The Christmas Promise (Heartsong Presents)

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  “What’d you do?”

  “Nothing much.” He said with a full mouth.

  “Don’t talk when you’re chewing.”

  His frown puckered his little brows and his lips pouted. “You asked a question.”

  She hid a smile behind her napkin. He had a point. She looked to where the puppies snuggled on their bed, snoring. “Those are a couple of really cute dogs. Don’t you think?”

  Cody nodded this time, then swallowed. “Aunt Susan helped me write my Christmas list and I asked for a puppy. Do you think I’ll get one?”

  Keira shrugged. “Guess you’ll have to wait and see.”

  “I can’t wait.”

  She chuckled. “Seems to me you don’t have much choice, buddy. Besides, Christmas is only another week and a half away.”

  He groaned. “That’s so long!”

  “Well, at least we get to take care of the dogs. Plus, you play with them almost every day. That’s pretty nice, right?”

  “Yeah. I like Mr. Pete.”

  “Me, too.” She wiped her mouth on a napkin and set it aside. “If you’re finished, how about you take a bath? I’ll be right there to pour the bubbles.” She quickly cleared the table, then found Cody dumping bubble bath into the tub. “Whoa, there. I think that’s enough. What happened to waiting for me?”

  “I like lots of bubbles, Mom.” His brows puckered.

  She laughed, scooped up a handful of suds and deposited them on his nose. “I can see that.”

  Cody sank down into the tub and played with his water toys. Keira leaned against the wall and wondered what it would be like to have a man in the house again to share these special moments with.

  * * *

  Keira bundled Cody in his winter wear and nudged him toward the door. “Come on, I have to open the store at ten, and if you want to play in the snow with the dogs we need to move.”

  “Okay.” Cody ran out the front door that led to the candy store.

  She’d decided it’d be a safer choice considering the fresh snow that’d fallen overnight. They stepped outside and frigid air smacked her in the face. “Brrr. Good thing the puppies have coats, or they might freeze.”

  Cody took her hand. “When will Mr. Pete be back?”

  “This afternoon. He’ll pick up Molly and Max on his way home.”

  Cody’s shoulders slumped and he dragged his booted feet through the snow. “I wish we could keep them.”

  “I know.” She looked toward the deserted park. “Seems like you have the run of the place today.” Since it was only eight-thirty in the morning, few people were out. Just the way she liked it. The quiet hush pulsated in her ears, the silence broken only by an occasional car.

  They crossed the street and moved into the open space. Keira released the dogs and laughed as they romped with Cody. Max dug his nose into the snow. He jerked his head up, ears alert and a mound of powder stuck to his snout. “Oh, Max. Really?” She reached down and rubbed the snow off. The silly puppy did it again only this time he sneezed, then charged at Molly.

  Cody busily worked on a stockpile of snowballs.

  “What’cha doing?”

  “Making a stash, for when all the kids get here.”

  “Sweetie, I don’t think we’re going to see any other kids this morning. It’s too early.”

  He shrugged, and instead of pouting like she expected, he tossed a snowball in the air toward the puppies, who leaped for them. Keira laughed and formed a ball to toss. Who would’ve thought it’d be so simple to entertain puppies?

  Thirty minutes later, wet and cold, they hurried home to warm up.

  “Mom?”

  “Hmm?” Keira set a mug of hot cocoa in front of Cody, then sat beside him.

  “Can I have a friend over?”

  “That’s a great idea, but not while I’m working.”

  “You’re always working,” he whined.

  Keira pursed her lips. She’d known this day would come, but hadn’t expected it at age four. Maybe it was time to find permanent help with the store. Until recently Cody had been happy to play by himself, but his discontent with that arrangement had become clear. “I’ll tell you what. Once Christmas is over I’ll hire someone to work one day a week and that will be our special day to do whatever we want.”

  “Like have a friend over?” Excitement lit his eyes.

  “Yep, or we could go exploring, or whatever we want.”

  “What about the other days?”

  She couldn’t afford to pay someone to work more than twenty hours a week, but Cody did have a point. She needed to cut back on her nearly sixty-hour week. Besides running the store, she had orders to send and paperwork to deal with. The list went on, but she didn’t want to think about it. “Good question. I’ll see what I can do. Fair enough?”

  He nodded.

  She ruffled his hair and placed a soft kiss on his forehead. “Good. Now go brush your teeth. We need to get downstairs.”

  Another thought struck her: if she freed up a couple days a week, that would give her a little time to work on the trust issue God had been challenging her with. A grin touched her lips. And it’d free up some time for a social life. Now, that was something to look forward to.

  * * *

  Pete sat across from Keira at Starbucks. “So Cody really took you to task, huh?” The subtle blush on her cheeks brought a smile to his lips.

  She chuckled. “I suppose so. I promised I’d hire someone after Christmas, but then decided to look right away. My hours are ridiculous and now that Cody’s nearly five, I needed to make a few changes in how I run my business.” She took a sip of her mocha. “Anyway, I was thrilled to find a woman who’s been a stay-at-home mom for the past twenty years. Before she took time out to raise her children she managed a fast-food restaurant in Wenatchee. I really like her and think she’ll be a good fit for the shop.”

  “I hope she works out.”

  “Me, too. Oh, and the best part is she’s willing to work Sundays and Mondays, so I’ll have two days off in a row.”

  “That’s great!” Maybe now Keira would have time for a little fun. He sure hoped she’d spend some of that free time with him. He’d made a decision while at the conference. It was time to stop looking at the past and live in the present. Most important, it was time to trust. It wouldn’t always be easy, but with God’s help he believed it was possible to move past his hurt and learn to trust again.

  Keira touched his hand, her expression suddenly serious. “Everything okay? You looked lost for a minute.”

  “Just thinking.” Pete focused on her delicate fingers and soft skin and resisted the urge to run his thumb along it. He’d bide his time. Soon enough he’d be able to hold her without making things awkward between them. After all, they couldn’t ballroom dance without some contact.

  “So, what are you thinking about?” Keira grinned. “You have a gleam in your eye that suggests mischief.”

  “Who, me?” He used his most innocent voice.

  Keira laughed and pushed away from the table. “I’d better get to the store. It’s almost time for Holly’s break. She’s closing tonight so I can get off early.”

  The ball started at seven. How much time did a woman need to get ready? Thinking about his high school days he remembered it’d taken his sister half the day to get ready for the prom between hair, makeup and nails. He offered his arm and Keira slipped her hand through it.

  “Thanks. What time will you be by tonight?”

  “Six forty-five.”

  “I hate to ask, but my dress is rather poufy and long. How exactly are we getting to the Festhalle?”

  “It’s a surprise, but don’t worry, your dress will be safe. Do you want me to come up the back stairs?”

  “No way. I’d never m
ake it down those in one piece. I’ll watch for you from inside the store.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” He guided them across the street and stopped in front of the candy shop. With her jacket zipped to her chin and a red scarf bundled around her neck, she looked adorable. He took her hands and drew her close, then wrapped her in a hug. “See you later.”

  She looked up at him. The question in her beautiful eyes warmed him from head to toe. Her lips parted. “I’m looking forward to it.”

  He released her and stepped back.

  A serene smile covered her face. “Thanks for asking me to the ball, Pete. I’m sure there are other things you’d rather be doing. Not many men enjoy that kind of thing.”

  “Sounds like fun to me. No need to make me out the hero.”

  “You’re my hero,” she said in a whisper, then fled inside without looking back.

  His stomach did a strange lurch. He watched her through the window for a moment longer, then turned away. Keira Noble, I don’t know how you did it, but you opened my heart to the possibility of love again.

  * * *

  Keira stepped into the red gown and stared at the mirror. Too bad she didn’t have long enough hair for an updo. Pretty rhinestone barrettes would have to do. She slipped into silver-toned satin pumps and glided into the main room of her apartment with a twirl. “Well?”

  “You look pretty, Momma.”

  “Thanks.” She felt pretty, too. “Aunt Susan should be here soon.”

  He nodded and continued to work on the ship he was building. “Can I stay up until you get home?”

  “Sorry, kiddo. I’ll be very late.”

  A knock sounded on the door and her son ran to open it.

  Susan walked in. “Wow. You look amazing. Pete isn’t going to know what hit him.”

  “Thanks. You don’t think it’s too much?”

  Susan shook her head. “It’s perfect. And the hair clips are just right. I don’t know what you’re worried about.”

  Keira grabbed her clutch. “Thanks for watching Cody. Did you bring stuff to spend the night?”

  “Nope. I sleep much better in my own bed, even if it’s for only half the night.” She giggled. “Be a good girl and come home by midnight, or your ride might turn into a pumpkin.”

  Keira laughed. “Yes, Mother.” She draped a silver cape over her shoulders, then took the stairs down to the candy store and waited by the window. There weren’t many people out since most of the stores closed early, but from her vantage point the village looked like a scene from a sparkly snow globe.

  A horse-drawn carriage pulled up in front of her store and stopped. That’s odd. It doesn’t normally come down this far. She watched as a man wearing a black tux stood and stepped out. Her breath caught in her throat—Pete. She pushed open the door and walked outside.

  He bowed and lifted his hand, palm out. “Your carriage awaits, milady.”

  Too awestruck to reply, she rested her hand in his and climbed into the beautiful carriage. He followed and sat across from her. For the first time she regretted the enormous ball-style skirt that took up the entire bench seat.

  “You look beautiful.” Pete’s smile matched his words.

  “Thanks, so do you.” She shook her head. “I mean, you look handsome.”

  He chuckled. “Good thing we’re not going far or you’d freeze.” He held up the blanket beside him. “You want this?”

  As tempting as the offer was, she didn’t want to risk marring her dress. “No, thanks. Like you said, it’s not far.”

  Keira scooted her full dress off the other half of the seat. “You can sit here.” She tried to keep her teeth from chattering.

  “The view is better from this side.” Pete winked. “But if you insist.” He shifted to the space beside her.

  Her face heated and probably matched the color of her dress. “This is amazing. I can’t believe you went to all this trouble.”

  “Why not?”

  “I don’t know.” She grinned and savored the priceless moment. There was no point in overanalyzing the gesture. A few pedestrians gawked and waved. Giggling, she did the parade wave—elbow-elbow, wrist-wrist. “This is too much fun.” The village lights glistened off the snow, creating a magical world as the clip-clop of horse hooves pulled them slowly toward the end of the long street to the Festhalle.

  Pete stepped out and offered her a hand down. “You ready for this?”

  “I think so. Any word on what the surprise part is all about?”

  “Nope. But we’re about to find out.”

  He opened the ornate wooden door and handed over their tickets.

  Several couples mingled in the foyer. Pete guided them to the double doors leading into the main room.

  Keira caught her breath. “This is lovely.” Twinkle lights outlined the room and lit snowflakes hung from the ceiling. A Christmas tree adorned with hundreds of lights and oversized red-and-purple ornaments sat in the center of the large room. “Do you see anything that would indicate what the surprise is?”

  “No. But I agree it’s an amazing transformation.”

  The Festhalle had never looked so beautiful, at least when she’d been there. A string ensemble serenaded the dancers with a waltz. Women in evening dresses glided on the arms of men sporting black tuxedos.

  “Would you like to dance?” Pete held out his hand.

  “Of course, but I have to warn you, I’m not very good.”

  He chuckled. “That makes two of us. Hopefully we won’t leave with bruised feet.”

  “With the size of the skirt on this dress, there’s no way that’ll happen. You won’t get near my feet.”

  He took her hand and rested his other hand on her back. “Let’s see if I can remember how this is done. I haven’t waltzed since I was fourteen when they made us learn in P.E.”

  “Hmm, that sounds about right for me, too.” Keira tried to focus on the steps, but knew she was failing and probably would’ve taken a nosedive were it not for Pete’s strong arms holding her tight.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Her attention focused on Pete’s face. “What do you mean? Did I miss a step?”

  He smiled and his gaze softened. “No, but you look disturbed about something.”

  “I’m feeling a little conspicuous. I thought, since it’s an old-fashioned ball, the women would dress accordingly.”

  “Well, I, for one, think you look amazing and I’m glad you went the traditional route. Otherwise we’d both probably end up with broken toes.”

  She chuckled. “Thanks. Where are the puppies tonight?”

  “At the clinic. They spend so much time there I figured they’d be content. Plus, Dr. Young is working late tonight. Just before closing, a cat came in needing special attention.”

  “That’s what I call commitment.”

  “Yeah. I suppose, but it worked out well for me.” He twirled them in a wide circle, then came to a stop when the song changed. “Would you like something to drink? I noticed refreshments in the foyer.”

  “Water sounds wonderful.” She wound her fingers through his and strolled beside him. “Thanks for asking me to come tonight. I think I’d have left already if I’d been alone.” She noticed many couples and only one or two singles around the room.

  “You’re welcome. Thanks for saying yes.” He handed her a water bottle and took one for himself.

  “Were you worried?” she asked.

  “I’m always a little off when I’m with you.”

  Her brow puckered. “Why?”

  He shrugged. “Guess you throw me off balance.” He winked. “You ready to go back in?”

  “Not yet. It was a little warm in there.” Keira heard strains from “Waltz of the Flowers,” one of her favorite pieces from The Nutcracke
r, but resisted the urge to rejoin the others. She rested her hand on Pete’s forearm. “I’m concerned that I’ve said or done something that makes you feel awkward around me.”

  “Just the opposite. It’s me who said something and now I regret it.”

  She moved out of the way of the people streaming into the Festhalle. “Please tell me what it is.”

  He took a deep breath and let it out in a puff. “It’s the whole thing about not dating single moms. Something is changing inside me, Keira.”

  Keira’s stomach fluttered. “What are you saying?”

  He frowned and shook his head. “I’m saying I like you. A lot.” He flashed a grin, clearly trying to diffuse the tense sparks between them.

  Keira ignored the knot in the pit of her stomach and followed his lead. Was he suddenly willing to consider a relationship with her? Movement on the stage distracted her. “Oh, look.” She pointed to the councilwoman with a microphone.

  “Welcome to Leavenworth’s first Christmas Ball. I hope you’re enjoying yourselves.” Applause broke out. She gestured, quieting the crowd. “Thank you. Now, I know many of you are wondering why this is called the Christmas Surprise Ball.”

  Movement in the room stilled and every face lifted in an expectant hush.

  “A few years ago our community began raising funds for an ice-skating rink. Several other community leaders and I have organized this special event to thank you all for your hard work and dedication. I’m pleased to announce the goal has been met and we will break ground as soon as it thaws.”

  Whoops and whistles erupted. Of course. Now the guest list made sense. They were all store owners and community members who’d taken part in fund-raising.

  Pete spoke into Keira’s ear. “Does Cody ice skate?”

  “Not yet, but I imagine he’ll be a fan. Isn’t this exciting? Can you imagine how busy the rink will be?”

  He shook his head and a grin lit his eyes. “In this town? Yes.”

  The musicians struck up a soft rendition of “Silver Bells.” Pete took her into his arms and swayed to the music.

  Two hours later Pete whispered into her ear, “Are you ready to leave?”

  Keira sighed, not ready for the night to end. “Yes. I suppose everyone will be heading out soon.”