The Single Dad's Holiday Match

by Tanya Agler

“And that will make everything better?” she asked. Her grin was her way of letting him know they were back on track.

  “It’s coffee.” He grinned too and held one out to her. “Coffee makes everything better, especially when it’s Deb’s from The Busy Bean.”

  Mr. Whitley cleared his throat. “Ms. Novak, a word.”

  He motioned they should move away from the rest of the group.

  “It seems as though you have a strong group behind you, Ms. Novak.”

  “Isn’t that the point of a community center, sir? To bring the community together?”

  Mr. Whitley pushed up his glasses to the top of his nose. “It is, and I’m as dedicated to the community as you are. You’re not fired, Ms. Novak, but I expect to know every detail of what’s happening from now on.”

  “Our weekly staff meetings are Friday mornings at eight. Betty bakes a sausage casserole that we all love and devour.” Brooke raised her chin. “If you come and take an active role, you can have a corner piece. Then you can stick around and ask me whatever you want to know rather than asking others to pass you information.”

  A long pause followed. Perhaps she’d be repacking that one book after all.

  “I’ll ask our cook to make a kringle,” he said. “It’s a special pastry she only does during the holidays. I expect to start at eight sharp.”

  He strode toward the automatic doors and tipped his hat to the group. The doors parted for his exit, and a hush fell over the crowd until Mitzi tapped her watch. “This emergency meeting of the Matchmaking Mimosas is called on account of work. We’d best return to our jobs.”

  Betty smiled at Izzy. “I think we’ll see if there are any leftovers from this morning’s cooking class. A full stomach will help you rest better.” She glanced at Jonathan. “If you don’t mind?”

  He smiled in return and shook his head. “You read my mind.”

  Brooke was so relieved. The distance between her and Jonathan that seemed like a million miles had now narrowed to only the few feet that separated them. They met in the middle.

  Jonathan swept her hair off her shoulder. “I like your style. Actually, I like you.”

  “A minute ago, you said you love me. Now you only like me?” She let out a nervous laugh at her lame attempt at humor. It was hard to be funny when her stomach danced the dance of a thousand hippos.

  “I like you enough to leave Mike behind when he offered me the detective position.” Jonathan sipped his coffee.

  Her heart leaped, and it was wonderful to have it beating strong once more. “You got the job? Wait, you walked out on Mike?”

  “I told him and Aidan I had a pressing matter. Considering they both have strong relationships with their wives, they’ll understand why I left and won’t hold it against me.”

  She placed both coffee cups on a nearby table before stepping toward him, her promise on her lips but even more in her heart. She closed the gap and kissed him. A minute later, her favorite taste, coffee, lingered on her lips. “So that’s what it’s like to kiss and make up?”

  He laughed and pulled her close once more. “I guess we’ll have to fight every once in a blue moon. In the meantime, I’d like to kiss you, and often.”

  Kisses for every occasion, all of them cementing how grateful they were that they had found each other. Her heart swelled with love for this funny man who showed her life was more than a job and home was more than a destination.

  Hollydale had once been her destination, but now its people filled her life with bonds and what she felt would be lifelong friendships. No longer was she the scared girl who couldn’t stand up for herself when people whispered behind her back. Now she was the loved woman who stood up for herself, surrounded by the people who’d taken her in and shared their strength, not to mention their family, with her.

  And she couldn’t wait to end each day with those kisses.

  EPILOGUE

  THE NIGHT SKY twinkled with stars that were only half as bright as the faces surrounding him. The dipping temperatures meant a fire in Jonathan’s recently constructed stone pit in the backyard and was perfect for Christmas Eve.

  “Dad, what happened to hot chocolate by the tree?” Izzy grumbled and settled into a chair closest to the fire.

  “It’s our first holiday with Brooke and Colin.” Jonathan assembled a s’more for Izzy, taking care to break it into chunks she could eat with only one hand. “And I built this pit with Colin’s help. Thanks, Colin.”

  He handed the teenager the ingredients for him to make a s’more and he did so, using extra chocolate. Brooke smiled. “I think the fire pit is romantic and sweet.”

  “I like it, too.” Vanessa licked the chocolate remnants off her fingers. “Can I have another one?”

  “No. Too much sugar, and you’ll never go to sleep.” Jonathan hid his smile at the thought of her staying up since he’d planned on proposing to Brooke later tonight by the tree.

  Though they’d only known each other two-and-a-half months, tonight was the perfect time. The few short weeks they’d been dating only confirmed what he knew in his heart. The tree lighting in the town square, Vanessa’s holiday pageant, Colin’s playoff game where he scored the winning basket at the buzzer—every day he’d fallen more in love with the woman sitting across from him. He loved how she made every minute count. Besides, anyone who could convert Mr. Whitley and Izzy to her side had to be someone special.

  “Then is it too early to unwrap presents?” Vanessa sat on the edge of her seat.

  Jonathan shook his head. “Let’s enjoy the beautiful night. Izzy wants to finish her s’more. There’ll be enough time for the two of you to open a gift before you go to sleep.”

  “Vanessa, you know we always get the pajamas tonight. Tomorrow’s the good stuff.” Izzy set her paper plate with the rest of her treat on her chair.

  Colin scarfed down his s’more. “Mom and I are bringing over our gifts to you guys in the morning. I’ll warn you now, Mom takes pictures of everything.” He licked his fingers.

  “But Vanessa and I asked Brooke, and she said we can give these to Daddy tonight.”

  She reached under her chair and pulled out two wrapped rectangles.

  “You didn’t have to get me anything,” he told them.

  “We didn’t get you anything. We made these.” Vanessa jumped up and stood by his side. “Rip off the paper.”

  He opened the packages and found two paintings of connected hearts. Brooke came over and joined them. “This was their Heartsgiving project.”

  Misty-eyed, he held the canvases close to his heart. “Thank you, Izzy and Vanessa.”

  “Look closely at mine, Daddy.” Vanessa plucked out the one that was hers and held it in front of him. The light from the fire was enough for him to make out the details.

  “Why are there five hearts?”

  “One for each of us, plus one for Brooke and one for Colin.”

  “You included Mom and me?” Colin’s throat bobbed as Vanessa nodded and showed him the canvas.

  Jonathan choked up at how his daughter had acknowledged what he’d almost lost. At least he’d come to his senses. Last weekend he’d asked Colin and Mitzi for their blessing. Mitzi even agreed he could come back to her salon, muttering something about no nephew of hers getting married with a mullet.

  “Yoo-hoo! Is everyone back here?”

  Speaking of Brooke’s aunt, she and Owen popped around the corner, waving a present and bringing Daisy to enjoy the fun. “Merry Christmas.” Mitzi glanced at Jonathan, then at Brooke’s hand. She let out an exaggerated sigh and rattled the gift. “We brought the family a little something. Champagne.”

  “Thank you.” Brooke ushered her aunt to her vacated seat and accepted Daisy, who slobbered on her with dog kisses as if they’d been separated forever.

  Jonathan rushed to get Owen a chair, sitting him next to
Mitzi. “Would either of you care for a s’more? We have more than enough to go around.”

  “Thanks, but I’m full of Ashleigh’s country fried steak with all the trimmings. Owen’s daughter can cook up a storm in the kitchen.”

  “Hello? Is everyone in the backyard?”

  Aunt Tina and Uncle Drew entered the yard, laughing, with his uncle holding several containers in his hands. He pointed to the kitchen. “If now’s a good time—” he sneaked a peek at Brooke’s hand “—and it is, I’ll put this soup in your freezer and be back in a few.”

  Daisy wriggled at the newcomers and traveled around the circle, waiting for people to pet her.

  “Anyone home?”

  Jonathan’s eyes widened as Betty and Joe arrived. What was going on? He hadn’t sold tickets for his Christmas Eve proposal. “Did you also hear about the s’mores?”

  “No.” Betty shook her head and looked at Brooke. “A little birdie told us...”

  “About the new fire pit.” Joe nudged Betty, who started nodding.

  “Yes, that’s right.” Betty waved her hand as if batting away her comment. Even with only the light of the fire, the bright red of her cheeks matched her holiday sweater.

  Jonathan rose and pointed to the shed. “I’ll be right back with more seats.”

  “I’ll help.” Colin jumped up and accompanied him.

  Jonathan located more chairs and handed one to Colin. “Here you go.”

  “What should I call you after this? Jonathan or Dad?” Colin’s gaze met his, and Jonathan saw his own acceptance of their burgeoning relationship mirrored there.

  “Brooke hasn’t said yes yet, but you know you’re family, right?”

  Colin’s chest puffed out. “It’s nice to hear it out loud. I’m getting two sisters, too.”

  Good to know Colin saw things the way that Jonathan did.

  No sooner had they arrived with two chairs for Betty and Joe than he rubbed his eyes as two more people appeared. “Fabiana? Hyacinth? What’s going on?”

  “On this most beautiful of nights, the family camaraderie of a fire pit and the munificence of our new community director led us here.” Hyacinth beamed and held out some mason jars of fruit. “Besides, I thought a few jars of my delectable peaches would bring much joy tomorrow morning.”

  Fabiana held out a carrier. “Carlos missed his flight, so I brought you his tres leches cake. I hope you enjoy it.”

  “Thank you.” His arms were full, and his pocket was heavy with the ring practically burning a hole through the fabric.

  Joe rushed over and accepted the cake carrier. “I’ll see if Drew’s okay in the kitchen.”

  Jonathan felt everyone’s gaze upon him. He didn’t need to use his detective skills to figure out what had happened. Mitzi spilled his secret to the Matchmaking Mimosas, and they all dropped by to see the ring.

  Except he hadn’t proposed yet.

  Brooke rose and picked up the mason jars. “You stay out here and enjoy your company.” Jonathan laughed as Brooke appeared to be the only one not in on the secret. She reached up and patted her cheeks. “Do I have chocolate smeared all over my face? Everyone’s staring at me.”

  “In the happiest sense possible.” It might not be the time he’d chosen, but it was sweet with their children and the Matchmaking Mimosas nearby. He dropped to one knee and brought out the small box with the amethyst and diamond ring he’d selected for her.

  She gasped.

  “Brooke Amber Novak, when I followed a lead in my investigation to the center, I met an unforgettable woman who challenged me to wake up the part of my heart I thought was gone forever. Since you started your new beginning in Hollydale, you’ve helped cement friendships to the point where people drop everything on Christmas Eve to support you and be in your corner, just as you’ve been for them. You’re humble and sweet and you put your entire self behind your promises. You’re my passion, my love, my life. Will you marry me? Join our family? Or, we’ll join yours?”

  She nodded, and everyone cheered. He rose and swung her around. All assembled crowded around to congratulate them as he slid the ring on her finger.

  Tonight was the first night of the rest of their future, one he looked forward to with a full and happy heart.

  * * *

  For more great Hollydale romances from Tanya Agler and Harlequin Heartwarming, visit www.Harlequin.com today!

  Keep reading for an excerpt from A Cowboy’s Hope by Mary Anne Wilson.

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  A Cowboy’s Hope

  by Mary Anne Wilson

  CHAPTER ONE

  Eclipse, Wyoming

  Mid-March

  Anna Watters had never been a risk-taker. She’d been methodical and logical in her plans and life decisions during most of her twenty-eight years. She set goals, made lists, focused on work, and seldom veered off that path. But, in one weak moment, she’d stepped sideways out of Chicago and way out of her comfort zone, and ended up in a storefront firm in a small town in northern Wyoming.

  She was sitting in a cluttered office looking across a large wooden desk at the only attorney in the Addison Law Firm, Burris “Burr” Addison. He was a patient man, from all she’d seen over her two-day visit, solidly built and maybe two or three inches over her five feet six inches. He looked to be in his midsixties, with thick gray hair and an impressive full mustache. Wearing jeans, flannel, Western boots, and with a black Stetson hanging on a hook by the door, he fit right in with the other people she’d seen around town.

  As nice as Burr had been, she found herself in an awkward situation. She had to make a monumental decision about her future as an attorney before she left for the airport in one hour. The thing was, she didn’t know what decision to make.

  Burr fingered a gold-painted horseshoe that acted as a weight on a stack of papers in front of him while he made small talk. Obviously, he was trying to give her time to make up her mind about the partnership he’d offered her no more than half an hour ago.

  “So, here we are,” he said and sat back. “And you’re flying out to Chicago soon.”

  “Yes, here we are,” she echoed, buying time. “I don’t suppose that horseshoe is solid gold, is it?”

  “It’s solid but not gold,” he said with a smile that lifted the corners of his mustache. “I assume you know about cold winters, coming from Chicago. But if you decide to take the partnership, you’re going to need enough warm clothes to carry you from September through May to survive around here.” He sat forward to rest his elbows on the desk, and his expression was a bit apologetic. “And boots, not heels.”

  Anna had always kept her professional wardrobe simple. Dark dress pants, two-inch black heels, a tailored shirt and her prized designer suede jacket, a gift to herself for passing the Illinois state bar exam. All she’d brought in her bag for her short stay in the town of Eclipse was two changes of the basics, both the same, except for the jacket. They had been appropriate for one of Chicago’s top law firms, but not around a town where flannel and denim took front and center.

  Maybe her hairstyle fit in, long and brown, pulled straight back from her face in a single braid that fell halfway down her back. It wasn’t fancy. Her makeup was sparse; no mascara was needed on her dark lashes. None of that was a priority right now. Money and character were important—how much she could earn and the character of the people she’d be working with. She’d checked out this man and his business online and read great reviews from clients. That was probably the reason she’d agreed to fly out to Eclipse to discuss a partnership, along with the fact that Burr had paid for the trip.

  “I do have warm c
lothes. I guess, if I were to stay here, I’d need to do the town uniform.”

  He crooked an eyebrow. “‘Town uniform’?”

  “You know, denim, flannel and boots, maybe thermals, too? Possibly a great Western hat. That’s pretty much all I’ve seen in the past two days.”

  He chuckled at that, a deep, rich sound. “You’re definitely right, but that’s a minor concern compared to the huge steps you’d have to take to work here, both geographically and career-wise. I don’t want to push, Anna, but I really need your answer before I take you to the airport.”

  “Of course,” she said, hoping she sounded more confident than she felt about producing that answer for him by his deadline.

  “Over the past two days, I’ve tried to give you my idea of what you’d gain by becoming my partner, but only you can evaluate your personal pros and cons.”

  Burr had done that, and he’d done it very well as he’d showed her around a laid-back town with hospitable people. There was a certain charm with its eclectic mixture of the old West, dude ranches and eclipse viewings. He’d said they even had meteor showers that were spectacular. The town was nothing like Chicago, and definitely nothing like what she was used to. But Burr seemed direct, thoughtful and honest. She decided that it was time to put all her cards on the table.

  “After all the trouble you’ve gone to, paying my way here,” she said, “and setting me up at that beautiful bed-and-breakfast, I won’t play games with you.”

  He nodded. “I appreciate that.”

  “I came here because I’ve run out of options to get out of the firm I’m currently with. I signed on with them as soon as I passed the Illinois bar when they offered me a great bonus and an unreal salary. To get that, I had to commit to five years. At the time, I really needed what they were offering.”

  He listened silently, so she kept talking. “With my commitment up in another two weeks, I’m looking for a chance to walk away from that firm. But after I investigated my options in and around Chicago, reality hit me hard. The character and values of the firms interested in interviewing me aren’t what I’m looking for. I want to help the clients, to deal with them personally and fairly, and not worry about the profit it means for the firm. I’m not stupid. Money’s important when billable hours are the bottom line for every client. I can’t keep doing that.