by Helen Lacey
“What do you say, men? Do we take this opportunity to trust Marnie’s good judgment?” Gordon asked.
“Well…I’m still in need of a little convincing,” Alex said. “This inn has to be worth a few bucks, my guess is a couple of million. Are we ready to split that among the four of us? If we’re going to treat Marnie like any other investment, and not our sister, we’ll also need to know what plans they have for the inn.”
“Just so you know, Luke and I would be willing to look at other sources of funding to make up any shortfall.”
They all began speaking at once, and after the noise died down, Scott said, “We’re ready to talk about your plan, and of course we’ll have to see the proposal in writing, and the price you settle upon once you’ve put in the offer. We’ll also need to meet Luke. What’s his last name?”
“Luke Harrison.”
“And what do you know about him, beyond his personal appeal, obviously?” Alex asked.
“You’ll have to wait until we come to Boston to find out. Until then I want you four to think seriously about this. I’m fed up with your attitude where I’m concerned. Put your money where your attitude is, no strings attached, or I’ll go elsewhere.”
Aware of the silence on the other end of the phone, she sought Luke’s reassurance. He immediately put his hand in hers, his touch warm and intimate. “I didn’t mean to sound so harsh, but I deserve a chance to be happy like you guys, don’t I?”
“You do,” Scott affirmed.
“Absolutely,” the others chorused, much quieter now.
She imagined them texting one another while she waited, and whatever they were saying had to be pretty lengthy, given how long it seemed since they’d spoken to her. She could almost hear the comments that would be made around the dinner table tonight in her absence. “Hello, anybody home?”
“Marnie, tell you what. We’ll agree to fund your venture on one condition,” Scott said.
Her gaze flew to Luke. He tucked her under his arm, holding her close, and her confidence came flooding back. “What’s that?”
“You and Luke have to come to Mom and Dad’s the day after Christmas. We need to meet your new family.”
“But only to meet him. No trial by the brotherhood, promise? No grilling him about his sports-team likes and dislikes, no arm wrestles.”
Luke laughed.
“Is that him we hear in the background?”
“Yes.”
“Put him on,” Alex said.
“Not until you promise to behave yourselves.”
“Marnie, we won’t do anything to Luke. We only want to welcome him to the brotherhood,” Scott teased to grumbled assents from the other three.
She held the phone out to Luke. “They want to talk to you, but if they give you any trouble—”
“Leave them to me. I’ve always wanted a few brothers of my own, and this lot will probably do,” he said, chuckling as he took the phone.
Marnie listened to Luke’s side of the conversation, which seemed to consist mostly of “yes” and “no” and “love to.” But if his eyes were an indicator of what her brothers were saying they hadn’t managed to offend him. She let out a long sigh of relief and snuggled closer to him, listening contentedly.
“They want to speak to you one more time,” he said, looking so handsome and adorable.
She took the phone. “Okay, what is it now?” she asked, trying to maintain her usual snappy dialogue when it came to the fearsome four. Yet she was still a little worried, as they’d never given in like this before.
“We’re going to see you in two days’ time. We’ve also arranged to take your man to a hockey game in Boston in January, so you can relax. And now, Mom and Dad are waiting for us to get started on our Christmas Eve dinner, so we’ll talk to you tomorrow,” Alex said. “And Marnie, merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas,” the others chimed in.
“Merry Christmas, and see you soon—”
A huge lump rose in her throat, tears pricked her eyes. She wouldn’t be there to celebrate with them, and suddenly she felt so guilty. She was torn…then she felt Luke’s hands massaging her shoulder, his fingers so gentle. She glanced his way to see his eyes focused solely on her.
“I love you,” he whispered.
She held the phone against her chest, her heart thudding so hard she was sure her brothers could hear, but they’d understand. She had finally found the man for her, and the life she’d been searching for, and she had no intention of ever letting anything come in the way of her happiness.
“Tell Mom and Dad I’ll call later this evening.”
“Got it,” Scott said. “See you soon, Marnie. And merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas,” she said, and clicked her phone closed.
“We can leave for Boston right now, if you want,” he offered.
“But Ethan needs to be here. Santa’s coming tonight,” she said.
“Santa will be wherever Ethan is, trust me.”
As tempting as the idea was, she couldn’t do that. As lonesome as she was right now, she would never do anything to ruin Christmas for Ethan or for Luke, or for the staff here at the inn.
She took a deep breath. “No, I want to spend Christmas here with you.”
* * *
LUKE WAS FASCINATED by Marnie’s conversation with her brothers. His few minutes of conversation with them had made it clear how much they cared about her. He also understood what able adversaries they’d be if anyone ever tried to harm their little sister.
All of it left him wishing he had a family like hers, that he had a brother or sister he could call, especially now at Christmas, when he had so much happiness to share, and Ethan needed family. He hadn’t heard a word from his parents but they were probably on their way to Australia.
“What now?” she asked, swiping at her damp cheeks, her face turned to the tree. Leave it to Marnie—the woman he loved was too proud to let him see her tears.
“Turn around,” he whispered. “Look at me.”
She turned her head to meet his gaze. “Defending my right to choose the man in my life is not easy for me. I have a spotty record where men are concerned, and my brothers never miss a chance to remind me.”
“Your brothers love you.”
“So they got to you, too,” she said, doing a passable mobster imitation.
He couldn’t help but laugh. “They did. You’re one lucky woman to have a family who cares so much.” He pulled her close to him, reveling in how good she felt in his arms. “And since I’m about to spend the rest of my life with you, your spotty record is history. I’m going to see to that.”
“I’m really looking forward to watching you.” She blinked back tears. “And these are tears of joy, I might remind you.”
He wanted to make love to her more than anything, but Ethan was bound to come roaring through the door any minute with Mary in tow. He settled for kissing her, feeling her body melt into his. But once he started, he couldn’t resist the touch of her hands on his chest, her breath on his lips, the heat of her body pressed to his. He nuzzled her neck, and let his hands roam over her breasts taking pleasure in her sudden gasp. Breathing hard, he stroked her hair, the light from the Christmas tree highlighting the glow in her eyes. “Starting now we are going to have a life together. That means I want you to share your feelings with me, the good and the not so good.”
Her fingers played with the gold chain at his neck. “Expressing my feelings has alwa
ys been a bit difficult for me.”
“But I want to know how you feel, how I make you feel. Promise me?”
Her voice thick with emotion, she murmured, “I promise.”
He heard the door open, followed by Ethan’s animated chatter, and moved back, pulling Marnie to a standing position. “Darn, and we were just getting started.”
“The other member of the family has arrived.” She eased away and peeked around him, looking for Ethan.
Mary entered the room, a look of surprise on her face. “You both look so…natural there in front of the tree, but I’m afraid I have to run. One of the guests spilled wine on the carpet in his room, and we’re really busy with getting all the guests settled and the Christmas getaway activities going.”
“Not a problem, Mary, and thank you so much for babysitting Ethan. Marnie and I’ll take it from here. I’ve got Francine’s sister coming to look after Ethan during dinner tonight.”
“Oh, that’s the other thing I needed to tell you. She called while you were meeting with the people from Advantage to say she’s ill. I could come back and stay with him if you like.”
“Absolutely not. You’re here all the time as it is. Leave it with me. I’m sure there’s someone in the village who’s available.”
“Dad!” Ethan tossed his winter jacket on the floor by the door, and raced over to the tree, his face alight with enthusiasm, his cheeks a bright pink.
Luke picked up his son, his cool cheeks and scent of outdoors filling his nostrils. “You’ve been outside playing, haven’t you?” he asked.
Marnie pulled Ethan’s hat off his head, smoothing his curls.
Ethan leaned back in his father’s embrace. “I made a snowman. He’s this big, with a carrot for a nose.” Ethan spread his arms wide, bumping Marnie’s cheek.
“Hey, easy there, big guy.” Luke’s eyes met Marnie’s.
“No damage to report,” she said, grinning as she took Ethan’s fingers in hers.
Ethan frowned. “Why you not go outside with me?”
“I was talking with your daddy. I’ll go the next time, I promise.”
“Now?” Ethan asked, his head coming to rest on his father’s shoulder, filling Luke with an unfathomable ache. How was it that until Ethan’s arrival in his life, he’d believed he had experienced all love had to offer? Yet loving Ethan was so different, so intense—an all-encompassing love that never failed to surprise him.
“It’s time for dinner and bed, my man,” Luke said, holding his son close.
Ethan lifted his head off his father’s shoulder, squinting as he pulled at his father cheek. “Can I have mac and cheese?” he asked.
“Don’t you eat anything else?” He hitched Ethan farther up into his arms.
“Hot dog?” Ethan asked, pulling at his father’s nose.
“I can make either,” Marnie said.
“Mac and cheese it is,” Luke said, lowering Ethan to the floor.
Luke and Ethan followed Marnie into the kitchen where Ethan promptly climbed into his favorite chair and watched expectantly as Marnie moved about the space.
Oh, man, how I miss this.
Emotion clogged Luke’s throat. He scrubbed his face to prevent Marnie from seeing the tears threatening to overcome him.
Who’s the one hiding their emotions now?
Thankfully, Marnie was busy at the stove. He settled into a chair at the table and soaked up the comforting feeling of having her there with him, moving about the kitchen as she fixed Ethan’s dinner.
Marnie placed Ethan’s plate in front of him and sat down at the table across from Luke.
“What are you going to do about a babysitter for tonight with Francine’s sister ill?” she asked as they watched Ethan devour his meal.
Checking his watch, he was appalled to discover that the Christmas Eve dinner would be starting in less than an hour and he didn’t have a babysitter. “Oh, no, I forgot! Let’s see. I have a list here of possible sitters.” He reached behind him to a drawer where he kept the phone book, and began to scan the list.
“Why don’t I stay with Ethan?” Marnie asked.
“Don’t you want to go to dinner with me?”
“I do, but we’ll have lots of dinners together in the future. Besides, It’ll give me a chance to get to know the new men in my life a little better.” She gave him an impish smile.
He had no intention of leaving her out of his plans tonight. He’d had a hard day and needed her with him. “Not an option. I’m not letting you out of my sight.” He searched the phone book, and retrieved two names and numbers, and began dialing. To his dismay, neither babysitter was available. Of course not, it was Christmas Eve. Who’d want to babysit tonight? “I should have done better than this. How could I not have had a backup plan?”
“It’s been a busy day, and you’ve had a lot on your mind.”
“But I wanted to take you to dinner,” he said.
“I understand, but we can’t do anything about it now.” She checked the kitchen clock. “And you have to get dressed.”
As much as he hated to agree, she was right. “On one condition. You’re staying over tonight.”
“Are you sure that’s what you want?”
“Why wouldn’t I want it?”
“We… Our relationship…it’s new. It’s Christmas Eve—”
He placed his hands on her arms. “Marnie, it’s what I want. I’ll get Max to make you a special dinner, and I’ll bring a bottle of champagne for our private celebration after I’m finished with my hosting duties.”
She brushed her hair off her face, her glance skipping to Ethan. “Okay, but we have a very special mission tonight.” She nodded in Ethan’s direction. “Getting ready for Santa,” she mouthed over the scraping sound of Ethan’s spoon over his bowl.
“More!” Ethan held out his spoon and bowl to Marnie.
She scooped out more pasta from the pot on the stove and topped up Ethan’s apple juice. “We’ll have lots of time to celebrate when you get back.”
His heart shifted in his chest as he followed her to the stove and pressed his lips along the nape of her neck, his body responding in a very obvious way. “I’d better get out of here before I do something that will have Ethan talking for weeks.”
“Mmm. That feels wonderful,” she sighed, leaning back into his arms.
“Don’t tempt me,” he warned.
“Hurry back,” she said, turning in his arms and pulling his face down for one last kiss.
Not wanting to leave, he held her for a few minutes longer. “Oh! Forgot to mention. I’ll have another man with me when I return. Henry is probably still in his bed behind the reception desk, but he likes to spend his nights with Ethan.”
“Henry likes cookies,” Ethan announced triumphantly, and they both laughed.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
MARNIE WAS AWASH IN FEELINGS she couldn’t describe as she watched Luke stride out of the kitchen and down the hall toward his bedroom. It was as if she had finally come home, as if being here with Luke and Ethan was the most natural thing in the world.
She waited for Ethan to finish his dinner and then cleaned up the kitchen. Ethan asked a million questions about Santa—when was he coming, would his daddy be back when Santa got here and whether Santa would come into his room. She answered all of his questions, as best she could, only to have him come back to some of the questions again and again.
When she was done cleaning up, Ethan raced
into the living room, scooped up his jacket and searched his pockets. “I got the treat for Santa,” he said, waving a clear plastic bag containing a half-dozen cookies over his head.
“That’s great. What will Santa drink with his cookies?”
“Chocolate milk,” Ethan said with conviction as he eyed the bag. “I’ll give him just one cookie.”
“And who will get the rest?” she asked, knowing the answer.
“Me…and Henry.” He looked at her from under furrowed eyebrows.
Luke came down the hall, dressed in a tuxedo, and looking so handsome it made her gasp. “Wow! Now I wish I was going with you. I’d better dust off my club.”
“Your club?”
“All the better for beating off the women trailing after you,” she teased.
Luke laughed. “What women? There are no single women here, remember?”
“You’re a sitting duck if you believe that married women aren’t tempted.”
“You could always send Ethan to ward off the women,” he joked.
“I’m not sure your guests are ready for rocket man, and besides he’s got a previous engagement with me.” She tousled Ethan’s hair.
“You can read to me,” Ethan announced, his head bobbing as he raced off to his room and returned with an armload of books.
Ethan dropped his books on the coffee table and held his arms out to Marnie. She picked him up. “I guess I’m reading.”
Once he was settled in Marnie’s arms, he leaned toward his father. “Love you, Daddy.”
He kissed Ethan’s cheek. “I love you, too.” He leaned toward Marnie and kissed her on her lips, a lingering kiss that had Ethan squirming in protest.
Luke put his hands on her shoulders, sandwiching Ethan between them. “Don’t let him go to bed before I get back, if you can help it.”
“I don’t think that’ll be a problem. We’re in the middle of negotiations over whether Santa should have all the cookies, or whether Ethan and Henry should have some of them. I see a sugar high in his future.”
