the person I’m looking for,” he said, recognizing the hidden truth in that statement. “I need a favor.”

  “Sure. Anything.” Her eyes were wide with concern as she pushed her cap back from her face.

  “Lindsay’s in labor, and there’s no chance we can get her to a hospital. Dr. Pearson and his wife are going to have to deliver a baby here and probably in the next few hours.” The emotion of the moment momentarily choked him up. Lindsay was the sister he’d never had and if anything happened to her… “It would be great if you could watch Ethan. The staff, and many of the guests, are busy shoveling snow or getting some rest so they can work again tonight. The snow has grounded helicopters, the road is still blocked and there’s no choice but to deliver the baby here. It would mean so much to me if you could care for Ethan at least until after the delivery.”

  She pulled off her mitts and took his hand in hers, her fingers gentle against his skin. “I would love to do that. And if there’s anything else I can do, please tell me.”

  Her eyes were warm and caring. He was exhausted, worried and needed to be cared for. “Thank you.”

  Her lips worked as if searching for the right words while her gaze never left his face. They stood there, sharing a moment of deep understanding, which left Luke feeling reenergized. She put her arms around his neck and hugged him to her, a hug meant to ease his worry, and it did. But it was also a hug that told him she cared, that she would be there for him. He held her tight against him, seeking her warmth, her reassurance, and for that instant he didn’t feel alone, stranded in some emotional wasteland.

  “Where is Ethan?” she asked.

  “Playing Lego in the apartment. I’ll walk you over.”

  “No. I’ll find my way. You go do what you can for Jack and Lindsay. They need you.”

  “I will, and thank you.”

  “Luke, I know you’re worried. They’re your friends, and if there’s anything I can do…”

  She left the offer unfinished, but he knew from the deep concern in her eyes that she meant what she’d said. That she understood how hard it was for him to face the possibility that, should anything go wrong with the delivery, there was no one to call that could assist them. That Lindsay and her baby were facing an uncertain few hours, and all anyone could do was wait and hope.

  For the first time in his career as a manager accustomed to dealing with people, he had no words to express how he was feeling, as emotions he’d lost touch with rose through him. In just a few words she’d lifted his spirits, and offered him hope that everything really would be okay.

  He was the first to walk away, not because he wanted to but because he needed to escape from the sure knowledge that he felt closer to Marnie than to any woman since Anna. He longed for that deep feeling of closeness, that mutual contact that said so much without a word being spoken.

  CHAPTER NINE

  MARNIE WATCHED LUKE LEAVE, resisting the urge to go after him. She’d seen the pain in his eyes, and felt a connection to him that made her heart rise in her throat.

  A baby was about to be born in an inn that was completely cut off from the outside world, and all that stood between success and complication was a retired obstetrician and a former nurse, a duo who had no instruments to work with and no other qualified person to call on to help. She shivered.

  Thank heavens Luke hadn’t asked her to help with the birth. She’d be about as helpful as a kite in a windstorm. But she was good with children, thanks to all the time she’d spent babysitting her brothers’ children. She hurried on down the corridor toward the apartment, peeling off her layers of clothing as she went. She found Mary with Ethan—who’d taken over the entire living room with Lego blocks—under the supervision of Henry, who met her at the door with a joyful bark.

  “Thanks for coming so quickly,” Mary said, an expression of relief on her face. “You’ll probably be with him for the rest of the morning or longer. One of the men is shoveling the snow away from the garden doors that open onto the patio, and when they’re done, you can take Ethan outside for a while. His snowsuit, mitts and boots are on the chair by the door.”

  “We’ll have fun, won’t we, Ethan?”

  “Yep,” Ethan said without looking up.

  “And I’ve got to run. If we’re about to have a new baby in our midst, I need to get to the attic and find some of Ethan’s clothes.”

  “They didn’t bring any with the
m?” Marnie asked.

  “No. I suspect Lindsay was so anxious to be with Jack last night, she didn’t think of bringing baby clothes. It really isn’t a problem as Anna saved all of Ethan’s baby things. Luke asked me to go to the attic and find some newborn things. I’m sure there are cloth diapers, receiving blankets and a bassinet as well up there. Anna and Luke had planned to have a second baby real soon.”

  “They must have been so happy,” Marnie said.

  “They were. Luke has been so lonely these past years, while his parents are off traveling the world, blinded by their selfishness. Those parents of his, what a pair!” She snorted. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to unload on you.”

  “Not to worry. I’m here to provide whatever help I can.” She gave Henry’s ears a good rubbing, and was rewarded with doggy groans of delight.

  “I hope you don’t mind me leaving you like this.”

  “Not at all.” Marnie shed her outdoor clothes, aware that she was inside Luke’s private home. “Don’t worry. Ethan and I will do just fine. Right, Ethan?”

  Ethan smiled his father’s smile as he came toward her, trailing a huge misshapen hunk of blocks. “I made a truck,” he said in a proud voice.

  “Is this a truck?” Marnie inquired, kneeling down to the little boy’s level.

  “Yes! You can help.” Ethan nodded as he passed her his attempt at a Lego truck and went back to the pile of blocks. “Here.” He pointed to the Legos.

  “Okay, let’s see.” Marnie sat on the floor, taking in the sight around her. There were toys scattered everywhere. Luke had turned his apartment’s living room into a playroom.

  She spotted a table next to the propane fireplace. On it were several framed pictures. Curious to know what Anna Harrison looked like, Marnie rose and went to the table. Her eye was immediately drawn to a photograph of Anna, her long dark hair held back by silver combs, as she sat holding Ethan, a beautiful blue afghan wrapped around his infant body, her face resting against her son’s cheek, a look of complete happiness lighting her face.

  The photos all held so much joy, so many poignant memories for a man who’d lost his wife in the days leading up to Christmas. And now, with Christmas so near, how sad he must feel.

  She tried to imagine what he’d lived with the past three years. Her own family had had it so easy. Her brothers were all happily married with eight beautiful kids among them. Except for her accident, life had been good to the McLaughlan clan.

  Ethan raced across the room, nearly knocking over the photo display. “That’s me.” He pushed his finger against the glass of the closest photo.

  “Aren’t you handsome.” She ruffled his hair, and he grinned up at her.

  “Okay, let’s get back to work,” she said, returning to the huge mound of blocks.

  Ethan knelt beside her, his eyes wide with interest. “I want a snowplow, too.”

  “Let’s see what we can do.” Marnie began assembling the pieces to build something resembling a snowplow as Ethan lugged over his half-finished truck, but her mind was on Luke and his friends, and whether or not they had delivered a baby yet. How must it feel to be having a baby under such circumstances?

  Would she ever have a baby? She’d always believed that fate would determine whether or not having children was in the cards for her—after she finished proving to everyone, including herself, that she had what it took to succeed in business.

  But as she worked side by side with Ethan, seeing the enthusiasm with which he hooked each block together, she wanted this—all of it—in her life.

  Ethan gave a huge sigh. “I’m thirsty.”

  As if on cue, Henry got up and ambled toward them from his spot at the door.

  “Then let’s get you something to drink.”

  She followed him into the kitchen to find him standing with the fridge door open next to the cold shelves, his hands on a bottle. “Can I have apple juice?”

  She lunged for the fridge, and lifted the glass bottle of apple juice from his eager fingers in the nick of time. “I’ll pour it for you.”

  Before she could close the fridge door, he’d opened the cupboard next to it and took out a plastic cup. “These are all mine.” He waved at the array of plastic cups and plates, along with spoons and forks that were available for him to choose from. What a great idea, having everything Ethan needed where he could reach it. She poured his juice, which he drank noisily, and then they returned to his Lego.

  An hour later he requested a peanut-butter sandwich for his lunch, and showed her where to find the bread, peanut butter and jam. Marnie made one for herself as well, and they ate together at the kitchen table with Henry looking on hungrily. With lunch over, they continued building with such intensity that Marnie lost track of time.

  Suddenly, Ethan stood up. “Let’s go,” he yelled, heading for the door.

  “Hey! Wait for me,” she called, picking herself up off the floor and chasing after him.

  “I want to go out.”

  Henry got up again, wagging his tail so hard his whole body shook. Ethan buried his face in the dog’s neck. “Henry can come with us,” he announced.

  “You mean out in the snow?”

  He nodded vigorously, a large curl bouncing on his forehead.

  “Okay, then we need to get your snowsuit on, and your mitts and hat—”

  “No!” Ethan scowled and cocked his tiny fists on his hips. Henry barked in support of Ethan’s cause.

  “Ethan, it’s too cold to go out without your snowsuit on. Look, I’m going to put on my mitts and hat and jacket.” She pointed to the pile of clothes on the chair by the door.

  “Not me.” He pouted.

  “That’s too bad. You stay here then, and I’ll take your truck and snowplow outside.”

  “No! I want to come with you.” Henry yawned and ambled toward the door, looking up expectantly at the doorknob.

  She knelt down and gently held Ethan’s tiny shoulders in her hands. “If you want to go outside with me, you have to get dressed.”

  He dropped his chin to his chest.

  “It’ll be so much fun. There are huge drifts of snow out there.”

  His head snapped up. He leaned closer, peering into her face. “Can I shovel?” he asked in an enthusiastic whisper.

  “You sure can, but first we have to get our outdoor clothes on,” she said, mustering her most persuasive tone of voice.

  He grabbed his snowsuit and dragged it over to her. She helped him get dressed and put on her outdoor clothes, then followed him out of the apartment. Ethan lugged his Lego truck and snowplow out to the patio, Henry trailing after him. Ethan whooped in delight as the falling snow hit his cheeks. Someone had shoveled out a huge section of the patio that was rapidly refilling with snow. Ethan went over to the corner of the patio, and put his Lego creations down on the snow-packed ground.

  He tried moving them through the snow, but they kept getting stuck. “You help,” he ordered, and she squatted beside him.

  After a few frustrated moments of trying to make the Lego truck haul snow, Ethan gave up. “Dump truck.” He pointed to the opposite corner, and Marnie realized that his metal dump truck was probably buried where he’d left it the day before.

  “Okay, give me a minute.” Down on her hands and knees she used her hands to dig away the snow from the spot where she estimated his truck should be. Henry joined her, snorting as he buried his nose in the cold snow.

  “I’ll help you.”
Ethan rushed over and fell into the huge drift she was working on, squealing as the snow rose in a cloud and rained down on him.

  He climbed out of the drift and wrapped his arms around her neck, laughing. Henry barked in delight as he circled them. Then Ethan pushed back and held her cheeks in his hands while he peered into her eyes. “I love you,” he whispered, his cold nose pressing against hers.

  Her heart stilled and her breathing stopped. Tears pooled under her eyelids as she fought back the feeling she’d long buried. Who could wish for more out of life than to hear those words spoken by a child? “I love you, too, sweetie,” she said, smiling at him as she brushed snow off his hat and kissed his cheek.

  “Okay.” He wiggled out of her arms—the moment over—and began digging for his dump truck once more.

  Accompanied by Henry’s enthusiastic barks, they dug together, and finally Marnie discovered that the ground beneath where she was working was dirt and not patio stones. “We’re nearly there,” she said to Ethan, who let out a whoop and began digging harder. They were both on their hands and knees digging rapidly when Marnie heard a familiar voice.

  Ethan stopped. “Daddy!” he squealed, and backed out of the corridor of snow their digging had created. Henry shuffled past Marnie in hot pursuit of Ethan.

  “I figured I’d find you here.”

  “Up,” Ethan ordered.

  Wouldn’t you know? I’m on my knees with my butt in the air when the man of my dreams returns.

  Marnie backed out of the tunnel and stood, swiping at the snow crusted on her pants and jacket as she glanced up into Luke’s face.

  “I see Ethan has put you to work and Henry’s assisting.”

  Luke had circles under his eyes, his hair uncombed, and his smile was one of weariness. But he’d never looked more handsome, more human or more vulnerable. Seeing him this way did something to her. She let the feeling flow over her, warming her soul. “Yeah, they’ve kept me busy, but it’s been fun. It’s so pretty out here.”