Читать книгу Christmas Wish Come True: All I Want For Christmas / Dreaming of a White Wedding / Christmas Every Day - Gina Rochelle - Страница 15

Chapter Seven

It was a quiet Sunday morning. Jordan left early, and Emily took Tyler along once again, saying he’d done such a good job decorating his Christmas tree that she needed his help with the one at the shelter. Isabella was grateful for this time alone. She needed to recharge her batteries from her first week of non-stop efforts where Jordan and Tyler’s relationship was concerned. She was just a substitute teacher, not a family psychologist. Thank goodness Tyler had someone to talk to at school. But here at home, Isabella was overwhelmed by the prospect of explaining why Santa couldn’t bring his parents back on Christmas morning. Not to mention the looming disaster of Jordan’s probable plan to let the Forresters take Tyler in. With the baby steps they’d made since she’d been here, she hoped there was a chance Jordan would change his mind.

She threw herself back in her bed, succumbing to the wave of helplessness that hit her. Jordan’s work had been keeping him so busy, getting an opportunity to speak to him was a challenge in itself. And, the last time she’d been completely alone with him, very little talking had been done.

Isabella closed her eyes, remembering how he’d kissed her. So hot. And though the foolish dreamer in her wished for more kisses, more of Jordan, her inner realist could only hope that Tyler would be okay when Christmas was over.

She rolled onto her side. How well did Jordan know the couple who wanted Tyler – Kim and Derek’s friends? He’d only just learned about Tyler after his brother and sister-in-law were killed, but surely he’d met them, at least. She’d known him long enough to be sure he’d do what he thought was best for his nephew. So, they must be decent people. She hoped.

Isabella jumped out of bed and headed to the main house for coffee. The kitchen telephone was ringing and she hurried through the door to answer it, thinking it could be Emily or Jordan. “Yes…hello?”

“Oh. Hello. Er – is this the Butler residence?” The woman on the other end sounded surprised.

“Yes,” Isabella answered her.

There was a slight pause, then the woman responded carefully. “May I ask who I’m speaking with, then?”

A cattiness rose in Isabella. She had the distinct impression the woman assumed she was Jordan’s girlfriend, and Isabella surprised herself by allowing her to think it. “Isabella. Jordan is out. Would you like to leave a message for him?”

“This is Abby Forrester. I’m…” She sounded choked up. “I was Kim’s best friend.”

Isabella’s interest sharpened. She attempted to make the woman feel at ease now. “I’m sorry for your loss, Mrs. Forrester. I’m Tyler’s teacher and…live-in guest.”

“You mean, his nanny?” Abby Forrester asked.

“No, I wouldn’t say that. The arrangement is only temporary…”

“I’m sorry, Miss…Isabella,” Abby said. “It’s none of my business, really. I called to talk to Jordan about visiting Tyler today, if that’s possible. Kim wanted my husband – Zach – and me to be a part of his life.”

Isabella was at a loss for words. She hadn’t considered that Kim might have chosen the Forresters as Tyler’s guardians. Thankfully, Abby Forrester eased her concerns.

“Don’t get me wrong,” Abby continued. “Jordan is Tyler’s uncle – and he should be with family now, of course. We discussed visits later on, but since we’re in the area, we’d like to stop by, if you think Jordan wouldn’t mind?”

“Well, I don’t know.” Isabella paused. It wasn’t her place to give consent for the couple to visit Tyler. But, since Jordan was considering them as possible parents for Tyler, he shouldn’t mind if they came over. And anyway, she’d like the chance to meet them – see what she was up against on her mission to keep Tyler with Jordan. “When did you want to come over?”

“I know it’s short notice, but we’re Christmas shopping in Denver today. And…it seemed like a perfect opportunity to drop off the gifts we bought for Tyler.”

Isabella knew Emily wouldn’t be home with Tyler until sometime after noon. And Jordan, well, that was anybody’s guess. “I’m the only one here this morning. However…” she took a deep breath “…I don’t see why you can’t stop by and drop off the presents. Tyler’s with Emily, but maybe they’ll return before you leave.”

Abby Forrester hesitated, her voice muffled as she spoke to another person. Isabella assumed it was Zach Forrester. “All right, Isabella,” she answered after a moment. “Thank you. We’ll be there within the hour.”

***

Jordan stared at the sprawling brick structure. It was a single-story building, but with lots of square footage, enough to fill the needs of the entire city. This project had been his saving grace, since the accident. It occupied his thoughts, kept him from falling into the dark abyss of regret. He’d spent every spare minute orchestrating the construction, even rolling up his sleeves and doing some heavy lifting himself. It took his mind off the deaths. First, burying Kim. Then accepting that Derek was gone, too.

Jordan was told the couple died after their car went over a steep cliff above Horsetooth Reservoir, in Fort Collins, just north of Denver. His brother was never found, and the search for him had gone from rescue to recovery within a few days of the accident.

So, Jordan took Derek’s son in. And his work kept him from facing the decision that weighed on him now. In the weeks since he’d met his nephew, he’d become more attached to him than he wanted to admit. Hell, who was he kidding? Those sad eyes had drawn him in from the start. Of course, he knew Tyler wasn’t responsible for the sins of his parents. But how could he be a loving influence on him if he couldn’t get over the mountain of hurt from the past? He could see that Tyler needed love and security. With those basic comforts, he might eventually be okay. But it was Jordan’s own emotional instability that forced him to consider allowing another couple, possibly the Forresters, to adopt Tyler.

Now, with this project nearly wrapped and ready for the unveiling, and two other high-rises he’d contracted on hold due to negotiations, he had more time to spend with his thoughts. And they scared the hell out of him. Not just the ones concerning his nephew, but those of the beautiful and sexy Isabella Stevens, as well. She’d come into his life unexpectedly, and he was terrified that he’d already fallen for her…hard. And too fast.

Just like he had for Kim.

But Isabella was nothing like Kim. Not at all. She was the day to Kim’s night. She was a ray of sunshine in his gloomy world. And he wondered now if it could possibly be different this time. If he could take a chance on another potentially heart-crushing relationship.

God help him.

He got into his truck, unzipped his leather jacket, and leaned back in the plush seat. For the first time since it happened, he let his mind return to Christmas Eve seven years ago, when he’d asked Kim to be his wife. He’d planned it all out, had the round solitaire ring made to his specifications, and bought the jewelry chest to put it in, so the size wouldn’t give away the surprise.

He’d popped the question, and Kim said yes. They made love beside the Christmas tree they’d decorated together. A few hours later, Derek – the younger, more sophisticated Butler brother – showed up. Kim never looked at Jordan the same way again. Three months later, when Derek returned from the job in Canada, it was over. And Jordan hadn’t put up a tree, or celebrated Christmas since.

But Tyler and Isabella brought the holidays back into his life.

He started the engine, but he wasn’t ready to go home yet. He didn’t want to be alone with Isabella. It was a few weeks till Christmas – he’d have to start thinking about setting up visits between Tyler and the Forresters. Isabella wouldn’t be happy about that. She’d done a decent job of bringing his nephew out of his shell in a short time. But the fact remained: Tyler was six years old and needed a family. He needed two parents who loved each other. He needed a mother. And Jordan couldn’t offer him any of that.

So, Santa be damned. The Forresters were his best hope to fill Tyler’s needs.

***

Isabella was more nervous than she’d been on her first day substituting at Snow Pass Elementary. She watched out the window as a black sedan pulled into the driveway and parked. A tall, striking man with dark hair got out of the driver’s side and walked around to open the passenger door. Already, Isabella was keeping mental points, and she had to admit that this was ‘one’ for Zach Forrester. He was a gentleman…good.

As Abby Forrester stepped from the luxurious car, she stared up at the house, visibly admiring the stone architecture that was Jordan’s creation. She was pretty, Isabella thought. Not beautiful, like she imagined Kim had been, but fresh and clean. There was no makeup on her face, and her hair was past her shoulders, nearly as dark as her deep-set eyes. She looked like a mom. One point for her.

Isabella had pulled her own hair back into a ponytail and changed into a gray skirt and sweater just moments before the couple arrived. She checked her reflection in the mirror on the wall of the foyer as the doorbell rang. It was almost like open house, meeting her student’s parents for the first time – something she hadn’t had the privilege of doing at Snow Pass, having arrived well after the school year began. But this wasn’t school, and these weren’t Tyler’s parents.

Not yet, anyway.

She opened the door, greeting the Forresters with a polite ‘nice to meet you’ and ‘Merry Christmas’. They were carrying several brightly wrapped packages of various sizes and Isabella led the way to the living room where they placed them under the tree.

“Would you like some coffee?” Isabella’s smile was guarded.

“Yes, thank you,” Abby replied.

Isabella motioned for them to sit down, then went to the kitchen. It was as if she was outside her own body, doing something that had to be done, but she loathed having anything to do with it. She couldn’t help but think she was betraying Tyler.

As she poured the hot coffee, tears filled her eyes. She was so emotional, with Tyler’s heartbreaking situation, the holidays – and maybe even because, so far, the Forresters seemed perfect. Which was good, except that it would probably sway Jordan’s decision in their favor.

Isabella composed herself and entered the living room, setting their cups down on the table. “Here you are.”

She took a seat opposite the couple on the couch, smiling with a false brightness, feeling as if she were preparing for an interview. Which, she supposed, she was. And it would be the interview of her life. A six-year-old boy’s future depended on it.

“So, have you known Tyler long?”

Zach Forrester remained silent, his gaze moving to his wife, who seemed ready for Isabella’s questions. “Oh, yes,” she said. “I’ve known him ever since he was born. Actually, Kim and I met at the doctor’s office the day she confirmed her pregnancy. And eight months later, I was there when Kim gave birth.”

Perfect, Isabella thought. Another point. “How well do you know Jordan? You’ve met him?”

This time, Zach answered. He sat forward, clasping his hands together while resting his elbows on his knees. He lowered his eyes and nodded his head. “Yes – I know him. I went to boarding school with his brother Derek, and I worked with him when he was co-owner of Butler Enterprises.” He cleared his throat before continuing. “He left after Derek and Kim got married. We haven’t spoken much since then.”

Isabella met Zach’s gaze. She saw kindness and a touch of uncertainty in his striking blue eyes. He seemed vulnerable in a way, and she found it endearing. Despite the fact that she wanted to dislike him, she felt the opposite. But Abby Forrester was unreadable, mysterious. Isabella turned to her.

“Do you have children of your own, Mrs. Forrester?”

“Call me Abby, please,” she responded with sugary sweetness. “And,” she continued, “to answer your question – sadly, we don’t. Although it’s not from a lack of trying.” She smiled at her husband, who seemed slightly embarrassed by her remark.

“And to answer your next question, Zach and I have been married for five years, but we met at Kim and Derek’s wedding. They asked us to stand up for them when they eloped.”

Ohhh. Take a point away from each of them – even if they were just being loyal friends.

“It took a few years, but I finally got Zach to come around,” Abby finished, laughing nervously. “By then, Jordan had…made a new life. I haven’t had the chance to get to know him very well.”

Isabella wondered why she sounded so tense. Another point down. The Forresters had broken even, and Isabella was surprised to find herself disappointed by that. After all, if Jordan decided to send Tyler to live with them, she wanted to be certain Zach and Abby Forrester were stable parents.

“How do you feel about pets, dogs in particular?” Might as well throw it in there. After all, she hoped to give Tyler something he wanted for Christmas. And he might be moving in with them, eventually.

“Love them,” Zach spoke up, displaying a devastating grin. “So, you’re Tyler’s teacher?”

Isabella returned his smile. “Yes.” She nodded. “He’s a wonderful boy.”

“He is,” Zach agreed.

“How did you come to this arrangement – if you don’t mind my asking?” Abby interjected. Isabella had already anticipated the question.

“Well,” she started, “Jordan and I agreed it would be good for Tyler to have as much support as possible during this difficult time in his life. So, I’m staying in the guesthouse until after the holidays.”

“But why you – his teacher? Or are you and Jordan…?”

“Abigail.” Zach’s voice was low but firm. “That’s none of our business.”

Isabella took a deep breath. She’d expected this question, as well. “It’s all right, Mr. Forrester. And please, call me Isabella.” She smiled again.

“Call me Zach,” he returned.

“All right,” she agreed. “And since we’re on a first-name basis now, I’ll answer. I understand your concern for Tyler’s welfare.” She looked at Abby. “I’m staying in the guesthouse, and I’m here for Tyler. Jordan asked me to stay, to help Tyler get through his first Christmas without his parents.” She met Abby’s cool stare. “Jordan and I are not a couple.”

“That’s right.”

Everyone turned to the front door as Jordan entered. His eyes were guarded, and Isabella found it impossible to read them. But, she imagined he wasn’t pleased that she had guests without his knowledge. Especially these guests.

“Zach, good to see you again.” Jordan moved into the living room. Zach stood and the two men shook hands.

“Good to see you, Jordan,” Zach replied. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

Jordan hesitated, then looked down. “I didn’t have a chance to talk to you at the memorial. Thank you for arranging it.”

Isabella sensed his uneasiness and made an attempt to change the subject. “The Forresters were Christmas shopping in Denver and stopped by to drop off some gifts for Tyler,” she explained. “It’s a shame he’s out with Emily at the moment.”

Jordan regarded her suspiciously, and Isabella was shocked at how well he seemed to know her already – that she was happy Tyler wasn’t here, on display for the couple who wished to take him home with them.

“Oh, Emily,” Abby chimed in. “How is she?”

“You and Emily are friends?” Isabella was stunned. Emily hadn’t mentioned knowing the woman who might become Tyler’s new mother.

“Oh, no – just acquaintances,” Abby said. She looked out the corner of her eye at Jordan, who was chatting with Zach about business on the other side of the room. “I met her here, in fact.” She lowered her voice. “When I came over to help Kim move her things out.”

If Abby Forrester broke even on points a few moments ago, that comment definitely put her in the hole. Isabella moved to clear the empty coffee cups from the table. She walked to the kitchen with them, and Abby followed, making it all the more difficult for Isabella to refrain from engaging in conversation that bordered on gossip. But Abby kept talking, trying to draw her in.

“It’s not your concern, but I was wondering if you could ask Emily a question for me?” she asked sweetly.

I’ll decide if it’s my concern or not. “What is it, Abby?” Isabella’s tone held the same false sweetness.

“Well…” Abby hesitated for the first time, which spiked Isabella’s interest more. “I’m not even sure if Emily would know about it, but I believe Kim may have had something with her when…well, you know. I was informed by the police that their personal effects from the accident were brought here.”

“What are you looking for?” Isabella asked quietly, holding her breath.

“Kim would have wanted me to have it. But when I went through her things at their home in Boulder, it was nowhere to be found.”

“Abby, what would Kim want you to have?”

Abby was quiet for a moment before meeting Isabella’s stare. She dropped her voice to a whisper and looked into the living room to be sure the men wouldn’t hear. She turned tear-filled eyes back to Isabella.

“The silver jewelry chest.”