Читать книгу The Mills & Boon Ultimate Christmas Collection - Мишель Смарт, Kate Hardy - Страница 20

Chapter Seven

With things somewhat under control at the lodge, I dressed warmly for town, and slipped into high-heeled boots. I needed to collect some supplies and wanted to drop in on Imelda and Edgar for an impromptu meeting to firm up numbers, and show them some pictures of the ballroom renovation. It dawned on me that, after their party, it wouldn’t be long until I could start preparing for Christmas, and the thought of decorating the lodge for the festivities had me in paroxysms of delight. A winter wonderland wedding would be perfect, but I needed to show off the venue to attract brides. A wedding expo would be ideal, and I made notes about what I’d need to do in order to achieve it, feeling a pang for Amory, wishing she was here to share the joy of winter and all it entailed.

Tying my scarf as I went, I found Kai in the ballroom, grinning up at the ceiling. “The electricians have just left. They’ve replaced the old insulation and fitted downlights so it’s not as gloomy with only the two chandeliers at each end of the room. What do you think?”

I surveyed the new lighting. “It makes the space appear even bigger. The downlights were a good choice, Kai.” They sent out little stars of radiance which helped brighten the room. I’d been wary when it came to adding such modern features in the traditional ballroom, but they fit seamlessly.

“Won’t be long until it’s finished and ready for the party. Mind if I hitch a ride to town with you? I need to meet with Walter at the hardware shop.”

“Sure,” I said. “Let’s tell Micah to keep an eye on things.”

We found Micah halfway up a ladder in the abandoned library. The room was the stuff of every bibliophile’s dream. Deep, dark mahogany shelves recessed into all four walls. Ladders were still attached, which slid across like something from the 1800s. It was bereft of novels and I couldn’t wait to go book shopping and fill the room with old tomes whose perfume would scent the air. With a fire crackling, and the teapot steaming, I was sure we could host book clubs here. Author events. Writing retreats.

“We’re going into town, Micah. Keep an ear out in case anyone needs a hand?”

A fine layer of wood dust coated him, as he sanded back one of the rippled and cracked water-damaged shelves. “Sure. But only if you bring me back a donut from Puft.”

“Deal,” I said, grinning.

When we parked in front of Puft, Kai jumped out, ear pressed against his phone. From what I could gather it was his boss, and there was a new job on the horizon once Cedarwood Lodge was finished. Soon he’d leave, and I wasn’t sure how I felt. Would I be lost without his easy-going guidance, his calming influence on me? Only time would tell, but I wasn’t looking forward to losing him.

It was warmer in town without the cold gust of wind drifting off the surface of the lake.

My aunt’s donut store was doing a roaring trade with tables out front full of lunchtime patrons. I pushed my face up against the glass and searched for her, but saw only faces I didn’t recognize behind the counter. As I turned I tripped over the foot of a chair, and landed smack-bang into the arms of someone walking the other way. We thumped foreheads, and tears stung my eyes. What was it about this place that made me so clumsy all of a sudden? High heels and Evergreen were a veritable deathtrap. An apology fell from my lips as I blinked hastily to correct my blurry vision. Just what I needed, a big black eye to greet potential clients.

“I’m sorry, I’m such an…” Oh, God. The words froze on my tongue.

“Clio?”

I nodded dumbly as I stared into the deep hazel eyes of Timothy. The first person to break my heart – a very handsome man with powerful shoulders that suggested time spent at the gym and a smile that would make many a woman melt.

“Hey.” Smooth, Clio.

In the filmy light of midday his lips twitched as he rubbed the soft spot above his eyebrow where we’d bumped heads. “I heard you were back in town. I’ve been meaning to come out to Cedarwood and say hi.”

“You should.” I’d forgotten how modulated his voice was, every word measured and thoughtful. Maybe it was concussion, but his mouth, the way his lips twitched, held a whole host of memories for me; suddenly I was back in his parents’ basement with him, listening to pop music and stealing kisses. My turncoat gaze darted to his ring finger and found it bare.

“How is it going at Cedarwood? From what I hear around town you’re not far away from being able to open.”

I swallowed hard and willed my voice box to engage. “Yeah, it’s going well. No great disasters as yet. But there’s still time.” How could I say something so opposite to what I was thinking? You’re thirty-three, Clio, not thirteen. Somehow the gangly, brace-face teen had returned uninvited. I coughed and recovered, summoning a voice I used on my most famous clients, one that hid how starstruck I was.

“How’re things with you, Timothy? I thought you’d be married and have about a hundred babies by now.” I left out the part about the picket fence, the cookie-baking wife, the fluffy dog called Buster…

Just then a squeal rang out as two children ran from the bakery holding chocolate-iced donuts. They laced their free hands around his legs. I knew it! I bet they had perfect manners too. And dabbed daintily at their mouths with napkins after they ate their bounty.

He wobbled as they took hold. “Clio, I’d like you to meet Scarlett and Zander. Haven’t quite made it to a hundred kids yet, but these two have the energy of fifty at least.” He held back laughter, and glanced down at them with such fondness in his eyes that my heart just about stopped.

I won’t lie. A part of me, that teeny, tiny, hopeless romantic part of me, died. He had made children! Actual living, breathing little humans. And not just your standard cute ones; really gorgeous, impish ones.

“Nice to meet you, Scarlett and Zander. You chose well. I happen to know those donuts are the best in the world.”

Scarlett narrowed her eyes, held the donut tighter, and shot a glance up to her father for… what? Reassurance? Even the… what… five-, six-year-old – she could have been two, three, for all I knew – could see straight through me, like I was wearing a flashing sign: FRAUD, beware! If I hadn’t already felt like a member of the secret group Being Left Behind, I did now.

They could have been my children, if things had been different. And if they had been, surely they wouldn’t clam up like that? Scarlett was so cold she was practically frosty, an icy wind radiating from her. And the little boy wasn’t much better. Zander glared at me and tugged his dad’s jean-clad leg. Although maybe it was a stranger danger thing, and in that case, they were pretty perfect, just as expected. Damn it.

“Anyway,” I said, ignoring the death stares. “I must dash, I’ve got paint that needs… painting, and all sorts of very important jobs that need doing.” Kill me.

Timothy gave me a slow, saucy smile that provoked a jelly-legged reaction. What was happening to me? Had I made a mistake leaving town to follow my dreams? For the briefest moment in time I pictured myself as a wife, a mother. I shook the insanity away before I lapsed into an existential crisis about lost loves, and sliding-door scenarios. I pulled the strap of my bag tight, and went to step off the curb with an awkward backwards wave.

Timothy grabbed my arm. “Wait,” he said. “A few of the old gang are getting together next week. They’d love to see you. Micah will be there.”

“Umm, yeah…” I said distractedly as Scarlett, the girl with the most angelic cherubic face, stood behind her father dragging her index finger along her throat. Was she warning me to say no? What was that! I had zero clue about children, but it did intimidate me. She who could handle the worst Bridezillas was scared of a five-year-old!

Tim, oblivious to my hesitation, said, “So it’s a date! See you at Shakin’ Shack. Micah knows the details.” He bent to kiss my cheek as I mumbled about confirming closer to the day.

They walked away hand in hand as Scarlett turned once more to glare at me. What had I just agreed to?

Really, though, it would be good to see the gang again. Over time, we’d lost contact, but I often thought about them. Would I be the only one who was still trying to make sense of her life? Timothy radiated a cool, calm vibe like he was exactly where he was meant to be, and I was his polar opposite, fumbling with making basic conversation. The collected Manhattanite in me had vanished and was replaced with the former version of myself. Imagine if they knew I’d been fired and shunned in New York. Would they secretly think I deserved it for being ambitious when I left Evergreen? Only to return home, tail between my legs, buying the lodge on a whim, and claiming I’d make it something great?

With a deep, steadying breath I gave myself a pep talk, and tried to quash any crisis of confidence. Further ahead, Kai was leaning against the wall, his arms folded across his chest, like he was in contemplation.

“There you are.”

Kai had one leg against the wall, soft sunlight making him sleepy-eyed. “Sorry, I had to take that call. It was about another job. Looks like it’ll be Christmas in San Francisco for me.”

San Francisco… the other side of the country. My heart dropped at knowing Kai wouldn’t be around for the renovation of the chapel or the chalets. I felt a pang of sorrow that he’d be elsewhere, and for Christmas Day too. I always knew he’d be leaving, but a part of me wanted to host a Christmas Day party for the staff who were away from family and make it special. And Kai had become part of the Cedarwood family – that was why I particularly wanted him to be here.

“Who was that guy?” he asked.

“Oh…” I waved him away. “Just an old friend.”

Kai raised a sardonic brow. “Cute kids.”

I laughed. “Yeah, cute. Let’s go to the hardware store. I need to find Imelda.” Angst sat heavy in my belly and I had the overwhelming sensation I’d let life pass me by while trying to reach the unattainable in my career. Was I doing it again, setting myself up for failure? What would I have left this time if Cedarwood didn’t work out?

Kai put his hands on my shoulders. “Breathe. Your shoulders are up around your ears.”

I wriggled from his grasp, but he held me firm. “Take a deep breath, and count to five…” Kai was often mystical, like some kind of surfer yogi, and I just didn’t understand it. How would holding my breath for five seconds achieve anything? Even being rewarded by staring into the ocean blue of his calming gaze wasn’t enough to make me believe.

“I’m fine, Kai. Really. I’ll count to ten later to make up for it. Let’s go.”

With one of his penetrating looks he said, “Clio, seriously, you hold so much stress in your body, it’s toxic. Just chill for five seconds.”

I willed my eyes not to roll, but he was so sure it would fix everything I didn’t have the heart to ignore him again. “Fine. One, two, threefourfive. There. I’m cured.” I grabbed his hand and dragged him across the road, surprised to feel a tingle racing up my arm from his touch. Kai had the sort of hands that were made for holding, I guess. Strong, warm hands.

Walter, Imelda’s son, was standing by the cash register, spooling a ream of escaped receipt paper.

“Well, hello, Clio. Would have recognized you anywhere after Mom’s description of you – Carrie Bradshaw hair indeed. Though don’t tell anyone I know who Carrie Bradshaw is – I’d never live it down.” Walter had a ruddy complexion and deep-set eyes, just like his father. He wore a checked shirt and suspenders, which somehow suited him, being holed up in a hardware store, which was ripe with the scent of old motor oil and dust.

I winked. “Your secret is safe with me. Is Imelda here?” Even though they claimed they’d retired years ago, Imelda was often found here according to Micah. He said she couldn’t quite let go of her working life. Edgar tinkered around with tools as well, and swept up the workshop, their days too long without something to keep their heads and hands busy.

“Mom’s out back in the office.” He jerked his thumb in that direction. “Says she had to tidy up some paperwork, even though my wife does it these days.” He shrugged. “What she means is, she’s double-checking the figures because she can’t grasp that anyone else could do it right. Who am I to argue?” There was no malice in his voice, just deep-seated admiration.

“They need to find a hobby, maybe?” I smiled and then dropped my voice. “While I’ve got you, can I ask a favor?”

He nodded.

“I want to do a slide show of photos that we can play before the speeches. Set to music, maybe songs they’ve loved over the years? A photo montage of their love through each decade.”

Walter grinned. “Now you’re talking! Mom and Dad would love that.”

“But let’s keep it between us?”

“Your secret is safe with me.” He repeated my earlier sentiment.

I smiled. “Can you get hold of some photos without them knowing?”

Walter thumbed his chin. “It wasn’t long ago that Dad had all his photos scanned and saved in the cloud – that was a fun day explaining what the cloud was. How about I copy the photos onto a USB and you can choose which suit?”

“That’d be perfect. And what about music? Any chance you can take a flick through their albums and let me know what stands out, what songs you remember hearing?”

At that he rolled his eyes dramatically. “I wouldn’t even have to look. Dad serenaded Mom with Percy Sledge’s When a Man Loves a Woman at their wedding, and then every year since, but Dad can’t sing a jot, and he’s so out of tune it’s actually painful to hear. Mom seems to like it, though.”

I let out a burble of laughter, imagining Edgar warbling to Imelda in spite of being tone deaf. “Gosh, they’re adorable. OK, so that can be the first song, and can you email me the titles of any others that mean something to them?”

“Sure.” His face broke into a huge grin, making the resemblance between him and Edgar more obvious. “They’re really excited about the party, Clio. And what you’re doing will thrill them, it really will. I can sneak over to their house this afternoon for a recon mission and send it all to you.”

Kai wandered over, his basket full of pipes and tubes and God knows what.

“I’ll leave you to it,” I said, grinning at the huge smile on his face. Men and hardware stores! Even the surfer yogi wasn’t immune. “I’m going to have a quick chat with Imelda and then I’ll meet you at Puft later?” Kai nodded as they fell into serious conversation about amps of drills and which battery had the longest life.

Imelda’s office was meticulously tidy, with stacks of yellowing paperwork in neat straight piles and a scented candle flickering on the table.

“Hello, pretty girl!” Her face crinkled into a smile. “What’s been happening at the lodge?”

I detailed the progress we’d made and where I was at in terms of the preparations. “What about a dance, Imelda? I know you’re wheelchair-bound, but you can still share a moment, right? Your favorite song, you two on the dance floor?”

Her face brightened. “Oh, that’s a great idea! With Edgar propping me up I can stand for a little while, at least… How about a love song, and me and Edgar standing in each other’s arms for as long as we can?”

“Yes! Let me find a special song.” I would dim the lights, and it would be so romantic. There wouldn’t be a dry eye in the house.

After discussing the party with Imelda, who exclaimed over every tidbit with glee, I headed to Puft and crossed my fingers my aunt was in. From the gaggle of customers still queuing, I doubted she’d had time to do anything except work since returning from her cruise, but I was eager to see her.

As I squinted through the glass the front door burst open, bells jangling noisily together. “Well, there you are! I’d recognize those curls at fifty paces!” Aunt Bessie’s husky voice boomed, startling me.

“Aunt Bessie, you look amazing!” With a full face of heavy makeup, and bleached-blonde teased-up hair, Aunt Bessie hadn’t changed one iota. There was no evidence of a single laugh line and I expected she’d had some cosmetic help. She wore a tight-fitting sweater that accentuated her big bust, and tight jeans that exposed her curves – she was simply larger than life.

“Well, shucks. It’s the eight glasses of water I drink a day, you know.” She winked comically. “I expected to see you in overalls but I should’ve known the big city would change my girl!” She let out a cackle that drew the attention of her customers. “Tell me what’s been going on over at Cedarwood. I’ve spent the better part of the morning trying to escape this place to visit you but these people had other ideas.” She gestured at the patrons filling almost every table.

Aunt Bessie motioned to a table, and told the young girl behind the counter to bring us coffee and a serving of cookies-and-cream donuts with an extra helping of chocolate sauce.

I raised a brow.

“You’ll work it off running around that lodge of yours. Now tell me everything.” Aunt Bessie was a breath of fresh air, and I felt like I could do anything, be anything, with her on my side. I waxed lyrical about the renovations, Edgar and Imelda’s party, and my plans to meet with the old gang. I managed to gloss over the reasons for leaving New York and thankfully she was too eager to hear about the lodge and didn’t notice.

She raised her eyebrows. “The old gang? Does that include Timothy?” His name came out sing-songy, and I could see where I got the same urge to tease Micah.

I studied my nails to buy time. “It does, as well you know. Stop fishing.”

She feigned surprise, putting a hand on her bust. “Me? Fishing? I was merely asking about one of your oldest friends.” The gleam in her eye suggested otherwise.

Expertly, I changed the subject and focused on Micah’s reluctance regarding romance and how obvious it was he and Isla were perfect for each other. “Sounds like we need to meddle,” she said.

“I think you’re right.” I clasped my fingers, plotting. “How about I invite Isla here for coffee and I also invite Micah, but then, dang, I can’t make it…”

Her heavily made-up eyes widened. “And I’m here to pass on the message: Look, kids, why don’t you sit together. Clio says everything is under control and you might as well take an hour to relax… How does that sound?”

Only my aunt would understand my motivations and back me up. “Sounds like love is in the air…”

We gossiped about every little thing, and Aunt Bessie promised to visit once she was caught up at Puft. It wasn’t until I was back at the lodge that I realized she hadn’t mentioned my mom and her radio silence. Maybe Aunt Bessie wanted to see Mom in person first before making excuses for her?

Back at the lodge that afternoon I was sitting at the trestle table in the kitchen when Isla walked in. I made a show of shuffling paperwork and letting out loud sighs of frustration.

“You need a hand?” she asked.

I fumbled some more, and tried my best to look piqued. “What I need is some time away from all of this.” I gestured to my notebook, which was filled with loping red scribbles.

She gave me a sympathetic arm-squeeze. “Why don’t you take some time off tomorrow? I’m sure we can cover for you.”

Dang it. “Erm. Maybe. What about you, Isla? I’ve been so busy I haven’t even asked how you’re feeling. How are you settling in here?”

She flicked the kettle on. “I’m great. Beat, you know, but that’s part of the job. It’s a good kind of tired. The garden is really taking shape.” She flashed a smile and pottered about making coffee, grabbing a tin of biscuits.

I leaned back, rocking on my chair. “And what about the other staff? No problems with anyone?” Gosh, I couldn’t work out how to bring the conversation around to Micah without making it blindingly obvious. Was I losing my touch as matchmaker?

“Everyone’s been great, really friendly and supportive.” She held up an empty cup toward me and I nodded yes for coffee.

“If you need an extra pair of hands, let me know. With the party deadline, I know I’ve put you under pressure and I’m sure Micah can help you.”

At the mention of his name she flushed scarlet. “Oh… yes. About that.” She chewed her lip while she pondered.

“What is it?” I urged her on.

Her gaze darted over my shoulder to the hallway, and as she turned back she dropped her voice to a whisper. “Can I ask you something… and I hope you won’t take it the wrong way?” She fidgeted with the handle of her cup.

“Sure.”

“Are you and Micah… like, together?” She looked downright mortified at her question.

I furrowed my brow. “A couple?”

She nodded. “Sorry if it’s too personal, I just wondered…you seem to be so in tune.”

I shook my head, and laughed. “No, no, he’s like the brother I never had. Just best friends. And we’re in tune because we’ve known each other for a million years. Why do you ask?” I tried not to grin, but my lips twitched in spite of it. She liked him!

Her face flushed a deeper shade of scarlet, bringing out her freckles. “Sorry, I just wondered. I’m not interested in him or anything like that.” A nervous, high-pitched giggle escaped.

Sure.

I kept my mouth shut and hoped she’d explain herself to break the silence.

“It’s only… I just thought, well, urgh…” She played with the length of her ponytail and tried to compose herself. “He just seems like a really amazing guy, and I thought there was no way he’d be single, and I was curious. Just curious.”

“He’s single. Totally single.” She wasn’t paying attention; her eyes were glazed as if she was stuck in a daydream. Time to move on to Operation Cupid. “Hey, do you want to meet in town for lunch tomorrow? My aunt owns the Puft bakery and I’ve found the best way to recharge and re-energize is by stuffing my face full of sugary snacks. What do you say?”

With a few blinks she was back to me. “I’d love to. I’ve walked past it and been meaning to stop in.”

“So, meet there at lunchtime?”

“Deal.”

I picked up the paperwork, and my cup of coffee. “I’d better make some inroads then. See you tomorrow.”

I went and found Micah and spun the same story. He eagerly accepted, though was concerned about the toll Cedarwood was taking on me. “I’m fine, Micah. Nothing an hour off with my best friend won’t fix, right?” I gave him a dazzling smile, all the while wondering what kind of wedding dress would suit Isla. What flowers she’d choose for her bouquet…

“Right,” he grinned, none the wiser. “So, lunchtime? We’ll drive there together?”

Shoot! “If you don’t mind, I’ll meet you there. I’ve got some errands to run… erm… afterwards.”

He was busy masking up the stairwell bannister for the painters, and nodded distractedly. “OK, sure, I’ll drive myself there.”

“Perfect. And my treat too.”

He laughed. “Now you’re talking.”