The Christmas Promise (Heartsong Presents)

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  “I don’t think so.” Keira’s eyes widened. “What about a neighbor? Couldn’t you get someone to let the dogs out and then feed them in the morning?”

  That might work. He’d left the house unlocked. “Don’t know why I didn’t think of that.”

  “Probably the pounding headache you’re pretending doesn’t exist.” Keira scowled.

  He motioned to the bag on the bedside table. “My phone’s in there.”

  She pulled it out and handed it to him.

  Although he lived in the country, he still had neighbors within walking distance. Thankfully the woman up the road answered. He explained the situation and she agreed to take care of the dogs once he assured her they were friendly puppies.

  He closed the phone. “Thanks for the suggestion. I hate to bother people with stuff like that, but sometimes it can’t be helped.”

  Keira yawned and stood. “You going to stay put and be a good patient now?”

  “I’ll try.” He reached out and took her hand again. “Thanks for rescuing me.”

  She blushed. “Don’t mention it. What about your knee? You never said.”

  “Just a sprain. It’ll take time to heal. In the meantime there’s no skiing for me.”

  “Bummer. It was kind of fun until you crashed.” She took a step away from him, forcing him to release her hand. “I should get home. I work in the morning.”

  “Christmas Eve. I’ll bet Cody will be wired all day.”

  “Probably. He’ll spend most of the day with his grandparents. They’ll bring him home at two when I lock up.”

  “I’m glad you’re closing early. Will you be attending the Living Nativity?”

  “Always. It’s tradition. A group of us walk to the church together. If you’re up to it, you’re welcome to join us.”

  “Thanks, but I don’t think walking will work for me this year.” Although he would like nothing better. If he wanted his knee to heal he shouldn’t tire it the day after injuring it.

  “I understand, but maybe I’ll see you there.”

  “Okay.” He didn’t want Keira to leave, but couldn’t think of another reason to keep her by his side any longer.

  She wiggled her fingers at him and walked out of the room.

  Loneliness filled the void her absence left. He longed for her company.

  A few minutes later the door whooshed open again, startling him from his thoughts. Keira poked her head in. “Tell you what. My apartment is close and quite comfy. If you’d like, I’ll watch over you until you’re out of the woods. I’ve decided to stay up and bake Christmas cookies all night just to make sure you’re okay.”

  “Yes!”

  She laughed. “I’ll wait outside while you get dressed. I already talked with your doctor and he said if you agreed it’d be fine.”

  He changed as quickly as his throbbing head allowed, then hobbled to the door. He stepped into the hall and spotted Keira talking with the doctor. Trying hard not to limp, he approached them.

  The doctor shook his hand. “Looks like you’re free after all. If you have any problems, give me a call, and don’t forget to schedule a follow-up visit with your personal physician.”

  “Thanks for everything, Doc.”

  Keira grinned, but a worried look haunted her eyes. She spun around and marched toward the door, then called over her shoulder, “I’ll bring your rig up to the door. Wait for me.”

  * * *

  Keira handed Pete an armload of blankets and the pillow from her son’s bed. “I’d offer you Cody’s bed but it’s toddler-size and half your body would hang over the end.”

  “No worries. The couch is fine.”

  “Well, it’s comfortable at least.” She looked around the small apartment for anything that needed tending, but everything looked tidy. “I’ll wake you in a couple hours so you don’t sleep too deeply and never wake up.”

  “You don’t need to do that. I’ll be fine.”

  “I promised the doctor I would and I keep my word. Sweet dreams.” She headed to the kitchen.

  “Will you keep me company for a while first?”

  She quirked a brow.

  He chuckled and winced. “Oh, that was a bad idea. Sorry I asked.”

  She walked over to the chaise, dropped into it and curled her feet under her. “No, it’s fine. I’ll sit with you for a little while. I have the rest of the night to bake cookies and watch Christmas movies.”

  “Do you ever have trouble sleeping?”

  “Occasionally.” She hadn’t had many restful nights since Cody was born, and the past couple had been filled with thoughts of Pete, but he didn’t need to know that.

  “I’m usually out like a rock within minutes, but something tells me I’ll be awake tonight.”

  “At least you’re not vomiting from your concussion. That happened to someone I knew.”

  He winced again. “Guess I’m lucky.”

  “Are you warm enough?”

  “Toasty. Thanks for the sweats and T-shirt.”

  “You’re welcome. The T-shirt is a little snug, but I’m afraid that’s the best I can do.” Actually it was a lot snug. Pete had biceps Michael had only dreamed of having.

  She’d never been able to part with Michael’s favorite sweatpants and T-shirt—had even worn them herself from time to time over the past few years. Granted they swam on her, but on those lonely nights they were a comfort.

  Keira stumbled around for something to talk about and drew a blank. What she really needed was sleep, but she wanted to be sure he was okay. She often had to stay up with Cody when he didn’t feel well. Must be a male trait because when she didn’t feel well, she wanted to be left alone.

  “What’s the smirk about?”

  She jumped. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She couldn’t stop the grin that spread across her face. Standing, she flipped off the main lights and plugged in the Christmas tree.

  “What’s wrong, Keira? Don’t want me to see your face?”

  She wagged her finger at him and flashed a grin. “You’d better behave or I’ll send you back to the medical center. You can sleep in the waiting room.”

  He held up his hands. “No, not that. I’ll be good.” He rested his head back and his eyes drooped.

  Keira giggled, then sobered. The man had fallen asleep. Guess he was more tired than he’d let on. She stood and padded to the kitchen and turned on the oven.

  * * *

  “What do you mean, he spent the night!” Susan shouted into the phone.

  Keira pulled the phone away from her ear until her friend became quiet. “What are you shouting about? You make it sound like we did something wrong. He slept on the couch while I baked cookies in the kitchen and sat up and watched movies in the living room.” Irritation laced her voice.

  “You can’t just bring a man to your home, Keira.”

  “What did you expect me to do? He has a concussion and needed someone to keep an eye on him. I figured it was better to let him use my couch than have him sneak home in the wee hours of the morning and possibly kill himself along the way.”

  “Not everyone dies in car crashes. It’s been four years. When are you going to get over it?”

  Keira sucked in her breath and her throat burned. “I have to go.” She swallowed back the tears. “Catch you later.”

  “Don’t hang up. I was out of line.” Susan’s voice softened. “I’m sorry. I just freaked because I don’t want you to be the object of gossip. Please don’t be angry.”

  “It’s fine. Really, I have a lot to do this morning before work.” She pushed End, tossed the phone on the bed beside her and wrapped her arms around her middle. She knew her friend was right and didn’t mean to hurt her, but it was so hard to not be afraid of what-ifs. Cl
osing her eyes, she fought the threatening tears but lost the battle. A sob escaped. Her shoulders shook.

  Susan just didn’t understand. She couldn’t. She’d never lost someone in an accident. She didn’t know what it was like to wonder every time someone she loved walked out the door if they would ever come back. Susan didn’t know the fear in her gut when Cody left with his grandparents. Or the knot in her stomach when the phone rang or someone knocked on the door unexpectedly, just like the night her husband had been killed. For months after his death she’d dreaded answering the phone or the door.

  Sure, she’d made great progress and rarely freaked out when the phone rang now, but the fear always hovered in the deep recesses of her mind.

  A knock on her bedroom door caused her to jump. She cleared her throat. “Yes?”

  “Everything okay?” Pete asked.

  “Fine. I’ll be out soon.” Keira wiped her eyes and took several calming breaths. She was glad her friend didn’t know any of those feelings. But Susan was right, she needed to stop expecting the worst. God had helped her last night. He’d been with her every minute she was behind the wheel. She would trust him with her future, with Cody, and even with Pete.

  It was time to start living and put the fear behind her. She looked at the closed door, hoping her future waited on the other side. Because last night had proved without a doubt she loved Pete.

  * * *

  Pete sat on the couch and stared at Keira’s closed bedroom door. He’d heard her crying a moment ago and heard the thickness of her voice when she’d replied. He wanted to comfort her, but clearly she wanted to be left alone. He’d respect her privacy.

  The door swung open a few minutes later and she stepped out. “Good morning. How’s your head today?”

  “Not too bad, at least the headache’s gone.” He stood and followed her to the kitchen. “I started the coffee. I hope that’s okay.”

  “Better than. Thanks.” She took a mug from the cupboard. Filled it half-full with milk and creamer, then added coffee. She took a sip and made a face.

  “You don’t like it?”

  “It’s just a little stronger than I’m used to.”

  “I don’t know how you can taste it with all that milk and cream.”

  She shrugged.

  He set his mug on the counter. “How about you let me treat you to breakfast?” He’d changed into his now-dry clothes and managed to at least look almost put together.

  “Starbucks?”

  “Sure. Seems to be our place.”

  She giggled and poured the coffee down the drain, then clicked off the coffeemaker. “Let’s go.” She grabbed her coat, purse and keys and headed for the door that led down to the candy shop.

  He followed. “What’s your hurry?”

  She slowed. “Sorry. I forgot about your knee.”

  He reached out for her hand and stopped her before they exited the shop. “In case I forgot to say it, thanks for rescuing me last night.”

  She ducked her head. “You already thanked me.”

  He tilted her chin up with his finger and her sea-green eyes slammed into his. “You are an amazing woman, Keira.” He lowered his mouth to hers and placed a gentle kiss on her soft lips.

  She ran her thumb along the top of his hand and studied his face. “May I ask you something?”

  He nodded.

  “What are we doing?”

  He ran his fingers through her hair. “I thought we were going for coffee.” He grinned, then sobered when she didn’t smile. “I know some people take kissing lightly, but I don’t. I really care about you, Keira.”

  Her lips formed a soft O, and he read a mixture of fear and excitement in her eyes.

  “I hope you feel the same way.”

  She nodded shyly.

  He loved this woman, but didn’t want to scare her away by saying so too soon. Then again, hadn’t she said she loved him when she thought he was unconscious? He still wasn’t sure if he’d imagined that. No, he’d wait a little longer, just to be safe.

  “Do you think we could get breakfast now? I have several orders to prepare before I open at ten.”

  He tugged her toward the exit. “Let’s go get a caffeine fix and some food.” Good thing he’d already called in sick, because he had the sudden urge to visit the jewelry store.

  Chapter 14

  Keira stood behind the candy counter shortly before closing on Christmas Eve, waiting for the last customer to finish making her selections. She marveled at how some people waited to shop until the last minute. This woman couldn’t have cut it any closer. The store closed in ten minutes.

  The door opened and Susan rushed in. “I made it! Quick, I forgot to get my best client a gift. Do you have any more of those raspberry-ganache-filled dark chocolates? I know he’ll love them.”

  “A few.” Keira fingered the serving tongs she used. “What size box?”

  “The small round one.”

  “Okay. Would you like an assortment of dark chocolates to finish it off?”

  “Sure. Just make it fast. He’s going to be at my office in five minutes.”

  “I didn’t know you gave clients gifts.” Keira made quick work of putting the gift together and handed it to her friend. “It’s on me.”

  “I’d argue, but don’t have time.” She grabbed the candy and strode for the door. “Are we still walking to the Living Nativity together tonight?”

  “Yes, and come early. I have some stuff to tell you.” She couldn’t stop the smile that covered her face.

  “Okay. Our conversation this morning did leave a lot unsaid. See you later.”

  Keira frowned. She’d nearly forgotten about Susan’s outburst regarding Pete staying on her couch. What she really wanted to tell her was about the man himself and how things were progressing between them.

  The woman who’d been filling up bags from the bins finally approached the counter. “I think that will do it. I have four kids and I don’t want any of them to feel cheated.”

  Four kids with a sugar high on Christmas? Keira held back a shudder. Even though she owned a candy shop, Cody rarely ate any and she never gave him sweets for Christmas. Instead she loaded him up with healthier choices. Although she had to admit as he got older that was becoming more of a challenge.

  She finished ringing up the sale and walked the woman to the door. “Have a merry Christmas.”

  “Thanks.” The woman rushed away. She probably still needed to pick up other presents, too. Keira chuckled and locked up, thankful her own shopping was complete as well as her contribution to Christmas dinner—frozen veggies that just needed to be microwaved. It didn’t get easier than that. Plus she had those dozens of Christmas cookies she’d baked last night.

  She went into the storage room and found Cody watching Frosty the Snowman for probably the third time this year. “Hey there. You ready to head upstairs?”

  Cody hopped off his cot and closed the portable DVD player. “Yep.” He took her hand and they climbed the stairs together. “What are we going to do now, Momma?”

  “I don’t know.” A nap sounded nice. She’d been going nonstop since she’d opened. “Did you have something in mind?”

  “I was hoping to play with Max and Molly today.”

  “Oh, I don’t think so. Mr. Pete injured himself while we were skiing and I imagine he’s not up to visiting.”

  Cody’s bottom lip protruded. “Can’t we call him? Please?” He dragged out the word in a whiney voice.

  Keira sighed. She knew how much her son wanted to see the dogs, but didn’t want to spoil his Christmas surprise, either. “Sorry, buddy. How about a game, or we could play in the snow?”

  Cody gave a halfhearted shrug and shuffled to the back door. “Let’s play in the snow.” He slid into his boots. “I
t won’t be as fun without Max and Molly, though.”

  Just wait, little one. Keira kept a straight face and readied herself for the outdoors. Her insides were dancing just thinking about how surprised her son would be in the morning. This would definitely be the best Christmas ever.

  * * *

  Keira explained in a whisper to Susan about last night. To her friend’s credit she didn’t say a word as they strolled toward their church to watch the outdoor Living Nativity. She went on to tell her that things had changed between her and Pete and she felt like they had a future together.

  “Do you think he’ll propose soon?” Susan asked, wide-eyed.

  “Of course not. It’s too soon. We’ve only known each other a little over two months.”

  Susan waved a hand at her. “That’s not important.” She patted her chest. “It’s what’s in here that matters. If you love him and he loves you, then that’s all that’s important.” A sad smile touched her lips. “At least that’s all that should matter.”

  Keira pursed her lips, suspecting Susan was thinking about her broken engagement several years ago. “Well, I don’t know if Pete loves me. Although I think he might.” A small smile turned up the corners of her lips. “He sure kisses like he does.”

  Susan squealed. “He kissed you!”

  “Sssh.” She looked around to see if anyone had heard, but no one was paying any attention except Cody.

  He looked up at her. “Who kissed you, Momma?”

  Susan mouthed sorry.

  Keira didn’t want to lie to her son, but at the same time wasn’t sure how he’d take what she had to say. She didn’t want to confuse him or raise false hope, either. However she refused to be anything but truthful and decided just laying it out there would be best. “Mr. Pete.”

  “Does that mean he’s going to be my dad now?”

  Her mind slipped back to several weeks ago when Cody had asked the same question, only this time she really didn’t know how to answer him. “Would you like that?”

  He nodded with a cheesy grin.

  Keira’s stomach flip-flopped at the idea, but she was being silly. She refused to give the idea another thought. At least for now.