Puppy Love and Mistletoe

by Merrillee Whren

  “Sorry about that.” Scott pulled Lily close as he put an arm around her shoulders. “I should explain.”

  Amelia shrugged. “Only if you want to.”

  “I do.” He bent down and whispered something in Lily’s ear.

  “I’ll be right back.” Lily scampered up the stairs without a moment’s hesitation.

  Scott watched Lily until she disappeared, then turned to Amelia. “She means everything to me. She’s going to get a photo to show you.”

  Before Amelia could ask another question, Lily flew down the stairs. She held out a photo in a dark-wood frame. “That’s my mom and dad. They died when I was little. I don’t remember them.”

  Amelia stared at the photo of the young black man and his Filipino wife. They held a baby in their arms. Amelia recognized the other man in the photo. Scott. She hunkered down next to Lily and pointed to the photo. “This is a wonderful picture of your mom and dad. I’m sorry they are no longer with you.”

  “That’s okay. I have a new daddy now.” Lily reached up and hugged Scott around his waist. “But he makes sure I know about them and that they loved me very much.”

  Amelia blinked back tears. The little girl seemed so matter of fact about the loss of the parents she really never knew. But what did a six-year-old know about life and death? Lily knew one thing—Scott was her daddy now.

  “And here’s another special ornament.” Scott held up a silver wreath with a photo of Lily and her parents in the center.

  “It is special.” Lily hung it on the tree.

  With the story of Lily’s parents behind them, they finished decorating the tree and sipped hot chocolate. There was even an ornament for Jet. Scott put away the empty boxes and put water in the stand. After the threesome worked together to put the tree skirt around the stand, they stood back to admire their work.

  “It looks super, Daddy.” Lily gave Scott another hug around the waist, then hugged Amelia, too.

  “It does look pretty good.” Scott nodded, then glanced at Amelia. “Thanks for your help. Are you ready to head into the city? I want to get there a little early so you can meet my sister and her family before the crowd comes.”

  “Sure.” Amelia wondered what it meant that he was eager to introduce her to his sister. Probably nothing. Amelia warned herself against reading anything into it.

  ****

  Clear Christmas lights twinkled in the dusk as Scott parked in front of his sister’s row house. He hoped bringing Amelia wasn’t a mistake, but he wanted his sister to meet the woman who had suddenly and inexplicably captured his heart. He kept telling himself it was too soon to care this much for a woman, but he couldn’t shake his feelings for her.

  Lily immediately unbuckled her seat belt and exited the car. Amelia grabbed the little tin of cookies she had made for a hostess gift. He’d told her she didn’t have to bring anything, but she had insisted. Lily rang the bell but opened the door and slipped inside before anyone answered.

  Scott looked over at Amelia, who jammed her red stocking cap on her head. “We only have to walk a few steps to the house.”

  “Habit. I always have to park in the far lot at work, so the hat goes on the first thing before I get out of the car.” Amelia snatched the hat off and laid it on the seat.

  The static electricity made her hair stand out from her pretty face. Did he dare reach over and smooth it down? “Your hair’s sticking out all over.”

  Looking mortified, she tried to smooth it with her gloved hand. “Okay now?”

  “You look beautiful no matter what your hair is doing.” Scott smiled, then gently ran a finger along one side of her head, his finger brushing through the silken strands. Her hair fell into place as he stared into her eyes. For a moment, he forgot where they were.

  “Thanks.” Even in the dim light, the blush that colored her cheeks was clearly visible.

  “Let’s get inside.” Scott hurried around to open the door for her.

  When they stepped into his sister’s house, Lily ran over to Amelia and grabbed one of her hands. “Auntie Nicole, here’s Amelia.”

  A speculative gleam in her eyes and a smile curving her mouth, Nicole stepped around the coffee table festooned with greenery and red and white pillar candles. “Amelia, I’m glad Scott brought you. It’s a real pleasure to meet one of Scott’s friends.”

  “Thank you for including me.” Amelia handed Nicole the red-and-green tin. “These are some cookies I made.”

  “Thanks.” Nicole motioned to Amelia. “Come in the kitchen and meet my husband, Chip, and our two boys.”

  Scott took in the hubbub of introductions while he hung up the coats. He hoped his sister wouldn’t make a big deal of this, even though it was. He hadn’t brought any woman by to meet any part of his family since high school. In college he’d been too busy with studies and a host of activities to invest time in serious dating. He’d hung out with a big group of guys and gals, and that had been a good enough social life for him. Then the army and constant deployments didn’t lend themselves to a long-term relationship.

  Then without warning, in a matter of weeks he had fallen for someone. Or at least that was the way it felt. He hoped sometime tonight he’d have a chance to talk with his sister about it. Even though he kidded her about checking up on him, he valued his older sister’s advice.

  “You look lost in thought.” Nicole slipped up beside him as he stood at the edge of the kitchen, where Chip was joking with the kids while he put the last-minute touches on one of the trays for the party.

  “Just preparing myself for the frivolity.” Scott chuckled. “Lily’s been looking forward to this since Thanksgiving.”

  “I’m glad you decided to include Amelia in your frivolity. I like her.”

  “You’ve only just met her. How do you know you like her?”

  “Because she makes my little brother smile.”

  “She does.” Scott steered Nicole toward the front room and pretended to look at her Christmas tree. This was his chance to talk before the crowd gathered. “I’ve got something to ask you.”

  “What?”

  “Do you think a person can fall in love in a matter of weeks?”

  His sister stared up at him, incredulity painted on her face. “Are you talking about you and Amelia?”

  “Me. I don’t know about her.”

  “Wow!” Nicole stepped closer. “I don’t believe it.”

  “Me neither.” Scott gave his sister a serious look. “So what do you think?”

  “Mom and Dad are going to be ecstatic.”

  Scott shook his head. “Don’t mention this to them or Chip. This is between you and me for now, until I know how she feels.”

  “Okay, little brother. I’m pleased that you confided in me, and your secret is safe with me.” Nicole laid a hand on his arm. “And I know several couples who were engaged within weeks of meeting.”

  “Did it last?”

  “If you love each other, and you work at a marriage, it will last.” Nicole hugged him. “Marriage isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it if you can ride the ups and downs.”

  “So you don’t think I’m crazy?”

  “Oh, I’ve always known you were crazy.” Nicole laughed. “Didn’t you ever hear the story of Grandma and Grandpa Graham’s courtship?”

  “No.”

  “You probably just weren’t paying attention when someone told it.”

  “I’ll pay attention now.” Would Nicole’s story about his grandparents shed any light on his own questions?

  “They met on a blind date, and on the second date, Grandpa proposed. Grandma accepted, and the rest is history.” Nicole slipped her arm through Scott’s. “So don’t be afraid of what you’re feeling. Go with it.”

  Scott stared down at his sister. “I’d like to, but this city business doesn’t make it easy.”

  “Don’t let that get in the way either.”

  Before Scott could resp
ond, the doorbell rang. Nicole hurried to answer it. Soon the house was filled with conversation, laughter, and a lot of people. Lily went around introducing Amelia to everyone who came through the door. Family members, especially his parents, gave him questioning looks. Scott didn’t know whether Amelia recognized that his family was full of speculation about her presence, and he wasn’t sure whether he wanted her to know or not.

  Part of him wanted to lay aside every reservation and pursue her with everything in his power. The other part feared what might happen if he had to cut her department in order to balance the city budget. Could a budding relationship withstand such circumstances? Why did they have to be on opposite sides of something so important to both of them?

  “I brought you a plate.” Scott’s mother held out a paper plate filled with goodies.

  “Thanks.” He was pretty sure Janet Graham was here to get information about Amelia.

  “I met your friend Amelia. She seems very nice. Lily loves her.” Janet plucked an appetizer from her plate and popped it into her mouth as she waited for some response from him.

  “Lily loves her because Amelia rescued Jet. He ran away on one of those really cold nights a few weeks ago.”

  “So is that why you invited her?”

  His mom was fishing, and he wasn’t sure he’d give her any bait. “She showed us where to get a Christmas tree, and I thought I’d repay her by inviting her.”

  “That’s so kind of you, dear.” She patted him on the shoulder. “You’ll also have to invite her for all of our Christmas festivities. She told me her parents are in Germany and won’t be in the states for Christmas.”

  “Thanks, Mom. I’ll do that.” Scott hoped the budget battle wouldn’t derail those plans.

  “Good.” She gave him a little wave. “I’m going to mingle now.”

  Scott looked around for Amelia. His heart skipped a beat when he spied her talking to one of Nicole and Chip’s neighbors. He ought to spend some time with her rather than hanging around watching her from a distance.

  Scott made his way across the room. “Hi, hope you’re having a good time.”

  “I am. Thanks for inviting me so I could meet your family.” Amelia nodded toward the group of kids who were gathered in the living room. “And Lily is orchestrating the kids’ activities as if she’s a drill sergeant.”

  Scott laughed. “She likes to be in charge.”

  “And I think she’s introduced me to everyone here.” Shrugging, Amelia held her hands out in front of her. “She seems to know everyone.”

  Scott nodded. “She probably does. That kid does not know a stranger. It worries me sometimes that she’s so friendly.”

  A commotion erupted by the front door as kids clapped and cheered. Lily emerged from the crowd as she propelled Santa toward the large lounge chair decorated in a brown tweed fabric.

  Scott stepped closer to Amelia. “This is the fun part. This guy is really a good Santa.”

  The adults gathered on all sides of the chair as Santa told a story to the kids, who were seated at his feet. He took the time to talk to the children and asked them what they wanted for Christmas.

  As Lily hopped up on Santa’s lap, Amelia leaned closer to Scott and whispered, “Do you know what Lily wants for Christmas?”

  “Yes, if she hasn’t changed her mind.” Scott listened closely as Lily rattled off several items in her conversation with Santa. She still wanted the same doll, the same game, and a bike. If her wish list stayed the same for the next three weeks, he was in good shape.

  “She’s so cute. I’m sure you have a ball on Christmas day.”

  “Yeah. Her excitement is contagious.” Scott contemplated Amelia’s statement. Despite the tragic way that Lily came to be the biggest part of his life, he counted being her guardian as a blessing. More and more he could see the wisdom of adopting her. But like his feelings for Amelia, the thought of making Lily his daughter frightened him. Maybe it was time to cast aside those fears.

  He gazed around the room. He had a big support system with his sister and her family and his parents. Amelia would fit right in. Could he make it all happen, or was it a Christmas wish beyond his reach?

  The rest of the evening flew by, and all too soon it was time to head back to Hallburg. Scott, Amelia, and Lily said their goodbyes and settled into the car for the hour’s drive. Christmas music played on the radio, and Lily talked a mile a minute, giving Scott and Amelia little chance to say a word as he drove down the highway.

  About a half hour into the trip, Lily fell silent, and Scott looked in the rearview mirror. “Looks like our chatterbox has fallen asleep.”

  Amelia cast a glance over her shoulder. “I didn’t know she ever wore out.”

  “Yeah. She’s usually full of energy, but it’s past her bedtime.” Scott let out a long sigh. “I hope I don’t have trouble getting her up for school tomorrow.”

  “This little nap should help.”

  “I hope you’re right.” Scott wanted to talk with Amelia about so many things, but most of them were better said without Lily’s presence. Even though she was asleep, he feared she might wake up and hear things he didn’t want her to hear right now. “If you’re free on Tuesday night, Lily has a school play. She has a small speaking part, and I know she’d love for you to come.”

  “Yes, I’d like that very much.”

  “Good. Would you like me to pick you up?”

  Amelia shook her head. “That’s not necessary. I can drive to the school myself. That way you don’t have to worry about getting Lily to bed on time.”

  Scott wished he’d said he would give Amelia a ride rather than giving her a choice. Did she not want to be with him, or was she just being practical? He had to think of some other way to spend some time with her so they could talk. Could he invite her over after the play? He had to be brave enough to ask.

  “Could I interest you in coming over for a snack after the play?” He held his breath while he waited for her answer.

  She smiled. “Sure. I’d like that.”

  “Okay. Then I’ll see you Tuesday night.” Maybe things would work out after all. “Do you have plans for Christmas?”

  Amelia shrugged. “Sometimes I go down to Virginia to spend Christmas with some of my mother’s family. That’s where I went for Thanksgiving.”

  Scott didn’t want to intrude on Amelia’s family time, but he wanted to spend Christmas with her, especially since his mother had suggested he issue Amelia an invitation. “Well, if you don’t make plans to go to Virginia, my family would love to have you over for Christmas at my sister’s house.”

  “Can I let you know on that?”

  “Sure. No rush. Even last minute is good. We always have plenty of food.” Disappointment flooded Scott’s mind. He was rushing things, overwhelming her with invitations right and left. He had to have a little patience. He was worse than a kid on Christmas Eve.

  “Thanks. I appreciate your thinking of me.” Amelia said little else the rest of the way to Hallburg.

  When Scott pulled up in front of Amelia’s apartment, she quickly grabbed her things. Intending to walk her to the door, he lifted the door handle. She reached over and touched his arm as she glanced at the backseat. “Since Lily’s still sleeping, you don’t have to get out. Thanks for a great day. Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow, but if not, then Tuesday night. I look forward to seeing Lily’s play. Good night.”

  “Good night.” Scott’s heart sat like a stone in the pit of his stomach. Obviously she didn’t feel the same way he did. Even though he didn’t want to, he had to rein in his feelings. Rushing things with Amelia wouldn’t get him anywhere.

  Chapter Eight

  Like the curling sensation in the pit of Amelia’s stomach, steam curled up from the mug of hot chocolate she held in her hands. She took a sip and looked at Scott over the top of the mug as he gave Lily one last warning about not coming back down the stairs. His love for that little girl made
her wish more than ever that she could be part of his family circle. Even though Amelia found everything to like about his family, caution held her feelings in check.

  “I shouldn’t have stayed. That’s probably why she keeps getting up. She doesn’t want to miss anything.” Amelia grimaced.

  Scott joined her on the couch as Jet curled up at his feet. “That might be true, but it’s still no justification for her not going to bed.”

  Amelia glanced down at the dog with a growing sense of calm about the little ball of fur. “I can remember when I was about Lily’s age, wanting to stay up when my parents had company. It was exciting to listen to adult conversation.”

  “Are you trying to make excuses for her?” Scott took a gulp of his chocolate.

  “No. Just giving you reasons for her behavior.” Amelia set her mug on the coffee table. “She was the star of the show tonight.”

  Scott smiled wryly. “Yeah. She did a good job. You know she likes to be the center of attention whenever possible.”

  “She’s a born leader.”

  “Like her dad.”

  Amelia picked up her mug again and rubbed a finger against the smooth surface. “Do you mind if I ask you about Lily and her parents?”

  “What do you want to know?”

  “Why are you her guardian and not one of Lily’s relatives?”

  “I’ve told you about Lily’s grandparents. They’re too far away and in bad health.”

  “What about her dad’s family?”

  Scott lowered his head for a moment, a muscle working in his jaw. When he looked up, Amelia read the sorrow in his eyes. “Danny Jackson was my best friend. We met in high school, went to college together, and joined the army at the same time. He met AnaMarie while we were stationed in Hawaii. They married a few months before we were deployed to Afghanistan. I was best man in their wedding, and Lily was born a year later.”