“I have a story to tell you,” he said.
Noelle turned to face Tristan. “I know,” she said. “Go on.”
For the next several minutes, the dam of Tristan’s story broke open and he told Noelle everything about James. Words tumbled out of him about his past and how the death of his father somehow fused with his desire to save James. His guilt poured from him when he shared with Noelle the damage inflicted upon James’s investors. He paused for a moment before telling Noelle that it was losing her that made him realize that his loyalty to James was misplaced.
Noelle’s heart unraveled in her chest as she listened to Tristan’s story. The pain of his losses traveled to her on some unseen energy. She longed to comfort him from so much anguish and injury, but something glorious was born as her and Tristan’s hearts fused together over his final triumph over James and the telling of his story. With each word, her love for him grew over his gentle humility.
Still, something bit at her. “Can I ask you something?”
“Anything.”
Noelle sat up and withdrew her hand from Tristan’s, but she remained close to him, her leg touching his and her hand on his forearm. “This may sound trite in the middle of all of this, but what’s Courtney’s role?”
Tristan was thoughtful. “Courtney has no place in any of this,” he said. “About the same time you and I went to the Creamery for the first time, she called and asked me to go to Oahu with her family for Christmas. I told her no. I told her I wanted to see where things were going with you. I wished her luck, but told her I was moving on.” He paused. “I can’t speak to her motivation behind her call to you, but my guess is that she was hoping it would come between us.”
“And it did,” Noelle said gently.
Tristan shook her head. “No. I’m not putting this on Courtney. If I’d been honest with you, none of this would’ve happened.”
Noelle furrowed her brow in genuine curiosity. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Several reasons, I guess. I know I told you that when I was with you, I never thought about James, and that was true. Still, that’s not really an excuse. I should’ve made the effort to say something early on, but I think I was afraid. I’d been running away from James and everything else that happened for years, hoping it would just go away. Then I ran into you and all of it caught up with me.”
Noelle faced Tristan. “But you’re not running anymore?”
Tristan leveled his gaze. “No.”
Noelle shifted her view back to the ocean as she leaned against Tristan’s arm. He placed his hand on her knee. The touch of his skin fluttered Noelle’s heart as she looked back toward Tristan with her face upturned.
Tristan took her face in his hands and gently touched her lips with his own. His kiss was tentative at first, but Noelle leaned in as the thrill of his presence flowed through her, reaching every cell with its stirring current, deepening his kiss.
Entwining her hands at the back of his neck, Noelle warmed to the touch of his skin as the setting sun gave them a final benevolent caress as it sank into the horizon.
Pulling away, Tristan asked, “Will you come home with me?”
Noelle gasped, breathless at the possibility. Now that she and Tristan were together, she didn’t ever want to be parted from him. “I—how long are you staying?”
“A couple more days.”
“I-I can’t.” Noelle’s disappointment bottomed out. “I’m promised here through the New Year. This is their busiest time of year, and I can’t just leave.”
Tristan’s shoulder’s drooped. “Is there any way we can spend Christmas together?”
“You can always come back here.” Noelle was hopeful.
Tristan shook his head. “I shot my wad with this ticket.”
Noelle thought hard. “I hate to wait, but we may have to work on a long-distance relationship until New Year. I’ll put my notice in and come home as soon as I can.”
Tristan let out a long sigh. “I don’t like it,” he said. “I’m a little worried about Kendall.”
“Kendall?” Noelle shook her head. “Kendall and I are through. All of the issues that stood between us are still there. The only thing that’s changed is me. Some part of me will always love him, and he’s a fine man, but it’s you—it’s you I want to be with.”
As the light continued to withdraw from the sky, a purple haze surrounded the edge of the earth, bringing with it the gentle twilight. Families were beginning to pack up and head for their vehicles, leaving the beach deserted.
Noelle hopped off the picnic table and grabbed Tristan’s hand. “Come with me.”
Tristan stood. “What?”
Noelle squeezed his fingers. “C’mon.” She pulled Tristan along toward the shore, and leaving her flip-flops on the sand, she ran toward the water. It splashed gently around her ankles and then her calves. When Tristan joined her and placed his arm around her waist, the heat of his touch reached every cell of her body, creating a fire from within that made her blush.
Noelle leaned into the solidness and placed both of her arms around his waist, pulling him close as peaceful bliss floated through her on the same tide that lapped at her skin. She turned toward Tristan. “I remember another day when we were near the water.”
Tristan smiled. “Tumbling Falls.”
“Yes. I think that was the day I began falling in love with you.” Noelle turned to face Tristan as she touched his face. “I’m just not sure I knew it.”
“And you know it now?”
“Yes.”
Hawaii’s gentle tide surrounded them as Tristan pulled her close. “Then I’ll have to bring you to the water more often,” he whispered in her ear before bringing his lips to hers in another kiss.
The sweetness of his mouth on hers ignited the familiar but thrilling tenderness in Noelle’s heart. It danced with the love that lived in her soul for Tristan and mixed with a new passion that flared from deep within.
Chapter 31
Noelle was still floating on air when she walked into work the following day to find a handwritten note in her employee memo box. It was from Kendall, and he was asking to see her in his office before she started her shift.
Noelle bit her lip. What did Kendall want? Ever since her conversation last night with Tristan, Noelle had contemplated how she could tell Kendall she wanted to leave … again. But she wasn’t ready to speak to him about it just yet. She hoped for a couple of days to think about how she wanted to frame her request. She would stay through the holidays. Thanksgiving was next week. But she would leave as soon as the New Year was over, and she wanted to present her ideas in the best possible light.
Standing outside Kendall’s closed door, she smoothed her uniform before knocking and heard a muffled “Come in.”
She stepped inside his office. His office windows were thrown open to the beautiful landscaping of the hotel grounds and the shimmering ocean beyond.
Kendall put down the papers he held and beckoned her to take a seat opposite him. He waited until she was settled before getting up to close the door. Once he was back in his chair, he said, “I heard you had a visitor yesterday.”
Noelle’s mouth went dry, but she worked on maintaining a calm demeanor. “Yes. Tristan showed up. It was a complete surprise.”
“But a happy one?”
Noelle nodded, trying to keep her exuberance under wraps.
Kendall was silent for a moment. “He’s from Icicle Creek, isn’t he?”
“Yes.” Noelle held her breath.
Noelle was shocked at the pain that now laced Kendall’s expression. “Why didn’t you tell me you were involved with someone?” he asked.
Noelle wanted to reach across Kendall’s desk and take his hand. She wished to offer him some amount of comfort, but thought better of it. “I had no idea Tristan was coming. When I came back here, to Hawaii, I was not involved with him or anyone else.”
“I bet you’re involved with Tristan now.”
The exhilaration of that news thrilled her, but she gave Kendall just a small bud of a smile. “Yes. I am.”
“And I bet you want to go home. Don’t you?”
This wasn’t how this conversation was supposed to go. Noelle nodded. “But I’ll stay until after the first of the year.”
Kendall leaned back in his chair and sighed. “I’ve been giving a lot of thought to what you said last week—about how I may understand your values, but I don’t respect them.”
Noelle blinked. What was Kendall going to say next?
The silence lingered in the small office before Kendall shook his head. “I suppose none of that matters now, but I know how much family means to you, Noelle. So let me see what I can do.”
Noelle gave him a curious look. “What do you mean?”
Kendall’s conversation turned all business. “If I could find someone to take your job before Christmas, maybe I can get you home before then. But I do need you to stay for Thanksgiving.”
Noelle was breathless. “Kendall … I don’t know what to say. Do you have someone in mind?”
“Maybe. Tanya applied for your job, but we didn’t feel she was as qualified as you. If I can move her into a clerk position at the front desk, I would be able to promote Monica to the team leader position. It would take some time to bring both women up to speed, and of course, it’s not our first choice. That would be you. But it would avoid needing to bring someone from the mainland.” He looked down and his voice softened. “But it still wouldn’t be you.”
Gratitude filled Noelle. “Kendall …”
Kendall held up his hand. “Noelle, I know you and I have had our differences. But I want you to know that I have always loved you. I just don’t understand why it’s easier for me to tell you this now—when it doesn’t matter anymore. I wish I’d had the courage, or whatever it is I’m missing, to tell you when it counted.” He paused. “In some ways, I’m making these choices because I want to respect your values, and because … I love you. More than anything, I want your happiness, and if that means going home with this new man …” Kendall swallowed hard. “Then I will help you in any way I can.”
Thankfulness mingled with love in Noelle’s heart while tears filled her eyes. “Oh, dear Kendall—”
“Shhh …” Kendall came around the desk and taking Noelle’s hand, he helped her stand before placing his fingers to her lips. “Say nothing. The less said at this point, the better,” he whispered as he leaned over and gave her a lingering kiss on the cheek. Then, he straightened. “I know I’ll be seeing you every now and then during your remaining time here, but I won’t engage you.”
Noelle nodded as she looked up into his eyes. The pain was gone now, hidden behind some gauzy curtain she was never able to pull back, and the familiar frustration welled up, but it wasn’t as urgent and it no longer belonged to her.
Cupping her face in his hands, Kendall smiled. “Live well,” he said before stepping away from her and opening his office door. Tears of loss brimmed in Noelle’s eyes as he ushered her outside. When she turned around, his door was shut. Taking in a deep breath, she reached up and touched the cool wood of Kendall’s office door as old tears mingled with a new hope.
Chapter 32
Noelle hurried through Sea–Tac airport, dodging holiday travelers as she pulled the carry-on roller bag full of her Hawaiian belongings behind her. The familiar sound of its wheels meeting the hard floor of the airport reached her ears as eager anticipation fueled her steps. She had texted Tristan the minute her plane landed and she would meet him at the airport curb within minutes.
The days between Thanksgiving and Christmas had crawled by for Noelle. Now, on the day before Christmas Eve, she was standing on the cusp of the biggest bombshell of her life. Only Tristan knew of her return home, and she was eager to surprise her family.
Kendall had kept his word, but even with Tanya hired and moving Monica to the team leader position, the whole front-desk staff were sacrificing a lot for Noelle to be able to come home. Several clerks were working extra hours, and Kendall was picking up an extra shift at the front desk over the holiday week. There was no way Noelle would ever be able to repay their gift of time, but she left each one a note of gratitude, except Kendall. Their last few weeks together made it clear that he meant it when he said he preferred they not engage each other, and she felt honor-bound to give him the one thing he asked of her.
Now, all of that was oceans away as she maneuvered through throngs of people to reach the curb. Moving outside, the cold hit Noelle like a bucket of ice. She sucked in her breath and involuntarily shivered. Then, she saw him. Tristan stood dressed in his familiar jeans and flannel shirt covered in a lined Levi jacket. The warmth of her love for him spread throughout her whole body, chasing away the cold.
Tristan hurried to her and taking off his jacket, he wrapped her in it. His coat still carried the warmth of his body and the familiar aroma of spiced apples. She snuggled into it as he wrapped his arms around her. Breathing deep, she pulled him close for a quick kiss that turned sweet the minute his lips touched hers. His loving embrace and the smell of him was intoxicating. She was home! Burying her nose in his shirt, she drank in the scent of him as he hurried her to the truck.
“Your folks have no idea,” he said gleefully. “They’re already talking about making sure they catch you after your shift so they can call you on Christmas day.”
Noelle grinned at him as he tucked her into the passenger seat and stowed her suitcase behind her seat. Once Tristan was behind the wheel, Noelle reached over and took his hand. “I’m so glad they were accepting of our decision to get back together.”
When she’d told her mother of Tristan’s trip to Hawaii, everyone was happy to know she and Tristan had worked out their differences. Even Noelle’s father was pleased with the turn of events.
Tristan squeezed her fingers before putting the truck in gear. “Me too. In fact, if I didn’t know better, I’d think Sampson and Cory wanted to have a party.”
“Oh, I’m sure of that,” Noelle said. Happiness wafted around her. Soon, she would be greeted with the cool scent of pine and snow, and she would be enveloped in the loving embrace of her family. Tristan would be there, too. It was as it should be.
As Tristan geared down the truck and they drove out of the canyon and into town, Noelle rolled down the window and took in a deep breath of cold mountain air. She took in the twinkling lights from every building and tree as it pressed against the black, wintery night, infusing the darkness with holiday cheer.
The snow illuminated the lights, causing the whole town to glow. Noelle smiled as the faint sound of carolers wafted toward her, and she took in visitors walking the streets and hurrying in and out of shops for their last-minute gifts while children slid down the hill in the park.
Tears surfaced in Noelle’s eyes as she took in the familiar scene of Christmas in Icicle Creek as if she was seeing it for the first time. “This is all so beautiful,” she whispered in hushed reverence.
“Isn’t it, though?” Tristan asked. “I know you love Hawaii, but …”
“I do,” she said. “Some part of my heart will always be there, and we can always visit. But this is home.” Contentment stole into Noelle’s heart.
Tristan turned the truck down Noelle’s street. “Your family is expecting me for dinner,” he said. “I kind of invited myself on this particular night. Since I’ve come back from Hawaii, your folks have asked me over about once a week. So, I made sure I could come tonight.”
Pulling up to the house, Noelle was overwhelmed with gratitude and keen eagerness as she watched the lights twinkle along the eaves under the blanket of snow. The yard full of snow lay undisturbed and her home emanated cozy peace and love. Once Tristan stopped, she waited for him to help her out of the truck. Then she turned to him and grinned. “This is the best surprise of my life.”
“But you are the surprise,” Tristan said with delight.
Thrilling happiness filled
Noelle as she scrunched up her face. “I know, and it’s wonderful.” Tucking her arm through Tristan’s, they made their way up the shoveled walk to the front of the house, where he rang the bell.
When the door opened, Noelle looked into the face of her mother and tears immediately came to her eyes.
Her mother’s eyes flew open wide. “Oh! Noelle!”
Noelle reached for her mother’s embrace and held on tight. The smell of gingerbread cookies floated around her as she cried with delight. Soon, she was joined by Cory and her father, who enveloped her in a family hug. Sampson danced around their feet in pure joy, mimicking every emotion Noelle felt. She was home!
Her mother pulled away as she wiped tears from her eyes. “How did you ever manage this? And when do you have to go back?”
Noelle wiped her own tears away as she looked up at Tristan with exuberance before turning her gaze back to her mom. “Tristan and I planned it, but Kendall managed it,” she said. “And I don’t have to go back.”
“Kendall?” Cory asked.
Noelle looked at her little brother. “Yeah.”
Pulling her back into a family embrace, Cory laughed. “I didn’t know he had it in him, but I’ll never say another bad thing about him.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
Becky reached out and pulled Tristan into the family embrace. Then, everyone stepped inside. The fire crackled and the warm glow of family and love surrounded Noelle as her mother handed out hot chocolate with candy canes. The tree was decorated and stood before the window in all its glory of homemade ornaments and a hodgepodge of decorations gathered through the years.
Mark clapped Tristan on the shoulder as his voice shook with emotion. “Thanks for bringing our girl home.”
Christmas In Icicle Creek: Home For The Holidays Page 19