Luke's Christmas Love (A Sweet Christmas Romance)

by Maya Stirling

  "I loved it," Erin said, wondering to herself if she was actually referring to the way Luke had kissed her tonight.

  Nicole nodded. "I knew you would. I'm going tomorrow night." She winked at Erin. "With a friend."

  "Really?" Erin said lifting a brow. "A young man?"

  Nicole's face flushed. "One of the customers at the coffee shop asked me out on a date."

  "Someone you already know?" Erin asked.

  Nicole nodded. "Someone I used to know at High School. We haven't seen each other for years. He went away for a while, but now he's back. For now, at least."

  "It sounds mysterious," Erin teased.

  Nicole shook her head. "Enough about me. I want to know what you did, tonight."

  Erin told her everything. Well, almost everything. She couldn't tell Nicole that her brother had kissed Erin. She didn't know how that would go down. Looking at Nicole, though, maybe it wouldn't be exactly bad news.

  Nicole sighed contentedly as Erin finished telling her about the evening. Her curiosity apparently satisfied, Nicole said goodnight and left Erin to get ready for bed.

  Once she was in bed, Erin found she just couldn't sleep. The images of the fair filled her mind. Every sensation she recalled made sleep more impossible with every minute that passed.

  Especially the sensations triggered by the memory of that kiss. Was it her imagination, or had Luke become much quieter after that? Had he been taken aback by that kiss as much as she had? He seemed to have become more thoughtful afterward, even as they'd whirled around on the carousel.

  And, walking her home, he'd seemed, at times, to be lost in thought. Had she done something wrong by letting him kiss her? Surely not. Had she given the wrong impression of herself? Did he think she was the outsider who lived by a different set of rules?

  She'd seen his surprise when she'd given him a peck on the cheek. Maybe that had been a bad choice.

  Erin sighed heavily and rested her hands behind her head, staring up at the ceiling. No. She hadn't done wrong. It had felt absolutely the right thing to do, and she wasn't going to feel bad for doing it.

  Tonight had been one of the most beautiful nights of her life. And it could only have happened in a place like this, she told herself.

  She turned onto her side and bunched the pillow against the side of her face, determined to will herself to sleep.

  She had a big day tomorrow. She wondered what awaited her at the council meeting. She'd come to Montana Falls with the intention of persuading the council to grant permission for her boss's company to come and show off this little town to the rest of the world.

  But now, everything had changed. Luke had changed everything.

  The last forty-eight hours had forced her come to a completely different conclusion. She hadn't been sent here to change the town. She'd been sent here to keep things exactly as they were, because it was perfect.

  And, tomorrow, she would do whatever it took to persuade the folks who wanted to welcome the TV filming, that allowing that to happen would be a big mistake.

  CHAPTER TEN

  There were two council members and the Mayor in the room as Erin walked in and took her seat at the large conference table in the Town Hall's meeting room.

  "Is this everyone?" Erin asked as she opened her folder and peered across at the two women who comprised the town council.

  "I can make the introductions," Mayor Abe said pointing to the women on either side of him.

  "On my right is Mrs. White. On my left is Mrs. Brown."

  Erin extended her hand across the table and shook the hands of each of the council members. There was definitely a cautious expression in some of those eyes, Erin told herself. She'd spoken briefly with the Mayor before the meeting, and she'd gathered that the council member in favor of the TV show was Mrs. Brown. She looked like she was in her fifties, very prim looking, immaculately dressed, with a buttoned up collar. Her mouth was already tight with disapproval as she looked across at Erin.

  Mrs. Brown was apparently still enthusiastic about the whole idea of a TV reality crew making a nuisance of themselves all over the coming months. And that crew would be a nuisance, Erin told herself as she opened a folder and spread her paperwork out in front of her on the table. She knew the lengths they would go to in order to get the footage that would finally be edited into something resembling drama. The TV masses had become used to reality shows having stories. Sometimes that meant twisting the truth. Erin wondered if Mrs. Brown understood what she was inviting into her town.

  "Would you like to make your presentation Miss Scott," the Mayor said.

  Erin nodded. "But first I may as well be straight with you. I believe you thought I was coming today to argue in favor of you voting to allow the town to become the subject of my company's reality TV show."

  "That is correct," the Mayor said. He glanced to either side of himself. "Although I'm sure you know that there is a difference of opinion on the council about whether that should be permitted."

  "I understand that," Erin said smiling across the table.

  "It will be very beneficial for the finances of the town if it becomes famous on TV," Mrs. Brown stated emphatically.

  Erin nodded."I appreciate that, and I'm sure it is important to a great many people in the town."

  "We are a very isolated community, Miss Scott," Mrs. Brown added firmly.

  "I know that," Erin said. "I got stuck in the snow on the way here, this week. The sheriff had to rescue me."

  Mrs. White's bright, sparkling eyes widened."Goodness, were you okay?"

  Erin smiled. "I was fine," she said.

  Mrs. White was older than Mrs. Brown, but no less refined looking. She wore an elegantly cut jacket and wore her gray hair swept back in a tight bun. Her kindly expression was a direct contrast to the stern features of Mrs. Brown.

  "He is a fine sheriff, our Mr. MacAllan, isn't he, Mayor?" Mrs. White said.

  The Mayor looked like he was more than used to dealing with these two ladies on a regular basis. He stiffened and cleared his throat. "Indeed, he is. Sheriff MacAllan is a real asset to this town."

  "I'm sure the TV crew will find him particularly interesting," Mrs. Brown said sharply as if admonishing the other two. "Maybe he'll be worth an episode of two of his own."

  Erin thought about Luke becoming famous for being the small town sheriff and shuddered.

  "Be that as it may, I think we should get back to the subject of the meeting," the Mayor announced, shuffling his own papers. "You were saying, Miss Scott."

  Town council meetings must be really something to watch, Erin said to herself, trying to suppress a smile.

  "I believe you all thought that I would be recommending that you agree to allow the TV show to be made here," she said.

  Everyone across from her nodded.

  "However, I've come here today with a bit of a dilemma. You see, I've spent the last forty-eight hours getting to know your town a bit more than I did when I was last here in the summer." She paused and looked across at the eager, attentive faces. "It's a very different town in the winter. Maybe it has to do with the circumstances of my arriving here and getting to know some really wonderful people."

  "You're staying with the MacAllan's?" Mrs. White asked interrupting Erin's flow.

  She hesitated. "I am staying with them," she explained. "Mrs. Kennedy's bed and breakfast, where I was staying before, got flooded."

  "I heard about that," Mrs. White said frowning. She turned to the Mayor. "Didn't you here about that, Mayor?"

  He sighed and nodded. Clearly, his patience was being stretched to the limit. "I did indeed."

  "Is she okay?" Mrs. White asked Erin.

  Erin paused, trying to understand why her meeting had suddenly become an excuse to catch up on the events in the town. "Uh. She's fine. I believe she's staying with her son until her place gets fixed up."

  Mrs. White smiled. "I'm so glad to hear that." She turned to Mrs. Brown. "Aren't you glad, Eunice?" Mrs. White s
aid.

  Mrs. Brown ignored Mrs. White, frowned and glared across at Erin. "You were trying to say?"

  Time to get back to the real subject of the meeting, Erin told herself.

  "As I was saying," Erin continued. "I've seen a great many things since I arrived here that make me hesitate, frankly, to do what I was sent here to do."

  "You're telling me you don't think the TV show should go ahead?" Mrs. Brown asked acidly.

  "No. I'm not saying that. What I am saying is that I can't, with a clear conscience, tell you what's best for you and the townsfolk."

  Mrs. Brown scowled. "The last time I checked you were working for that TV company. The same one that wants to come here after the New Year," she said her voice thick with sarcasm.

  Erin kept calm, not wishing to show any impatience, not even if she was provoked by Mrs. Brown. "I am an employee of the company. And my boss is very eager to make your town the subject of what would probably be a popular show. However, I'm not sure this is the right place to choose."

  Mrs. Brown leaned forward. "Does your boss know about this?"

  "About what?"

  "That you're trying to interfere with his business plans?"

  "That's not what I'm trying to do, Mrs. Brown. I'm merely trying to see the whole picture. I'm trying to take into account what's best for everyone who lives here."

  "And you think you know what's best for Montana Falls?" Mrs. Brown asked sharply. "Don't you understand that some folks have it difficult here. In case you hadn't noticed the rail spur closed decades ago, the interstate is a long way off, and we're not exactly close to an airport. This TV show might be the only way to save this town."

  "I find that hard to believe. Montana Falls has survived a long time," Erin said. "I'm sure it'll still be around for a while, yet."

  Mrs. Brown grunted. "May I remind you that you are an outsider, Miss Scott. Frankly, you don't belong here," Mrs. Brown stated, peering directly at Erin.

  Erin felt the harshness of Mrs. Brown's words sting her. She was right, Erin told herself. Erin didn't belong here. It didn't matter how many times she'd told herself that she felt at home in Montana Falls. Perhaps, she was deluding herself, Erin thought. Maybe Mrs. Brown was right.

  As if sensing that Mrs. Brown had gone too far, the Mayor spoke up. "Now, now, Eunice. There's no need to say such things," he said fixing the woman with a stern eye. "We're all here just to make sure we do the right thing." The Mayor looked across as Erin. "Isn't that right, Miss Scott."

  Erin nodded but said nothing, thinking it wiser not to provoke any further outbursts from Mrs. Brown.

  For her part, Mrs. Brown thrust her hands into her lap and sat back in her chair, her body stiffening with indignation. She did not look happy about the rebuke from the Mayor.

  As if oblivious to everything that had just happened with her fellow council member, Mrs. White clapped her hands. "Bravo, Miss Scott. I haven't heard anyone speak up for the town like that for years."

  Erin felt her face flush with embarrassment. She tried to smile but failed. Maybe she'd gone too far, Erin told herself. In a flash, she knew what the probable consequences would be once Bob found out. She'd probably be demoted or even fired. But it didn't matter. Some things simply had to be defended.

  "Are you proposing we turn down this offer, Miss Scott?" the Mayor asked.

  "No, Mr. Mayor. That decision is for you and your council members. All I've tried to do is present my case as honestly as I can, given what I've learned since I got here."

  "Won't you get into trouble with your boss if we decide against granting the permit?" Mrs. White asked.

  Erin nodded. "Perhaps," she answered. She met the gaze of three people and wondered what they thought of her. Did they think she was simply crazy? That she was prepared to throw away a career in order to do what she thought was right?

  There was further discussion about some of the details of the proposed production, especially how many restrictions could be placed on what was filmed in town. Even as she spoke about those things, Erin knew that once the TV company was allowed into town, they would pretty much have free rein.

  Finally, the meeting was over. As she stood, jamming her papers into her bag, Erin looked across at the people who held the fate of the town in their hands. It came down to one thing. Would the Mayor use his casting vote, because neither of the two council members appeared willing to change their position? It would come down to the Mayor.

  "When can I expect a final decision?" Erin asked.

  The Mayor glanced at his two council members. "We'll let you know before Friday, Miss Scott."

  She felt a sudden rush of concern. "I was planning to leave before Friday. What with Christmas being on Sunday, I figured I'd get a head start. Try to get back to LA by Saturday."

  The Mayor simply gazed at her. "As I said. We'll let you know."

  She could tell she wasn't going to get anything more out of him.

  She said her goodbyes and shook hands. With her job done, she walked out of the room, wondering if she'd sealed the fate of the whole town.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Luke saw Erin coming out of the Town Hall. He sighed with appreciation as he gazed at her. She looked real good dressed in her black business suit, and with her hair tied back in a bun, he told himself. Her footsteps clacked down the steps. Her head was bowed, and she looked like she was lost in thought. She still hadn't noticed him as she halted on the sidewalk and finally lifted her head. Her eyes widened when she saw him. More important than that, she smiled right at him. He felt something warm grow inside him when she did that. She looked so beautiful when she smiled that it almost took his breath away. He tried to maintain an appearance of nonchalance.

  "Waiting for me?" she asked.

  "I had some parking tickets to hand out," he said. He smiled at her. "You have no idea how busy I've been this morning. I've been run off my feet," he added shaking his head.

  She smiled, but he could tell she was concerned about something. Just as well he'd come to try and cheer her up, he told himself.

  He ran his gaze up and down her new outfit. "Where'd you get the suit?"

  Erin ran a hand down the side of the jacket. "You like it?" she asked.

  He nodded. "Looks like you mean business," he observed.

  "Nicole took me shopping this morning, before the meeting. I realized I wouldn't make much of an impression dressed like I was going hiking."

  "That was a useful thought," he said quirking a brow at her.

  Erin smiled at him and shook her head. He was getting used to teasing her, and starting to like it more and more, especially when he saw how much she enjoyed it.

  "How did the meeting go?" he asked.

  Erin sighed. "Dunno," she said sharply. "I'll find out later."

  "No decision?"

  Erin shook her head. "It's difficult to say, really. I did my best, but some folks just need more persuading than others."

  Luke smiled. "I know what that feels like," he said.

  He was glad that she smiled at his weak attempt at humor.

  "Aren't you supposed to be out doing police things? Like catching criminals and stuff?" she said. He could tell she was wondering what he was doing here, so near lunchtime.

  He flicked a thumb toward the center of the square. "Everything's quiet now. I think all the so-called criminals had too much mulled wine, last night. Maybe they're sleeping it off," he said grinning at her.

  She laughed and shook her head. He saw her shoulders relax as tension eased out of her.

  "You fancy some lunch?" he asked.

  Erin's eyes narrowed. "Not coffee and cakes again," she said.

  Luke shook his head. "No. I thought we could go and gave a proper lunch."

  "What's a proper lunch in Montana Falls?" she asked lifting a brow.

  "Whatever you like."

  "I like Italian," she stated bluntly.

  "Isn't that strange," he said lifting a brow. "Italian's my favorite food, as
well."

  Her brows narrowed skeptically. "Really?"

  He nodded. "I need all those pasta calories just to keep my energy up."

  "Writing parking tickets must be such hard work," she replied. "You must get so exhausted."

  He glanced at his watch. "I have an hour. And I know a little Italian place just around the corner. Two minutes walk and we'll be there."

  He took a few steps away from his police car but she touched his arm, and he paused. "What about the car?

  He squinted at her. "What about it?"

  "Can you just leave it there?"

  He frowned. "Of course I can. Who's going to give me a parking ticket?" he asked and grinned at Erin.

  She smiled, and he saw that he'd gone some way to lightening her mood. Maybe after some good food and some fine conversation, he'd get to know a little more about Erin Scott.

  They arrived at the restaurant and settled in. It turned out that she was as big a fan of pasta as he was. And this was the only Italian restaurant in Montana Falls.

  They chatted while they ate, and Luke found himself even more enchanted by this amazing woman. She told him about growing up in LA; about how her parents were people of faith who had tried to encourage Erin to follow a different path than the one she'd wound up walking. He could tell that the last few years had taken their toll on her. As the conversation developed, she opened up to Luke, admitting just how much she wanted a change, how much she needed to get back on the path her parents had tried to guide her onto.

  She looked at him across the table, and he could see the sincere emotion in her eyes. She'd opened up a lot during the last forty-five minutes. "But, you know how kids are when they grow up. There's a rebellious streak in kids that just seems ingrained in them," she said.

  "That's why faith is important, I guess," Luke said. "Your parents seem to understand that. Maybe it just takes time," he said.

  "What do you mean?" she asked.

  "In an ideal world, we'd all find our way without a struggle. But, this isn't an ideal world," he said with a heavy sigh. "Not at all."