The Christmas Promise (Heartsong Presents)

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  “Don’t worry if you can’t get anything out of him. I think he’s taken with both dogs still.”

  Keira raised a brow at his insight. For someone without kids he showed good skills at reading them. Then again, maybe it had something to do with the child he’d mentioned. “Cody, it’s time to go.”

  Her son raced toward her with the puppies at his heels. “Five more minutes?”

  “Sorry.”

  Cody frowned and tucked his chin.

  “I think Max and Molly enjoy your company.” Pete attached the dogs’ leashes. “We should plan to do this again soon. I’m tied up all day tomorrow, but maybe Thursday?”

  Keira nodded. “Same time?”

  “Perfect.” He walked with them to the sidewalk and waved goodbye.

  “Mom?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Is Mr. Pete going to be my new dad?”

  Keira caught her breath and felt her cheeks warm. She was quiet for a moment, hoping he’d move on to another topic. This was not a question he’d ever asked about anyone. When he looked up with puppy-dog eyes, she pursed her lips. “That’s an interesting question. Do you want him to be your dad?”

  He shrugged. “Yep. I like his dogs.”

  Her lips formed an O. As much as she wanted to know if that was all there was to his comment, she knew an opening when she heard it. “Which dog is your favorite?”

  “Max.”

  “Really? Why?”

  “He’s a boy, like me.”

  A grin touched her lips. She’d give Pete a call tonight and let him know. “I see.” They climbed the stairs to their apartment and went inside. She made them each a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich. “Will you pour the milk, Cody?”

  He took the small pitcher from the fridge, grabbed two cups from the counter and took it all to the table. “Can I watch a video this afternoon?”

  Videos were for special occasions, but he’d been so good today it was hard to resist his begging eyes. “Sure. We need to eat fast, then go downstairs so Holly can get to school.”

  “Thanks.” He climbed into his chair, bowed his head in their silent grace and then dug in. Five minutes later, with DVD and portable player in hand, they trotted down the stairs.

  Holly looked relieved to see them.

  “Everything okay?”

  “Yes. I was just getting worried you wouldn’t be back in time.”

  Keira slipped an apron over her white blouse and shook her head. “As long as I know your schedule, you have nothing to worry about. I won’t let you down.”

  Holly grinned. “I appreciate that.” She removed her apron. “How’s Pete?”

  “Fine. Cody enjoys playing with his new puppies.”

  Holly cast a knowing look over her shoulder. “Mmm-hmm. See you tomorrow.” The bells jangled as she left.

  For the second time that day Keira’s mouth dropped open. What was with everyone today?

  Later that night Keira cradled the phone to her ear.

  “Hi, Keira. Everything okay?”

  “Yes, great, actually. Cody told me that Max is his favorite.”

  “Good to know. Thanks. He’s a great fit for Cody. Maybe I’ll only bring Max to the park on Thursday. That way the two can bond without Molly interfering.”

  “If you think that’s best. But doesn’t Molly need to get away from the clinic, too?”

  “It’s good for the dogs to be apart. I’ll have Meghan take Molly out.”

  “Who’s Meghan?” Keira bit her lip. She sounded jealous. Was she?

  He cleared his throat. “My assistant.”

  “Oh. That’s good.” She let out the breath she had been holding.

  Awkward silence hummed over the line.

  Pete cleared his throat. “Well, thanks for the call, and I’ll see you Thursday.”

  “Okay. Bye.”

  Keira set the phone down and couldn’t stop grinning. This would be the best Christmas Cody ever had.

  * * *

  Susan hung her coat on the hook by the door. “What’s up? Why’d I need to come over today?”

  Keira wrung her hands. “I wanted to ask you something in person.” She’d gone back and forth in her mind about the ball several times and realized it was something she needed to do for herself.

  Susan squared her shoulders. “This sounds serious.”

  “It might be.” Keira sat on the chaise and Susan perched on the edge of the couch. “You know how we all received invitations to the Christmas Ball?”

  Susan nodded.

  Keira licked her lips. “Well, with the roads covered in snow it’s not likely I’ll get out of Leavenworth until spring and ball gowns are not something anyone in town carries.”

  “True.” Susan’s eyes expressed confusion.

  “I had an idea.”

  “O-kay.” She dragged the word out. “What did you have in mind and why are you so nervous? Just spit it out.”

  “I want to wear my bridesmaid dress from your wedding.” The words came out like a runaway train.

  Susan blew air out between her lips until the flow fizzled to a stop. “You mean my non-wedding. You still have that?” Vulnerability coated the words.

  “Uh-huh. I didn’t know what to do with it.”

  “You could have burned it.” The hint of a teasing smile crossed her lips. “Well, don’t keep me in suspense. Let me see it on you.”

  “Seriously?” Keira stood slowly. She thought for sure her friend would’ve at least thought about it for a minute or two. “Are you sure? I don’t want this to stir up bad memories.” Susan’s fiancé’s sudden change of heart just weeks before the wedding had done a number on her and she’d tumbled into a deep depression for months.

  “What’s done is done.” Susan’s face brightened. “Now hurry up. I’ve never seen that dress on you. Remember it needed to be altered and you didn’t want me to see it until it was perfect.”

  “That’s right, I forgot.” Keira hustled into her bedroom where the gown nearly covered her queen-size bed. In no time she had on the dress. She squeezed the full skirt through the doorway and twirled as she made her grand entrance. “Ta-da!”

  Susan stood. “It’s beautiful. You’ve got the curves, girl!”

  “Just lucky, I guess, especially since I’ve had Cody.”

  “Wow. You have to wear it, Keira. It’s amazing.” Susan wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.

  Keira went over and wrapped her arms around her friend. “I won’t wear it if it makes you sad.”

  “It’s okay.” Susan blinked rapidly. “Seeing you in it reminds me of what could’ve been, but really, I want you to wear it.”

  “Maybe I should have the lace changed out or something to make it look a little different.”

  “What? Are you suggesting my taste is less than perfect?” Susan swiped at the tears leaking from her eyes and laughed. “If you don’t wear this dress I’ll never speak to you again.”

  Keira pretended to think about it and Susan smacked her arm. “I’m serious.”

  “Okay. Okay. You win.” Keira giggled.

  “Good. Now go change before you ruin it.”

  “Bossy, aren’t we?” Keira turned and tossed over her shoulder, “Be right back.”

  “Where’s Cody?” Susan followed her to the bedroom door.

  “Sound asleep. It’d take an air horn to wake him tonight.” She quickly stepped out of the gown and slipped into sweats. “His grandparents took him skiing for the first time on Ski Hill, and he didn’t stop talking about it until he fell asleep.” The hill had been used as a ski jump, but now the locals swished down the slope. It was perfect for Cody and only five minutes away.

  “You want coffee? I have a fresh pot.”
/>   “Sounds good.”

  Keira poured them each a cup, then snuggled back onto the chaise. Susan chose the stuffed arm chair.

  “How’s the dog search going?” Susan blew on her coffee and glanced up with curiosity in her eyes.

  Keira grinned. “Let’s just say it’s well in hand.” She touched a finger to her lips, and looked toward Cody’s room.

  “I’m glad. How are things with Pete? I hear the two of you are spending time together.”

  “I imagine the rumor mill has been busy.” Keira raised her brows. “Yes, we’ve met in the park a couple of times so Cody could play with Pete’s adorable cocker spaniel puppies.”

  Susan raised her brows and quirked a smile. “Really?”

  “That’s it, so wipe those other thoughts from your head.” She smiled, not really minding the teasing. “We’re meeting again tomorrow. He’s only bringing Max this time.”

  “Methinks there’s more to the story than you’re sharing.” Susan wiggled her brows.

  “Nope.” If only that were true. She really liked Pete, and he seemed to like her, too, but no way would she throw herself at a man. She lifted a shoulder in a shrug. “Pete’s a nice guy, but there’s nothing more to it.”

  “Okay, whatever you say.” Susan stood. “I should get home. I have to work in the morning.”

  “Wait. I know you said the ball isn’t your kind of thing, but I was hoping you’d changed your mind. Any chance you’re going?”

  “Probably not. Why?”

  “There’s no way that dress would survive the walk. Did you notice how it drags on the floor?”

  “I suppose you could drive.”

  “Yeah, right. We both know how that would turn out. I’d spend the evening paralyzed behind the wheel.”

  “True.” Susan appeared to be thinking. “It’s next week, right?”

  Keira nodded.

  “Let me think on it, maybe I can come up with an idea. But I’m still not sure about going. I’d need to find a dress and a date.”

  “You could come with me.”

  “You’re seriously going to this thing alone?”

  “I know. Totally out of character, but I really want to go.”

  “Okay. I’ll get back to you. See you Sunday if not sooner.”

  Chapter 8

  Keira gave parting instructions to Holly, then grabbed the snow saucer and took Cody’s hand.

  “Will other kids be there?” Cody looked up at her with round eyes.

  “Probably not. Christmas break starts next week.” Keira kept her tone light.

  He didn’t seem to know if this news pleased him or not. She couldn’t blame him. Fewer children on the hill meant he could sled more, but also meant there was a smaller chance he’d discover a new friend.

  “But don’t forget, Mr. Pete is bringing Max to play, too.” She gave his hand a light squeeze. “Won’t that be fun?”

  Cody’s face brightened. “What about Molly?”

  “She’s staying at the clinic today with Mr. Pete’s assistant.”

  “That’s nice of him to share.” Cody’s serious face looked up at her.

  Keira chuckled. “Yes, it is.” Her son was as precious as they came. “Are you excited about sledding today?”

  “Yep!”

  In a few minutes they were at the park. It’d be a while before Pete showed, so they climbed the little hill.

  “You want to go down together?” She held out the disk.

  “Yes.” He bounced on his toes.

  She sat and held out her arms for him to sit in front. “One, two, three!” She shoved off.

  “Wee!” Cody squealed as they raced down the short hill. Too soon the ride was over. “Wahoo! Let’s go again.”

  “You want to do it by yourself this time?” She watched his face carefully.

  He shook his head. “Go with me one more time.” He held up a finger. “I’ll go by myself next time.”

  “Okay.” Keira raced her son to the top and seconds later they were gliding to a stop at the bottom. Cody stood and grabbed the disk and ran to the top again, then soared back down.

  “Mr. Pete’s here!” Cody abandoned the hillside and ran to greet Max. He flopped to his knees and let the dog kiss his face.

  Keira cringed—gross. She’d have to talk with Cody about that later.

  “Looks like you’re having a lot of fun sledding.” Pete handed Cody Max’s toy. “Maybe you and Max could ride down together.”

  “Yeah! Come on, Max.”

  The puppy chased after her son.

  “That’s too cute. I wish I had my camera.” Her phone had one, but it was old and lousy.

  Pete pulled his phone out and took a couple of shots. He tilted the screen toward her. “How’s this?”

  “Love it. Will you email me those?” She stuffed her hands in her jacket pocket.

  “Sure.” He snapped a close-up of her.

  “I do not want to see that one.” She laughed.

  “Aww, it’s not that bad. In fact, I think it looks good.” He held out the phone for her to see.

  “You need glasses.” Keira followed him to a bench. After brushing snow off, they sat. “Was Molly upset when you left with Max?”

  “She yipped some, but not too bad. Meghan gave her a treat and is taking her for a walk.”

  “You have a thoughtful assistant.”

  His silence unnerved her. Was there something between Pete and Meghan? What did it matter if there was? There certainly wasn’t anything between the two of them, other than a little puppy. “Do you still think you can bring Max by on Christmas Eve?”

  “I don’t see why not. Do you have all the supplies you need?”

  “Not yet.” Keira frowned. That was one hurdle she hadn’t figured out how to jump. The pet supply store was in Wenatchee, and as much as she wanted to, she couldn’t bring herself to drive there. She’d even gone so far as to ask Holly to run the shop alone for a couple hours, but when it came to getting behind the wheel, she froze in fear. Passersby probably thought she was a lunatic just sitting there for twenty minutes talking to herself.

  * * *

  Susan’s words came back to Pete and he wanted to kick himself. Keira was terrified of driving in the snow. “You know, I go to Wenatchee at least once a week. If you’d like to come along you could pick up what you need. Of course the clinic carries the basics like food, but none of the fun stuff.”

  Keira bit her bottom lip. “Thanks. Um...I’ll let you know.”

  “Mind if I ask you a personal question?” He watched her face close and saw a flicker of surprise.

  Keira shivered. “Ask away, but I don’t promise to answer.”

  Pete had a sudden urge to pull her close to help keep her warm, but thought again. He didn’t want her to get the wrong idea. But was it the wrong idea? Over the past week he’d come to look forward to their time in the park and visiting with her. “I was wondering about your fear of driving in the snow.”

  She caught her breath. “That isn’t something I care to discuss.”

  “I understand, but how do you function?”

  “I make do. My in-laws help out a lot and Susan delivers groceries once a week.”

  “I see.” Seemed to him the people in her life were enabling her fear. But who was he to judge when he had his own issues? “I could pick up the supplies.” There, it was out. Would she resent his offer?

  She turned startled eyes toward him. “You’d do that for me?”

  “Of course. I don’t want Max to go without.”

  Disappointment clouded her eyes. What had he said wrong? He pulled her into a quick side hug, unsure how to undo whatever he’d done. “I need to head back to the clinic. If you want my help, let me know.�
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  “I’d appreciate it, thanks. But don’t go overboard. Our apartment is small.”

  She was right about that. It was a good thing Max would never be too big, or he’d be miserable in the small space. He waved Cody over to them.

  The child ran, but the puppy beat him. Max barked at Pete. “What’s up, little guy?” He bent down and attached the leash. “I’d suggest meeting tomorrow, but the festival begins again.”

  “Yeah, but Cody will sure miss seeing those two. Maybe you could come to our place for dinner and bring Max and Molly along.” Keira took Cody’s hand.

  “I thought you didn’t cook.”

  “I’m not a gourmet but I make a mean lasagna. How about six-thirty tomorrow night? That’ll give me enough time to get it in the oven and clean up a little after work.”

  “Sounds great. See you then.” He turned and walked back to the clinic with an extra bounce in his step. Something was happening between him and Keira. He couldn’t exactly name it, but something had changed.

  Five minutes later he strode into the clinic.

  Meghan breezed by him, holding Molly. “She’s such a doll. I can see why you got her.”

  Pete followed with Max and put the dogs into a kennel. “Yeah. They’re both pretty special.”

  “Oh, I almost forgot. I was looking for a file in your office and found this.” She pulled a card from her oversized pocket.

  He took it. “Thanks.”

  “Aren’t you going to open it?” Her eyes lit.

  He shrugged and slid his finger across the top. Inside he found a vellum card and a ticket. He pulled it out. “What’s this?” He read the contents, then tossed them into the garbage.

  Meghan snatched the ticket. “What are you doing? Don’t you know that only two hundred of these went out?”

  “You want the ticket? Go for it.”

  “I think you should attend. It’s the social event of the year.”

  Pete tuned out his assistant. Of course Meghan would know all there was to know about the ball. She seemed to have her finger on the pulse of everyone and everything. Well, he was not going regardless of how many people were invited. He hadn’t waltzed since middle school P.E. and had no intention of starting again.

  Meghan brushed past him. “I’ll hang this on your board. At least think about it.”