Stranded for the Holidays

by Lisa Carter

  By the time he climbed off the roof and headed to the lodge, the vehicle was driving away.

  His mother met him on the porch. “This came addressed to you.” She handed him an expensive, ivory parchment envelope. “Special delivery.”

  He removed his work gloves and stuffed them in his pocket. “Who’s it from?”

  “The return address says Charlotte.”

  “Charlotte?” His heart pinched. “What is it?”

  His mother tapped her shoe on the porch. “Open it and find out.”

  Mouth going dry, his hand shook as he slit the envelope open with the edge of his truck key. “It’s an invitation.”

  Reading it, he forgot to breathe.

  His mother touched his shoulder. “What is it, honey?”

  “It—it’s a w-wedding invitation.” His voice cracked. “See for yourself.”

  His mother scanned the stationary. “‘Mr. and Mrs. Hayes Cummings request the honor of your presence at the Christmas Eve wedding of their daughter at their home in Charlotte—’” She gasped. “That’s tonight, Jonas.”

  “They got to her,” he rasped.

  He didn’t know with whom he was more angry—AnnaBeth for giving in to the pressure for her father’s approval? Or himself for not telling her how he felt when he had the chance?

  God sending AnnaBeth to him had been a gift. And what had he done? Like an ungrateful child, he’d thrown the gift back in His face.

  He lifted his hat and resettled it on his head. He’d made a terrible, perhaps irrevocable, mistake.

  “I had it all wrong,” he whispered.

  On the surface, he and AnnaBeth were complete opposites. The rich city girl from the flatlands and the country-boy rancher from the mountains.

  “We were perfect together.”

  His mother shook her head. “Perfection is an illusion, son. A mirage. Marriage is work, but with God at the center I recommend it highly.”

  Whereas he was more down-to-earth, AnnaBeth floated breezily through life like a balloon in a blue summer sky. But what they shared in common was more than enough for a happy life—their mutual love for Hunter, home, family and God.

  Jonas kept AnnaBeth grounded. She’d taught him to not be afraid to dream. A wonderful recipe for happily-ever-after.

  His mother squeezed his hand. “She’s marrying someone else tonight.”

  Jonas rubbed his neck. “Where’s Hunter, Mom?”

  “At the twins’ Christmas-Eve party ’til after lunch.”

  He glanced at his watch. “Tell him I had to take care of something for Christmas, but I’ll be here to open presents tomorrow morning.” He fisted his key.

  “What do you intend to do, Jonas?”

  “I’m running away to Charlotte.” He squared his jaw. “And please pray that I don’t come home empty-handed.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  It was dark by the time he reached the city limits of Charlotte. After driving past the third extremely large house, he rechecked the coordinates to make sure he hadn’t typed the wrong address into his phone’s GPS. But there was no mistake.

  His gut tightened. Block after block of exquisitely maintained lawns and estate-size homes. This was where AnnaBeth grew up. And he’d had her mucking out stalls.

  The sports car clued him in that she’d come from wealthy people, but he’d never imagined this... His palms grew slick on the steering wheel. She always seemed so willing to lend a hand, no matter how menial the task. So he stopped thinking of her as a rich, flatlander debutante.

  He pulled alongside the curb, letting the truck idle. He blew out a breath. Of course, she would live in the biggest of the big houses in this exclusive enclave. And the house was lit up like a Christmas tree. Parked cars clogged the street.

  Jonas strangled the wheel. What was he doing? How could he even imagine a girl who grew up in this mansion would ever settle for an isolated, backwater ranch, or an unsophisticated guy like him? If he had any sense, he’d turn the truck around right now and hightail it back to the hills before he further humiliated himself.

  But... His heart pounded as he gazed across the broad sweep of lawn... He didn’t. He couldn’t.

  He turned off the ignition and got out of the vehicle. He’d come too far to turn back now. He wasn’t leaving until he told AnnaBeth how he felt about her.

  Taking long strides up the driveway, he called himself all kinds of a fool. He’d been wrong about so much. AnnaBeth did belong in his world. It was him who didn’t belong in hers.

  He readied himself to be thrown out on his ear by her very important father. After the way he’d treated their daughter, her family would probably hate him. But he couldn’t rest—wouldn’t rest—until he’d done everything in his power to prevent her from being bullied into marrying someone she didn’t love.

  If he’d given her half a chance in Truelove, she would’ve never come back here to marry that Scott person. No matter if Jonas had blown his chance with her, he couldn’t stand by and watch her make a mistake that would ruin her life.

  And if after he’d said what he should’ve said weeks ago she showed him the door, he’d go without protest. He’d be heartbroken. It didn’t bear thinking about how devastated his son would be. But at least he’d know he’d done everything in his power to change her mind.

  Music drifted from the house. There appeared to be a lot of people milling around inside. Taking a breath for courage, he climbed the steps. It was now or never. He was reaching for the brass handle when the door flew open, and an elegantly clad arm yanked him inside.

  “About time.” Diamond studs in her ears, Victoria shoved him forward. “I thought you’d never get here.”

  “What—?”

  She disappeared into the throng, leaving him standing hat in hand in the foyer. Frowning at the partygoers, he got a bad feeling... It didn’t so much look like a wedding about to commence as a wedding reception already in full swing.

  Yet the invitation... He’d driven hard and fast. He ought to have been at least an hour ahead of the nuptials.

  Maybe this was some prewedding shindig. Flatlanders. They did such strange, inexplicable things.

  Just then, across the foyer, he caught a glimpse of a frothy concoction of lace and sequins. The bride. His heart raced at the prospect of seeing AnnaBeth again.

  He started forward, but a thirtysomething man in a tux took AnnaBeth in his arms. Fists clenching, Jonas shouldered through the crowded entryway, trying to reach AnnaBeth.

  “Give your new missus a kiss, Scott!” someone shouted.

  Jonas stuttered to a stop at the base of the curving staircase.

  Scott grinned. “My pleasure.” Leaning over his bride, he took her face in his hands. “A kiss for Mrs. Scott Sullivan.” Their lips met, and the house rang with cheers.

  Pain rippled through Jonas. Knees suddenly weak, he staggered and fell into the newel post. A roaring filled his ears. His vision swam.

  No... Please, no. This couldn’t be happening.

  “Jonas?”

  But he was too late. He’d lost her. She was married. Oh, God, help me. How am I ever going to live without her?

  “Jonas?”

  Slowly, he became aware someone was calling his name and he returned to himself. Back to his unalterable, agonizing reality. He lifted his head.

  One hand gripping the banister, AnnaBeth peered at him from the landing. “What are you doing here?”

  For one uncomprehending moment, he stared at her.

  “Jonas?” Her lovely red hair was pulled into a knot at the nape of her neck. Much like the night they’d met.

  He cut his gaze toward the jubilant scene across the foyer. The bride in her husband’s arms. And to AnnaBeth standing a few steps above him. Her lacy green cocktail dress was lovely.

  But it was not a weddi
ng dress.

  The air went out of him in a whoosh, and he sat down hard on the step.

  She put her hand to the pearls at her throat. “Has something happened?”

  There was no ring on her finger. He felt dizzy with relief.

  “Is it Hunter?” Her voice hitched. She rushed down the steps, bridging the distance between them. “Is Hunter okay?” Sinking down beside him, she clutched Jonas’s arm.

  She wasn’t married. Not yet. He wasn’t too late. Thank You, God. He still had a chance. He must—

  AnnaBeth shook him. “Jonas!”

  Fear, anger and something else warred in her beautiful, emerald eyes. Her hand tightened on his arm.

  “Hunt’s okay.” He swallowed. “Other than crying himself to sleep every night since you left.”

  Tears filled her eyes. “Oh.” She turned her face toward the wall.

  His heart hammered. He didn’t like not being able to see her face. She had the most expressive face. What must it be like to wear your feelings so transparently for everyone to see?

  Once upon a time, he’d believed hope lost. But then he’d met her. She held his entire future in her hands. Every hope, he’d only just begun to dream.

  He blew out a breath. “You’re not married, right?”

  She turned to him. “What?”

  “You haven’t married Scott yet, have you, AnnaBeth?”

  She blinked. “Of course I haven’t married Scott.” She pressed her lips together. “Why are you here, Jonas? Why did you come?”

  He’d hurt her, badly. But if she gave him the chance, he’d gladly spend the rest of his life doing his best to ensure nothing ever hurt her again.

  “I came to stop you from marrying Scott tonight.”

  She frowned. “Why on earth would you think I was marrying Scott?”

  He lifted his chin. “The wedding invitation...”

  Letting his hat roll onto the hardwood floor, he dug the crumpled invitation from his coat pocket and handed it to AnnaBeth.

  She read the invitation aloud. “‘Mr. and Mrs. Hayes Cummings request the honor of your presence at the Christmas Eve wedding of their daughter ...’” She looked up from the paper.

  Their eyes locked.

  His Adam’s apple bobbed. “But it didn’t specify which daughter.” He closed his eyes. “MaryDru,” he rasped. “MaryDru and Scott were married tonight. Not you.”

  “You thought I was marrying Scott.”

  His eyes snapped open and fastened on her face.

  “That doesn’t explain why you drove all this way.”

  “I thought your family had pressured you into getting married.” He scraped his hand over his face. “Hunter isn’t the only one who missed you, AnnaBeth.”

  Dropping her gaze, she smoothed her skirt over her knees. “I’ve missed the FieldStone. Deirdre. The matchmakers. Truelove.”

  He took hold of her hand. “But not me?”

  Like a startled bird, her eyelashes flew upward. “Oh, Jonas,” she whispered. “You, most of all.”

  * * *

  It had to mean something that he’d traveled so far to see her tonight. He must care for her, if only a little, if he’d come to prevent her from making a mistake.

  AnnaBeth took a deep breath. “Since I came home, things have been different. Daddy got out of detox. He’s been sober for nearly three weeks. He and Mom are seeing a marriage counselor, too. I have real hope they’ll stay together.”

  Jonas cocked his head. “Mom?”

  “Victoria is the true heart of my family.” AnnaBeth smiled. “She’s always loved me. Loved all of us, even when we were so very unloving. We’ve all grown closer. Daddy, Mom, MaryDru and me.”

  “Please forgive me, AnnaBeth, for the things I said to you. You’re nothing like Kasey. But I was afraid...”

  He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath.

  “I’ve been afraid of so much. Of getting hurt again. Of not being enough. But more than anything else, I’ve been afraid that you didn’t love me anymore.”

  She shook her head. “I love you, Jonas. And whether you loved me or not, that was never going to change. Love doesn’t work that way.”

  Touching his lips to her hand, he gazed deep into her eyes.

  “I love you, AnnaBeth Cummings. Forgive me for sending you away. I was an idiot. I’ve been lost without you. I’m nothing without you.”

  “Jonas...”

  “I love you for your sweetness. For your kindness. I love the brightness you bring into my life.” His gaze raked her face. “I love your hair. I love every single bit of you. I love the way you love my son.”

  “Oh, Jonas...if you make my mascara run, Mom’s going to have a fit.”

  Cradling her face in his palm, he swiped the pad of his thumb across the apple of her cheek. “Marry me, AnnaBeth. Please. I want to spend the rest of my life loving you. Loving our son.”

  “Our son?”

  He nodded. “Because somehow, I think Hunter’s always been yours. Just like me, he’s been waiting his whole life to find you. Waiting for you to run away in a blinding snowstorm and find us.”

  Thank You, God. Thank You for bringing this cowboy, his son and this love into my life.

  “It was never me rescuing you.” He kissed the lone tear away with his lips. “It was always you rescuing me from myself.”

  Brushing his lips across her mouth, he rested his forehead against hers. “Will you marry me, AnnaBeth? Because my heart has finally found its true home. With you.” He exhaled. “Though I realize I have so little to offer you—”

  “You give me everything I’ll ever need when you give me yourself, Jonas Stone.” She locked her hands at the nape of his neck. “All I ever wanted.”

  “But you’ve got a whole other life here. A life I know nothing about. But I’d like to learn.” His gaze bored into hers. “Maybe your mom could recommend a neighborhood I could afford with good schools for Hunter.”

  “You’d move to here, to Charlotte? What about the FieldStone? Ranching is in your blood. The mountains are the oxygen in your lungs.”

  He gave her that ridiculously stomach-quivering smile that made her glad she was already sitting down.

  “You, AnnaBeth Cummings, are in my blood. You are the oxygen in my lungs. You are the only thing besides my son I can’t face life without.”

  “But—”

  “No buts.” He squeezed her hands. “Your dreams are important. Important to both me and Hunter.”

  Her heart felt so full. Light and free. That he’d be willing to give up his heritage, to move away from everyone and everything he’d ever known. For her...

  Jonas’s smile fell a notch. “You haven’t said... If you’ll mar—”

  “Of course I’ll marry you.” She threw her arms around him again. “Yes. Yes. Yes.”

  His kiss was everything she’d dreamed this moment would be. Achingly sweet. With a protective tenderness that robbed her of breath.

  “I love you, AnnaBeth. So much. And I want to do this the right way.” Rising, he offered his hand to her. “I want to meet your family.”

  Suddenly, Victoria joined them. “Hayes is anxious to meet you, too, Jonas.”

  AnnaBeth smoothed out the invitation. “This was your doing, wasn’t it, Mom? You sent Jonas the altered invitation.”

  She touched AnnaBeth’s face. “Happy, my darlin’ girl?”

  Giving her a tremulous smile, AnnaBeth nodded. “I am. Very.”

  “Just as I prayed.” Victoria winked at Jonas. “And it wasn’t only me. MaryDru was also in on the matchmaking to bring you two together.”

  She gave a thumbs-up to MaryDru standing across the foyer with her new husband’s arm around her tiny waist. Bouquet in hand, MaryDru did a fist pump.

  Victoria whipped out her phone and be
gan to type.

  “Who are you texting, Mom?”

  “The Truelove Matchmakers.”

  AnnaBeth and Jonas exchanged glances. “Seriously?”

  “MaryDru and I had a conference call with them earlier this week.” Victoria hit Send. “They’ve made both of us honorary matchmakers. You didn’t think I pulled off this first one by myself, did you?”

  AnnaBeth’s eyebrows rose. “First one?”

  Batting her lashes, Victoria smiled. “I’ve decided to open a Charlotte branch of the Truelove Matchmakers club.”

  Jonas laughed.

  AnnaBeth kissed her cheek. “The Queen City will never know what hit them.”

  Jonas laced his fingers into hers. “I need to talk to your father... Ask for his blessing.”

  She was so, so happy. She hadn’t known she could feel this happy. She squeezed his hand. “Let’s find Daddy. But then—” she gave him a wide smile “—I want to be at the FieldStone for Hunter when he wakes up on Christmas morning.”

  * * *

  AnnaBeth’s father not only gave Jonas his blessing, but he also insisted on announcing their engagement to the guests gathered for her sister’s wedding reception.

  Her father’s once handsome face bore the signs of dissipation, but a serenity also rested on his features. A peace Jonas suspected had not always been there.

  “AnnaBeth has been so heartbroken these last few weeks.” The silver-haired patrician gripped Jonas’s hand. “Too often, I’ve let her down.” His gaze landed on Victoria. “I’ve let all my girls down, but I hope you’ll love AnnaBeth the way she deserves to be loved.”

  MaryDru, AnnaBeth’s sister, joined them with her groom. “Or you’ll have to answer to me.”

  Victoria nudged him with her bony elbow. “And me.”

  But he had to love and respect someone who loved AnnaBeth as fiercely as Victoria Cummings. Because he felt the same. He loved AnnaBeth, too.

  He was cautiously encouraged by the changes he saw in AnnaBeth’s relationship with her father. With her entire family. But he knew these were wounds that might take a lifetime to fully heal.