“That just means it’s way past time you put on some skates and hit the ice.”
“Hitting the ice is exactly what I’m worried about.”
He chuckled. “You’ll do great. I haven’t skated since I was a kid, either, but I was pretty good. I’ll help you get started.” He pulled on his skates with ease and laced them. “I’m sure once you’re on the ice it’ll all come back to you.”
Maybe he was sure...but she wasn’t. The few times she’d tried skating, she’d spent more time clutching the railing around the edge of the rink than gliding across the ice.
If Alex hadn’t been so excited today, she wouldn’t have agreed to come. The last thing she wanted to do was fall on her face and make a fool of herself in front of him. But there was no way around it now. She’d just have to go out on the ice and give it a try.
She slowly slipped her feet into the skates, wishing she could delay the inevitable.
“Here, let me give you a hand.” He knelt in front of her and took over lacing her skates. “You want them to be tight enough to support your ankles, but not too tight to be uncomfortable.”
“Thanks.” The bright sun shone down on Alex, highlighting the strong contours of his face, his straight nose and square jaw. He was a handsome man, but more than that, he was a kind man and a good man, and every day she became more sure of it.
This past week she and Alex had grown even closer as they cared for Emma and Irene, prepared for Christmas and made plans to reopen the bakery. Everything was so much easier and more enjoyable with Alex around. His organizational skills helped keep them all on schedule, and his sense of humor lightened the mood and brightened her days.
Each evening they spent time playing games, reading aloud with Emma and talking. And when the fire burned low and it was finally time to say good-night, they shared a sweet kiss. He never pushed for more or made her feel uncomfortable. He was a gentleman, and his attention and affection made her feel special and treasured.
Even though he hadn’t said he loved her, every day he’d showed her how much he cared, and her heart felt more safe and secure.
Alex tied the last lace and looked up at her. “How does that feel? Too tight?”
“No, it’s just right. Thanks.” She leaned forward and placed a feathery kiss on his lips.
He looked at her, his blue eyes shining. “I’ll have to take you skating more often.”
She laughed softly as he pulled her to her feet. “Remember, I have no idea what I’m doing.”
“No problem. We’ll take it nice and slow.”
“Okay.”
“The first thing you want to do is step onto the ice sideways.”
She held his hand in a death grip and planted her skates on the ice. A cool breeze swept across the surface of the pond and swirled around her legs, making her wish she’d worn another layer beneath her jeans.
“Now make a V with your feet and bend your knees slightly.”
She felt totally ridiculous, but she followed his instructions.
“Bending your knees helps keep your weight over your skates so you have more control, and hopefully you won’t fall.”
“Wonderful.” She couldn’t keep the sarcasm out of her voice.
“Now raise your hands out to the side, about even with your hips. That’ll help you keep your balance.”
She clenched her teeth and let go of his hand.
“Good. Now take small steps like this.” He showed her what he meant. “You want to get used to the feeling of your skates.”
She took a few timid steps, waddling across the ice. “Oh, I must look like a penguin.”
He grinned. “Maybe a little. But you’re a very cute penguin.”
She laughed, relaxing her stance, and as she did, her feet started to slide. She gasped, and her arms shot out to the side.
Alex grabbed her with a firm hand on her waist, the other gripping her hand. “Steady.”
Her heartbeat pounded in her ears, and a shiver raced down her arms. “Whoa.”
“I’ve got you. You’re not going to fall.” He lifted his eyebrow and sent her a cocky grin. “Ready to try again?”
“Do I have to?”
“No, but you’ll miss all the fun if you don’t.”
She released a dramatic sigh. “Okay.”
He let go, and she took a few more small steps that ended with short glides. She looked up and sent him a tentative smile.
“Very nice. Let’s try pushing off with one foot.” He demonstrated the moves with an easy grace that made it look effortless.
“Where did you learn to skate like that?”
“I played hockey for a while before I tried out for basketball.”
“I didn’t know that.”
He skated around her in a circle, stopping in front of her with a flourish. “There are a lot of things you don’t know about me.”
She returned his teasing smile. “Is that right?”
“Yep.” He skated around her again, coming closer.
“I’m looking forward to learning more.”
He placed his arm around her waist, and they set off across the pond. With the comfort and safety of his arm around her, she relaxed and found herself matching his smooth strokes. Soon they gained speed and were gliding at a faster pace. The brisk breeze made her nose and cheeks tingle. “Maybe we should slow down.”
He grinned. “Don’t worry, you’re safe with me.” But two seconds later his skate hit a rough patch, and the jolt threw him off balance.
He let go of Annie, and she sailed off across the pond, her arms flailing as she pitched forward and back, trying to stay upright. “Alex!”
She heard him skating up behind her, but she couldn’t turn, and she didn’t know how to stop.
He grabbed her arm, trying to slow her crazy dance. “Hold on!”
She twisted toward him. Her legs shot out from under her, and they both went down in a wild tangle of arms and legs.
Alex hit the ice first, then Annie landed on top of him, and the air whooshed out of his lungs. His body softened her fall, but her left knee crashed onto the ice. Pain shot up her leg like a burning arrow.
Stunned, she lay there panting for a second, then opened her eyes and blinked at Alex.
He lay face up on the ice, eyes closed, as still as a dead man.
Her heart jerked in her chest. “Alex?” She shoved herself onto her knees and shook his shoulder. “Alex!”
He slowly opened his eyes and stared at her. “What happened?”
“We crashed. Are you okay?”
He blinked a couple times. “Who are you?”
Alarm shot through her. “What?” She stared at him a second. Surely he was joking. “Stop it, Alex. That’s not funny.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Why are you calling me Alex?”
“Because that’s your name!” She sat back on her heels, her mind spinning. She searched across the pond. Her phone was in her backpack, by the log where they’d put on their skates. How was she going to get over there?
A smile trembled at the corners of his mouth, and he finally broke out laughing. “I’m okay, Annie.”
She gasped. “Oh, you’re terrible.” Glaring at him, she gave his shoulder a playful shove. But it was hard to stay mad when his eyes twinkled with humor and his laughter was so full and free.
“I’m sorry,” he said when he finally caught his breath. “But you’re so much fun to tease.” He sat up, shook the ice off his gloves and watched her with a playful smile.
His knit hat had slipped a few inches to the side. She reached up and tugged it back in place. “You shouldn’t scare me like that. I was about to crawl across the pond to get my phone and call 9-1-1.”
He captured her hand and pulled her closer. The teasing lo
ok in his eyes mellowed. “You’d do that? You’d crawl across the pond?”
“Of course. If you needed help I’d crawl back to town.”
“I believe you would.” He kissed her then, melting her heart and leaving her breathless.
Chapter Seventeen
Annie hummed “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” as she stood in front of the dryer and shook out Alex’s long-sleeved T-shirt. The soft warmth of the cotton fabric sent a comforting wave through her. She folded it and placed it on top of the pile in the laundry basket. Alex had worn that shirt yesterday when he’d taken her skating.
Alex’s kiss replayed in her mind. The tender look in his eyes and sweetness of that moment sent a melting sensation through her again.
She’d never felt like this before, not with Kevin or anyone else. No man had ever captured her heart this way and made her feel so special.
With a soft sigh, she scooped up the laundry basket and carried it into the kitchen.
Irene stood at the counter consulting a cookbook. She looked up and smiled at Annie. “I thought I’d try my hand at this recipe for oven-barbecued chicken.”
Annie set the basket on the table and joined Irene. “That sounds good.” She scanned the nutrition facts at the bottom of the recipe.
“Don’t worry. It’s healthy.”
Annie patted her back. “I’m proud of you, Irene.”
“You mean for finally getting up out of my recliner?”
“No, I’m proud of you for taking charge of your health and being willing to try new things.”
“Well, it’s high time I got back in the kitchen.” She pulled an apron from the drawer. “Not that I haven’t enjoyed your cooking. It’s been wonderful, but I’m feeling stronger, and I want to do my part. Besides, you’ll be managing the bakery soon. You won’t have time to fuss over me.”
Annie smiled. “I’ve loved living here and cooking for you. You’ve been so kind to me and tolerant of Emma. I know it hasn’t been easy having a five-year-old underfoot all the time.”
“Underfoot? Nonsense. I’ve loved every minute of it. I’m sure that’s one reason I’ve recovered so quickly.”
“That’s sweet of you to say.”
Irene reached for Annie’s hand. “I want you to know how grateful I am. I don’t know what I would’ve done without your help.”
Annie’s throat tightened, and she hugged Irene. “Staying here with you has been a blessing for me and Emma.”
Irene stepped back, all misty-eyed. “Look at us—a couple of blubbery women.”
Annie laughed and wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “We’ve been happy here. You’ve treated us like family. That’s a priceless gift.”
Irene’s eyes sparkled. “Well, you are family to me. And if I’m reading my grandson right, maybe you’ll become family in a more permanent way very soon.”
Annie blushed and looked away, but she held that same hope in her heart. “I better put away this laundry. I have to go pick up Emma soon.”
“All right, dear.” Irene sent her a smile.
Annie picked up the laundry basket, humming her Christmas carol again, and carried it upstairs.
* * *
Alex’s phone rang. He picked it up from the desk in his bedroom and glanced at the screen. Why was Tiffany Charles calling him?
“Hey, Alex, it’s good to hear your voice. How are you doing?”
“I’m okay.”
“I got a call from Steve this morning. He says Hyatt is looking for a new sales-and-marketing manager for their Midwest region.”
His pulse jumped, and he straightened. “I’ve heard good things about Hyatt. Are you going to apply?”
“Me? No. I can’t move to Chicago in the middle of the school year. And trying to sell my house in this market would be a nightmare. But you could go. You’re a free man.”
He paced across the room. “I don’t know. I’ve got some opportunities here I’m working on right now.”
“Really? In Fairhaven? I thought you said they didn’t have many hotels up there.”
“We have a few.” He didn’t want to tell her his opportunity was working for his grandmother in the family bakery. She wouldn’t understand, and it was none of her business anyway. He pushed his discomfort aside. “What else did Steve say about the job?”
Tiffany listed the facts, and each one made the job sound more appealing.
“I think you should go for it, Alex. It sounds like a great opportunity for you.”
Conflicting thoughts raced through his mind. Did he really want to stay in Fairhaven and reopen the bakery when there was a chance he could work for Hyatt and move ahead in his career? But would Annie want to live in Chicago? And who would manage the bakery if he took a job and she followed him out there? What about his grandmother? Who would watch out for her?
“Opportunities like this don’t come around every day,” Tiffany continued. “I’m sure they’re going to offer a good salary and benefits. You should jump on it before word gets out.”
Questions and doubts battled in his mind, but he closed his eyes and pushed them aside. He’d deal with them later. Right now he needed to get all the information he could from Tiffany. “Does Steve have a contact at Hyatt? Did he give you any names?”
“Yeah, he gave me two.”
“Great. Let me get a pen.” He walked over to the desk and jotted the information on the back of an envelope.
“I’m glad you’re going to follow up on this. I’d hate to think of you stuck up there in that small town with all your skills and talents going to waste.”
“Thanks, Tiff. I appreciate the call. This could be a good career move for me. I’ll check it out.”
* * *
Annie sagged against the wall outside Alex’s room as he continued his conversation with Tiffany. Hot tears burned her eyes.
What a fool she’d been, thinking Alex would want to stay in Fairhaven and run the bakery with her. He’d worked in marketing for years, managing a team of people at a big company. He’d never be happy working for his grandmother, serving soup and sandwiches to folks in his hometown.
She thought his attention and affection meant he planned to settle down and build a future with her. She’d spun a beautiful dream and convinced herself it was true.
But she was wrong.
He’d never promised to stay.
He didn’t love her...at least not enough to marry her and make Fairhaven his home.
Alex chuckled at something Tiffany said. Annie leaned forward. A slight wave of guilt hit her heart. She shouldn’t be listening at his door, but hadn’t she prayed to know the truth? Hadn’t she asked God to keep her from going down the wrong path and giving her heart away if Alex wasn’t the right man for her?
Was this God’s answer to her prayer? Was he warning her to stay away from Alex and save herself from more heartache?
A painful lump lodged in her throat. She placed the basket of clean clothes on the floor by his door and turned away. Her heart felt like a stone in her chest as she trudged down the stairs, away from Alex. His voice grew distant, and her tears overflowed.
What a fool. The words played over and over in her head. She’d opened her heart and been betrayed again.
When would she finally accept the truth? No man would ever love her enough to stick around and keep his promises.
* * *
Alex heard a soft thump in the hallway. He frowned and glanced over his shoulder. Annie and his grandmother were both home, but Gram wasn't supposed to be climbing the stairs. He ended the call with Tiffany, crossed the room and looked out the door. The hallway was empty, except for a basket of clean clothes.
A flash of concern rose and tightened his chest. Had Annie overheard that phone call?
&nb
sp; No, if she had, she would’ve come in and asked him about it. Still, the thought of talking to her about the possible job in Chicago made his stomach tighten.
It would be best if he waited until he had all the facts before he had that conversation. Maybe the position would already be filled, and he wouldn’t have to say anything. Why upset her for no good reason?
* * *
Alex glanced across the dining-room table at Annie, and his spirit deflated. She’d hardly touched her food, and she’d avoided looking at him all through dinner. If Emma hadn’t kept the conversation going with her constant chatter, he doubted Annie would’ve spoken a word to any of them.
Something was definitely wrong, and he wasn’t the only one who noticed. Gram’s anxious gaze darted from Annie to him. She tipped her head toward Annie and sent him a pointed look.
He lifted his shoulder in a slight shrug. But the possibility that she’d overheard the phone call was the only reason he could come up with to explain her mood. That thought made the food in his stomach congeal like a lump of clay.
“Well, that was a lovely dinner, if I do say so myself.” Gram laid her napkin on the table.
Annie looked up and blinked. “The chicken was delicious.”
“It doesn’t look like you ate enough to know how it tasted.” Gram’s concerned gaze swept over Annie. “You’re awfully pale, dear. Are you feeling all right?”
“I’m fine. I’m just not very hungry tonight.” Annie laid her fork across her plate.
“All right, then.” Gram pushed her chair back. “I have a Christmas project I’m working on in my room, and I could use some help from a certain young lady who’s very good at cutting and taping.” She smiled at Emma.
Emma’s eyes lit up. “I can help you.”
“Would you, dear? That would be wonderful.” Gram stood. “Alex, would you help Annie with the dishes so Emma and I can get started right away?”
“Sure. I’d be glad to.”
“That’s not necessary. I’ll take care of it.” Annie got up and reached for the platter of chicken.
Alex grabbed the other side and held on. “No. I insist.”
Their gazes locked over the table. Emotion flashed in her eyes, and she dropped hold of the platter. “Fine.”
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