While she’d been shopping, she’d received a few voice mails from her family, who were having a blast in Kentucky. The Grangers loved Christmas, and it was one of the few times the entire family made an attempt to get along. Usually they were a fiery bunch who loved to bicker, but it was mostly all harmless posturing. Although the men in the family were still pretty pissed that Corbett stood her up on Thanksgiving, and her Uncle Ray offered yet again to give Corbett a good old-fashioned Blue Grass Ass Whoopin.
Too tired to rifle through the bags, she turned her attention to the naked Christmas tree. The poor thing looked like it was struggling. She still hadn’t decorated it. She opened the box of ornaments and pulled out the one she’d gotten from her Grammie and hung it on the tree.
“There. Now it really feels like Christmas,” she sighed.
The doorbell rang. She looked through the peephole. It was Cassie.
Anna Beth opened the door and gave her a big squeeze. “What on earth are you doing here?”
“I bring you good tidings.” She held up two shopping bags filled with gifts. “These are from me, Channing, and the boys. There’s a few in there from Joy and Isaiah too. The box with the white bow has peppermint Schnapps. I remember you saying you got a holiday cocktail recipe book last year.”
Cassidy always remembered the little things.
“Thank you. Do you have time for some tea? I have some really delish chamomile that was included in a tea chest my Grammie sent me.”
“I’d love some.” Cassidy’s smile faded when she saw the tree. “I see you settled for a rescue tree this year.”
She smoothed her ponytail and headed to the kitchen. “I know it looks sad, but I was totally going for that look. I got the decorations out of my closet, but I can’t decide on a color scheme.”
Cassidy, having been there before, got the cups out of the cupboard. “I must admit I’ve come with an ulterior motive. I know you’ve turned down previous invitations, but I thought I’d give it one more try. I’d love for you to come to ranch for Christmas. I can’t let you sit home alone looking at that Charlie Brown Christmas tree.”
“I wasn’t going to stare at the tree all night. I’d planned on binge-watching Walker, Texas Ranger and eating five pounds of cookie dough. And I don’t want to intrude. You and Channing should spend your first Christmas with the boys alone.”
“Um. There’s like fifty other people in our family. You can stay in our guesthouse if you like. I won’t be able to enjoy myself knowing my good friend is binge-watching old television shows and pigging out on crappy food.”
She sighed. “It’s not just that. To be honest, I wanted to be alone because I miss Corbett. At least I missed him until I kept running into him at the charity events. We had it out yesterday while we were making deliveries. A lot of things got dredged up.”
“I know you say Courtney was still a thorn in your side, but I feel like there’s something else.”
“I told him I loved him a few days before Thanksgiving, and he didn’t say it back,” she sniffed. “He just stood there.”
“Wow. Why didn’t you tell me about this before?”
“Embarrassment. Anger. Sadness.” She looked away. “Pick a dire emotion and pin it on me.”
“Maybe he’s scared.”
“Maybe he’s a jackass,” she shot back.
“That too.” Cassidy came over and rubbed her back. “I’m so sorry he didn’t answer you. You and Corbett are awesome together and good for each other. You’ve both blossomed in ways that can only happen when you find the one.”
“I just wish he felt the same.”
“I don’t know what’s holding him back. I also don’t know why Corbett hasn’t opened his eyes to Courtney’s manipulations, but I hope that he does soon. Food poisoning, my ass. If he doesn’t, it’s his loss. You’re a beautiful, intelligent woman who deserves true love with the man of her dreams.”
“You know what? You’re right.” She wiped away her tears. “I was going to make a list of New Year’s resolutions. I think I’m overdue for a new beginning. Starting with that promotion I’ve been ducking from J.J.”
“Good for you. I know it’s going to be something challenging and fun. J.J. and Bo value your contributions and want to see you grow.”
“I guess I can’t be their executive admin forever.”
“You’re more than that. You are the gatekeeper, confidant, and the reason they do their jobs so well. They just want to recognize all the hard work you’ve done over the years.”
Anna Beth looked at the cat clock on the wall. Cassidy had been there an hour already. “I love having you here, but I don’t want to keep you from Channing and the boys. Go. Enjoy that beautiful family of yours. I’m so happy for you.”
“If you really want to make me happy, come home with me.” Cassidy grasped her hand. “Please come. You could pack a bag and Mr. Whiskers and join us for some corny fun. Tate’s debuting the Blake Brood choir. Don’t you want to hear the kids sing ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’? Also, Teri-Lyn said I had to bring you back with me, no excuses.”
“What if Corbett is there? I really don’t feel like seeing him.” Especially if he were there with Courtney.
“Channing said he went back to New Mexico.”
“Oh.” That should have been a relief. “Are you sure I won’t be intruding?”
“This time of year is about spending time with the people you love. One of the greatest gifts I’ve received since I moved to Texas was becoming friends with you. We’re more than just museum buddies that lunch occasionally. We share secrets and dreams and heartbreak. We also share hope, love, and kindness.”
Anna Beth hugged her. “I’d love to. Give me a half hour to gather up some things and find Mr. Whiskers’s carrier.”
“I’ll get the carrier and his things. You go pack. We have an hour to get back and get ready for the Christmas Eve festivities.”
Anna Beth grabbed a couple of the bags filled with her new wardrobe and went into the bedroom feeling much better. She was touched that Cassidy would come and get her so she wouldn’t be alone. Friendship and spending time with those who you love. That’s what the holidays were all about. Cassidy was a friend in every sense of the word and she loved her for it. Hearing Corbett had gone back to New Mexico sent a dull pain through her heart. His return home could only mean he’d be spending the holidays with Courtney. Maybe it was for the best. Too bad it didn’t feel like it.
* * *
Corbett hung a red ornament on the cactus, then took a swig of his beer. That would be his contribution to the decorating this year. His mom had hurriedly put a wreath on the door and made sure the landscaper strung the lights on the house, but inside it was slim pickings. Hearing about Bo’s holiday adventures with the Blakes got him to thinking about past Christmases with his family. They’d had some pretty special times over the years. He and Wyatt would stay up all night anticipating the gifts they were getting. Mom Bonnie would bake cookies and treats to hand out to neighbors and friends.
The ping of his cell phone meant he had a message. It was Wyatt checking in on him. He sent a text back that he was fine and that Wyatt should get back to eating good food and schmoozing with Avery’s dad. Bo had called an hour ago and warned him not to get drunk and send naked pictures of himself to people. As if he’d do that. Well, maybe if he were plastered. He was still debating about that while he waited for his food.
He’d ordered takeout that should have been arriving soon, so he went into the bedroom and retrieved his wallet from his dresser. A picture of him and Anna Beth sat on the nightstand. They’d been so happy that day.
The ringing doorbell meant the food was here. Baked ziti with garlic bread and meatballs was what he needed to chase the blues away. It was time to get on with his Christmas Eve pity party. He opened the door to find his ex-fiancée Courtney instead.
“Courtney. What are you doing here?”
“Happy holidays to you too.” She held u
p a gift. “Can I come in?”
“Sure.” He ushered her into the house. “I thought you were the delivery guy from Alfonzo’s.”
“Happy holidays again.” She handed him the gift and removed her coat. She was all decked out in a pair of tight jeans, a green off-the-shoulder sweater, and a Santa hat.
She put her arms around him and tried to kiss him on the cheek.
He pulled back. “Same to you.” He eyed the present warily. “What’s this for?”
“I’d ordered it long before we parted ways, and I still want you to have it.”
“Thanks.” He put the gift on the foyer table and headed for the living room. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“I’d love some wine if you have it. Do you still have my favorite Pinot grigio?”
“I’m afraid all I have is some Chardonnay. Maybe Moscato.”
She grimaced. “Never mind.”
“Should you be drinking?” he asked, frowning. “I mean you were writhing in pain in the emergency room just a few weeks ago. I hope your stomach is much better after that food poisoning incident.”
“You know me. I bounce back fast.”
“And you have to drive home. The police are extra diligent this time of year with random traffic stops to snare drivers who’ve been indulging in too much alcoholic cheer,” he added. He didn’t know why she was there, but he didn’t want her getting any ideas.
“You never know where the evening may lead.” She smiled and went over and took a closer look at the cactus. “Where is everyone?”
“I’m flying solo. Mom and Dad are vacationing with their significant others. My brothers are putting in some face time with their in-laws.”
She moved back over to him and reached up to smooth a lock of his hair, but he caught her hand. Annoyance flashed across her face. “What? There’s a lock of hair out of place.”
“I can assure you everything on this body is where it’s supposed to be.”
“I’ll say.” She gave him a once-over. “The last time we were together I meant to tell you that you looked really good. You must be hitting the gym pretty hard.”
“I just revamped my health regimen. I play golf with the fellas, and I do ranch work sometimes at the Twelve Horseshoes.”
“And the traveling has been new too. I saw the pictures on your social media page. It looked like you were having the time of your life.”
“Yeah. I’ve been seeing more of the world lately.”
“I’ve been trying new things too. I’ve even dated a few guys.”
“How’s that going?”
She gave him a quizzical look. “I don’t know. Sometimes it’s fun. Other times it’s a pain. I thought I’d be finished with all that crap when I met you.”
“It’s always rough jumping back into the date scene, but I’m sure you’ll get your bearings. You don’t strike me as the type to be single for long.”
“Don’t sell yourself short. You’re a hard act to follow.”
“That’s flattering, but I don’t believe it for a second. There were tons of things you tried to change about me. You had a schematic for Corbett 2.0 once we were married.”
“I was just fine-tuning the qualities you already had,” she huffed.
“When you do it with a house, it’s called renovating. When you do it to a person you supposedly love unconditionally, it’s called being controlling.”
“Whatever. I’m surprised you’re not spending the holidays with Beth Ann. Did she have other plans too?”
“Her name is Anna Beth, and you can stop intentionally mispronouncing her name. It was never cute.” Especially when she tried to do in front of everyone at parties.
She shrugged. “I knew she hated it. But she was too prim and proper to defend herself in front of everyone. The Blakes keep her on a tight leash.”
“That has nothing to do with it. She’s too polite and refined to get into a verbal sparring match with someone purposely trying to bait her.”
The doorbell rang, serving as a welcome distraction. This time it was the delivery guy. The smell of the food hypnotized him immediately, and he was looking forward to eating alone. The guy gave him a wink and a sly smile. It must have looked like he and Courtney were on a date. He had to get Courtney out of there fast. He gave the guy a big tip and wished him happy holidays.
Courtney wandered over, breathing in the tempting aromas. She smiled at him. “Alfonzo’s makes the best baked ziti. I love their garlic bread.”
“How did you know it’s ziti?”
“It’s your comfort food when you’re feeling down.” She took the bag out of his hand and headed for the kitchen. “Come on. We can eat and hang out. Like old times.”
“Courtney, stop.” He took the bag back from her. “I don’t know why you’re here, but I don’t want to hang out with my ex-fiancée. I want to eat my food and spend a quiet evening alone. As a matter of fact, how did you know I was home? The polite thing would have been to call and see if I was up for visitors.”
“I saw it on your social media profile. You know the feature that automatically logs in your location for your followers.”
“You mean the feature you added just before we broke up that I told you I didn’t want because it’s dangerous?”
“What’s the harm?”
“You have to be kidding. In this day and age? Those app features are a stalker’s dream. There are crazy people out there. I doubt anyone would want to track me, but you know I visit my family in Texas. Someone could have used that app to track down one of the Blakes.”
She winced. “I didn’t think about it that way. My intention was just to keep track of you.”
“What?” His eyes widened. Now it made sense how he kept running into her. He didn’t cut off communications on social media because they’d parted as friends. And he didn’t use those websites that much anyway.
“Don’t look at me like that. I wanted to know what you were up to. You started going to Texas more often, and I was afraid you’d cheat on me. You were hanging out with Bo and those Blake people. They were rich and there were always beautiful women around them. And let us not forget little miss friendly executive admin who was always trying to chat you up at their parties.”
“Cut the crap, Courtney. You were spying on me,” he seethed. “You weren’t intimidated by any of that. You were mad because I wasn’t under your thumb anymore.”
“We had a good life, then you got distracted when you let Bo back into your life.”
“I didn’t hear you saying that when he bought us expensive watches for our engagement and that house he was having built as a wedding present. Now you’ve designated him as the root of the demise of our relationship? No. I wised up to how rude, inconsiderate, and calculating you were.”
“And I’m sure you hated me mistreating your precious Anna Beth. I knew what she was after you the day I laid eyes on her. That prim executive assistant act may work on other people, but I saw through it. Please, nobody is that pious and sweet. She’d follow her boss J.J. into a fiery pit. The minute we break up, you go running to her on the rebound.”
“She wasn’t a rebound. She’s nobody’s rebound. The things you think make her weak show how strong she is and why she’s beloved by so many people. Who wouldn’t want someone who’s dedicated and hardworking? Her close relationship with J.J. shows much she cares about the people in her life. But you wouldn’t know about selfless things like that.”
“You really care about her?” she demanded.
“No.” He looked Courtney straight in the eye. “I really love her. It’s the kind of love that’s easy and amazing. It’s not wrought with manipulation and mistrust. It’s also the kind of love that’s made me a better man since she’s come into my life.”
She folded her arms over her chest. “What about us? Were all those years a lie?”
“The time we shared was meant to make us both grow. We just ended up going in different directions.” He walked to the door,
but not before snagging the present she’d brought with her and holding it up for her to take with her. “Tell me the truth. Were you sick on Thanksgiving? Or was that a ploy to delay my plans?”
“No.” She clenched her jaw. “I heard you talking to that guy Thad about your plans and something in me panicked. I knew meeting her family would be a big deal for you and I wasn’t ready for you to fall in love with someone else.”
He hung his head. “I could never be with someone I can’t trust. You were mean and dismissive to Anna Beth. Hell, you were mean to other people too. I loved you, Courtney, but I couldn’t live the rest of my life with someone I didn’t like anymore. I wish you the best, but I really hope we don’t see each other around town for a while.”
She hurried over and put on her coat, then marched toward him. “I hope you know what you’re doing. Gambling on this new relationship. We were the perfect couple. I’d like to see you top that.”
He gently thrust the gift at her. “I’m not looking for perfect. I’m looking for happy, and I found it.”
He was furious with her, but he still watched to make sure she made it to the car and pulled away safely. He closed the door and went over to the takeout. Suddenly the baked ziti didn’t smell all that appealing as he reeled from his conversation with his ex. He whipped out his cell phone and opened his social media apps. The first thing he did was turn off the location trackers, then he blocked Courtney. Anna Beth had been right. Her paranoia had been warranted. He’d been such a fool, holding back loving words, and believing Courtney wasn’t up to something had cost him dearly.
He looked at his watch. There was still time to salvage this holiday. If he got on the road now he’d get to Texas at a decent time. He needed to talk to the woman he loved and hoped she’d be willing to listen to him.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Begin Again (The Blake Boys Book 18) Page 9