The Christmas Promise (Heartsong Presents)

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  “The carriage should be waiting to take us back.”

  He led her outside and helped her up.

  A moment later they clip-clopped away. He rested his arm on the seat behind Keira, softly rubbing her shoulder. “I had fun tonight.”

  “Me, too.” She rested her head on his chest. If only she could make this night last forever.

  The carriage rolled to a stop. Pete climbed down and helped her out. He shook the driver’s hand. “Appreciate the ride.”

  The driver nodded and the carriage rolled away.

  “You’re not riding anymore?”

  “No. I’ll walk to the clinic. I always leave my SUV there.” He guided her toward the shelter of the storefront.

  “Would you like to go inside where it’s warm?” Keira didn’t want the evening to end.

  “I should be going. Besides, didn’t you say Susan’s watching Cody?”

  “Yeah. I suppose you’re right.” She stepped up on tiptoe and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Thanks for making me feel like a princess.”

  “My pleasure.” He drew her to his chest and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “Sleep well, Princess Keira.”

  Mesmerized, her eyes found his, which dropped down to her mouth. He tilted his head and captured her lips. Her insides exploded like the finale of a fireworks display. Never had she felt so cherished.

  * * *

  Keira slipped into her apartment, then tiptoed past the couch where Susan slept.

  “How’d it go?” Susan’s husky voice shattered the quiet.

  Keira slapped a hand to her mouth to stifle a scream. “I thought you were sleeping.”

  Susan sat up and stretched. “I was, but I’m a light sleeper.”

  “It was fun. Let me change and I’ll be right back.” Keira hustled into her bedroom and quickly got into pajamas, then pulled on a thick pair of extra-soft socks. After grabbing a blanket and tossing it around her shoulders, she tiptoed out to where Susan waited.

  Susan curled her legs up in the corner of the couch, making room for Keira. “You took forever changing. I’m dying to know how tonight went.”

  “I was gone less than five minutes.”

  Susan let out an impatient sigh. “Come on, already. When you left earlier I saw the carriage from the window, and I’ve been imagining your date all night.”

  “It wasn’t a date. Just two friends traveling together to the same place.” Ha, who was she trying to kid? That was most definitely a date and as dates go it rated at the top. Especially the kiss.

  “Yeah, right.” Susan drew her from her thoughts. “He rented the horse and carriage. If that wasn’t a date, then I’m not a twenty-seven-year-old spinster.”

  Keira giggled. “No way are you a spinster. Besides, who uses that word anymore?”

  “I do. Now tell me about tonight.”

  Keira closed her eyes and envisioned the ballroom. “The Festhalle looked amazing. There were white twinkling lights all over and a beautiful Christmas tree in the center of the room. Poinsettias decorated the stage where the instrumentalists played.” She sighed. “It was like a dream.” She didn’t mention the kiss. That was between her and Pete, the perfect ending to a wonderful evening.

  “Sounds nice. And from the look on your face, I’d say you had fun.”

  “Oh, yeah.”

  “Were there lots of people there?”

  “Yes, but not uncomfortably so. Oh, and guess what the surprise was?” She rushed on without giving Susan time to respond. “We have enough funds to start the ice-skating rink!”

  “That’s great news. Will there be a Christmas Ball next year?”

  Keira shrugged. “Beats me, but I doubt it. I think this was a one-time deal because of the ice rink. A sort of thank-you to community leaders and volunteers for all their effort.”

  “Well, I’m glad you went.”

  “Me, too. I’m sorry you missed it.”

  “Don’t be. I watched White Christmas and fell asleep early. It was a nice evening and Cody was a sweetie.”

  “Good.” Keira yawned. “I thought I’d be up all night, but I’m wiped out. You may as well go back to sleep. I hate for you to be heading home so late.”

  “This couch is pretty comfy. Think I will.” She pulled the blanket up to her chin and rested her head back. “’Night.”

  “See you in the morning.” Keira stood and tiptoed to her room. Pete had promised not to kiss her, yet he had anyway. She hoped it meant they’d gone past just friendship, but maybe he didn’t take kisses as seriously as she did. Ugh. She had to stop thinking about it.

  Chapter 11

  Pete hummed “Jingle Bells” as he buttoned his shirt. The puppies wrestled nearby and the aroma of fresh coffee filled his house. He had the day free to do whatever he wanted and with Christmas less than a week away, a little shopping was in order. At the top of his list was chocolate. Sure, it’d probably be better to buy it after church tomorrow, but he wanted an excuse to see Keira today.

  The memory of their kiss lingered at the front of his thoughts and he wouldn’t mind repeating it. He shaved and splashed on a little aftershave, then whistled for Max and Molly. “Let’s go.” The puppies raced for the door. He grabbed his wallet and stuffed it into his back pocket, then shrugged into his wool coat and wrapped a black scarf around his neck. Finally he grabbed the travel mug from the counter. A day without coffee would be like a day without air—he wouldn’t survive.

  Fifteen minutes later he strode into Keira’s candy shop. To his surprise, she wasn’t there. Holly stood behind the counter with a woman he hadn’t seen before. He spoke softly to Holly. “Where’s Keira?”

  “She’s taking the day off.”

  “Is that normal?” He frowned, unable to remember her not running the store. Sure, she’d mentioned hiring someone new, but he’d thought that would begin after Christmas.

  “It’s the new normal. Actually she has Sundays and Mondays off now, but asked Lily to come in an extra day this week. Apparently she got in late last night and, with Christmas only a few days away, needed time to get ready.”

  Pete hid a grin. “Okay. Thanks.”

  “She mentioned you’d be stopping by sometime in the next few days to pick up an order. Did you want to get that now?”

  “No. I’ll come back Tuesday.” He turned to leave.

  “You know...”

  Holly’s voice stopped him and he turned back.

  “You could call her or even knock on her door. You don’t need to wait for Tuesday.” She flashed a mischievous smile and wiggled her brows.

  His face had to be the color of the poinsettia on the counter. “Right. Bye.” He fled the shop and walked over to Starbucks. After ordering a peppermint mocha, he pulled out his cell phone. Keira picked up on the second ring.

  “Hi, Pete. What’s up?”

  “Not much. I’m over at Starbucks and thought if you weren’t busy you and Cody might like to join me.”

  The long pause unnerved him. “Hello?”

  “I’m here. Sorry. We were just getting ready to go out and build a snowman. But we’ll head your way first. Be right there.”

  Less than five minutes later Keira and Cody bolted through the doorway. When Cody saw him, he grinned wide and waved with a mitten-covered hand. He said something to his mom, then rushed over to the table.

  “Hi, Mr. Pete. Mom’s getting me a hot chocolate and then we’re going to build a snowman.”

  “That’s what I heard. Seems to me you’ll need another hot cocoa when you’re finished. Playing in the snow is cold work.”

  Cody nodded. “I know.” The gleam in his eyes suggested the child was already scheming for another treat.

  Keira placed a cup in front of Cody and sat beside him. “What are you doing
today, Pete? Want to help us build a giant snowman?”

  “I could probably squeeze you into my schedule.” He teased. He looked to Cody. “Max and Molly are in my SUV. When we’re done here we can go get them.”

  Cody gulped his drink and set the cup down with a thump. “I’m ready!” He pulled on Keira’s arm. “Let’s go, Mom. Max and Molly will freeze in Mr. Pete’s car.”

  Pete chuckled and placed a hand on Cody’s shoulder. “Relax. They’re resting on their snuggly bed, and they keep each other warm.”

  Cody looked like he might argue, but instead crossed his arms and sent his mother a look Pete couldn’t read.

  “Holly tells me your schedule changed.”

  “Yes. I moved up the timetable for the new hire. Cody has big plans for my days off.”

  “Yep. Tomorrow me and Mom are skiing and snow-tubing. Then we’re going to have a snowball fight.”

  “And after that I’ll collapse on the couch for a whole day.”

  “And I get to have a friend over to play!” Cody said.

  Keira took a sip from her cup. “What about you? When are your days off?”

  “Weekends, but I’m on call every other.”

  “If you’re free after church tomorrow you’re welcome to join us.”

  What about her fear of driving in the snow? “Who are you and what have you done with Keira?”

  Cody busted up laughing. “She is Momma, silly.”

  Pete thumbed his chin. “Hmm. She does look like your mom, and her voice is the same.”

  “That’s because she is my mom.” Cody shook his head and looked at him like he’d grown elephant ears.

  “Well, if you say so,” he said with a straight face, then grinned wide. “You know I’m just playing, right?”

  Cody shrugged.

  Clearly the child had fallen for his tease. “How about we go build that snowman?”

  Cody jumped up. “Yay!” He tugged on Keira’s arm. “Let’s go, Mom. This is going to be the best snowman ever.”

  Pete caught Keira’s gaze and held it for a moment. Her eyes filled with questions, but he ignored them, unsure himself what was happening between them.

  She broke eye contact and stood. “I thought we’d head to the park along the river.”

  “Okay.” He wondered why they would go down that steep hill when there was a perfectly good play area a few hundred feet away, but kept his thought to himself. “I’m actually parked in Starbuck’s lot, so it’ll only take a minute to get the dogs.”

  He strode for his 4Runner and put the puppies’ coats and leashes on in no time.

  Keira grasped Cody’s hand and ambled beside him.

  “How are you planning to get to Ski Hill tomorrow?”

  “The roads are pretty clear, so I asked my father-in-law to give us a lift.”

  “Will you be able to handle it?”

  “I’m going to try. God’s been dealing with me on trusting Him, so I figured since Cody talked me into cutting back my hours it was about time I conquer this fear.”

  “But you’re not driving.”

  “Baby steps, Pete. Baby steps.”

  He grasped her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I’m proud of you. From what I understand, this is a big deal.”

  “The biggest.”

  They rounded the corner to the park and Cody pulled free from his mom.

  “Stay off the bridge! I don’t want to fish you out of the water.”

  “Okay!” He altered his course and instead ran left toward the open space where plays were performed in the summer.

  Pete held on to the dogs’ leashes, unwilling to risk their curiosity in an unfamiliar place. “Your son is a tornado of energy.”

  “Tell me about it.” They strolled toward where Cody had begun the base of the snowman.

  “I’ve been meaning to try out Ski Hill. Maybe I could take you and Cody there tomorrow?”

  Keira grinned. “I’d like that.”

  “Your father-in-law won’t mind?”

  “Not at all. In fact I think he’ll be pleased, but I’ll warn you now. People will talk.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Us. First we were seen together at the ball last night, then Starbucks this morning and Ski Hill tomorrow. Before you know it they’ll have us engaged.”

  Pete laughed. “True.”

  * * *

  A snowball struck Keira in the stomach and a scream escaped her lips.

  Pete laughed. “Guess you didn’t see that coming.” A snowball broke against his chest. “This is war, little man.” He reached down and scooped a handful of powder and formed it into a ball, then sent it soaring toward Cody. Her son twisted and it smacked into his back.

  Keira sighed. She’d never enjoyed snowball fights, but like they say, if you can’t beat them, join them. She dropped to her knees and formed several balls as fast as she could. Streams of sunlight blinded her view of Cody until he tore across the park. She fingered a large snowball and tossed it toward him.

  “You need to work on your aim, Keira.” Pete sent one flying toward Cody. It splattered on the boy’s shoulder. Puffs of steam blew from Cody’s mouth as he giggled.

  A few minutes later Cody waved his arms above his head. “Let’s finish the snowman now.”

  Keira gave Pete a high five. “Nicely done!” She brushed the excess powder off her clothes and gloves. “You ready to build this thing?”

  The gleam in his eye said it all. Seemed Pete had tapped into his inner child. He bent down and formed a ball, then started rolling it in the snow, packing it as he moved closer to Cody. “How big should we make it?”

  Her son stood on tiptoe and raised his arms as high as he could reach. “This high.”

  In no time, they’d created a respectable snowman. Keira stood back and admired their work.

  “He needs a face.” Cody reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out large black buttons.

  Keira took a bag from her pocket containing licorice for the mouth.

  Pete lifted Cody up so he could create the face.

  “It’s perfect.” Cody clapped his hands and grinned wide. “Thanks, Mom and Mr. Pete. This was fun.”

  “I’m glad. Time for a picture. I wish I’d brought my camera, but this old thing will have to do.” She pulled out her cell phone and held it up.

  “Use mine.” Pete handed her his phone.

  “Thanks. How about you stand by the snowman with Cody? Then I’ll get one of just Cody.” Keira clicked off a few shots and handed the phone back to Pete.

  Pete stuffed the phone in his jacket pocket. “I’ll send the pictures to you later when my fingers aren’t so cold.”

  For the first time in forever she felt like Supermom. Her stomach rumbled loud enough for everyone to hear.

  “Hungry?” Pete raised a brow.

  “I could eat. Want to come up to our place for a sandwich?”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  They tromped along the snow-covered path to the main sidewalk and made their way up the steep hill toward her apartment. Keira knew her face had to be glowing. She hadn’t had this much fun since she was a kid. Pete’s playful side surprised and delighted her.

  “You sure you’re up to another day of play tomorrow?”

  Pete nodded. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

  * * *

  Sunday morning Keira excused Cody from the table and sipped her coffee. Susan sat across from her with a worried look on her face.

  “Are you sure about this, Keira? It snowed last night and the roads are a little slick.”

  Keira set the cup down and it clattered against the table. “My hands are shaking so bad I couldn’t even put on eyeliner today, but I’m determined that
Cody and I will ride with you to church, and then this afternoon we’re going to Ski Hill with Pete.”

  “I heard you had coffee together yesterday. Is there something you’d like to share?” Susan quirked a brow.

  “Not yet.” She may not understand what was happening between them, but one thing was certain, she’d grown to care for Pete in a very short time.

  “At least tell me if he’s gotten over his issue with dating you.”

  “That’s just it.” Keira shrugged. “I don’t know for sure.”

  “Sounds like the two of you need to have a heart-to-heart.”

  Keira pressed her lips together. She’d tried that once before and hadn’t liked his answer, but things had changed. He’d kissed her, even if he still claimed they were friends. If she took Susan’s advice she’d be putting it all on the line. “He’s admitted that he really likes me, but what if he hasn’t changed his mind?” She spoke barely above a whisper. She’d humiliate herself and probably be too embarrassed to ever speak to him again. Oh, why did she feel like an insecure teen girl? She was a grown woman. It wasn’t like she’d never been in love before. Her eyes widened and her heart pounded. Her breathing came in short bursts.

  Susan’s troubled eyes found hers. “Hey, you okay?”

  Keira nodded. “Just freaking myself out.” Could it really be true? Impossible. But no, she loved him, or at least she thought she did. When had that happened?

  Susan reached across the table and placed her hand over Keira’s. “Is this about riding to church or Pete?”

  “Both, I guess, but more Pete.” Keira took slow deep breaths.

  “Wouldn’t you rather know now before your heart’s involved?”

  “Too late.” The pounding in her chest proved her words. She’d fallen for Pete.

  Susan squeezed her hand before releasing it and pushed back from the table. “If you’re serious about riding with me to church, then you’d better get ready.”

  “Okay.” Keira stood. She didn’t want to think about Pete anymore. On top of facing her biggest fear today, she was terrified Pete still wanted to be only friends. She blew out a puff of air—no more thinking. “I’ll be right back. Cody’s too quiet.”