The Christmas Promise (Heartsong Presents)

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  The waiter nodded and left just as his cell buzzed in his pocket. Not tonight. He knew that special sound. When he’d agreed to tonight’s date he’d forgotten he was on call. “This is Dr. Harding.” He listened as the answering service explained the emergency. “Okay. I’ll be right there.” He caught the waiter’s eye and waited for him to approach. “I have to leave and my date isn’t here yet. Would you let her know I had an emergency?” As much as he wanted to tell Keira himself, he couldn’t wait. A dog’s life depended on him.

  He pushed back from the table and stood. Too bad he hadn’t thought to ask for her phone number. He’d have to remember to call Josh ASAP and explain what happened. He strode for the stairs that led down to street level and past the beautiful blonde from the candy shop as she walked inside, completely oblivious to him. Wow. He slowed his gait. Gone was the German maiden costume and in its place a lovely modern woman in jeans that fit just right. He definitely would be buying candy for his family and friends this year.

  * * *

  Keira looked around the dining room as she followed the hostess and didn’t see any males sitting alone. Her stomach flip-flopped. She’d committed one of the worst faux pas to her way of thinking—being late was rude and showed a lack of respect.

  The young woman stopped at an empty table. “Dr. Harding was sitting in that spot, so I presume he intended this one for you.” The hostess pulled out a chair for Keira.

  “Thank you. Do you know where he went?”

  She shook her head. “Sorry, no. He’s probably in the restroom.”

  Keira thanked the hostess and sat. A small box that looked just like the ones she sold sat on the table in front of her. What a funny coincidence. Had her date been in the store recently? The man from that afternoon flashed in her mind, and she looked around. She recognized a few people and waved, but didn’t see the man from earlier.

  She picked up the menu and looked it over. A bowl of soup would be a good choice for her unsettled stomach. After placing the menu aside she glanced at the time. Maybe he’d gotten sick of waiting. But who would leave after only fifteen minutes? She’d stuck around for close to thirty minutes for people and never considered bailing. No, he had to be in the restroom like the hostess had suggested.

  Keira sat back and tried to relax. White butcher paper covered a white tablecloth and draped gracefully. Crayons sat on the table. How clever. Maybe she should bring Cody here sometime. Her seat overlooked Front Street, and she could see her shop. A light shone in the window above with icicle lights hanging from the Bavarian-themed architecture. Tiny clear lights framed each window, reminding her of a storybook Christmas. If she didn’t know better she’d say she was in the German Alps.

  A waiter approached her table.

  “Have you seen the man who was sitting here?”

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know. I just took over for the waiter who had this table. Would you like to order now?”

  “Not yet.” She checked the time again—six-thirty. Maybe he had left. But it didn’t make sense. Why go to all this trouble only to leave? One thing was certain. She couldn’t go home now. It would be too humiliating to admit she’d been stood up. Well not technically, but it felt like it just the same. She waved to the waiter. “I’d like to order a bowl of your minestrone, please.”

  Keira stared out the window at the falling snowflakes. How could something so beautiful cause nightmares? Just once she’d like to see snow and not feel like burying her head under a blanket until spring. She sighed and returned her gaze to her surroundings. Somehow the elegant setting fit in with the loft vibe the room projected. Michael would’ve hated this place. He was more of a fast-food kind of guy, but in spite of being alone she liked it very much. Too bad Pete had deserted her.

  The waiter placed a bowl of soup in front of her. “Can I get you anything else?”

  She shook her head. “No, thanks.”

  The soup warmed her all the way down. But the idea of answering Susan’s questions made her shiver inside. Her friend would want details, and she didn’t care to share. Had her date taken one look at her on his way back from the restroom and slipped out? Maybe she wasn’t attractive anymore. Keira’s cheeks flamed and she pushed the bowl aside. This was all too humiliating. Her first date since forever, and he’d cut out on her.

  She picked up the box of chocolates he’d left behind and opened the lid. Her eyes widened. These looked exactly like the box she’d put together for the handsome man this afternoon, but he didn’t seem the type to stand up his date. Besides, he didn’t indicate it was a blind date. She replaced the lid and tucked the candy into her coat pocket. She’d give them to Susan for watching Cody.

  The soup really did smell wonderful and she couldn’t resist. Date or no date, there was no way she could leave the nearly full bowl behind. She spooned the delightful flavors into her mouth. “Mmm.” There was nothing like comfort food on a snowy night.

  After paying, she went down the stairs and outside. A small crew of two worked at putting Christmas decorations on the unadorned structures. Soon all the trees would be covered in lights along with the lovely buildings. She tucked her hands into her pockets and picked her way across the street. She’d go in the front door. No sense in risking the exterior stairs.

  Leavenworth knew how to do Christmas. In a month or so the village would be shoulder-to-shoulder people every weekend. The Lighting Festival drew tourists to the town in droves. In the past she’d been so swamped at the candy shop during the day, she missed all the excitement outside. But at night she’d close up the store and watch the festivities from her apartment window. This year Cody had asked to join in the fun. She’d have to hurry up and find a temporary worker so her son could experience Leavenworth at its best.

  Keira unlocked the store, kicked snow off her boots and stepped inside, locking up before tiptoeing upstairs. It was only seven, but if Cody was asleep, she didn’t want to wake him. She opened the door slowly and spotted her son on the chaise with Susan, who held his favorite book, A Fish Out of Water, on her lap. Cody’s eyes drooped closed and his little cheeks were flushed.

  Keira walked over to the duo and squatted. “How was Cody?” she asked softly.

  “Just fine. You’re back early.” She frowned. “Didn’t it go well?”

  Keira hesitated. “The restaurant was very nice.”

  “What else? Tell me everything and don’t leave out any details.”

  Keira grimaced at her friend’s persistence. “I had a delicious bowl of minestrone, and the setting was neat. I think I might even take Cody there sometime. They had butcher paper covering the tablecloths and there were crayons for the children to color on the table.”

  “He would love that.” Susan set the book aside. “You want help putting him to bed?”

  “No, thanks. I’ll just carry him. Be right back, don’t leave.” Keira tucked Cody into her arms and stood.

  “Momma, you’re home.”

  “Shh. I love you, precious, now go back to sleep.”

  Cody snuggled into the crook of her neck and closed his eyes.

  Keira laid him between the sheets and pulled the covers to his chin. She rested her hand on his cheek and gave him a kiss. Seeing her son sleeping peacefully made the crazy times less stressful.

  She tiptoed from the room and left the door slightly ajar. Cody had a night-light, but he didn’t like his door closed.

  Susan stood when she came back into the family room. “Since you’re back so early, I take it you and Pete didn’t hit it off.”

  “You could say that.” She pulled the box of truffles from her coat pocket. “Here, I don’t need these and thought you’d enjoy them.”

  “He bought you chocolates! That’s so sweet.” She grinned. “No pun intended. Why don’t you keep them?”

  Keira giggled. “Sweetie, I own a candy
store. Take the truffles. You’ll love them.”

  Susan grinned. “Thanks. Cody was great. We played fort, then he had a bath and was a little angel.”

  “I’m glad. Thanks for watching him.”

  “Hey, it was the least I could do. Sorry it didn’t go like I’d hoped.”

  “No worries.” Keira walked Susan to the door and waited while her friend slipped on some rubber-and-metal traction things over her boots. “Will I see you tomorrow?”

  “Doubtful. I have a ton of work to do, but I’ll be by for breakfast on Sunday.” Susan gave her a hug and stepped down the stairs with no problem. Keira watched with envy. She needed to get a pair of those boot chains for herself. If she’d had those tonight her evening would have gone much differently. She sighed and closed the door. No more dating for her. From now on she’d focus on her son and her business.

  * * *

  Pete finished the last suture and breathed a little easier. It looked like the Australian shepherd would make it, barring any complications. “Go ahead and finish up. I’ll stick around here tonight to watch our patient.”

  Meghan, his assistant of six months, nodded and began cleaning.

  Now to call Josh. He glanced at the wall clock and cringed—nine o’clock already.

  “Anything wrong?” Meghan asked.

  “No, I just need to make a call before it gets too late.”

  She reached with gloved hands for the surgical instruments. “Hot date tonight?”

  “Something like that.”

  A short time later he locked up behind Meghan and hustled for the phone. He punched in Josh’s number and waited. After seven rings Josh finally picked up.

  “This’d better be important,” the voice growled.

  “Josh, it’s Pete.”

  “Oh, hey.” His gravelly voice cleared. “How’d it go tonight? Must’ve gone well if you’re calling so late.”

  “It’s only nine-thirty, and no, it didn’t go well at all.” He explained what had happened. “I’d like to call her and apologize, but I don’t have her number, or her last name, so I couldn’t even look her up.”

  Josh gave him the information. “’Night.”

  Pete reached for the phone again and thought better of it. If she was early to bed like Josh, he didn’t want to risk waking her. He’d call tomorrow and explain. In the meantime he had a patient to take care of. He let his mind wander to the woman from the candy shop. Maybe he’d stop in there again tomorrow. It was never too early to tackle his Christmas list. Well, maybe October was a bit early, but he could pick up a box of chocolates for the clinic.

  Chapter 2

  Saturday morning Keira rushed through her apartment, following the sound of the ringing phone. Where could it be? Standing still, she listened for the next ring and headed for the kitchen. Locating the phone, she checked the caller ID and didn’t recognize the number. Instead of answering, she took the phone to her room, placed it on the charger and continued making her bed. Whoever it was could leave a voice mail.

  Cody would be awake soon, and there’d be no peace, thanks to his energy. If only she had the kind of pep her son did. Keira’s mother-in-law would be by to get Cody at nine-thirty for their weekly day together. Cody loved Saturdays with his grandma. Keira liked them because she didn’t need to keep an eye on the back room where her son usually played. Good thing, too, because Saturdays were generally the busiest day of the week. Now that the holidays were approaching she’d be even busier. She really needed to hire a seasonal helper. Susan might know a responsible teen looking to earn a little Christmas money.

  “Hi, Momma.” Cody padded into the room, rubbing his eyes, and climbed onto her freshly made bed.

  “Good morning. Did you sleep well?”

  He nodded, crawled to the head of the bed and snuggled into the decorative pillows.

  “Grandma Noble will be here soon. The cereal is on the table. Please eat breakfast and then get dressed. Don’t forget to brush your teeth.”

  Cody pushed up and slid off the bed. “Honey Nut Cheerios?”

  “Of course. Hurry up now.” Keira tried to keep a straight face. She didn’t have time to play this morning.

  Her son nodded and sprinted from the room.

  Keira followed, but more slowly.

  “Who called, Momma?”

  “I don’t know. I forgot to see if there’s a message. Eat up while I check.” She scooted to the bedroom. Sure enough, there was one. A moment later she heard the sound of a man’s voice.

  “Hi, Keira. I’m sorry about last night. I had an emergency at the clinic and had to leave. I assume you were just running late and didn’t stand me up.” He chuckled. “Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the chocolates. Maybe we can try again sometime. Give me a call.” He left his number.

  She plopped down onto the edge of the bed. It would have been so much easier if he hadn’t asked her to call, but there was no sense in prolonging the inevitable. She punched in his number and waited. He picked up on the second ring. “Is this Pete?”

  “Yes. Keira?”

  “I got your message, and thanks for the candy. I’m sorry it didn’t work out last night, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to try again.”

  “I understand. No problem.” He sounded relieved and ended the call.

  She stared at the phone in disbelief. It seemed like neither of them wanted the date. Keira giggled and felt happy for the first time since the snow had started. What a relief to have that taken care of. Dating was too much pressure, especially a blind date. She never should’ve agreed to it in the first place. Not that Susan had given her much choice.

  * * *

  Pete pumped a fist in the air and spun around to see his assistant standing in the doorway to his office with raised brows and a hint of a smile on her face. “Meghan, I didn’t know you were there.”

  “Obviously. I take it that was good news.” She pushed her long mocha-colored hair back over her ears and rested a hand in the front pocket of her jeans.

  Although attractive, he’d never felt any special connection with this woman. However, her skills as a veterinary assistant were impeccable, so he put up with her nosiness. He cleared his throat. “Yes.” Too bad he hadn’t closed the door and avoided her questioning look. “I’m going to phone Lady’s owner and have her come in. Lady’s doing well and is ready to go home.”

  “Great. Looks like you have everything under control.” Meghan held up a purple scarf. “I forgot this last night. See you Monday.”

  His assistant left without a backward glance. He sank into the high-back leather desk chair. Time to get down to business and release his patient.

  * * *

  Keira handed a dark chocolate-covered almond sample to a customer and watched the woman’s eyes light up with pleasure. Keira grinned at the true chocolate lover. Maybe she should entice her with a praline. Before she could, the door opened and the handsome man from yesterday walked in. His dark wavy hair kissed his eyebrows, and his strong shoulders filled out the black Henley shirt that hugged his chest just right. Keira pulled her attention back to the woman she was helping and finished filling an assorted half-pound box for her.

  Keira smiled at the waiting man. “I’ll be with you as soon as I finish up here.”

  “No problem.”

  She quickly finished the box and collected payment, then turned to the first man that had piqued her interest since her husband’s death. “You’re back. Were the truffles a hit?”

  He frowned. “She thanked me for them, but to be honest the night was a disaster. I was called away on an emergency before she ever arrived.”

  What was the chance that this man and her date were the same person? All the evidence pointed in that direction. Should she say something?

  “I was hoping you could help me w
ith my Christmas shopping.”

  She laughed. “So soon?”

  He looked at her with confusion on his face. Of course he didn’t understand the relevance of her statement. How could he? “My chocolates won’t keep longer than a week. The bin candy will keep, if you’d like that.” She leaned closer and lowered her voice. “They’re good, too, but honestly don’t compare to the freshly made ones.”

  His brow furrowed. “No. I was hoping for the special chocolates.” He looked around the store and picked up a teddy bear holding a bouquet of packaged candy. “My niece might like this.” He brought it to the counter.

  “She probably would. If you’d like, I could write up your order and have it wrapped and ready to go for you the week of Christmas. I also ship if you like.”

  His gaze met hers. She caught her breath as his blue eyes crinkled at the edges. Where had this man been hiding?

  “That’s a great idea.” He pulled a small piece of paper from his pocket. “I’d like to get a one-pound assorted box for everyone on my list, and a box to take with me today.”

  Keira felt her eyes widen. His list had ten people on it! “Wonderful.” She proceeded to write down his information. “Do you want to pick up the boxes or ship them?”

  He thought for a moment. “I’ll ship all but two. I’d like a box for the clinic and I’ll pick the other one up just before Christmas.”

  “Clinic? Are you a doctor?”

  “Veterinarian.”

  “It is you!”

  “Pardon me?”

  She held out her hand. “I’m Keira. We were supposed to have a date last night, but thanks to the snow and my clumsiness you were gone before I arrived.”

  He took her hand and gave it a warm squeeze. “I’m really sorry I missed you. I saw you come in, but didn’t realize you were my date. Josh didn’t tell me anything about you.”

  “And you still agreed to meet me? You’re a daring man.”

  He chuckled. “Well, Josh is a good guy. I trust his judgment.”