Sleigh Bell Sweethearts

by Teri Wilson

  But he wasn’t. She might as well get used to the idea.

  She pulled off her mittens and gave the latch a tug with her bare hand. Finally it gave way, and Dasher shot through the gate. Zoey barely hopped out of the dog’s path in time to avoid being rammed right in the shins.

  And then there was nothing but quiet.

  The sudden stillness was eerie. Zoey sagged against the fence and peered into the snow-covered darkness, but she couldn’t see a thing. Dasher was long gone, hot in pursuit of Palmer. Or so she hoped.

  What if neither of them came back? Her throat grew thick. She wasn’t sure she could take the loss of Alec, Palmer and Dasher all at once.

  No more loss. Please, God.

  Tears stung her eyes, and her face grew numb from the fierce wind and snow. She no longer knew if the pinpricks of cold on her cheeks were from the snowstorm or her own tears. She swiped at her face with one of her mittens, and for a fleeting moment, her vision cleared.

  Something was coming toward her.

  No, someone. A man.

  Or was it?

  Maybe she was hallucinating, because the blur of a person she saw approaching through a whirlwind of snow and sleet looked an awful lot like Santa Claus.

  She wiped the snow from her eyes again. And everything in her world fell into place at the sight of Alec slowing to a stop before her with Dasher at his feet and Palmer’s giant head looming over his shoulder.

  Her gaze snagged on the Santa suit. Had he been wearing that thing all day? With snow crusting his eyelashes, his eyebrows and the dark stubble that always lined his perfectly square jaw, he even had a virtual white beard.

  “Have you lost something?” he asked, grinning, frost gathering in the fine lines around his eyes.

  Zoey suddenly had trouble finding her voice. “Yes.” So many things...

  He reached up and gave Palmer a pat on his broad muzzle. “I found these two on my way home.”

  On my way home. Zoey’s heart swelled at his casual use of the term, even though she told herself not to put too much stock in it.

  Home. The word glimmered inside her, like a star-swept sky.

  “What’s going on, Alec? You disappeared. And now here you are...” Just in time.

  “I had some things to take care of. Why don’t I get Palmer and Dasher tucked in for the night and then we can talk?” He reached out and brushed snow from her face with a gentle touch of his fingers. They were frigid. “Meet me inside?”

  “Okay,” she breathed.

  But was everything okay?

  Alec’s hand had felt frigid against her skin. How long had he been out in this mess? And he seemed different somehow. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but something had changed about him.

  Don’t be ridiculous. He’s still Alec.

  Zoey hurried inside, filled the teakettle with fresh water and threw another log on the fire in the hearth. She was jabbing at the burning embers with the poker when Alec walked up silently beside her. He slid his fingertips along the length of her arm and slipped the poker from her hands, taking over the task until a fresh, glowing flame blazed in the fireplace.

  He glanced at her and smiled, the amber licks of the fire casting a golden light over his chiseled features. Zoey almost felt as though she was seeing him for the first time.

  He’s such a beautiful man, inside and out.

  Something was definitely different, though. Those were the same gray-blue eyes gazing down at her, but they were softer somehow. Less troubled.

  He cleared his throat and reached for her hands. “Zoey...”

  Was this it? Was this goodbye?

  “Wait.” She pulled her hands away. “Before you say anything, I have something for you.”

  Her hands trembled as she reached for the envelope on the coffee table. She’d told herself she would give it to him the first chance she had, before fear or pride or something equally pointless got in the way.

  That still didn’t make it any easier to actually hand it to him. On the outside, it was nothing more than a plain, brown envelope, but inside lay her heart.

  “Here,” she said, offering it to him with shaky fingers. “This is for you. Merry Christmas.”

  He gave it a quizzical look before slipping it from her hands. “Thank you, but what is this?”

  “Open it.”

  He broke the seal and peered inside.

  Zoey had to remind herself to breathe. She’d never felt so vulnerable in her life.

  “Money?” He looked up at her, hurt clouding his eyes.

  “The thousand dollars I owe you. Remember?”

  Disgusted, he thrust the envelope back at her. “I don’t want your money, Zoey.”

  She crossed her arms and refused to accept it. How was this going so horribly wrong? “There’s more. Look inside.”

  He let out a groan of frustration and pulled out a sheet of paper folded into thirds. Zoey thought her heart might stop right then and there as he smoothed out the page and scanned the small black print that told him all the things she couldn’t bring herself to say aloud.

  “This is a deed.” He held the paper very still, and his gaze flew back to her. “You’re giving me half the reindeer farm? I don’t understand.”

  “Not a gift. You’ve earned it. I could never have gotten through the past month without you. We’re partners in this. You belong here, Alec. Please stay.” There was so much more left to say, but her voice broke on the last word. She wrapped her arms around herself and stood waiting while he stared back down at the deed.

  “It says here we’ll be business partners. Is that what you want?” There was a sudden dangerous edge to his tone that made Zoey’s stomach tumble.

  “Yes.” She nodded.

  Yes, and so much more.

  “I’m afraid I’m going to have to decline your offer.” Then, to Zoey’s horror, he tossed the deed on the fire. Its edges blackened and curled in a matter of seconds, turning her dreams to ash.

  She could hardly believe what she was seeing. How had she read things so horribly wrong? She took a deep breath and leveled her gaze at him. “You don’t want me to be your partner?”

  Then, to her complete and utter astonishment, he dropped down on one knee and caught her hands in his. He pressed a gentle, reverent kiss to each one of her palms. “No, sweetheart. I want you to be my wife.”

  “Your wife?” She shook her head in disbelief. Surely she’d heard him wrong.

  But there he was...on bended knee in a Santa suit, looking at her with such love in his eyes that it made her heart ache to the point of bursting.

  “Really?” she asked breathlessly.

  “Really. I’m in love with you, Zoey. I have been since that very first day, princess.” He released a soft laugh. “I don’t have a ring to give you. Not yet. But I do have this.”

  He reached inside the red jacket of the Santa suit and pulled out an envelope of his own. A slender red ribbon held it closed. “Here.”

  His eyes never left hers as she took it and pulled gently on the ribbon. The envelope fell open to reveal the last thing she’d ever expected to see inside.

  “This is a bill of sale.” She gave him a long, poignant look. “For my airplane.”

  “Just the down payment, but the monthly payments are very low. A handful of charter flights a month will cover it. We can make this work. I promise.”

  We.

  Tears gathered at the backs of her eyes. “So you’re staying?”

  “I’m staying. You’re right. My home is here. With you...you and all thirty-one of your reindeer,” he said with a grin.

  “What about Denali?”

  “I called the park service this afternoon. They’ve offered me an alternate part-time position as a reindeer co
nsultant. I’ll have to travel there every three weeks or so, but I told them I know a charter pilot who might give me a lift.” He winked at her, his eyes sparkling in the light of the fire.

  She laughed. “I suppose that could be arranged.”

  Then she shook her head and looked back down at the bill of sale for the airplane. Her airplane. How was it possible? “How did you do this, Alec?”

  “I sold my motorcycle. I seem to recall someone once telling me it wasn’t the most practical method of transportation this close to the arctic circle.” He shrugged as if what he’d done was of little importance.

  He’d sacrificed his motorcycle.

  Was that why he was half-covered in snow? How far had he walked?

  A quiver of disbelief coursed through her. She lifted trembling fingers to her mouth as she did her best to absorb what he was saying. Alec loved her. He wanted to marry her. And he’d sold his motorcycle to make sure she got her plane. “I don’t know what to say.”

  He rose to his feet, gathered her in his arms and whispered in her ear, “Say you love me. Say you’ll marry me. Say yes.”

  Zoey’s heart all but melted right there in the midst of an Alaskan snowstorm. A profound joy swelled inside her as Alec’s words settled into her soul. He was in love with her. He would be her husband, and she would be his wife. Against all odds, they’d found each other. And at last they would both have the one thing that had been missing for so long—a family.

  Thank You, God. Thank You.

  She wound her arms around Alec’s neck, pulled him closer and poured all her love, all her heart and soul, into a single, precious word. “Yes.”

  * * * * *

  Keep reading for an excerpt from SEASON OF HOPE by Virginia Carmichael.

  Dear Reader,

  Christmas greetings from Aurora, Alaska!

  Sleigh Bell Sweethearts is the third book in my Alaska series for Love Inspired. From the moment I started writing romances set in Alaska, I’ve been itching to write a Christmas story. Everything about Alaska’s winter-wonderland setting lends itself to a snowy holiday romance—the goodwill and generosity of the Alaskan people, the acres and acres of evergreen trees, the beautiful snowcapped mountains and, of course, the reindeer!

  In Sleigh Bell Sweethearts, Zoey Hathaway struggles to understand God’s plan when she inherits a herd of reindeer. The antics of one naughty animal, in particular, along with her Grinch of a ranch hand, Alec Wynn, make her feel as though she’s not up to the challenge of owning a reindeer farm. But as she and Alec work together to save the reindeer with Christmas looming on the horizon, Zoey begins to realize that every perfect gift is from above. Even the gifts that don’t seem so perfect at first glance.

  If you enjoyed Zoey and Alec’s Alaskan romance, I hope you’ll go back and read the first two books in this series, Alaskan Hearts and Alaskan Hero.

  Merry Christmas to you and yours! May this holiday season be filled with all of God’s peace and blessings.

  Teri Wilson

  Questions for Discussion

  This story is a romance, but it is also about the importance of friendships and community. How do the various relationships in Sleigh Bell Sweethearts enhance the lives and faith of the main characters?

  When Zoey first meets Alec, he comes across as surly and rude. Why do you think he acts this way? How do their first impressions of one another set the stage for the rest of the story?

  This story centers around a reindeer farm. Before reading it, did you know much about reindeer? In what ways did the story surprise you about these animals?

  In what way do the deaths of Zoey’s parents color her view of the world? Have you experienced a loss such as this in your life? How did it change your beliefs about God?

  Even though Zoey and Alec come from very different backgrounds, they are surprised to discover that they have a number of things in common. What similarities do they share?

  How does Alec’s previous experience with other Christians impact his relationship with the Lord? Do you think this is fair or unfair?

  Do you think Alec did the right thing when he left home at seventeen years of age? Why or why not?

  Have you ever felt the desire to have people see you in a new light? In what ways can leaving our past behind be both good and bad?

  Why does Zoey have a difficult time with dating, and why do you think she’s never had a meaningful relationship with a man?

  Was the portrayal of Alaska in this story as you expected? Do you feel the Alaskan setting enhanced the romance between Zoey and Alec? Why or why not?

  What role do the reindeer play in this story? Why do you think Zoey feels such a responsibility for thirty-one animals that she never even knew existed?

  Why do you think Alec harbors such a dislike for Christmas?

  Alec worries about how Zoey will manage living on the reindeer farm alone in his absence. What sort of unique challenges do you imagine she would have faced if the story had ended differently?

  Why does Alec turn down Zoey’s offer to be her business partner?

  What are the central struggles that Zoey and Alec deal with in this book? In what ways do you identify with these characters?

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired story.

  You believe hearts can heal. Love Inspired stories show that faith, forgiveness and hope have the power to lift spirits and change lives—always.

  Enjoy six new stories from Love Inspired every month!

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  Chapter One

  Late, as usual. Evie swung the door of the Downtown Denver Mission open and dashed inside. The lobby was toasty, even though a bitterly cold November evening wind blew off the Rockies and right down Broadway without pausing to add a few degrees. She strode across the polished floor, her gaze taking in the large wooden cross that hung from the upper level.

  She loved that old cross. It was so simple, so strong. It had brought her back to a life of forgiveness and hope. Her steps slowed and she took a deep breath. There wasn’t anything to be gained by running, except a few more seconds.

  Now that she wasn’t flying through the lobby, she noticed a large poster announcing the Christmas tree–lighting ceremony. She smiled, knowing how excited the city’s kids would be. One of the biggest parties of the year, it brought the whole Mission family together, as the tree was delivered on an old-fashioned sled pulled through downtown by horses. Often as not, it snowed through the party, but that was part of living in Denver.

  The sound of her own footsteps rang in the cavernous lobby. Must take a ton of money to keep this place warm. She couldn’t imagine trying to balance the comfort of the residents and the reality of the electricity bill. But that was why she was here. An empty spot on the finance committee, her brother, Jack’s, annoying ability to get his way and an extra dash of guilt meant Evie was the Mission’s newest volunteer.

  She glanced at the large, decorative mirror mounted to the nearest wall and tucked her dark hair behind her ears. Snow melting along the collar of her coat, blue eyes, generous mouth and the flush of a woman who’d been running late all day. She’d heard she was pretty, even beautiful, but sometimes when Evie looked in the mirror, all she saw was her twin brother, Jack. Same quirky smile, same off-center dimples, same arched brow
s that made them look just a bit mischievous.

  Except for that little bit of sadness in her eyes that was all her own, a shadowy reminder of too many years running after the wrong things, too many nights awake staring at the ceiling. She smoothed her slightly wrinkled office clothes and forced her mouth into a smile she hoped would pass as genuine.

  Evie paused at the long, low front desk. She’d been volunteering for years at the Mission, mostly during the holidays or when they were short-staffed. Now, for the first time, she had a position. The responsibility felt heavy on her shoulders. “Hi, Lana. Do I smell cookies?”

  “Gingerbread. It’s a rule that we can’t have finance meetings without cookies. Take one.” The secretary lifted up the plate, a smile creasing her face.

  “Oh, great rule.” Evie snagged a soft, round cookie and took a bite. She’d pay for the cookie later. Power walking an extra mile or two at the gym might cover it. But she wouldn’t think about that right now.

  Lana tipped her head toward the offices. “It’s hard enough to make tough money decisions. A little bit of gingerbread goes a long way toward keeping everybody happy.” Purple-tipped hair, cut military short, gave the impression that the secretary was a little nutty. Add in the wheelchair and Lana was the poster child for unconventional. But Evie had never been anything but impressed by Lana’s warmth and professionalism.

  “Thanks for this,” she said, turning toward the office area.

  “Welcome. We’ve got all your papers filed, but remember to turn in the background check waiver.”

  Evie popped the last bit of deliciousness into her mouth and nodded. She wondered briefly if she would have any chance of stealing Lana away from the mission. Better pay, fewer hours, more vacation. Working at a big newspaper wouldn’t be so different from what Lana was doing now, with coordinating all the paperwork and the staff.