“Go ahead, but mind your manners.” When Ms. Lewis and Kelly left, JC glanced around the living room again. It was furnished with a large sectional that would easily seat his whole family. A fireplace dominated the back wall with windows on each side. The dining room off to the right had a long table for family dinners. It was perfect for his family, and even had five bedrooms. Most of the children would have to double up, but there was still enough room to spread out. The downstairs family room would provide a great place for the children to play, giving his mother, Laya, and Lee a little peace upstairs.
“What do you think?” Rebecca was taking a few pictures to email his mother.
“It’s perfect. I know Mom will love it, and Lee can walk to the high school without needing a car. I just have to find mom a car and pick them up at the airport next week.” He wrapped his arms around Rebecca. “It’s all coming together because of you. Thank you.”
“You’ve done most of the work. I just sparked the idea. I’m glad it’s working out. You seem so happy with the idea of your family moving here.” She slid her arm around his back.
“Are you okay with them being so close? I know they can be a bit much.” He loved the way her body fit in his arms, and the way her sweet vanilla shampoo excited his senses. “Will my family being here make you miss your family more?”
“No. This move brings my dad here too. So it works out for both of us.”
He leaned to hover his lips over her forehead before pressing them against her cool skin. “What about your mother? You never talk about her.”
“She’s a drunk and the reason I left home.”
JC frowned. Rebecca’s statement was firm and blunt.
“She filed for divorce, which is why my dad is moving to Denver. His job requires a lot of travel, so he needs a good airport and Jackson Hole has limited service. I’ve tried to talk him into staying here. Maybe spending time here while your house is being built will convince him to stay, at least part time.”
“I’m sorry. My father drank himself to death before Kelly was born.” JC understood what it was like to live with a drunk and didn’t wish it on anyone. It was hell watching his father throw his life away for the bottle.
Kelly ran into the living room at full speed, a big smile on her face. “JC, there’s a secret passage that leads to a pink room. There are dolls and a coloring desk. Can it be my room? Please.”
“Sounds like she’s sold. What about you JC?” Ms. Lewis entered the room a few steps behind Kelly.
“If Kelly is happy then so am I. Did you bring the contract?”
“Sure did.” She pointed to the dining room table where her bag was sitting.
“Come on, Kelly, why don’t we go check out the back yard while JC goes over the boring paperwork.” Rebecca took Kelly’s hand and led her out the back door.
“Now that we’re alone, I wanted to mention something that might be helpful to you.” Ms. Lewis dug the contract from her bag before turning back to JC who sat at the table. “As I mentioned before, I wanted to sell the house, but haven’t had time to get everything straightened out. Your family will be starting over, leaving everything behind, but if your mother is interested in the furnishings here, she can take them when they move into their new house. Your family won’t have to spend all that time shopping to fill the house, and I won’t have to figure out what to do with it.”
He glanced around again. Some of the items had to be antiques. “What would you want for everything?”
“Nothing. I want you to have them, as long as they fit your tastes. Or more importantly your mother’s, since she’s the one who will have to live with them.”
“I couldn’t…there are antiques here. Belongings you’ve grown up with. You and your siblings must want some of them.”
“We have what we want. Our memories are more important than any possessions.” She pointed to the furniture. “They’ll get used to the furniture while they are here, which will make the move to their new home easier. Your family can start over again, comfortably. I heard Jackie will be working in Dr. Bowmen’s office, and the kids will be starting school in the fall. Your family will be part of the community. This is what we do for our fellow residences when someone is in need. Look at it as a gift, not charity, for you gave so much to your country.”
“Thank you.” He was in awe by the generosity of the Clearwater residents. It was more kindness than he had ever known. He owed so much to the town and somehow he’d find a way to pay them back.
* * *
The day was growing late, but Rebecca didn’t want the night to end. She snuggled against JC, her head against his chest as a movie played on the television. She couldn’t focus on the movie while waiting for her time with JC to end. His family was arriving in two days, and she hated the thought of him leaving. The apartment would be empty without him. She’d miss their quiet cuddle sessions after Kelly went to bed. He couldn’t continue to stay here…or could he?
“Sugar, you seem a million miles away. What’s wrong?” JC’s fingers trailed up her arm.
“I was thinking how quiet it will be when Jackie and the kids arrive, and Kelly leaves. You’ll be going back to the manager’s flat above the shop.” Saying the words made her sound like a child who didn’t want to be left alone. She didn’t want him to think she was pouting.
“I don’t have to.”
“What?” Her heart skipped a beat.
“I could stay, if you want me to? Or you could stay with me. Wherever you want to be is fine with me, as long as I have your body curled around mine each night, I’m happy.”
Excitement coursed through her like a wave of cool water. The tension from the thought of being alone disappeared. “Then stay here. My apartment is bigger. Or I can move in with you so you can be close to work. I don’t care either, as long as we’re together.”
Chapter Twelve
Five Months Later…
With the house finished, JC conned Chloe and Tessa into keeping his family occupied while the men moved the stuff from the rental into the new house. He wanted the house to be perfect when his family saw it for the first time.
“They’re coming up the drive, is everything in place?” Rebecca asked JC from her post next to the front door.
“Cameron and Jordan are putting the dresser in Mom’s room and that’s it.” JC walked toward Rebecca. “Everything’s perfect. I wish your father could have been here, after all he’s the one that made this possible.”
She slipped her hand into his. “He promised he’d be over later. This is a family occasion and he didn’t want to intrude.”
With her hand in his, he opened the door, allowing his mother and siblings to enter. “Welcome home.”
Kelly shot past everyone, running to the room he had promised would be hers.
“It’s beautiful!” Tears welled in his mother’s eyes as she glanced around the room. The house had an open floor plan, providing the family with as much space as possible. The hardwood floors added a touch of class, while keeping the floors simple for upkeep. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I hope you’re happy with everything.” His mother had a say in most of what was done, but there were a few added features JC had worked on with Robert to be a surprise to his mother. One of them included a small reading nook in the master bedroom for her to unwind at the end of a long day.
Bringing up the rear, Laya and Lee stepped inside. JC pointed down the hallway. “You two, go down there until you see your names. There’s something special waiting for you.” Their eyebrows rose before doing what he said.
“What did you do?” His mother walked around the living room, her arms stretched open.
“Robert and I made a few changes to allow them to have their own rooms.” When his mother opened her mouth to speak, he held up his hand. “I know Lee’s only has one year of high school and then he will be going off to college. Believe me, he’ll be thankful for the privacy, and so will you.” He laughed. “Laya said she w
anted to stay at home and attend the online college she’s currently enrolled with, so she’ll need her own space. That will leave the twins, Ann and Marie, sharing a room, with Kelly right next door. The boys, Brian, Keith, and Jason, will share the other bedroom, and the twins can move into Lee’s room when he leaves for college. They are all used to sharing so it won’t be a problem. Laya and Lee deserve some privacy, especially with their studies.”
“Laya’s going to love that. She thought she was going to share with Kelly again.”
“I know.” Letting go of Rebecca’s hand, JC took his mother’s hand in his. “We have a year before Lee leaves, to make this a true home. A home all the kids will want to come back to. Our apartment was never truly home, but you can create one here. You’ll have more time now that you only have to work the one job at Dr. Bowman’s office.”
“All because of you. I couldn’t have asked for a better son.” She hugged him tight, and then stepped back to reach Rebecca’s hand. “Thank you, Rebecca. You opened my eyes to what I tried to stay blinded from. You not only brought my family happiness, you returned the son I had before his injury. I can never repay you for that. You are a true blessing to my son, to me, and my family.”
“I’m honored to help. JC means everything to me.” Rebecca put her arms around JC’s waist.
“Don’t let her go, she’s truly a catch.” His mother winked.
“I don’t intend to ever let her get away. I love her.” JC smiled at Rebecca. “I have to go to Express-Ohh’s to pick up the lunch I ordered. Want to go with me?” His stomach churned, worried she’d say no, which would throw his next plan off track.
“Sure.” She grabbed her purse and met him at the door.
“Mom, we’ll be right back.” He followed Rebecca down the front steps, and for the first time since leaving the military, he was nervous.
* * *
Entering Express-Ohh’s Rebecca frowned, as if surprised to find the place empty. JC had actually arranged it to be that way. He wanted to propose in the same spot he met the woman of his dreams.
She glanced around the room and checked the back office. When she returned to the front counter, JC was bent to one knee.
“Rebecca James, since the day I walked in here you haven’t left my mind. You’re an inspiration to me. You brought my family together, and most important, you made me feel like a whole man again. You made me a better man. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted and more. I love you, Rebecca, and I ask you in the same spot we first met, will you marry me?”
Tears glistened in her eyes. “I love you, JC. Yes, I’ll marry you!”
He slid the ring on her finger and stood. She wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him. “You’ve made me the happiest man.”
She kissed him hard on the lips.
Everything in his life had come together. He found a place to call home in Clearwater. His family was here, and he had a future wife and hopefully children of his own in the coming years. He may have lost his leg, but he gained so much more.
Christmas Countdown
Jasmine Pierce has been burned by her family and by love. Leaving her past behind, she longs for a quiet place to start over and raise her daughter. Upon learning about a grandmother she didn’t know she had, she inherits not only a house, but a chance at a new future.
Snowbound in a cottage, twelve days before Christmas, Jasmine meets Logan Clarke. His kind personality and loving nature has her considering the possibilities, but she’s already played the game of love and lost.
Could this have been her grandmother’s plan all along? For Jasmine to return home and find the missing pieces, bringing her dream of a real family and her heart’s longing for love finally within reach?
Chapter One
December 10
Jasmine Pierce rocked her six-month old daughter in her arms while she waited in the hotel lobby for the attorney. Her mind raced, trying to understand why Dave Johnson, an attorney from Wyoming, had traveled to Virginia to meet with her. It probably had something to do with her ex, who went missing months ago, but that situation was over. She wasn’t going to bail him out—never again.
The lobby was near empty at this time of day, which she was glad of. Everyone had finished breakfast and gone on with their day. The owners’ two kids were waiting for the school bus outside, leaving no one close enough to overhear whatever shame her ex had gotten himself into this time and expected her to bail him out of.
“You must be Mrs. Pierce.” A man approached her and held out his hand. She accepted his hand, giving him a halfhearted handshake. “I’m Dave Johnson, we spoke on the phone. I appreciate you taking the time to see me. Let’s have a seat.” He led the way into a little nook the hotel offered, with a small sofa, two chairs, and a fireplace, giving it a homey feel.
Jasmine sank onto the comfiest chair the room had to offer, which wasn’t saying much. It was stiff and had a straight back. She turned her attention to the man before her, wanting to get this meeting over with before Alyssa stirred. “Please, call me Jasmine.” She hadn’t been Mrs. Pierce since the divorce, but she didn’t want to get into that conversation with a man she just met. “I don’t understand why you requested to see me. What do you want?” She prayed it had nothing to do with her ex. She wanted to move on with her life and to provide a loving home for her daughter.
“I’ve come from Wyoming searching for you. I’ve been your grandmother’s attorney for years. She passed away in September, but asked me to find you a few months prior. I had a difficult time locating you since your mother changed your last name and then you married.”
She leaned against the hard back of the chair, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. Grandmother? Her mother had always said she had no family left and that her own mother had died years before Jasmine was born. “I’m sorry, but you have the wrong person.”
He scooted to the edge of the stiff brown couch. “Let me explain.” When she nodded he continued. “Your mother ran off with you when you were very young. She sent pictures to your grandmother, but wouldn’t allow her to see you. They, your grandmother and mother, had a difference of opinion that led to an estrangement.” Mr. Johnson leaned down to pull a stack of envelopes, tied with a red ribbon, from his briefcase. “These are letters she wrote to your mother. They were returned unopened. Your grandmother said they explained the distance between her and your mother. She tried for years to make things right, but your mother refused her letters and calls. But that’s not why I’m here. I came to give you the deed to her house. When she passed, your grandmother left everything to you.”
Chapter Two
December 13
Two long days later, Jasmine parked her SUV in front of her grandmother’s—now her—home, in Clearwater, Wyoming. She sat there a moment, taking in the large, two-story log house with a huge wrap around deck. Enough snow blanketed the ground to make the cabin stand out against a wooded background. She was exhausted and aching from sitting in the car so long. Driving from Richmond, Virginia to Clearwater with Alyssa, and her sweet, but cantankerous little Cocker Spaniel, Floppie, was not an ideal trip, but it was what she had to do. After all, she had nothing else, so what did she have to lose?
Having a grandmother, she didn’t know she had, leave her everything was a mixed blessing. It allowed Jasmine to start over and give her daughter a true home instead of an apartment. However, it also scared her to death to start over in a new place. Not knowing anyone in Clearwater set her nerves on edge, especially since winter had settled in.
The late afternoon sun dipped low in the sky, leaving her with little hope she’d be able to unload much from the car before night was upon her. She’d grab the few essential things she couldn’t do without for the night, and get Alyssa settled. Then a hot shower and a good night’s sleep is what her body needed.
Pushing open the door, one leg out of the SUV, she realized there was something familiar about the house. A distant memory, just barely there, but somehow she
remembered being here. Maybe once she was inside it would jar the complete memory to the surface. A detailed look around inside would have to wait until she had Alyssa in bed.
She glanced over her shoulder at her daughter. “Let’s get inside and turn the lights on before it gets too dark.” She stepped out of the vehicle, digging the key Mr. Johnson had given her out of the pocket of her jeans.
Opening the back door, she let Floppie jump out and then unbuckled the car seat. “Come on, Sweetie, let’s see if we have heat in that house.” Alyssa had been fussy through the whole trip here and now that they had arrived, she was sleeping through the excitement. “Typical. When I need her to sleep she won’t, but when arriving at her new home, she’s out like a light.” Jasmine shook her head, slipped the diaper bag over her shoulder, and lifted the car seat. She ran her hand through her dark brown hair, tugging it away from her face, before slipping it behind her ear.
Trudging through the snow to the deck, the winter breeze chilled her bones. She would need to buy warmer clothes and a winter jacket for both her and Alyssa. Jeans and sneakers just didn’t cut it in all this snow. Struggling to unlock the door with already frozen fingertips, she attempted to turn the key in the unforgiving lock. “Damn it!” She bent to concentrate on the lock when Floppie started barking. “Shh, boy. I know you don’t like the cold either. We’ll be inside in a minute.” She patted his head, but that didn’t quiet him.
“You must be Jasmine.” A deep, husky voice called from behind, startling her.
She whipped around to face the stranger, her senses immediately on high alert. “Who are you?” She raised her voice a notch louder so he could hear her over Floppie’s continuous barks.
“Here, let me help you with that.” He moved in between her and the door and, taking the key from her hand, he expertly unlocked the door. He moved aside and shrugged. “Years of practice. You have to know how to slide and click the old thing.”
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