by Box Set
“Carson’s. This is Tamra speaking. How may I help you?”
“Hello Tamra, this is Holly Kane. I’m calling to see if you have a room available over the Christmas holiday. I saw your listing on my laptop.”
“We sure do, Ms. Kane. How many people and how long would you like to stay?”
“Just one and I’m thinking three weeks, if you have it available. I’d like to come a week and a half before Christmas.” Holly crossed her fingers while she waited for the answer.
“That would be perfect. I can book your first day for the sixteenth, seventeenth, or eighteenth. Which would you prefer? Most airlines charge you less to arrive on a Friday.”
“Thank you, let’s make it for the sixteenth, then.” Once the credit card information was given and Holly had her confirmation number, all was set. Now, she just had to contact the airline Tamra recommended. Holly crossed her fingers, hoping they weren’t booked. If they were, she would have to look at some other flights. She wasn’t missing out on this adventure for anything. Her stomach turned as she called the airline and luck seemed to be playing into her plans. Flight booked, she started dancing around the kitchen as Hurley bounced and barked, his tail wagging as he felt her excitement.
“I wish you could go with me boy, but this is my trip. I’m going to get Larry and April to watch you for me. You know how much they love you. Come on, I have a lot to do.”
She hurried and got dressed to head into town, wanting to get some new clothes for her trip and a new haircut, something that would be easy to take care of. “Boots! Hurley, I’m going to need boots. I plan on going riding. This is just what I need. Time to move on and do something for myself.” Holly put him into his kennel with a treat and walked out the door singing, “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas…”
Hours later, she unlocked her front door and lugged her bags inside from her trip, exhausted but happy as she let Hurley outside to do his business. The shopping had been successful, and she loved her new hairdo. The hairdresser had tried to talk her into some color or highlights, but she loved her hair just how it was.
Once the dog was back inside, she called April. “Hey, how are you doing?”
“Holly! I’m great. How are you today? Are you getting everything ready for the kids to come in for Christmas?” April trilled.
“That’s just why I was calling you. They can’t make it home this year so I’m going away for the holidays, and I was wondering if you could take care of Hurley for me.”
“What do you mean they aren’t coming for Christmas?”
Holly shook her head, realizing she’d have some explaining to do to pacify her nosey friend.
But April barreled on, “They didn’t come last year. Wait, did you say you are going away for the holiday? Where are you going?”
“They have plans with their spouses’ families this year.” Holly sighed, feeling a stab of sadness. “Yes, I said I’m going away. I booked three weeks in a cabin—a ranch in Colorado over Christmas. I’m going to spend some much-needed time for myself. I’m hoping I can start designing clothes again.”
“Good for you! I love you, but you spend way too much time waiting on those kids to come for a visit. I worry about you being alone since Dan passed away. I’m glad you’re doing this. Of course, we’ll take care of Hurley for you!”
“Thank you, April. You don’t mind coming by here, do you? Or would it be easier for me to bring him to your house?” She drummed her fingers on the counter as she waited for the answer.
“Seeing how we only live two doors down, we can stop by and check on him. That way I can water your plants for you. Do you want me to turn your lights on and get your mail?”
Holly laughed. “I have my lights on a timer, and if you can grab the mail and take care of the plants, that would be wonderful.” Everything seemed to be coming together nicely. That was one of the things she loved about living in her neighborhood. Everyone looked out for each other; they truly were a front porch community.
Now, the part she was dreading—calling the kids. She knew darn well they would have a fit. It was as if she was supposed to sit at home and wait for them to need her for something. Was it her fault they both moved away and got married so young? Damn it, I need to do this for me.
“Thanks again April. I guess I need to call the kids and tell them.”
“Why? They have their own plans, and it isn’t like they can’t call your cell if they want something. Why get yourself all worked up because you know they are just going to bitch.”
“You know what, you’re right. I won’t. Funny thing, I was thinking exactly the same thing.” She laughed. “Do you want to come over for a glass of wine, and I can show you where I’m going?”
“Sure, I’ll be over in five. Want me to bring some cake? I just made my homemade lemon cake. It’s still warm.”
“That would be wonderful. What would I do without you?” She leaned down and patted Hurly on his head.
“Live a totally boring life.” April giggled as she hung up the phone.
“Well Hurley, everything seems to be moving forward, and April is going to take care of you for me.”
Hurly cocked his head and barked, his tail wagging merrily.
Holly uncorked their favorite bottle of wine to let it breathe before April arrived, took down her favorite wine glasses, and set them on the coffee table in the den. She started a fire and put a country music station on the stereo as “I’ll be Home for Christmas” flowed through her speakers. She found herself suddenly nervous about what her friend would think of her haircut. Glancing in the mirror, she saw a sophisticated woman. One who needed to lose a few pounds, but that was okay. She heard the knock on her front door and hurried to let April in.
April stepped through the door. “Oh my lord, it’s cold out there! Can you hold this for me?” She handed Holly the container and shrugged out of her coat, hanging it on the coat tree by the front door. “Look at your hair! I love it. When did you do this?” She spun Holly around. “It’s so adorable!” she squealed.
“This morning, while I was out shopping for new clothes. I just decided I wanted a new look. I think it makes me look sophisticated.” Holly did her best runway turn, placed her hand on her hip, jutted it out, and made a pouty face.
“And edgy! I love it on you. Look at you. Work it.” April pretended to take pictures. They both started laughing. “I wish I had the nerve to cut mine short like that. Allen would have a fit. So tell me all about this trip. Can we look up the ranch? Damn, this is exciting. I wish I was going with you.”
“Sure, let me get my laptop. It looks beautiful. They have horses. I’m hoping I’ll get a chance to ride. I haven’t done that in years.” She went to her desk and grabbed her laptop, motioning for April to sit down beside her.
April poured them both a glass of wine and sat back while Holly pulled the site up. “Is that it?” She leaned forward, eyes wide. “Wow, that is beautiful. Look at that log cabin and those mountains! Holy shit, that place is something else.”
“Wait until you see the inside. I’ll pull up the other pictures. The fireplace in the great room is all stone and the hearth, it’s massive.” She clicked on the slide show and sat back to sip her wine while April went through them. “The smaller cabin seems to have fireplaces in the different rooms, and I guess you eat at the main house.”
“Wow. I have no words for how beautiful this place is. Now, I’m really jealous of you.” She glanced at Holly. “Maybe you’ll meet someone while you’re there.” She wiggled her brows and squealed when Holly playfully smacked her. “
“I’m not looking, you know that.” She dropped her head and smoothed out a wrinkle on her sleeve.
“I know but would it be a bad thing?” April took another sip of wine waiting for her to answer.
“I don’t think I’m ready yet. Anyway, the nearest town has only 638 people.” A tear escaped and rolled down her cheek. Holly quickly wiped it away.
April reached over and too
k her hand. “You’ll know when you are, sweetie.” April gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before adding, “Did you just say the town has only 638 people?”
“Yes, I did. Let’s finish looking at the pictures. I hope I get the bedroom with the beautiful blue quilt. That one right there.” She pointed to her screen. “Look at the fireplace and that bed. It looks like it would be so comfy, doesn’t it?”
“It looks like it would just wrap you up. I love it. I’m going to suggest to the hubs that we go there over the summer. I think I could use another honeymoon in a place like that.”
“I‘m hoping this is the right thing to do. You know how much I love Christmas, but with it being so soon after his death and the kids not coming home, I just don’t want to be here alone.” Tears threatened to spill so she stood and walked over to the fireplace.
April cleared her throat. “You’re doing the right thing. You’ve spent two years mourning him and waiting for the kids to come and visit. It’s okay for you to start thinking about dating again.”
Holly shrugged her shoulders.
“Well, now that you’ve shown me where you’re going, let’s go look at all the outfits you bought.” She moved quickly and pulled Holly into a hug. “I love you.”
“I love you, too. You promise you’ll tell me if it doesn’t look good on me.”
“Of course. I can’t have my best friend walking around looking like an ass, can I?” She giggled and followed Holly upstairs to the bedroom. They stopped just inside the door, and April’s jaw dropped in amazement. “You did do some shopping. What did you do, buy out the store?”
Holly rolled her eyes. “No, I just got some jeans and other things I thought I would need for Colorado. I’m going for three weeks, remember?”
April laughed. “Well, show me what you’ve put together. I want to see everything on you.” She sat down on Holly’s reading chair and watched Holly start pulling outfits out of bags. “You did get some nice pajamas, right?” She raised her right brow at the look on Holly’s face.
“No, what’s wrong with my pajamas?”
“You need to have a couple of pair of nice ones, just in case.”
Shaking her head, Holly could only giggle at her friend’s suggestion.
“I’m not kidding. I know you’re not looking for anything, but you never know.”
Holly slipped into her bathroom and slid on her first pair of dark blue designer jeans and a soft blue long-sleeved shirt.
When she walked out, April smiled while nodding her head. “That looks amazing on you. It shows off your curves just right. Looks like I taught you well if you bought everything that put together. That’s one of your designs, isn’t it?”
Holly felt the heat on her face. “Yes. Every time I picked something out, I thought ‘what will April think of this?’ If I thought you would love it, I bought it.”
April jumped up and ran to her, pulling her into a huge hug. “Aw, thanks. That’s a great compliment. What’s that?” She pointed to the boot box sitting next to the bed.
“I bought a pair of boots for riding. Wait until you see them.” She picked up the box, opened it, and pulled out a pair of beautiful Luccheses boots. “Some old man in the store said these would hold up in all kinds of weather and were perfect for riding.”
“They are beautiful. They will look so cute with those dark blue jeans you bought. Now, we just have to take you shopping to get you some pretty matching bras and panties and a couple of nice nighties. I can’t have you looking this hot on the outside and wearing your usual personals underneath.” She bumped Holly’s shoulder. “Want to go tomorrow?”
“Sure, if you think we need to.” Holly swallowed hard. She hadn’t done anything daring since she’d become a mom. “I’m not being selfish, right? What if one of the kids needs something while I’m gone?
Taking her by both shoulders, April looked her square in the eyes. “You are not being selfish. Damn it, your kids do what they want. Hell, they aren’t even coming home for Christmas, and here you are wondering if you’re being selfish? No way. I’m your best friend and I’ve been watching you since Dan died. You’ve put every bit of yourself into those kids and your grandson. It’s time you do something for yourself.”
“Thanks. Let me show you some of the other clothes I bought. I think you’re going to be very proud of me.”
An hour later and a bottle of wine down, they made their way to the kitchen to have a piece of the lemon cake.
“This is so good. One day, you’re going to have to give me the recipe for this. I don’t know why you won’t share it.”
“Because if you learn to make it, you won’t need me to make it and bring you a piece. So deal with it. I’m keeping this one a secret.” She giggled. “You should see the look on your face.” Glancing at the clock, her eyes went wide. “Oh dear, I better get home, look at the time. Larry is probably sleeping in his recliner by now. I’ll pick you up about nine?”
“That’s fine. Thanks again.” She watched April make her way to her house. Once she saw her open the front door, turn, and wave, she closed and locked her front door. “Come on, Hurley, let’s put you out the back door for a few minutes. It’s time to go to bed. Evidently, I have a lot to do tomorrow.”
Hurley bounced to the door, his tail wagging.
Chapter 2
I’m dreaming of a White Christmas
Holly’s stomach felt like it was full of butterflies, knowing she’d be on the Carson’s cattle ranch very soon. Looking out the window only increased her excitement to be embarking on this new adventure. She’d never seen such beautiful mountains, and the snow was so pristine and white; she could envision herself on a lovely sleigh drawn by a dapple-grey horse. She could almost hear the sleigh bells jingle as the horse stepped high, carrying them through a gorgeous snow-covered pasture. She couldn’t wait to see the cabin she’d rented for three weeks.
She heard her name and realized the driver had pulled up in front of the most attractive log home she had ever seen. Leaning forward, she looked through the window. The massive log structure was two stories high with a steeply peaked, dark green, metal roof. An inviting deep porch set off the front of the house, which held rockers and tables placed in small groupings, creating little areas perfect for sitting and chatting. Holly imagined hanging pots full of colorful flowers would be hung all around during the spring and summer months. Candles flickered in the front windows and a beautiful wreath hung on the front door.
“This is so lovely,” she said as the driver opened the door. Glancing around, she wondered where the small cabins were.
“Yes, it is. I think you’ll find the family just as lovely as their home. I’ve known them for about thirty years.”
“Thanks for the ride, Mr. Wolfe. I’m very sorry I wasn’t very chatty. The breathtaking views had my attention.”
“Not a problem. I’m not much of a talker myself.” He grinned and touched the brim of his black cowboy hat. “Let me get your luggage. You go on up and knock on the door. Tamra should be along to let you in.”
His feet crunched in the snow as he made his way to the trunk. Holly felt the smile turn her mouth up at the sight of him waddling through the snow, his belly leading the way. His gray handlebar mustache wiggled as he blew out puffs of breath that hung in the air.
Making her way up onto the large porch, she knocked on the door, feeling the butterflies swarm through her stomach again. She looked down at her feet, took a deep breath, and plastered a smile on her face when she heard the door open.
As she glanced up, she took in the sight of a pair of large cowboy boots, a pair of nicely fitted blue jeans, and a long sleeve T-shirt tight enough to show the hint of washboard abs. As her eyes went higher, she saw a chiseled jaw, a handsome nose, and the most drop-dead gorgeous, steel blue eyes she’d ever seen. Her breath caught in her throat as his eyes bore into hers. She took a step backwards.
“Hello, I’m Holly Kane. I rented a room in one of the cabins,” she
said in one breath. She sounded like a blithering idiot.
His eyes took a long, slow glance down her body and back up again. “Come on in.” He stepped aside so she could enter. “I’m Preston. Ma’s in the back fixin’ dinner.” His deep, gravely voice sent shivers racing down her spine.
“Thank you,” she whispered as she moved past him into the foyer, careful not to brush against him. She glanced around. “Your home is beautiful, Preston. I’m so happy to be here.”
“Thanks, Ma’s looking forward to you being here.” He moved outside. “Hey Trip. I’ll take her bags. You want to come in for some coffee?”
“Nah. I’m going to get home so Katie isn’t worrying herself. You know how she gets.” He chuckled. “Let me know if ya’ll need anything.”
“Will do. Say hello to Katie for me.”
“Will do.” He stuck his head in the door and waved at her. “Ms. Kane, you enjoy your visit. It was nice meeting you.”
“Nice to have met you, too. Thank you again.”
Preston closed the door, turned, and picked up her bags, his brows drawn down. “If you want to follow me, I’ll show you to your room.”
“What? My room? I thought I rented a room in a cabin?”
“You did, this is the cabin. If you follow me, I’ll show you to your room.” He sauntered to the stairway and started up the steps.
Holly followed, watching his ass; his jeans seemed to be hugging the right places. A smile spread over her face. She shook her head as a sigh escaped her lips. She heard him chuckle and felt the heat of the blush spread across her face as she looked up and saw him glancing back over his shoulder, obviously having caught her checking him out. Get a grip, you’re making a fool out of yourself. If she’d known the room was in their private home, she wouldn’t have booked the vacation. It made her even more nervous.