Christmas with Carlie

by Julianna Morris

  Luke ate a bite of muffin and was pleasantly surprised; it was moist and chunks of dried apricot provided a tangy contrast to the banana flavor. “This isn’t bad.”

  “Sarah is a whiz in the kitchen.”

  “You know her well?”

  “She’s one of my cousins. Same as Aurelia at the front counter. A lot of the people around Glimmer Creek are related in one way or another.”

  “I can’t imagine having that much family.”

  “You don’t have any cousins or aunts and uncles?”

  “No, and I barely remember any of my grandparents. I believe they’re still living, but they cut ties with my mother and father before Nicole came along.”

  “For heaven’s sake, why?”

  “All four of my grandparents are nose-to-the-grindstone type of people and didn’t approve of Mom and Dad’s frivolous lifestyle.”

  Carlie looked confused. “If that’s how they felt, why were trust funds set up?”

  “Those were established when they were born.” Luke shifted his feet under the café table. He wasn’t accustomed to confiding in anyone. Even with Erika it had been difficult since she was gone so much. Nicole would have been a logical person, but she was younger and he wanted to protect her.

  Carlie was silent as she fiddled with her cup. Luke knew he should be grateful she hadn’t asked another question, yet a part of him wanted to know what she was thinking.

  “Do you know your grandparents?” he prompted.

  “Sure. On my mother’s side, Grandpa is the senior pastor at the Glimmer Creek Community Church and Grandma is a retired town mayor. My dad’s parents own the small hardware store in town. I grew up with Sunday lunch alternating between the two families. And there would be these huge cousin sleepovers during the summer where we’d make ice cream and s’mores or have picnics down by the creek. We’re more like siblings than cousins.”

  Luke had never experienced the kind of family closeness Carlie had known growing up. He couldn’t even envision what it would be like.

  Probably oppressive.

  He cleared his throat. “By the way, you seemed stressed when I stopped by your office. Is something up?”

  Carlie shrugged. “I’m just a little concerned about my father. How was Beth this morning?” she asked, clearly eager to change the subject, which made him want to pursue it even more.

  “Fine. You’d never know anything had happened. I hope she didn’t disturb anyone else.”

  “I doubt it.” Carlie fished a pen from her pocket and began sketching on a paper napkin. “This is the layout of your suite. The house was enlarged several times and the section where you’re staying is almost a separate wing. There must be four walls between the twins’ room and one of the other suites’ bedrooms.”

  “That’s good to know. So, what’s going on with your father?”

  Irritation flashed through Carlie’s blue eyes. “If you must know, Dad is a highway worker. A year ago this last summer, a guy in a pricey car decided he was too busy and important to obey the law. He took a shortcut through a construction zone to get around slow-moving traffic. Dad was hit and spent two weeks in intensive care. The damage was considerable and he’s still in pain most of the time.”

  “Is that why you moved back here from San Francisco?”

  * * *

  CARLIE BLINKED.

  Though it might be a shot in the dark, Luke’s question hinted at a perceptiveness she hadn’t expected. She’d chosen to come back to Glimmer Creek to help her parents, but she also hadn’t wanted to stay at her old job, running into her ex-fiancé constantly.

  “Partly,” she said carefully. “Dad is stiff-necked, but I try to take care of things around the house that he has trouble with now—mowing, weeding, cutting back brush, that type of thing.”

  “You don’t have a brother to take care of it?”

  She rolled her eyes. “That’s a chauvinistic question. I have two younger brothers who are away at graduate school, but I’m just as capable of assisting my folks as Quinn and Russ. More capable. I used to help with the yard as a kid, but they wouldn’t do it unless they got paid. When this all happened, their suggestion was to hire a gardening service, which would have galled Dad.”

  Luke frowned. “What about the rest of your family? Don’t they help out?”

  Carlie made a scoffing sound. “You mean, isn’t there a big strong guy who’s willing to come over and do a man’s work? You sound like a Neanderthal, masquerading as a twenty-first-century guy.”

  Luke choked on his coffee.

  Okay, she should have been more tactful, but he had invited her to be honest and his old-fashioned attitude didn’t make sense. He’d married a soldier, so she would have expected him to be modern in his views about women. Of course, maybe losing his wife had made him regress to caveman attitudes.

  “The family would love to help with whatever needs doing,” she said when Luke had stopped coughing, “but it’s better to handle it my own way. I just told Dad that working on the yard was therapy for me after...”

  “After what?”

  Her cheeks heated. “Some of my plans for the future changed, that’s all.”

  Having her wedding canceled just hours before it was supposed to take place wasn’t a secret, but she didn’t want Luke Forrester to know those kinds of details about her. It might be hypocritical since his life was splashed all over the internet, but she wasn’t a high-profile businessperson and wanted her privacy.

  Derek was a sore point, anyhow.

  Her mom had tried to get her to open up about it a few times, but what could be said? I made a terrible error in judgment and wish I’d never met him? Or how about, I trusted the wrong man and now I’m paying for my mistake?

  Even if she didn’t love Derek any longer, she was still angry at him. Dozens of her family members had come to a Sonoma Valley vineyard for her wedding, only to be told it wasn’t going to take place. She’d insisted they turn the reception into a party and not let a single morsel of food or drop of champagne and punch go to waste, but inside she’d been mortified.

  Taking a deep breath, Carlie focused on Luke. “How often does Beth have nightmares?”

  “It’s unpredictable. It sounds illogical, but they’re more frequent lately,” he admitted. “You’d think they would taper off with time. That’s partly why I made a last-minute decision to go away for Christmas, hoping the change would do the girls some good.”

  Carlie broke off a piece of muffin and rolled it around her plate. “I had terrible dreams when my dad was in the hospital,” she said slowly. “I know it isn’t the same as what Annie and Beth have been through, but I understand what it’s like to feel the world is falling apart. And I’m an adult, not a six-year-old child.”

  Luke’s mouth twisted as if there was something he wanted to say, but couldn’t.

  “At least you’re doing what you can to help your daughters,” Carlie murmured. “You aren’t ignoring their problems.”

  “It doesn’t seem like enough.”

  “Probably because you can’t fix the unfixable.”

  “I guess. My wife had a favorite quote, ‘Life isn’t fair, it’s just fairer than death.’ I don’t think I truly understood it until she was gone.”

  “That’s from The Princess Bride novel by William Goldman. Right at the end.”

  “Erika didn’t read many novels, so she must have heard it from someone.”

  Carlie finished her coffee, unsure how to respond. She wasn’t sure she agreed with William Goldman, who’d ended his novel in a different way from the movie. Life often wasn’t fair, but neither was death, and they couldn’t be compared. You just had to do your best.

  She glanced at her watch. Her team members took the lead on various activities, but they had staggered days off d
uring the week and Tim Mahoney had called in sick. Because of that, she still had things to finish for the scavenger hunt he’d planned for that afternoon.

  “I’m really sorry, but I have to go,” she said finally. “Thanks for the cookies. I’ll put a note on the box, saying they’re from you. For future reference, Sarah has a few lunch items available here at the bakery, not just sweets. Her sandwiches and quiche are delicious.”

  She hurried away before Luke could suggest walking with her. She didn’t know what he’d had in mind by inviting her for coffee, but it was better to keep things professional for everybody’s sake.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  GIDEON HAD ARRANGED to return to Poppy Gold on Saturday to give the quarterly health exams to the four-footed residents of the Victorian Cat mansion.

  It would probably sound odd to guests, but the cats were treated like working animals...feline ambassadors. They were part of the distinctive quality that Poppy Gold tried to give each of the bed-and-breakfast homes. The VC cats even had a private room for their supplies and veterinary treatment, fitted out with a table, scale and other basic equipment.

  Gideon reviewed each cat’s medical records before tucking their files in his medical bag. He arrived at the Poppy Gold front desk a few minutes later.

  “Good morning, Dr. Cartwright,” said Bill Blalock. “They aren’t expecting you at the Victorian Cat for another forty minutes, but I’ll see if anyone can assist with the exams immediately.”

  “That won’t be necessary. One of my patients is staying here and I thought I’d drop by to check on his progress. If the guest is in, of course. It’s the kitten that Nicole Forrester found.”

  Bill’s expression shifted subtly. “Oh, yes, the Forresters. They’re at the Yosemite suite in the John Muir Cottage. It’s right here.” Bill pulled out a facility map and indicated the location. “I can have a shuttle driver take you over.”

  “No need to bother with that. I prefer walking.”

  Following Bill’s instructions, Gideon took the garden path around to the back of the John Muir Cottage. He knocked, feeling both annoyed and foolish. His affluent clients in Beverly Hills had often expected him to make house calls, but these days most of his visits were to farm animals.

  The door opened and Gideon saw Nicole Forrester, considerably less disheveled than she had been at his office. This time instead of silk and diamonds, she wore cashmere and pearls and looked as if she’d stepped off a fashion runway.

  “Is there something I can do for you, Dr. Cartwright?”

  “I’m sorry I didn’t call first, but I came to check on my patient.”

  “Oh. All right.”

  She opened the door wider and Gideon stepped inside.

  “I’ll get him.” Nicole crossed to the stairs on the far end of the room, her hips swaying gently.

  Curious, Gideon gazed around. He’d seen a few of the suites at Poppy Gold, but this was more like a home than a bed-and-breakfast inn. A fire was crackling in the fireplace, brightening the large room, while Christmas music played in the background. Across from the staircase was an arched entry into a well-lit kitchen.

  A couple of minutes later, Nicole descended the steps carrying the kitten, accompanied by two small girls who were mirror images of each other.

  Gideon grinned at them. “Hello. Have you been helping to take care of the baby kitty?”

  They both nodded, though one immediately ducked her face in apparent shyness.

  “Yes. But he sleeps with Aunt Nicole,” announced the one who seemed bolder. “He’s going to live with her in Austin. I’m Beth and this is my sister, Annie. We’re six.”

  “I’m pleased to meet you. My name is Gideon.”

  Annie was chewing her lip and looking at him seriously. “Are you going to hurt Chico?”

  “No, Annie,” Nicole said quickly. “The doctor is just going to make sure he’s doing okay.”

  “That’s right,” Gideon agreed. “Is there a good place for me to do the exam, Ms. Forrester?”

  “It’s Nicole and there’s a table in the laundry room.” She handed him the kitten reluctantly and gestured toward the kitchen.

  * * *

  NICOLE WASN’T SURPRISED when Chico instantly began hissing. He was strong-willed and nearly impossible to keep quiet the way that Dr. Cartwright had instructed. How did you keep a kitten quiet, anyhow? It wasn’t as if they listened to reason. Mostly she’d kept him in her bedroom so he wouldn’t race all over the house.

  She’d hoped having Chico would help her connect better with her nieces, but so far it hadn’t happened. Instead, they still wanted to do everything with Carlie Benton.

  Nicole shivered when she remembered Beth’s screams during her nightmare. Luke hadn’t been thrilled about Carlie coming over, but her presence had helped and that was what mattered.

  “Maaaarroow,” squalled Chico, grabbing Nicole’s attention. He was doing his best to get away from Gideon.

  “Is he okay?” asked Beth.

  “He’s terrific. I don’t have a scale, but I can tell he’s already gained weight. And his leg is much better.”

  The veterinarian almost sounded perplexed at Chico’s progress and Nicole felt smug. Gideon Cartwright had acted as if she wasn’t capable of handling an animal.

  She might not be the bravest person in the world, but she could certainly give love and care to a kitten.

  “A cat’s skin heals quickly, so germs can get trapped underneath,” Gideon explained to the girls. “I know it seems mean, but that’s why I need to check where he got hurt and make sure it isn’t getting infected.”

  Nicole’s mouth tightened. Why couldn’t Gideon have explained that to her back at the clinic? The way he’d examined Chico’s wound had seemed cavalier.

  “Can we take the cone thing off him?” she asked. “He really hates it.”

  “Sure. Do you want me to do it, or do you think you can manage?”

  “It’s a Velcro fastening, hardly a brain teaser,” she retorted, narrowing her eyes at his superior tone.

  It wasn’t the first time he’d implied she was an idiot. His attitude toward her had not improved in the past few days, though by his own admission she’d done a good job with Chico. She hoped Beth and Annie were too young to understand, because her relationship with them was challenging enough already.

  Nicole unfastened the blue cone and tossed it aside, then lifted Chico and cuddled him in her arms. He glared balefully at the veterinarian.

  “I’d better get going,” Gideon said. “I need to examine the cats at the Victorian Cat mansion.”

  “Can we go, too, Gideon? Pleeeeeze,” Beth begged. “Carlie told us about the kitties.”

  “I think that would be all right.”

  Nicole’s heart sank. The twins couldn’t go alone with Gideon, which meant she’d have to go with them. The last thing she wanted was to spend time around a man who seemed so disapproving of her. “Beth, I thought you wanted to make Christmas ornaments at the concert hall.”

  “That’s what Annie wanted. But you’d rather visit the kitties, wouldn’t you, Annie?”

  Annie looked torn. “I guess.”

  “I’m meeting someone at the VC in a few minutes, so get your coats on and we’ll go over,” Gideon urged.

  “Goody.” Beth ran out, followed by her sister.

  Nicole leaned forward. “Could you refrain from treating me like an idiot in front of my own nieces?” she hissed. “At the very least, be the professional you’re supposed to be.”

  For good measure, Chico spit and swatted his paw so fast that Gideon barely had time to get out of striking range.

  “I may not have your lofty experience with animals,” she continued, “but I have a degree in information technology. I bet I could program circles around yo
u on the computer, but I wouldn’t put you down because of it.”

  * * *

  GIDEON GRITTED HIS TEETH, realizing he’d unconsciously revealed his feelings. Although he hadn’t meant to, it was unprofessional and a stupid move. He owed her an apology, but there wasn’t time for one, because Beth and Annie had reappeared.

  Nicole put the kitten down and went to help them, but she was plainly inexperienced at helping someone else zip their jackets—especially children, who had little patience and antsy feet.

  “Do you know Carlie?” Beth asked as they walked toward the VC.

  “Sure do. I’m helping with the living nativity over at the church. Did you see it last week?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “How about you, Annie?” he said to the quieter twin.

  “I liked the donkey best. Carlie is baking Christmas cookies with us next week, ’cause Aunt Nicole and Papa don’t know how. Carlie is fantabulous.”

  “Oh, I see. Where’s your daddy this morning?” he asked the girls.

  “Papa is on a conference call with Japan,” Beth explained matter-of-factly. “He’s awful busy making money.”

  Gideon kept his expression neutral. It was Saturday morning, which meant it was probably around 3:00 a.m. in Japan. Not exactly a convenient time for the people on the other end of the call. He wondered if inconveniencing people was a pattern with the Forresters. Nicole certainly hadn’t seemed to think twice about bringing a kitten into a historic home that didn’t belong to her.

  Inside the foyer of the Victorian Cat, they were met by Tessa McKinley. She would bring the cats for their exams one at a time.

  “I see you have assistants today,” she said, smiling at the twins.

  “Yes, this is Beth, Annie and their aunt, Nicole Forrester. I stopped to check on the kitten that Ms. Forrester rescued a few days ago. The girls wanted to meet the VC cats. Is that all right?”

  Tessa winked at the six-year-olds. “You bet. Our cats love people. I’ll be right back with the first one.”

  “Where’s little Meredith?” Gideon inquired when Tessa returned carrying a white feline known as Moby Dick.