She stood rooted to the deck, blinking like a complete fool. With fear coursing through her, she didn’t know if she should run for the car or slug this man while she had a free hand.
He extended his hand. “I’m Logan, I rent the cottage by the lake.” He nodded to his right. “I’ve been expecting you. I saw you pull in. I thought I would offer to help unload your car and check on the old furnace. It’s been acting up lately.”
She couldn’t tear her gaze from his eyes. He had the face of an angel, high cheek bones and incredible, emerald green eyes. His wavy, chestnut brown hair held tight to his forehead. She continued her inspection. The front of his heavy, winter coat hung open, giving her a glimpse of the tight thermal shirt that clung to his chest. He obviously worked hard to achieve such a sculpted body.
Her apprehension dissipated as she peered back into his eyes. She wasn’t sure she could trust him, but if he was willing to check on the furnace while she got Alyssa settled, Jasmine was willing to take a chance. Mr. Johnson had warned her that a tenant rented the small cottage beside her, which also belonged to Jasmine now, but she expected some crotchety old man. “Thanks. I need to get my baby inside. If you could check on the heat that would be great.”
He nodded, pushing the door open for her to enter. The chilly air that met her as she stepped inside caused her to frown.
“Shit,” he mumbled, as he headed to check the furnace.
Kicking the door shut, she hoped the lack of heat wasn’t a foretelling that something was wrong with the furnace.
Jasmine left Alyssa in her car seat until she could get the crib from the car and set it up. Grabbing another blanket from the diaper bag, she wrapped it around her daughter before glancing around the large living room. People said you could learn a lot from the belongings a person owned, but she couldn’t tell much about the woman that was supposed to be her grandmother because the furniture was covered with white sheets to keep the dust off them while no one lived here. She had a lot of work to do over the next few days to get this place livable.
A faint memory of many afternoons playing in this room scattered past her thoughts. A rocking horse sat next to the fireplace where she would rock for hours on end while her grandmother crocheted. It seemed so long ago, and up until that moment, Jasmine wasn’t even sure she had lived here. She was so young when they left.
Her thin sweater was nothing against the cold air in the house. Rubbing her hands down her arms for warmth, she thought about how much her life had change in just a few short days. She went from living in a small studio apartment, barely making ends meet, to moving across country to a large, two-story home. Jasmine needed a change, one that would make a better life for her and her daughter. Moving to Clearwater provided her with everything she needed—a home, money her grandmother left, and an income from Logan who rented the cottage.
She caught a glimpse of her reflection in the window. The dark circles under her eyes showed her exhaustion from the long drive, and Alyssa’s constant fussing. Her hair was a mess and her makeup faded long ago. What a way to meet the tenant next door.
A picture hanging above the fireplace caught her attention. Stepping closer to see it better, she saw her mother with a baby in her arms. It had to have been taken shortly after Jasmine was born. What happened between her mother and grandmother all those years ago? She would need to go through her grandmother’s letters to learn more about their relationship.
“Bad news.”
Pushing aside the mysteries that lay in her past, she turned to find Logan standing in the doorway. “Oh?”
“Deader than a doornail. Jasmine, the furnace isn’t working. You can’t stay here, not with a baby and all.”
If it’s not one thing it’s another. Would this roller coaster ride ever end? She sighed. “Don’t worry. I’ll call someone in the morning. I’ll make a fire. Alyssa and I can camp here in the living room. We’ll tough it out tonight.”
He shook his head. “This house is way too cold, and I’m afraid you won’t get anyone out here for a few days, at the least. There’s a major snowstorm arriving tonight. It’s expected to drop three to four feet of snow over the next two days.”
“I’ll drive back into town then. I think I saw a motel.” The thought of driving again exhausted her already tired body, but what choice did she have?
“I wouldn’t.”
She frowned. “Well, it’s obvious I can’t stay here, not with a baby and a dog. The furnace isn’t working, and I’m not sleeping in the car. I have to head back into town.”
“You won’t make it. Look outside.” He pointed to the large front window. “The snow is coming down pretty hard now. Besides, Winterbloom Bed and Breakfast is the only place in town, and it’s full. With the ski resort in full swing, there’s not a room available for at least fifty miles.”
She crossed her arms over her chest, trying to retain as much warmth as she could, as well as control her anger. It wasn’t Logan she was angry with, it was life in general. It was always an uphill battle, nothing could ever be simple. “Well, I don’t see any other alternative.”
“I do. My place.”
“Oh, no. I don’t know you.” I’m not risking my baby and dog to a stranger.
He stepped closer. “Look, Jasmine. I’ve known your grandmother all my life. I’m harmless, I promise. If I let you and your little family head out in a storm at this time of night, I’m pretty sure your grandmother would return long enough to tan my hide. I insist, and I have the room.”
What was she supposed to say? He was right. She couldn’t stay here with no heat. The storm was getting worse, and her SUV didn’t have winter tires. It made sense to stay with Logan. Her grandmother obvious trusted him, to allow him to rent the cottage beside her, and he seemed to know his way around this place. “Okay, if you’re sure we’re not putting you out.”
* * *
Jasmine sat in the living room of Logan’s cottage, playing with Alyssa. She tried to keep her daughter awake while Logan set up the crib. Hopefully Alyssa would then sleep through most of the night, allowing Jasmine to sleep too.
Logan stepped out of the guest bedroom Jasmine and Alyssa were taking over. “Alyssa’s crib is ready. While I make dinner, why don’t you get settled?”
Too tired to argue, she did just that. She changed Alyssa and finally put her in her comfortable, warm bed. With Alyssa’s sleepy eyes closing, Jasmine brushed her hand along her sweet girl’s face. “Sweet dreams, Sweetie.”
Once Alyssa was asleep, Jasmine unpacked a few of their things. As she placed a stack of diapers on a dresser, she glanced out the window. The dock and lake triggered a memory of her as a child, maybe four years old. She had learned to ice-skate on that lake. This area was definitely part of her past, and for the first time in a long time, she finally felt like she was home.
Chapter Three
December 14
Jasmine woke late the next morning to a dark and snowy day. The cottage was quiet. Logan had obviously gone out to do whatever he needed to do. The snow was falling hard and fast so there was no way he could have gone far. Alyssa slept peacefully while Jasmine dressed and went in search of coffee.
In the kitchen, she found a pot of coffee already brewed. Pouring herself a cup, she wondered about the condition of the furnace. Floppie padded beside her and cocked his head. “I’ll call someone today, so they can get out here to fix the heating as soon as the weather calms.”
“Want to go out?” she asked, as if her dog would answer. She took a sip of coffee before letting him out. From the open door, she watched the snow continue to fall while Floppie ran out to do his business and then rushed back inside. “I don’t blame you. I don’t want to be out there either.”
Shutting the door, she thought she’d be able to sit and enjoy her coffee, but Alyssa chose that moment to wake up. Her cries echoed though the small cottage. Rolling her shoulders, she headed to her daughter. Thankfully Alyssa had slept through the night. The last thing Jasm
ine wanted was for Alyssa to keep Logan awake after he opened his home to them.
Her daughter was truly the light of her life. She wanted to give her baby girl everything she didn’t have and more—a life surrounded by family and love. Sadly the family part hadn’t work out so well since Alyssa’s father walked out, but Jasmine had plenty of love to give.
She found her daughter lying on her back, tugging on her toes. “Morning, Sweetie.” Jasmine lifted her from the crib and hugged Alyssa close. “Did you sleep well?”
Her daughter cooed. One of her former co-workers teased Jasmine by saying she should enjoy the quiet now because before long the word no would be a key part of her child’s vocabulary.
The front door creaked open and snowy boots crunched on the hardwood floor. “Jasmine?”
Stepping out of the bedroom, she balanced Alyssa on her hip. “Oh my! What is that?”
He flashed her a sideways grin. “Silly, it’s a Christmas tree. I thought we could decorate it.”
Not able to prevent it, a smile creased her cheeks. She barely knew Logan, but there was something about him that put her at ease, removing her original apprehension of him. “I know what it is. Where did it come from?”
“There’s a stand of pines in the woods on the other side of your house. When I was younger, your grandmother let us cut one down every year. I know it’s a little large, but Alyssa is pretty small, so I’m assuming this is her first Christmas. She deserves a real tree. I found your grandmother’s old ornaments in the house. They’re out on the porch. Come on, it’ll be fun.”
He leaned the Christmas tree against the wall. Was he trying to impress her? She wasn’t sure, but if he was, it worked. She wanted to decorate the tree with him, even if she’d be doing it again in her own home after the storm. Alyssa did deserve a real Christmas. She might be too young to remember, but it would be a memory that would stick with Jasmine.
Dealing with a heartless mother, who cared more about getting high than giving her daughter a good life, Jasmine had a very isolated childhood. She had been deprived of many things—things she vowed her daughter would never crave. This year marked a special Christmas for them. It wouldn’t just be Alyssa’s first Christmas, but it would also be Jasmine’s first one, starting a new future.
“You hear that Alyssa? We’re going to have an old-fashioned, family Christmas.” She tickled her daughter’s belly. “I know you have no idea what is going on, but this is going to be your first of many happy Christmases.” She glanced from her daughter to Logan “Thank you. Let me get Alyssa settled and I’ll help.”
* * *
Later that evening, they sat in front of the crackling fire, the Christmas tree lit, and the snow falling outside the bay windows—a perfect scene to share with family. She had just met Logan, yet it was if they’d known each other for years. While they had decorated the tree, conversation flowed smoothly and easily.
“Alyssa looks just like you when you were a baby, so adorable and innocent. Your grandmother loved to show off your pictures to anyone who visited. Through all the stories and pictures she shared, you became a part of my life.” He paused when she frowned. “I know this sounds strange, but I’ve been waiting for you to return. It’s why I’ve stayed here. I’ve been waiting for you my whole life.” Logan smiled at Alyssa, her eyes closed as she lay nestled in his arms.
Waiting for me? Jasmine wasn’t sure how to take his statement. It explained the instant ease he had around her and maybe her comfort as well. She glanced down at her daughter. Sadness filled her that Alyssa would never know her great-grandmother, the woman who helped provide the life she’d now be able to have. Logan gently rested Alyssa in the crook of his arm and slipped his other arm around Jasmine, pulling her close. She let him, wanting the comfort he was willing to give, even if for only one night.
Thoughts of her own childhood plagued her, wondering what life would have been like if she had been able to grow up in Clearwater. She smiled at Logan, sensing his gaze as she stared at the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree.
“You seem lost in thought. What are you thinking about?” Logan’s finger trailed along the edge of her shoulder.
She glanced at her daughter, who lay peacefully sleeping, wondering what this move would mean for Alyssa. It seemed her young daughter had already accepted Logan, which was a shock. Since she spent most of her time with Jasmine, Alyssa didn’t usually take to other people. “I was just thinking about how astonishing it is that she took to you so quickly.”
He let out a hearty laugh. “See, I told you I’m harmless. Children are great judges of character. Alyssa likes me, and Floppie likes me too. Now what can I do to convince you?”
She decided to tell him the truth. “Trust is not an issue. The problem is, maybe I like you too much, too soon.”
The more she got to know Logan, the more her emotions sparked with possibilities.
Chapter Four
December 17
The deep snow left her stranded at Logan’s. Being snowbound with him the past few days was like being on the best winter vacation. Alyssa cooed and played contentedly, while Logan and Jasmine sat for hours talking and playing games. Adult time was rare. Since the divorce, her life had revolved around the pregnancy and then her daughter. Friends fell to the way-side, because they were either still happily married or single and wanted to go out, leaving Jasmine lost in the mix.
She did what she could around the house, including cooking the meals, while Logan chopped wood and kept the fire going. There was a comfort to their routine, as if they had been doing it for years, instead of just days. “You seem to know a lot about my grandmother, why is that?”
Logan chuckled, pouring more coffee in his cup. “Growing up in Clearwater, there isn’t a lot to do. My dad was the Sheriff before Ryan took over. Dad worked long hours, and my mom worked as a teacher during the day and took online college classes at night to get her Master’s degree. With my parents so busy, your grandmother became more of a surrogate grandmother to my sister, Lexy, and me. She was always yelling at me for something, keeping me in line, and Lexy became one of the best cooks in Clearwater because of her. She was a great lady.”
Listening to Logan speak so fondly of her grandmother, Jasmine couldn’t prevent the twinge of jealousy. The woman he described seemed wonderful, leaving her to wonder what happened between her mother and grandmother that forced a distance. To deprive a daughter of her grandmother, who could have been there when she needed her, wasn’t right.
Growing up, Jasmine craved a real family, envious of those around her who had what she longed for. She wanted a large family with grandparents, aunts and uncles, and siblings. Instead her life had been one uphill battle, moving from one place to another when her mother got fired from yet another job. Jasmine vowed, when Alyssa was born, her daughter would not be an only child.
Coming out of the bedroom from putting Alyssa down for the night, she returned to her spot on the sofa next to Logan. The cracking fire and the lights of the Christmas tree brought a romantic edge to the room. Pulling her legs up under her, she turned to face him.
“Instead of playing cards tonight, I thought you could help me read a few of the letters my Grandmother sent to my mom. Her lawyer gave them to me, and I’ve been meaning to go through them, but the time slipped away with packing and then the trip.” She held up a pile of letters, bound together by a fraying red ribbon.
“Sure.” He patted the spot next to him on the sofa. “I’ve always wondered what happened to cause such a rift between them because it was obvious to me that your grandmother missed you and your mother.”
Jasmine sank down next to him, her body tense and on edge, nervous about what the letters held. She untied the ribbon carefully, wondering what her grandmother must have been thinking as she tied it, knowing her only daughter had rejected her.
Taking a blanket from the back of the sofa, she wrapped it around her legs and settled down to read the first letter while Logan read the
second one.
My Dearest Daughter,
It has been over six months and still no word from you. When you stormed out of here I never realized it would be for good. You’ve take my only grandbaby away, refusing me any contact. The words spoken were the truth, yet they were also said in anger. I stand by those words.
You chose to have a child with Robert Melvin, so it’s only proper that you tell him. He has the right to know his child, even if it means a scandal in our small town.
Oh, Daughter, what were you thinking when you laid down with a married man? Did you not think your actions would have consequences? Were your actions because of something I did? Your father and I did everything we could for you, and still you chose to go against everything we taught you.
You should have known better than to fornicate with someone you didn’t love, and there was no love between you and Robert, only lust. You were young and naïve to believe that he’d leave his wife.
I’m a strong woman and never give in, but for Jasmine’s sake, I’m asking for your forgiveness and for you to come home.
Your mother.
Jasmine sat there in shock, her mouth hanging open. She wished she hadn’t opened the letter, hadn’t learned the reason for her mother’s quarrel with her grandmother.
After all these years, Jasmine finally knew who her father was, a married man. Did Robert Melvin still live in town? Did he ever find out he had a daughter?
* * *
The hour grew late, and the fire was nearly out by the time they finished the letters. She learned nothing more, only that her grandmother had wanted to put their differences aside, and for Jasmine’s mother to come home. Parts of the letters were filled with town gossip and events as if her grandmother hoped to entice her daughter back with what she was missing.
“Are you okay?” Logan asked, his arm comforting around her shoulders.
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