She began to stroke along the ice, picking up speed as the sun began its ascent into the sky. Soon the strokes morphed into joyful spins and carefree jumps. They weren’t the crispest she’d ever done, and would never earn her so much as a bronze medal in any competition. But she paid no heed as she laughed. This was oh-so-fun!
She hardly noticed when the ice began to fill with people as the rink officially opened for the day and music piped in from tactfully positioned loudspeakers. Cheerful Christmas tunes sang on the breeze, enhancing the holiday atmosphere that seemed alive with excitement. She recognized guests from the inn she’d seen at dinner and evening activities. Shane McAllister arrived with his three children and Lauren Bradford at his side, while Miss Opal, who taught a killer bedazzling class, shared hot chocolate with Dale Bradford. There were others, as well. The sunshine brought them out in droves.
“Miss Hope, you’re here!” The voice drew Hope from her thoughts. “Yippee! Can I skate with you?”
She turned to find Cassie at the edge of the ice, a pair of skates in hand. Her gaze was so eager, Hope nearly melted.
“Of course you can, sweetie.”
But then, best of all, she spied Riley heading her way. Her heart executed a perfect triple axel as a smile arched her lips. A few brisk, effortless strokes of her skate blades closed the distance between them.
“How’s your research on the chapel bells going?” Hope asked as Riley led her to the coffee kiosk after a while. He knew she could execute jumps and spins effortlessly for hours, but his feet were crying out for relief from the confining rental skates that were a size or two too small. Julia had taken Cassie back to the inn for lunch and an afternoon craft class, and Riley was happy to have some alone time with Hope. A little rest together on a rink-side bench with a cup of steaming, freshly-ground French vanilla paired with roasted turkey on a brioche bun was just what the doctor ordered.
“So far, it’s a bust. I haven’t heard the bells ring so much as once since I’ve arrived, have you?”
Hope took the coffee and sandwich he offered her. The rink was virtually deserted now, as all the other guests had headed back to the inn for lunch and an afternoon of bingo and crafts. He and Hope had missed the meal, but neither seemed to mind much. This time alone together was more precious than even Chef Forrester’s award- winning seafood bisque.
“Nope, not once. I’m starting to think they may be a figment of my imagination.”
“You’re not alone.” He bit into his sandwich, then washed it down with a sip of coffee. “I have a plan, though, and I’m thinking of heading out to the chapel tonight after dinner. I have a theory to investigate, but I’ll need some help.”
“A theory?”
“Yes, top secret…for now.”
“Hmm…sounds intriguing. I’ll bet the chapel is beautiful at night, all lit up beneath the moonlight.”
“I’m sure it is.” He set his sandwich on his lap and reached for her hand. She’d removed her mittens and stuffed them into her coat pocket. “Will you join me?”
“I’d love to.” Her fingers laced with his. “Count me in. I can’t wait to unravel your theory.”
“Me, too.” He tucked a stray hair behind her ear, allowing his fingers to linger a bit longer than necessary, and was encouraged when Hope sighed beneath his touch. “We’ll leave right after dessert, then. Julia and Cassie will be attending movie night. I hear Ari Christmas has scheduled It’s a Wonderful Life.”
“Oh, I love that movie. Second chances are like miracles wrapped in hope.” Her gaze drifted dreamily.
“Would you rather stay at the inn?”
“Oh, no. I’ve already had my miracle…my second chance. It’s this…” Her arm swept across the air, signaling the ice. “It’s been lovely. I feel…oh, I can’t even explain it. Alive again, refreshed. I haven’t had this much fun in eons. And now I’d rather spend the evening with you, at the chapel, than cooped up inside watching a movie.”
“Good. It’s a date.” Riley grinned.
Just then, his phone buzzed in the pocket of his coat. He tried to ignore it, but the zinging became incessant. Finally, he pulled it from his coat and checked the screen. Maybe Julia was having a mini emergency.
He frowned and shook his head. It wasn’t Julia, but someone he’d tried to put off during his stay here at Christmas Inn—his editor.
He groaned and released Hope’s hand. “Sorry, but I have to take this.”
“Sure. I understand.” Hope’s eyes twinkled as she smiled at him. “Go ahead. I’ll be right here when you finish.”
“Thanks.” He set his sandwich and coffee aside and then stood.
He quickly stepped away from Hope, heading toward the rental skate kiosk for privacy, and engaged the call. Bruce barely gave him a chance to offer a salutation before he bulldozed into the conversation.
“Riley, my man. How’s it going?”
“Well, it’s going…albeit slowly.”
“That’s not what I’ve heard. How’s our little Hope Mallory?”
“What? How did you—?”
“You’re a cunning one, Riley Tate. I didn’t think you had it in you to go all the way to the little town of Hope Creek, Tennessee, under the guise of investigating some chapel bells in order to snag another exclusive headliner on the former Olympic hopeful.”
“I didn’t—”
“No need to play a cover. It’s me, Riley, your boss. I’ve seen it all, done it all, and know it all.” His chuckle held a devious tone. “Now, forget about those silly chapel bells and let’s talk about the real reason you went trouncing to Hope Creek. You’re a genius, and to think you tried to pull a fast one on me. I’ll let this one slide, though, because you’ve uncovered the makings of a front-page story.”
“I’m not after a story.”
“Oh, my man…in this business we are always after a story.” He lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “You know, Riley, there’s an editor’s position just waiting for you here. When this story hits the newsstands, that dismal cubicle you share will be history. There’s a corner office waiting, with a premier view of the Chicago skyline.”
“But I don’t—”
“You’ve hit the jackpot. Everyone’s chomping at the bit to know what happened to Hope Mallory and her drug-addict partner since they both went off the radar. I’m not sure how you found her, but it’s going to be epic. I’m saving you the cover and opening pages of the January issue, so we’ll have to triple-time it to get the copy ready for print. Don’t dawdle. Write up what you have and send it to me. I’ll work a headline as soon as I see your copy.”
“If that’s what you want.”
“Definitely.”
“In that case, I’m on it.”
“Good. I’ll expect something from you to hit my desk before day’s end.”
“Oh, you’ll get something, all right.”
Riley disconnected before he had a chance to respond.
Chapter 9
“ARE YOU READY FOR OUR adventure?” Riley asked Hope after dessert was eaten and their coffee cups were drained.
“You bet.” Hope wrapped a scarf around her neck and pushed back from the table, standing so Riley could help her into her coat.
“You kids have fun.” Julia winked saucily. “Don’t stay out too late. I’ll catch you on the flip side.”
Riley and Hope wound their way through the lobby, pausing to glance up at the beautiful clock above the fireplace as it chimed the hour. The now familiar Santa and his elves came marching out like old friends.
“I’m going to miss this,” Hope said. “It’s so beautiful here…unlike any place I’ve ever been.”
“I heard Ari Christmas talking to you about the possibility of your joining the activities crew here as a part- time figure skating instructor. And then last night, at Brewster Family Theater, Dahlia Brewster mentioned wanting to add a couple of skating scenes to her show.” Riley reached for her hand as they continued on through the foye
r and out the double doors. The chilly breeze danced over him. “Have you considered either of those opportunities?”
“We’ve been so busy chasing those elusive bells…” Hope’s gaze lifted to the sky, where a blanket of stars peeked through a thin veil of clouds. “I might just have to extend my stay a few extra days in The Angel Room to figure things out. I checked with Ari Christmas, and there’s a few days’ gap between my stay and the next guest’s, so it’s doable. I’d just have to change my airline ticket.”
“You can always skip the plane and catch a ride back with me instead.” The idea struck a chord. How fun it would be to share the ride back to Chicago with Hope. And Cassie, well, she’d be over the moon in Hope’s company for the twelve-hour trek. “It would work, as the guest cottage is available for a few extra days, as well.”
He didn’t want to return to his job in Chicago, and honestly he didn’t mind to leave the entire city behind. Julia had talked about making a move, as well, since Chicago’s frigidly cold temperatures and biting wind were hard on her healing body. They all loved the cozy little town of Hope Creek, and Riley had even done a little research on employment opportunities here. Maybe it was time they all made a change.
He thought back to that morning’s phone call. He’d put off emailing Bruce, and when his phone continued to ring incessantly he’d switched it off, ignoring Bruce’s texts, as well. If Julia needed him, she knew where to find him. Any of the inn’s staff could come to fetch him back. No worries there.
His only concern was how to break this sudden development to Hope. Somehow, it felt deceitful to keep his editor’s phone call and subsequent demands to himself. He knew that even if he neglected to do the story, another reporter would pounce on it like a feline on catnip.
Riley cleared his throat. “Hope, I have something to tell you.”
Hope listened carefully as Riley spilled the story to her. His boss had called. He wanted a story. Another feature on her, and he expected Riley to deliver the goods.
“I’m sorry, Hope. Yes, Bruce sent me here to collect a story on the bells, but I don’t know how he knew you were here, too. I never mentioned you. I didn’t. I wouldn’t. I—”
She pressed a finger to his lips to silence him, her gaze leveled to his.
“I believe you.”
“You do?”
“Yes.” She nodded vigorously. “I have some news, too. I heard from Warren today. He’s been released from rehab. They’ve given him a clean bill of health. Of course, he’ll continue counseling, but he’s ready to return to skating and our coach is chomping at the bit to restart our training.”
“He is?”
“Yes.”
“So you’re…”
“Staying right here. I told them both no, Riley. I don’t want to join that rat race again.”
“But you said—”
“I know what I said, but I’ve changed my mind.”
They crested a hill along the walking trail and the tiny chapel came into view, decked out in all its glory. Light shimmered from polished windows and the doors stood open, as if waiting for their arrival. Together they climbed the stairs and stepped inside. Warmth enveloped them, and Hope imagined the doors had not stood open for long.
Riley called out, obviously thinking, as she did, that someone else must be inside. Someone who had readied the doors for them. But no one answered. The only sound was their breathing.
And her heartbeat. It was pounding like a snare drum. She wondered if Riley could hear it. Somehow, she senses something wonderful and uniquely magical was about to happen.
“So, I’m heading back to Chicago just long enough to give my notice at the magazine headquarters,” Riley said. “Then I’m returning to Hope Creek. And you…?”
“Ditto, except I’ve already spoken with my grandparents, and they’re going to miss me, but they’re thrilled to hear I’m skating again—not for medals, but for the joy of it. I’m thinking that lessons and a cameo in the Brewster Family Theater is sounding better by the minute.” She smiled at him. “So, it’s settled, then?”
“Not quite.” He drew her close and leaned in. “There’s just one more bit of unfinished business.”
His lips captured hers in a sweet, gentle kiss, and neither flinched when the chapel bells rang out.
Somehow, they’d both known what was coming—the secret of the bells, unveiled.
Mystery solved. The answer was right there beneath their noses the entire time. All it took to make the bells ring was one simple thing.
Love.
Enjoy this Sneak Peek into…
Veiled Gems
(Diamond Knot Dreams #1)
Chapter 1
LILA BROOKS SHIELDED HER EYES with one hand to peer down the boulevard. Sunlight dappled through graceful branches of weeping cherry trees, turning the pavement to a shimmer of diamonds. Warm, generous rays teased Lila’s eyes and heated her skin through a pressed linen skirt and coral blouse. A gentle breeze carried the musky scent of rich, damp earth and moderated the sultry heat. Hair along the nape of Lila’s neck danced and tickled.
The day was as close to perfection as anyone could wish for. Fresh mown lawns hinted at spring. Yet, the verdant landscape did little to soften Lila’s anxious mood as she paced a length of sidewalk.
Morgan Haynes, the builder who had come highly recommended by her friend Avery’s father, was late. Lila frowned. Long-awaited renovations for her bridal boutique were poised to begin and she was anxious to get the work underway. She’d spent the better part of a year researching properties and had finally settled on the quaint East Tennessee town of Clover Cove. Her initial visit to the area revealed a flux of growth that would easily support new business, yet the community took pride in maintaining its hometown, neighborly spirit. Subsequent visits, followed by a permanent relocation several months ago, merely served to enhance Lila’s intuition.
She’d planned and labored long months to bring her well-laid designs for the wedding shop to fruition. Now that the property had been purchased and the construction loan signed and sealed, she didn’t want any further delays. An overhaul would transform the majestic three-story Victorian house into a state-of-the-art bridal showplace.
It had been nearly three months since Lila had staked a placard, now slightly yellowed and fading a bit from the effects of inclement weather, in the lawn beside the Victorian’s front stairs. Its message rang simple and to the point:
Coming Soon…
Diamond Knot Dreams: Your One-stop Wedding Shop.
Coming Soon proved the operative phrase. Lila wanted to complete this project with every attention to detail, but her patience was wearing thin. Excitement took over. She longed to get the boutique up and running. Surely she could find a balance to get everything done well and within a timely fashion.
It was going to take a village to coax the business to fruition, and so far she and Morgan were the only two signed up for the team.
And as it stood Morgan was AWOL. No phone call, no text, no email.
Where was he?
Lila felt as if she’d known Morgan for a lifetime, yet she had stumbled upon him merely months ago and quite by accident. After confiding to her former college roommate and lifelong friend, Avery Lakin, her frustration in finding a builder who was both willing and qualified to tackle the boutique project, Avery spurred to action. Less than twenty-four hours later Lila had received a call from Avery’s dad, who supplied Morgan’s information and personally vouched for him as a top-of-the-line builder. Additionally, Morgan specialized in transforming older buildings while maintaining the heart of their original beauty.
Lila snatched the timely lead. A quick phone call to Morgan’s Nashville office set things into motion. Via the countless emails and phone conversations that followed, she found Morgan to be forthright and dependable. Even more importantly, he seemed capable of tackling the project while respecting the confines of her budget. His sense of humor and the ease she found in their ability to
communicate proved an added bonus.
As the weeks passed, Lila found herself looking forward to Morgan’s calls for more than the business aspect. His deep, southern accent proved intriguing and Lila knew from his website photos that he had the looks to match. He’d seemed as eager as she to finally meet in person and get this project started.
Until today. Where was he?
Lila gazed down the boulevard once again. A mockingbird in the tree across the way warbled through its repertoire of calls. The branches of a weeping cherry quaked as the bird swooped to a lower limb to continue his lonesome serenade. He seemed to be calling to her—or perhaps calling for Morgan. But his cry did no good at all. Traffic along the road proved light this time of mid-afternoon. Not so much as a motorcycle or even a bicycle crossed her path as she waited there. Lila hoped to enhance the traffic pattern with a clever marketing campaign. She planned to welcome a healthy flow of vehicles as soon as the boutique opened its doors.
Lila nibbled a fingernail as she envisioned Morgan snarled in a traffic jam. She’d learned the hard way that the I-40 corridor between downtown Nashville and Clover Cove could be daunting as rush-hour approached.
Or perhaps he’d changed his mind about coming…
She dismissed the thought as she turned her attention back to the house. The Victorian, with its drooping sleepy-eyed shutters, languished like a neglected woman just waiting for her soulmate to come along so they might embark together on the adventure of a lifetime. A wide, graveled area at the front entrance would, with some serious TLC, serve as an ample parking lot. The weed-infested area led to a broad staircase that opened onto a sweeping wrap-around porch just made for sweet tea and sunshine. The flooring and rails would benefit from a pressure-washing and fresh coat of paint. It wasn’t too much of a stretch to imagine a cluster of rocking chairs accented by the colorful spill of potted wave petunias.
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