The Christmas Promise (Heartsong Presents)

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  “Sounds like Mr. Toad has turned into a prince.”

  Keira cradled the phone tighter. “I don’t know. He doesn’t seem to want to be more than friends, but he’s a nice man.”

  “Are you okay with that?” Susan never minced words.

  “I wasn’t to begin with, but yes, I think I am. Like I said, he’s nice and I need all the friends I can get. My world has shrunk since Michael’s death and, well, I’m ready to live again.”

  “It’s about time!” Susan squealed. “I wish I were there right now. We’d celebrate. You’ve turned a corner, and I’m so proud of you.”

  “Thanks, but don’t get all mushy on me.” Keira folded her legs and tucked her feet onto the chaise. A slow smile lit her face.

  “Remind me to thank Pete the next time I see him.”

  “For what?” Keira heard the surprise in her voice.

  “For giving my friend back to me.”

  Had she really changed that much? Keira tucked that thought away for another time.

  * * *

  “Cody, please hurry. I don’t want to keep Mr. Pete waiting.” Keira tied a red scarf around her neck, then clamped her hands together to keep them from shaking.

  Cody ran from his bedroom. “Okay, Momma. Let’s go.”

  She laughed. “Not so fast. We need to bundle you up. It’s freezing outside.”

  Cody groaned and slipped on his mittens.

  Her fingers tangled with his as she helped him zip his coat, then waited for him to tug on his boots.

  “Ready!” He took her hand and pulled toward the door. “Are we late?”

  “Not yet, but we’ll need to hustle.” Normally she’d have preferred the walking path down by the river, but the trek would be a bit far for Pete. She still couldn’t believe he’d called and suggested letting Cody meet the puppies. They’d meet instead at the downtown city park on Front Street. Keira locked up and trotted down the steps, holding Cody’s hand. Thankfully the stairs only had a light dusting of snow and weren’t slippery.

  Cody jumped off the bottom step, pulling on her hand and dragging her forward.

  “Slow down, buddy.”

  “Okay.” He turned with hopeful eyes. “Will Father Christmas be in the park again?”

  “Not this time. He only came for the Lighting Festival.”

  Cody’s shoulders slumped and he kicked at the snow. “Oh.”

  “Don’t worry. We’ll still have fun.”

  “But there’s nothing to do in the park.”

  “Not true.” A smile touched her lips. Cody would be eating his words soon. They crossed Front Street and as they approached the gazebo, she spotted Pete. He had both puppies in his lap. Their blondish fur contrasted with the too-large doggie coats they each wore, one red, the other green. She held in a giggle. The man had no sense of style when it came to doggie clothes.

  “Puppies!” Cody charged toward Pete.

  Pete’s eyes widened and he held the dogs tighter. “Whoa. Never run toward a dog.”

  Cody slid to a stop. “Sorry. Can I pet your puppies?”

  Pete’s eyes crinkled when he smiled at her son. “Sure.”

  Keira held her breath as Cody first patted the female’s head, then the male’s.

  “What are their names?” Cody giggled when the dog licked his face.

  “I just got them yesterday and haven’t named them yet. I thought maybe you and your mom would help me decide.”

  Cody tilted his head and pursed his lips. “Are they boys or girls?”

  “One of each.” Pete held out the female. “Would you like to hold her?”

  Keira stepped closer to Cody and squatted beside him. “Be gentle.”

  “Look at her ears, Momma. She should be called Floppy.”

  “Hmm, that sounds more like a rabbit’s name to me. What else can you think of?” She looked to Pete and noted the hint of a grin. “What do you think, Pete?”

  “I have a few ideas. How about Molly, Sunflower—”

  “Not Sunflower,” Keira said. “It reminds me of the skunk in Bambi. Granted his name was Flower, but still.”

  Pete chuckled. “Okay, Sunflower is out.”

  “I like Molly.” Cody held up the female puppy and looked into her eyes. “Do you want to be Molly?”

  The puppy barked and slathered him in kisses.

  They all laughed.

  “Sounds like a winner to me.” Keira reached for the animal. “What about the boy?”

  “I know!” Cody jumped up and down with his arm raised. “Charlie Brown.”

  “That’s quite a name for such a little fellow.” Pete picked up the male and studied his face. “What do you think, Keira?”

  “It’s up to you.” She thought the name was cute, but it would be a mouthful.

  Cody reached for the male. “How about Max?”

  Pete shrugged. “I don’t know. Max is a good name and would be easier to say, but a lot of dogs are called that.”

  Keira watched her son and Pete interact. Their faces were so serious, like they were naming a new state or something.

  * * *

  Pete set the male dog on the ground.

  Cody scrunched his face at the dog. “I think Max.” He turned hopeful eyes toward him.

  No way could he deny the boy. “Max it is.”

  “How about we let the dogs run around a bit.”

  Keira set Molly down beside Max and the two tumbled in the snow.

  Cody giggled and his shoulders shook.

  Pete drew a toy from his pocket and tossed it toward the dogs. Max clamped it in his jaws and chomped down, making the toy squeak.

  “Can I try?” Cody reached for the toy in the dog’s mouth.

  “Careful,” Keira warned. “Some dogs don’t like to share and may bite.”

  Cody yanked his hand back. “Please give me the toy, Max.”

  The dog tilted his head and blinked at the boy.

  “Drop it,” Pete said.

  Max dropped the toy. Looked like the pup had more training than he’d realized. Good. That would make life easier.

  Cody romped around in the snow with the puppies. Pete eyed the dogs. Which one would the boy connect with? The pups were such fun, and he’d hate to see either one go.

  Keira sidled up to him. “Thanks for doing this, Pete. It was really nice of you.”

  “No problem.” He explained what he’d observed so far about the animals.

  “I was not looking forward to house-training a puppy, so that’s a relief. I’d envisioned adopting an older dog.” Keira’s focus remained on her son.

  “I can see why you’d like that option, but as long as you can take the puppy out every few hours during the day you shouldn’t have any problems. I’ll continue to work with both dogs until you’re ready.”

  She nodded with a worried look.

  Was she reconsidering? He’d better ease her mind. “I’ll be sure to write out all the instructions you might need. Plus there are many websites with helpful information.”

  “I appreciate that.”

  Keira nodded when he spoke, but her attention kept drifting back to her son and the dogs, which gave him ample opportunity to watch her. The gleam in her eyes and the ready smile warmed him from head to toe even in the freezing temperature. Maybe he should ask her out after all and take another chance on love. “I was wondering—”

  “Cody, I need to get back to the shop.”

  Shot down before the words even came out. Maybe it was a sign. The boy ran toward his mom and slid to a stop. His cheeks glowed from playing, and he beamed a smile at her. Pete longed to feel the same way. “Thanks for playing, Cody. Maybe we can do this again tomorrow?” He raised a brow at Keira and grinned whe
n she nodded. “Same time?”

  “Sure. See you then.” Keira held out her hand to her son and the pair marched across the street.

  Pete attached a leash to each dog and walked back to the clinic with a little extra bounce in his step.

  * * *

  Later that same night Keira gazed out the window at the winter wonderland Leavenworth was known for. She could just make out the white lights decorating the top of the gazebo where Pete had met them several hours earlier. Maybe it was the puppies, but she sensed a change in Pete. She turned from the window, padded into her bedroom and noticed a piece of paper lying on the floor beside her bed.

  Bending over, she snatched up the card and paused. The Christmas Surprise Ball was only two weeks away and she had yet to look for a dress. Maybe her mother-in-law had something she could wear. They were similar in height, but Mary was bigger-boned. A sigh escaped her lips as she opened her closet door and peered in.

  Red fabric peeked out from behind rarely worn clothes in the back of the closet. “Oh, my! I forgot about that.” She rushed to the never-worn dress and reached for the hanger. The deep red bridesmaid dress she’d purchased to wear in Susan’s almost-wedding still looked perfect. She held it up in front of herself and light glimmered off the satin bodice and detailing. Beginning at the waistline, lace skimmed over satin and formed a delicate soft drape in front. She’d tried to return it years ago, but the place wouldn’t take returns.

  Would Susan mind seeing the dress again? The breakup had devastated her friend. Keira didn’t want to dredge up bad memories.

  Most women couldn’t wait to toss out bridesmaid dresses, but this one was above average. Susan had planned a fairy-tale wedding theme, so unlike her normal style. But who wouldn’t want to have a Cinderella dress? Unable to resist, Keira disrobed, stepped into the gown and zipped up the back. The mirror in her closet revealed it still fit like a glove. A smile teased her lips.

  “Momma?”

  Keira jumped and whirled around. “What are you doing out of bed?”

  “I had to go potty, and I was thirsty.” Cody rubbed his eyes. “You look pretty.”

  “Thank you. Did you get some water?”

  He nodded.

  “Good. Now go back to bed.” She nudged him from the entrance of her closet toward the bedroom door.

  “What’s the dress for?”

  “The Christmas Ball.”

  He stopped and looked up at her. “What’s a ball?”

  “Do you remember Cinderella when her fairy godmother gave her a beautiful dress and turned the pumpkin into a carriage?”

  “Yes. She went to the castle. Are you going to a castle?”

  Keira chuckled. “I wish, but no. This ball will be in the Festhalle.”

  Cody shrugged and padded to his room.

  Keira slipped off the dress, carefully hung it back up and then pulled on her flannel pj’s. After checking to make sure her son made it back to bed, she climbed into her own.

  She’d originally planned to attend the ball for Cody’s sake, but since kids weren’t allowed it was pointless. Besides, she’d never be able to walk to the other end of the village without ruining the dress in the snow, not to mention the silver slippers that went with it. She rolled her eyes, imagining snow boots with the gown, although she could wear the boots there and change into the slippers later. As realization hit, a frown puckered her brow—she really wanted to attend, with or without her son. Something in her ached to be a princess for just one night. Too bad she didn’t have a Prince Charming.

  Chapter 7

  Pete glanced at the clock and hustled into exam room three. He’d have to make this quick if he was going to meet Keira and Cody in the park. A couple emergencies this morning had put him and Dr. Young behind schedule.

  Thirty minutes later he draped the coats around Molly and Max and secured them under their bellies. After clipping on their leashes, he headed for the exit. If he hurried, he’d be only a little late. Stepping out the back door, the bright sunlight blinded him. When he’d come in to work it’d been dark. He slipped back inside to grab sunglasses from the edge of his desk.

  “Oh, good. You’re still here.” Meghan took the dogs’ leashes. “You’re needed in room two.”

  “What’s going on? I thought I was finished.”

  “So did I, but this person just walked in and requested to see you.”

  “Can’t Dr. Young handle it? I’m meeting someone and I’m late.”

  “I think you should see this patient.”

  He frowned. “Fine, but after this I’m out of here.” He dropped the sunglasses back on the desk, slipped on his lab coat, then strode up the hall. After a quick knock on the door, he walked in and plastered on his best smile. “Afternoon...” He stopped. “Blondie.” He shook his head. “I mean—”

  The woman chortled. “No worries, Doc. Lexie and I were in the neighborhood.”

  Blondie—er, Lexie, stood and quivered with excitement, then barked and jumped up.

  He squatted before the dog and scuffed the fur on her neck. “It’s good to see you, girl.” He looked to the woman. “How’s she been?”

  “Missing you, I’d say. She whines all the time. This is the happiest I’ve seen her since she came home.”

  “She just misses my pampering. I’m glad you stopped by. Did you need anything or were you just saying hi?”

  “That’s it.” The woman stood. “It appears her only problem was missing you. Thanks for seeing us.”

  “You bet.” He pulled a liver treat from the jar on the table and gave it to Blondie. “She loves these.” He stood with a sudden thought. “Be right back.” He grabbed a small container of liver treats from the counter in front and returned to the room. “Give her one or two of these a day for a while and see if it improves her mood.”

  The woman took the small tub. “Thanks a million, Doc. I hope this works.”

  “Me, too.” He walked them to the exit and waved to the woman.

  * * *

  “Where’s Mr. Pete?” Cody slumped on the bench and his lower lip protruded. “I want to play with Max and Molly.”

  Keira checked her watch again. “I know, honey.” She looked toward the direction of the clinic. He could’ve at least sent a text if he wasn’t going to show. Irritation soured her mood. She stood, holding her hand out to her son. “Come on. We’re going.”

  “No! Mr. Pete said he’d be here.” Cody crossed his arms and tucked his chin deeper into his coat.

  “Excuse me?” she said in a warning tone.

  Cody looked ready to cry. “Sorry.”

  “That’s better. I know Mr. Pete said he’d be here, but he probably had something come up. We’ll call him later and try to reschedule. Okay?”

  Cody stood. “I guess.” He took her hand and they tromped across the park toward Front Street.

  “Would you like to go out for lunch?”

  “McDonald’s?” His voice lilted.

  Keira frowned. She took him there at least once a week when the roads were clear, but it was too far to walk. “I’m sorry. I was thinking of The Soup Cellar.”

  “Oh.”

  “Don’t leave!” a man hollered from a ways behind her.

  Keira turned toward the familiar voice and spotted Pete running toward them on the sidewalk slick with icy snow. He grinned and started to say something, but whatever it was got lost as his legs went out from under him and he crashed to the sidewalk. The puppies bounced around and barked at him.

  “Mr. Pete!” Cody yanked free, ran to the man, then pounced on his stomach and wrapped his arms around Pete as he lay prone. “You came.”

  Keira did her best to keep up and slid to a stop, nearly joining Pete on the snow-and-ice-covered walkway.

  “Yeah, buddy. I made i
t. Sorry I’m late. Things at the clinic were a little busy.”

  “That’s okay.”

  Keira lifted Cody off Pete and offered him a hand up. “You really shouldn’t run on this stuff.”

  Pete stood. “Now she tells me.”

  “Are you hurt?”

  “I’m fine.”

  “Can I play with Max and Molly?” Cody asked.

  “Sure, but let’s play in the park. I don’t want them to run out in front of a car.” Pete took a hesitant step.

  Cody nodded solemnly. “Okay. Can I hold a leash?”

  Pete looked to Keira for permission. Keira frowned. The puppies were little and probably wouldn’t be able to break free of her son, but if anything happened to them... “I think Mr. Pete should hold the leash. You’ll get plenty of time with the dogs in the park.”

  Cody scowled, but didn’t argue. Keira walked beside Pete and kept an eye on Cody as he trotted his way back to the gazebo.

  “Sorry I’m so late. I’m actually surprised you’re still here.”

  “A minute later and you’d have missed us. We were going to grab a bite before returning to the store. I’m afraid we only have about fifteen minutes. Holly has a class this afternoon.”

  “Guess we better make the most of this time, then.” He reached down, removed the dogs’ leashes and tossed the toy toward Cody. “Fetch.”

  The puppies tore after the squeak toy. Keira laughed. “They sure do like that thing. I hope I can find another one.”

  “Don’t worry. I have an extra at home.”

  “Whew, thanks. You have a hard morning?”

  “Busy. I was on my way to meet you when Blondie and her mom stopped in to say hi. Seems Blondie missed me.”

  “I can’t imagine that.” Keira gave him a teasing smile before turning and watching Cody. If she wasn’t careful he’d think she was flirting. Who was she kidding? She was.

  Fifteen minutes slipped by too fast. “I’ll try and pick Cody’s brain and see which dog he likes best. It’s not fair to you not knowing.”