“Sometimes it helps,” Belle said, cutting up her food into small, neat bites. “All of this will be a lot for little Analia to deal with, no matter how excited she is about the surgery. The healing process can be painful. Even the happiest of patients will reach a point of despair before it’s all over.” She reached over and covered Rosa’s hand with hers. “I just want you to be prepared for what you’re getting into. It’s not easy, but it is worth it, in my experience.”
Rosa nodded and Juan put his arm around his wife, tugging her into his side. “We just want our daughter to have a good life. If this surgery makes that possible, then we’ll help her through it. That’s what families do.”
“She’s lucky to have you both,” Belle said, a hint of sadness in her tone. Nick longed to pull her closer again, but wasn’t sure how she’d feel about that, since they’d not really discussed taking this thing between them public. Sure, Jeanette had guessed, but then she spent a lot of time around him. Didn’t mean the rest of the town knew. They’d been careful, right?
A string quartet from the local community band began to play again and Nick seized his opportunity. He stood and extended a hand to Belle, bowing slightly. “May I have this dance?”
He didn’t miss her slight blush at his request or the sizzle of want inside him it conjured. She took his hand and he led her out onto the dancefloor.
“I’m so happy for Analia,” she said. “The surgery will change her life.”
“But you wish you could be the one doing it,” he murmured against her temple.
“Yes, but as long as you trust this surgeon in Detroit to do a good job, I’m okay with it.” She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m going to miss this place when I’m gone.”
His heart tugged. She hadn’t mentioned missing him or Connor, but deep inside he hoped they’d been included in that statement. Swaying gently to the music, he could have stayed there, holding Belle, for an eternity, but unfortunately the song and the moment ended all too soon.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for our annual town service award,” the mayor said, taking the stage. Nick and Belle returned to their seats just as dessert was being delivered—a scrumptious gingerbread brandy trifle. “This year we’re honoring a very special woman who touched the lives of everyone here in Bayside, Dr. Marlene Watson. And though she’s no longer with us, Marlene’s spirit lives on in the free clinic which her niece and our own Dr. Nicholas Marlowe will be reopening for one final time this Christmas Eve. Let’s give them both a round of applause for all their hard work during this difficult time.”
The mayor waved Nick and Belle up onto the stage to accept a plaque on Marlene’s behalf. Once the applause subsided, Nick shook the mayor’s hand while Belle stepped up to the mic.
“Thank you all for this. I’m sure my aunt Marlene would’ve been honored,” Belle said, her smile tight with grief. “She loved this town and everyone who lived here. We’re honored to grant her final wishes and reopen the clinic for one final hurrah. Please be sure to stop by on Christmas Eve Day starting at eight in the morning until the last patient is seen. No one will be turned away. It’s my honor to be back in Bayside and continue to provide the town with the excellent medical care it deserves. Thank you!”
Belle bowed to the crowd then she and Nick headed back to the table. He kept glancing over at her, wondering if she’d realized her parting words made it sound like she might be back in town for good, but she gave no outward sign of it. He shook off the spark of hope inside him. Probably just his wishful thinking.
The quartet started up again and it seemed like the entire town of Bayside was on the dance floor. Everyone was laughing and having a great time and Marlene would’ve loved it. Afterward Nick placed his hand on Belle’s lower back and whispered in her ear, “Want to get out of here?”
“I thought you’d never ask,” she said, her voice velvety and low.
They said their goodbyes and Belle gave Juan and Rosa her business card, telling them to call her anytime about Analia. After claiming their coats, he and Belle went out into the crisp December night once more. Thick clouds blocked the moonlight this evening, hinting at more snowy weather moving in.
“Marlene would’ve loved the ball,” Nick said, as he helped Belle across the icy parking lot, his arm around her waist to keep her steady and safe. “You were right. She loved everything about this place.”
“Just like you,” Belle said, giving him a sidelong glance.
“True.” He clicked the button on his key fob to unlock the doors and the SUV’s lights flickered. “You too, once upon a time.”
“I still do,” she said, her head lowered. “More than I should.”
“Your speech was nice,” he said, wavering about whether to mention it or not, then thinking what the hell. “You should be careful, though. At the end there you almost made it sound like you were staying.”
“What?” She gave him a sharp look. “No. I didn’t. I just wanted everyone to know we’d give them the best medical care possible, regardless of cost.”
“Sure. Okay.” Nick didn’t miss the way her posture had stiffened or the defensiveness in her tone. He’d obviously touched on a sore spot and didn’t want to prod further for fear he’d ruin the amazing thing they had going, no matter how he might want to know what she was thinking.
The drive back to Hancock Street was quiet, with Belle looking out the passenger side window or straight ahead, basically anywhere but at him. Nick knew he’d stepped in it with her and he wanted to apologize, but then they were back at the curb in front of her aunt’s house and there was no more time. There never seemed to be enough time for them. He got out and walked around to open her door, escorting Belle up to the house.
“Thank you for answering all the Hernandezes’ questions tonight,” Nick said while she unlocked the door, debating whether or not to say what was in his heart. Finally, he decided it was better to ask than to regret it forever. “You know, if you did decide to stay—”
Belle sighed. “Please, Nick. Let’s not do this right now, okay?” She opened the door and flipped on the lights inside the house. “Want to come in again?”
What he wanted was to continue their discussion, but he didn’t want to push her too hard. Not when he could tell she was so close to breaking. So he followed her into the foyer then closed and locked the door behind them before taking Belle into his arms and kissing her gently. This thing they’d started might be messy and complicated and downright impossible, but holding her, kissing her, being with her...felt truer than anything else in his universe.
At last Nick took her hand to lead her down the hall to the bedroom. As he pulled her to him and kissed her once more, undressing her then himself before picking her up and placing her on the bed and stretching out beside her, he reminded himself for the umpteenth time that this was all temporary. Even if it was getting harder and harder to convince himself of that.
CHAPTER TEN
THE NEXT MORNING Belle rolled over in bed, alone, and stared at the ceiling of her bedroom. In the distance she heard the sounds of Nick bumping around in the kitchen.
Despite having him beside her through the night, she’d slept badly. Again. Thanks to thoughts about California and her boss and the new slew of patients waiting for consultations when she got home. A month ago it would’ve made her happy. Now it just increased the already burgeoning pressure she felt inside. Pressure to do the right thing. Pressure to succeed. Pressure to not let her parents down.
Pressure to make the best decisions for her future.
Being back in her hometown had rekindled her love for this place and its people. It had reopened her eyes to the possibilities of this area and the needs she could fill here. Made her doubt her career trajectory and what she’d thought she’d wanted for herself in the years to come. That might not have been her
aunt’s intention, but it was true all the same.
She sighed and closed her eyes, whispering a prayer to heaven to please help point her in the right direction. Reality was smacking her hard. Soon this would all be over, and she and Nick would go their separate ways once more.
Pulling away from him at this point would make it less painful.
Now, if she could just get her foolish heart to stop its yearning, she’d be all set.
Belle rubbed her tired eyes and yawned, then forced herself out of bed and into the shower. After scrubbing down and drying off then brushing her teeth, she pulled on clean jeans and an ugly green holiday sweater with a huge reindeer face she’d found in the back of her aunt’s closet. It didn’t really matter what she wore, since they’d be back in the clinic, making sure all the final touches were in place for the reopening in two days.
Nick was fixing a pot of her favorite tea when she padded down the hall in her stockinged feet.
“Good morning,” she grumbled, rubbing her eyes.
“Don’t you sound chipper today,” he drawled, his tone thick with sarcasm.
“Sorry. Lack of sleep.”
“Nothing wrong, I hope.”
“No...” She sighed and leaned back against the edge of the kitchen counter. The sound of his voice did things to her—made her think of cozy nights by the fire and sweet kisses and naughty confessions whispered after midnight. Before she could think better of it, she said, “Just thinking about work.”
“Uh-oh.” He chuckled, making her insides clench and tremble with want. “None of that. Not yet, anyway.”
“Are we heading into the clinic again?” she asked, taking a large swallow from the mug of tea he handed her. “I’m ready when you are.”
“Stop,” Nick said.
“Stop what?” she paused in midsip. “I will fight you for my tea.”
“No.” He laughed. “I mean let’s not go into the clinic today.”
“What?” She frowned. “Why? Don’t tell me something happened again. We’ve just replaced all those ceiling tiles and painted and had the floors redone and—”
“No. The clinic’s fine. There are only a few minor things left to do and we can take care of them tomorrow. I’ve got something more fun planned.”
The excitement in Nick’s tone was contagious and she perked up. “Like what?”
“Come with me and Connor to meet Santa.”
“Santa?” She wrinkled her nose. “I think I’m a little old to sit on some man’s knee.”
“Funny. No, seriously. Con and I went last year, and I think you’ll love it. It’s on a farm outside town and there’ll be shops and live animals and everything. Lots of homemade crafts and food. Come on, Belle. I promise you’ll enjoy yourself.”
She tried to suppress her smile and failed. It did sound like fun and she didn’t have much time left in the area. Might as well enjoy it while she could. “Okay.”
“Great. Go put on your boots. No spiky heels,” he said. “Even though those shoes of yours give me all sorts of wicked ideas.”
“They do, huh?” she grinned widely, the speeding up of her pulse having nothing to do with the caffeine in her tea.
“Oh, yeah. I’ll meet you at the door. We’ll stop and pick up Con on the way.”
Belle went back to the bathroom to put on a bit of lip gloss and smooth her hair back into a ponytail at the nape of her neck, then tugged on her boots. She thought about changing her sweater then decided against it. A festive reindeer with jingle bells on its antlers sounded like perfect Santa-meeting gear. On her way to the front door she pulled on her coat and grabbed her bag before rushing outside. Nick locked the door for her then led her down to his SUV. Hard to believe she’d only been back in Bayside five days. Being with Nick and Connor felt comfortable now, almost like a real family.
Her thoughts snagged on that. No. Not a real family. Only pretend.
She’d be gone the day after tomorrow.
She took a deep breath and climbed into the passenger seat of the vehicle. Twenty minutes later they’d stopped at Nick’s and he’d sent the sitter on her way then gotten Connor loaded into the back seat. She flashed the little boy a smile over her shoulder while he buckled his seat belt. “Morning, Con. How are you today?”
He shrugged and looked at his tablet. “Good, I guess. I’m trying to figure out what to ask Santa for this Christmas.”
“A very important question.” She nodded, glancing over at Nick. “When I was your age, I used to start planning my list in October.”
“Oh, I’ve got stuff,” Connor said, frowning down at his screen. “But it feels like I’m missing something.”
“I know the feeling,” Nick said under his breath, giving Belle a look that had her toes curling inside her hiking boots. “In case I forgot to mention it, you look nice today.”
“Thanks. I wore my best Christmas sweater.” Belle grinned. “Actually, it’s my only Christmas sweater. Another item I found in my aunt’s closet.” They pulled out of Nick’s driveway and she flipped down the sun visor to adjust her hat, settling in for the ride. Snowy hills dotted with cows and horses stretched on as far as the eye could see as they headed out of town. “Doesn’t seem as cold today.”
“No.” Nick glanced in the rearview mirror as a semi passed them, then reached over and took Belle’s hand. “It doesn’t.”
As they drove north, they passed through several small towns. The sun peeked through the overcast sky above, streaming light down on the barren fields. Nick signaled, turning onto a long gravel road. A large sign depicted Santa and his reindeer and read Holiday Farm Ahead. Five Miles. Slow-moving cars rolled along in front of them.
“Ten more minutes and we’ll be there,” Nick said, glancing at his son in the rearview mirror. “You hungry, Con?”
“Always.” the boy said, not looking up from his device.
Nick squeezed Belle’s hand, and all felt right with her world, at least for a now. Finally, they reached the large frozen field where attendants were directing people to park. Nick pulled into a slot between two compact cars. “Here we are.”
Connor tucked his tablet into the backpack at his feet, his voice excited as he pointed out the window. “Look, Dad. They’ve got the sleigh again and everything!”
They exited the vehicle and Nick and Belle started toward the ticket booth at the entrance to the farm. Connor raced on ahead of them and Nick slipped his arm around her waist.
“I’m glad you’re here today,” he said.
“Me too.” She nodded, spotting Connor in line for tickets already, nearing the cashier. “We should hurry so I can pay for the admission. My treat this time.”
“Belle, I—” Nick started.
“No.” She held up her hand, cutting off his protests. “You’ve paid for all my meals so far. Time for a little reciprocation on my part.”
She hurried toward the ticket booth, leaving Nick behind to stare after her.
After buying their admission tickets, they walked through the holiday-themed farm, past brightly lit and decorated trees lining a maze of pathways and vendor booths, displays of fake snowmen and pens with baby animals. The air smelled of hay and livestock mixed with fried food, hot apple cider, and cinnamon.
Inside a large white pole barn was Santa’s Workshop, where volunteer elves worked with groups of kids on craft projects—making their own ornaments or wreaths or even small wooden toys. Belle remembered doing something similar with Aunt Marlene one year, shortly after her parents had died. She remembered those handmade ornaments on her aunt’s tree at home.
No. Wait. Not home. Her aunt’s house.
Belle’s home was in California.
Isn’t it?
Crowds jostled past them toward where Santa and Mrs. Claus were stationed near the back of the barn, along with the real reindeer.
&n
bsp; “C’mon, Dad!” Connor grabbed Nick’s hand and tugged him forward, then did the same with her. “You too, Belle.”
She laughed as the boy dragged them inside the pole barn. It was gorgeous and elaborate. Tons more trees, all sparkling in a rainbow of hues. Display after display of animatronic figurines. Ornaments and brightly colored gifts, even a live nativity scene. Above the roar of the crowds, holiday tunes were streaming from speakers overhead, adding to the jolliness. Children and families clustered together, squealing with delight or posing for pictures with the displays.
“The line for Santa’s over here,” Connor said, pulling on her hand again.
She looked down into the boy’s excited gaze and her heart melted. “Did you decide what you’re going to ask him for?”
Connor’s grin widened, his gaze darting between her and his dad. “Yeah, I think I have.”
“Good.” She swiveled to look at Nick. “And what about you?”
“I already have everything I need.” He leaned in to kiss her sweetly.
“Dad!” Connor scrunched his nose. “There’s not even any mistletoe.”
Nick pulled away and grinned, his stare amused as Belle’s cheeks heated. “Really? I would’ve sworn I saw some around here somewhere.” Then he frowned down at their tickets. “There are specific Santa-visiting times listed on here. We’re early for ours. How about we eat first?”
Connor snatched a ticket to verify that then nodded. “Okay. If you’re sure.”
They walked over to the corner of the barn where tables had been set up near the food stalls. “You two have a seat,” Nick said. “I’ll get the food. Con, you want a hot dog and fries?”
“Yep,” Connor said. “Hey, Dad? Can I run over to the vendor shops really quick? There’s something I need to buy. I won’t be gone long, I promise.”
“I can go with you, if you want,” Belle offered.
“No,” Connor said fast. “I need to go myself. Please, Dad?”
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