He touched the tip of her nose. “Stay right there. I’ll get the door for you.”
Scott offered his arm as they made their way across the parking lot and around the big circular drive to the front doors.
“I’m glad to see it’s stopped snowing. Maybe we’ll get a day or two of nice sunshine while we’re here. I don’t mind the cold, as long as we don’t get snowed in.”
“I don’t want that either.”
Lissy glanced toward the creek, then her head snapped up and her gaze fixed on his. Scott caught his breath at the lovely sparkle in her brown eyes. So like the girl he remembered!
“Do they still hold services in the chapel?”
He nodded. “Yes. I think Lydia mentioned that. If they happen to have a guest who is a minister, or in some way connected to a special ministry, they’ll hold a special Sunday service. They also still do weddings for their guests, and there are always Easter and Christmas services.”
“That’s wonderful! Oh, how I’d love to attend a service there.”
“Me too. I haven’t heard anything, but who knows? Maybe we’ll get a special surprise while we’re at the inn. One never knows.”
“That’s true. We can hope.”
She said nothing when Scott slipped an arm around her shoulders, so he left it there all the way inside.
“Are you in a hurry to get back to work…or to bed?” He nodded toward the big conversation area in front of the fireplace, surprised to find it completely unoccupied. But then, none of the other chairs were taken either.
That’s odd…
He glanced at the big clock over the front desk and grinned. No wonder they were alone. Midnight had come and gone half an hour ago.
“I was going to say I’d find someone to rustle us up a hot cup of tea, but it’s probably a little late for that.”
“Tea?” Her lips curved up at the corners. “You surprise me, Scott.”
“Yeah, well, if I drank coffee right now, I’d never sleep tonight. I guess I could do hot chocolate, but that’s probably not a lot better, is it?”
She laughed. “Oh, I think it is. Hot chocolate doesn’t have a whole lot of caffeine, and most of us dilute what little there is with milk or cream, marshmallows—whatever extras we add in. But for tonight, it doesn’t really matter, since it appears there’s no one available to make it happen.”
He stared at the empty desk. Shouldn’t someone be available to check folks in at any hour?
As if in answer to his unspoken question, a young woman entered the area from a door behind the desk. She looked up, surprised and clearly a little startled to find them in the lobby.
“Oh! I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were here. Can I help you? Did you need to check in? I guess I overlooked that someone was coming in late.”
Scott laughed. “No, we’re not new arrivals. We were out late. Just took in a show at Brewster’s.”
“Oh, good for you! Dahlia Brewster is an amazing, wonderful, generous woman.” She laughed. “She runs a pretty tight ship over there. Only the best get to work at Brewster’s. I have yet to see a bad performance.”
“Well, tonight’s show was outstanding.”
Alissa spoke from where she’d dropped into a chair in front of the fire. “We loved it, both of us.”
“What’s playing right now? Just out of curiosity.”
Alissa jumped up and crossed the room, more alive than Scott had seen her since she arrived at the inn.
“I don’t want to spoil it for you, because you really should see it. It’s called Last-Minute Wishes and it’s wonderful! Funny, touching, romantic…this one has everything.”
“Well, I’ll definitely make my husband take me to see it then.” The woman laughed. “Sounds like something even he might like.”
“Even if he’s not typically interested in taking in a play, I think he’ll enjoy it,” Scott offered. “I did. The actors were incredibly talented—and I don’t mean just for community theater. They’re very good.”
“Well, Miss Dahlia has some well-schooled performers on her payroll, including her niece. You might recognize her…Emilee Lancaster?”
Scott did recognize the name, but he couldn’t take his gaze off Lissy long enough to answer. Her eyes went wide, and she leaned in toward the receptionist. So vibrant! He’d found her beautiful before. Now she glowed, and the effect left him utterly breathless.
“Are you serious? I thought that actress seemed familiar. I saw Emilee sing and dance in California, when I accompanied a girl’s drama class from my school on a trip they earned to Hollywood. She’s incredible!”
The other woman nodded and then cocked her head. “I’m sorry…I got distracted. Can I get something for the two of you? Did you need something?”
“Well, we were wondering how difficult it would be to obtain a cup of hot chocolate.” Scott blasted the nice lady with the full effect of his smile.
She blinked. “You won’t believe this, but I was making cocoa when you came in. I don’t know what came over me, but I had the most irresistible hankering for hot chocolate, and once I got back there, I decided why not go for broke and make enough for several mugs.” She gave her head a shake, clearly bemused. “Y’all just sit tight. I’ll be back in a minute. I thought I was making too much, but…”
She pushed through the door behind the counter.
Scott looked at Alissa. She made a wry face, and then her lips curved into a delicious smile. Her fingers rushed to cover her mouth, but she couldn’t hide the laughter in her eyes.
Father, can I keep her?
The fervent mental prayer came out of nowhere, and nearly knocked him off his feet.
Keep her? Yes, she was gorgeous, but he barely knew her. Fifteen years was a long time apart, and they’d only had a month together even then.
He sank onto the nearest chair, never taking his gaze off her face, felled by the undeniable truth. After all these years, he wasn’t just happy to have found Lissy again. He’d already gone a long ways past being “glad to see her.”
He’d fallen for her—hard and fast.
His parents had assured the lovestruck kid he’d been fifteen years ago that what he felt was simple infatuation. Puppy love. Maybe they were right, because what he’d felt then didn’t even compare to the magnitude of his current emotional state. He didn’t stand a chance…and he didn’t want out.
Nothing in the world would have convinced him to withdraw that unplanned prayer. He wanted to keep Lissy—close to his side and deep in his heart. Always and forever.
Alissa set her mug aside and pulled the receptionist into a hug. “Thank you for doing this. I’m glad you listened to that urge to make hot chocolate. It’s exactly what we needed to end this day on a perfect note.” She paused. “I’m Alissa Neal, by the way. And you are…?”
The woman smiled, and Alissa blinked. How had she not noticed the receptionist’s stunning beauty?
“Well, apparently I’m someone God used to bless the two of you tonight. I love when He allows me to be a blessing!”
“Yes, that’s always amazing. But, really, I want to know your name. Someone needs to tell whoever’s in charge here that you provide exceptional customer service.”
“That’s really sweet of you, Alissa. My name is Ariana.”
As if he’d been catapulted, Scott bounced out of the chair he’d dropped into.
“Ariana…Christmas?”
She laughed. “Well, I think my husband would much rather you think of me as Ariana Knox, but yes, that’s me.”
Scott grinned and extended a hand. “It’s an honor to meet you.”
Ariana gave a nod that managed to come across as regal, despite her unassuming manner. “Likewise. I’m glad the Lord saw fit to have me here late tonight. I rarely am, and certainly not at the desk. Now I know why I’m here tonight, instead of home with my husband, Taylor.” She gave them a saucy grin and a sly wink. “I’ve been told I make the best hot chocolate in Tennessee. I guess God thoug
ht that’s what the two of you deserve tonight.”
Alissa couldn’t believe the way events had unfolded. “Well, thank you again, Ariana. You have been a blessing, and I can’t wait to taste your special cocoa.”
“Ditto.” Scott seemed unable to lose the silly grin he’d worn ever since their beautiful hostess revealed her identity.
A sharp pang of unmerited jealousy shot through Alissa’s soul, and she gasped.
Lord, what was that all about? I can enjoy Scott’s company, but I can’t start having real feelings for him. Please don’t let me fall so hard I can’t get back up!
Trust me, daughter.
Trust Him. She hadn’t done such a great job of that in the past several years, but she’d make up for it now. Although everything inside her urged Alissa to run upstairs and hide in her room until her heart was no longer in danger, she wouldn’t. She’d drink Ariana’s hot chocolate and enjoy another moment or two of Scott’s company, while she could. They didn’t have long, and they could only be friends, because Scott…
Scott had a wife, and who knew when...or if…he’d be able to dissolve that farce of a marriage?
Chapter 10
BEFORE SHE COULD LET THAT unwelcome truth ruin her new faith and optimism, Scott lifted her chin with the pad of his thumb and shot her an inquisitive glance.
Alissa smiled. She could do this. She would do this. Her heart would be safe in her Father’s hands even after Scott was gone.
“We should drink our cocoa before it gets cold,” she murmured, unable to look away from his searching gaze. “Sounds to me like God wants us to have it.”
They said good night to Ariana and moved close to the fireplace. Alissa started to take a seat opposite Scott, but he took her hand and pulled her down beside him on the sofa.
“I want you close to me. We were too far apart for way too long.”
Alissa didn’t argue. She couldn’t, and she didn’t want to.
Scott was here, with her, and she wanted to bask in that unexpected delight for as long as possible.
“Oh, wow, this is quite possibly the best hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted.” Scott’s eyebrows did that stairstep thing.
Alissa grinned and sipped at her own. Then she closed her eyes and savored the taste. Oh, yes. Definitely stairstep-worthy.
“It’s good to see the two of you are enjoying yourselves tonight.”
Alissa eyes flew open.
“Gabriel! I haven’t seen you all day.”
“No, but I hear you had quite an exciting morning, young lady.” Gabriel’s eyes twinkled, even as his forehead creased. He lowered himself into the chair across from the sofa. “You seem to be suffering no ill effects from your icy experience.”
“I don’t think I was that—”
“Oh, yes, you were.” Scott’s jaw clenched and he nodded at Gabriel. “She was.”
“From what I heard, she certainly was. You know, Alissa, that chapel has been right where it sits for many years. It’ll most likely be there for at least a few more. There’s no need for you to hang out in it as if it’ll go away the moment it’s out of sight.” Gabriel smiled, and all the tension that was starting to build behind Alissa eyes dissolved in a heartbeat.
She stared at him over the rim of her cup. What was it about this guy…?
“I know, you’re both right. I won’t be so foolish again. It wasn’t exactly a pleasant experience for me, you know—at least, not after I left the chapel.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re okay.” Gabriel stood. “I should get up to my room. It’s quite late.”
“Yes, it is.” Scott’s puzzled expression caught at Alissa’s heartstrings. No surprise there. “Alissa and I just returned from a night out. Why are you up so late?”
“Oh, I was taking care of a few loose strings for my boss.” One end of his mouth curved upward, but not quite enough to call it a smile. He shook his head. “Sometimes humans make me tired. Really tired. And other times—like tonight, for instance—I see why the Father thinks they’re worth all the effort.”
Alissa studied the man. Gabriel wasn’t impressive in any way. Not overly handsome, but not homely. Not tall, not short. Not obese, but neither was he remarkably thin.
Average. He was the epitome of average.
So why did she always feel so humbled when he was around? Why did his smile calm her spirit? Why did everything he said seem to have an underlying meaning or message?
And why did Gabriel refer to humans as if he wasn’t one of them?
She pulled in a breath and gave her head a shake. What a ridiculous train of thought to be riding. Gabriel was nothing more than a very pleasant man, one with a gift for empathy and understanding, and whose smile forced smiles in return. Nothing wrong with that.
“Well, good night to both of you. I’m going to bed.”
Scott took Alissa’s hand, and they both watched Gabriel cross to the staircase. He took three steps up, paused, and then turned to face them again. “I guess the human race does have its not-so-lovely traits, but since I mentioned that, I should add this: When I think I’ve seen all the selfishness, sin and ability to deceive that I can stand, the Father reminds me to look into their hearts. It’s surprising how often, buried deep inside the heart and soul of even the most difficult person, I find little seeds of hope. Small bits of beauty. Kindness. Strength. All the goodness I couldn’t find looking on their outward circumstances.”
He shone that incredible smile across the room, then turned and made his way up the staircase, muttering all the way. “Yes, yes. Look on the heart. So, so important. Oh yes, it is.”
When the older man disappeared, Scott chuckled. “What a character! I like Gabriel’s style.”
Alissa nodded, but she didn’t laugh. Scott clearly thought Gabriel was just rambling, but somehow she knew in her heart that there’d been nothing at all scattered about the man’s little diatribe.
Had God orchestrated that entire scene to make sure she remembered the message she had not forgotten? And if so…what did Gabriel have to do with it?
Before he climbed into bed, Scott tried once again to reach Bell, with no success. Then he prayed himself to sleep—he had so much to thank God for! He also needed help freeing himself from the hasty decision he’d made at too young an age, while suffering a great deal of mental strain. He’d always been advised never to make big decisions while under pressure. But he’d been young…no ties, and no real reason not to help Bell out of a sticky situation. She’d been such a good friend to him. He’d never regretted his decision.
Until he found Lissy again.
Now he had huge regrets. That one crazy mistake loomed out of his past like a monstrous mountain, and threatened to cost him the thing he wanted most…a life with the woman he’d loved since they were both kids.
After tonight—hours of enjoying the sound of her voice, the touch of her fingers, the beautiful light in her eyes–Scott couldn’t face the thought of a lifetime without her.
He mulled over the problem until he drifted into a troubled sleep. Shadowy figures haunted his slumber…dark shapes that reached for Lissy and stole her from his side, carried her off to who knew where, leaving Scott in a ‘nothing world.’
By the time he headed downstairs for breakfast, dark circles ringed his eyes, and his feet seemed to move through invisible sludge.
He’d barely reached the lobby when someone called his name.
“Scott! Over here.”
Startled, he swung toward the front desk. She hadn’t answered any of the half dozen or so calls he’d made, nor responded to his messages, but still...he knew that voice.
“Bell!”
She flew across the large space, threw her arms around his neck and held on tight.
“It’s so good to see you, Scott. You have no idea how happy I am that you called, and…oh!” She pulled away and drew a teen girl into their little space. “Scottie is dying to meet you.”
“Mom!” The girl looked like Bell must�
�ve looked at that age. Same petite figure. Same green eyes and auburn hair.
Bell rolled her eyes. “What, I embarrassed you? Honey, get over it. You know it’s true, so just say hi to the man who gave you his name.”
Scottie huffed and rolled her eyes, but then she grinned at Scott. “Hi, Mr. Lowell.”
He laughed. “Just Scott. And come here, young lady. I think a hug is long past due.”
With no indication of shyness, the teen wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged tight. Bell must have made him so real to the girl that she already felt she knew him.
“Well, I’m not standing on the outside looking in.” Bell laughed and snuggled in closer, turning the moment into a sweet group hug.
Scott found himself a little emotional. They’d never been a family and never would, yet a bond existed between the three of them, simply because he’d shared his name…with both of them.
After a moment, he lifted his head and cleared his throat.
Alissa stood on the bottom step of the opposite staircase. Her wide, shocked gaze fixed on Scott.
Oh, no…what does she think she sees?
He gently untwined Bell and her daughter from around his waist and neck.
“Alissa…”
She shook her head. Whirling, she raced up the stairs and disappeared.
Scott’s heart sank. He squeezed his eyes shut. “No…”
A hand on his arm forced him to pretend he hadn’t just watched his whole world shatter into pieces.
“Scott? Was that her?”
“Yes.”
“Oh.” Bell bit her lip and made a wry face. “She must think we—that we…oh, dear.” She spun and took a step away. “I’ll talk to her.”
Scott caught her arm. “No. I should do that. You and Scottie go in and have some breakfast.” He pointed at the door to the dining area. “I’ll join you as soon as I can—hopefully with Lissy.”
“Okay.” Bell glanced toward the stairs where Lissy had so briefly appeared. “But Scott, if you need me to help explain, come get me. Will you do that?”
“I will.” He offered a smile, and winked at Scottie, who seemed confused. “I’m sure everything will be fine.”
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