Riggins had hosted the party last year. This year, now that I was living in a house, not a bachelor place, it was my turn. I was grateful to have a hostess as efficient and beautiful as Kay. She made the party sparkle.
I wasn't adept at small talk. Not like Kay. Our dog, Data, had been locked out of the way in another part of the house. In a room without a tree. She wasn't certain about the trees and ornaments and had a habit of attacking anything that jingled.
Too bad for Data. She would have loved licking up the delicious crumbs. And been pampered and lavished with attention. She was a Pomsky, a Husky/Pomeranian mix that made for a dog about as cute as they got.
It wasn't supposed to be a night for business, but Flash, and the storms pummeling the East Coast, was on everyone's mind. I was soon locked in conversation with Darren, Paul, and Barry. My heads of transportation, procurement, and facilities. They'd borne the biggest brunt of the port strike and now the storm.
Fortunately, Kay was across the room talking with some of the ladies from merchandising and photography. I didn't want her to pick up on my concerns about the storm.
I got lost deep in a discussion on the problems facing us.
Paul shook his head. "This latest snowstorm is killing us, Justin. With the West Coast ports closed and our guaranteed in-time-for-Christmas delivery, we're being killed.
"I anticipated an upswing in orders, and ordered enough shipping boxes and bags to accommodate it. But we've had record orders. We're running short. Usually, it's a good problem to have. But with the ports closed, I can't get any more in from China. Not in time." He paused.
"Kayla's done a beautiful job here." He looked around the room. "Damn hard to enjoy the festivities with this storm hanging over our heads. I have my feelers out for domestic packaging material manufacturers, begging for any inventory they have. But it won't be branded in the Flash colors with the Flash logo. And we're going to have to pay dearly for it."
He sipped his drink. "Everyone's in the same boat. Demand is high and suppliers can name their price. They're raking it in."
Darren looked glum and serious, too. "The port strike!" He snorted. "As if that wasn't bad enough, the snow on the ground in the east is hampering our carriers. The storms are rolling in every thirty-six hours, dumping more snow. And the big one is still scheduled for late Christmas Eve. If we don't have everything delivered by about three in the afternoon, we're out of luck. And it's going to cost us."
The guys went suddenly quiet.
Darren smiled at someone over my shoulder. "Great party, Kayla! The boss clearly married up. I've never had food this good at any of his parties."
I turned and found Kay standing at my elbow, pale, but forcing a smile.
"Thank you." Her eyes found mine. She was clearly worried.
I caught her later, after the party was over, and the caterers had cleaned up and cleared out. "You must be exhausted. Get some rest."
She had circles beneath her eyes. "Are you coming to bed?"
I shook my head. "Not yet. I have work to do." More work to do than there were hours in the day.
She touched my arm. "Jus, why didn't you tell me? How bad are things?"
I shrugged. "No more challenging than any other holiday season."
She gave me a look of disbelief. "Don't lie to me."
"I'm not." I caught her by the arms. "It's always something. That's what makes this business exciting. If it were easy, what fun would it be?"
"People aren't going to be happy with you taking Christmas Eve off, are they? I thought by then—"
"By then it won't matter. I'll have done everything I can. It will all be in the hands of the local delivery services."
She stared up at me. "But the storms, Jus. They're real now and they aren't letting up. What if we can't make it to New York?"
"We're still five days out. A lot can change in five days. Let's not think about 'what if' tonight. You heard the guys. The height of the storm isn't supposed to hit until late afternoon. We'll be married and long gone by then. Home in Seattle where the skies are gray, the trees are always green, and the Christmases almost never white." I hugged her to me. "It'll be fine. We'll be legally married by Christmas morning."
I sounded more confident than I felt. I didn't want to let her down. I would give her anything in my power. But there were some things money couldn't buy. The weather's cooperation was, unfortunately, one of them.
11
Tuesday, December 23rd
Kayla
The packages were laid in the sample sale wish list fulfillment section with care, in hopes that their buyers soon would be there. Labeled and ready to be purchased and wrapped and put beneath a tree.
My Santa Sample Sale volunteer elves were in position, wearing Santa hats and light-up Christmas bulb necklaces so bright you could even say they glowed.
One corner of the room looked like Santa's workshop, filled with samples of toys Flash had offered in their famous flash sales all fall. Toys and gadgets children were begging for.
There were boxes of glittering holiday costume jewelry and everyday jewelry, some small and dainty, some large and showy. Hoards of purses and accessories. I had my eye out for one with a kiss-lock closure. Boxes of clothes, clearly marked by size. Racks of holiday dresses that caught the light like the moon on new fallen snow. Dresses perfect for Christmas Eve or New Year's. There were stacks of small appliances and household items. Gifts, perfect gifts for everyone!
The big conference room at Flash had been turned into a holiday garage sale with the best bargains in the city on stylish boutique apparel and jewelry, state-of-the-art gadgets, and finds for the person with discriminating taste, or plain old quirky style.
I'd always thought shopping at one of the nearly monthly Flash sample sales was a combination of a treasure hunt and a garage sale, except everything was brand new and in style. All the goods belonged in a classy department store, but usually there was none of the high-end ambience here. No gently playing piano music. No wafts of delicate perfume. No perfectly arranged displays or showcased items. No well-lit dressing rooms and helpful salespeople. The same items, but at prices that made them total steals.
Amazing how atmosphere and a good display influenced a buyer's perception of quality and the shopping experience. It was a psychology I'd studied in college. Which is why I'd had the room perfumed with the scents of Christmas—fir forest, cinnamon, and spice. Borrowed props from the studio to decorate and add holiday cheer. And set up a temporary dressing room in the back. It still wasn't the mall. But it was nice. Christmas piano music even played in the background.
Time and again, I was overwhelmed by the clutter of the sample sales and magnitude of the jumbled goods and the search. While pawing through boxes, nothing seemed as beautiful and valuable as it was. Until you got it home and put it on or laid it out. Then you realized the bargain you'd gotten.
I was trying to create that sense of a treasure hunt for the employee shoppers today. Trying to add a bit of Christmas and holiday shopping atmosphere by playing soft music in the background and setting up the wish fulfillment center.
This sale was the best one of the year and one of the perks of working at Flash. I wanted it to be special and fun. For shoppers to come away with an experience. Happy with their purchases and eager to give them as the exceptional gifts they were.
Did it matter to the receiver of a hundred-dollar crystal necklace that it only cost the giver two? Wasn't it wonderful that even our lowest-paid employees could afford to give gifts of exceptional quality and style to their loved ones this holiday season?
In a way, Jus, Riggins, and all the hardworking people at Flash were Santa Claus and his elves. I was filled with pride and joy and love at the thought of all the people who were going to be happily surprised on Christmas morning.
Everything was neat and orderly. Calm like the early hours of Christmas morning. Once the doors opened, the crowd would charge in and the jumbling, churning, and bargain g
rabbing would begin.
There was a method to shopping at the sale. Bring large bags—we didn't provide them. Stuff everything you might be interested in into them. Find an empty space and sort through your finds to make your final selections before you checked out. And remember that money went a long way here. That pile of treasures was certain to cost less than it looked like it should.
This was a strictly cash-only and carry event. No tax. Everything was priced in even dollars. All the money raised went to the children's hospital. It was a win for everyone.
When I was in charge, I was always nervous and eager before a big event like this. Making it successful was my responsibility. But today, I was a basket case of nerves. Talk about holiday stress!
After the sale, Jus and I were hopping on a jet and flying into an impending storm with enough strength to make Santa consider cancelling Christmas. On Dasher, on Dancer. On Prancer and Vixen. Off to New York to get married! If only I could have rented a plane named Rudolph for this mission.
The weather report had grown steadily more ominous with each passing day as Christmas grew nearer. The National Weather Service was predicting blizzard conditions in upstate New York by midnight tomorrow, Christmas Eve.
I considered calling the whole thing off. And I'd worked so hard on this Christmas wedding, too. There was nothing I could do. The storm they were predicting was just too strong.
I kept wondering—was the weather too dangerous to chance the trip? Could we beat the storm? Or would it arrive early and strand us in New York?
I'd called the charter company and asked their opinion. They were reassuring. Our pilot was the most experienced in their fleet. Barring some unforeseen change, their detailed weather maps indicated we would be in and out of New York before the first snowflakes before the wild hurricane flew.
Still, I worried. What if we got to New York and were stranded by the storm? What about The Nutcracker? And what would we tell our family? How could we explain flying to New York with Dex in the face of the storm of the century?
I took a deep breath. Breathe. Just breathe.
I obsessively checked the weather on my phone. I was distracted as I fielded last-minute questions from volunteers.
My friend, Britt, who was helping with the sale, sneaked up on me and touched my arm.
I jumped.
She laughed. "Jumpy, jumpy! Who's supposed to be texting?"
Oops! Almost caught. How would I explain checking the weather in New York?
I slid my phone into my pocket. "Jus said he'd text when he was on his way down." I was becoming a pro at lying.
Britt looked around the room with a pleased expression. "We've done a fabulous job here, if I do say so myself."
I nodded. "Merely fabulous? It's extraordinary! The team really came together." I took a deep breath. "And according to my elves, we managed to grant almost every wish!"
"It took some fast-talking by all of us in merch, and some help from procurement, but yeah, I think we did." Britt grinned.
She'd been my best friend forever. I'd always thought she would be my maid of honor. And done all those maid of honor things. Like keeping me calm and holding my bouquet when Jus and I exchanged rings. Panic. Who was going to hold my bouquet?
But Britt wasn't in on my secret wedding. And Jus and I had promised each other that no one else could know.
One of the volunteers came up to us. "I just peeked out the doors. You should see the line! I've been here every year since Flash started. This is a record crowd. And recordly jovial, too. They've started singing holiday songs."
There was a burst of laughter from outside the doors.
Another volunteer rushed up to me. "It's time. Justin and Riggins arrived a few minutes ago to kick things off."
Britt frowned as she looked at me. "I thought he was supposed to text?"
"So did I!" I laughed to cover being found out. He hadn't promised to text. Sorry, Jus! I didn't mean to malign your character!
"That explains the singing! Ten dollars says Jus and Riggins are leading it." I glanced at my watch. "Time to open the doors."
Britt gave my shoulders a squeeze. "What are you waiting for? Let's get this party started." She handed me a silver Christmas bell. "Call your volunteers to order."
I laughed and rang it enthusiastically until the buzz in the room died down. "Everyone ready? It's time to open Santa's Sample Sale for business!"
I strode to the doors and grabbed the handles. "Let the mayhem begin!" I threw the doors open.
Jus and Riggins were leading carols. The sight of Jus made my heart squeeze and my pulse race. The guy was hot. And sweet. Totally adorable. The perfect combination. I still couldn't believe that I hadn't seen the possibilities in him in college.
My college self would never believe how life had turned out for us. If I could tell her I was dying to genuinely marry Jus, and worried that a snowstorm would stop me, that I couldn't imagine life without him, that he'd become my best friend, and an excellent lover, she would laugh in my face. And think I was pranking her. It was a lesson I'd learned—never laugh at possibilities and improbabilities. Learn to see past the superficial. And why hadn't I noticed what good basic bone structure Jus had?
Then again, if the college-age me got a look at Jus now, she wouldn't believe her eyes. She would still think I was pranking her.
Jus turned toward the door. Our eyes met. They lit up like always when he looked at me. I didn't deserve that much appreciation and love. I was a lucky girl and I knew it. I didn't take it for granted.
"Santa's main helper emerges!" He gestured toward me.
"Did I miss your holiday speech?" I teased back to him.
Riggins elbowed him. "You didn't miss much! It was pointless. It was boring. But it was short!" He laughed and elbowed Jus.
Jus shook his head. "Are you open for business?"
My volunteers stood at the front of the line, holding the masses back and checking employee badges.
I nodded. "Yes, we are!"
The line erupted in applause and tried to push forward.
"Wait, wait, wait!" I held up my hands, palms out, imitating a traffic cop. They only paused a moment when they heard me holler, "Stop!"
I cleared my throat. "A few announcements before we let people in. The wish fulfillment center is in the back across from the dressing rooms. If you submitted a request for a particular item, look for it there. If it has your name on it, you have first option to purchase it. If you no longer want the item, please let our volunteers know so they can put it out with the general merchandise.
"If you see an item that you requested but it has another person's name on it, I apologize. Some very popular items had multiple requests. We drew names at random to select the winner. In those cases, if the winner doesn't want the item, it will be reassigned to the second person on the list.
"My staff worked overtime trying to make sure everyone got one of the items on their wish list. Happy holidays and happy shopping, everyone!" I stepped out of the way to let the first throng of shoppers in.
Jus came over and gave me a quick kiss. I took his hand and led him into the sale.
He whistled softly. "This looks terrific! Like the mall at the North Pole."
"You've been to the North Pole?"
He laughed.
I shrugged. "I had a little help from the photography and merch departments. You picked up on exactly what I was going for! A festive, mall-quality shopping experience."
He put his arm around me and pulled me close. "You look hot," he whispered in my ear. "Tomorrow you'll really be mine."
I smiled up at him. We never mentioned any hint that our marriage wasn't completely legit when we were in public. We both had a healthy fear of being found out. The constant acting wore on both of us. There was always the fear of slipping up.
"If the snowstorm doesn't stop us." I frowned.
"Nothing's going to stop us." His voice was deep and sexy with confidence.
How
could he be so sure?
He squeezed me tight. "I have to get back to work."
"Oh?" I said.
He nodded and rolled his eyes. "Another emergency. This one's going to take some time to sort out. I can't bail on Riggins. It's a tech issue. My area of expertise. I'll have to meet you at the plane."
Why was I not surprised?
"Have the driver take you to the airport," he said. "Board the plane. If you get tired, don't wait up. I could be late. Get your beauty rest and take care of my girl." He patted my baby bump.
I smiled at him, loving him beyond reason.
"Dex will meet you at the plane. He can entertain himself." Jus paused. "What's the latest we can take off and still make it to opening bell at town hall?"
"Two a.m. At the absolute latest. Our flight plan calls for one. Which gives a margin of error."
"One. Got it. I'll be there." He winked.
"I hope so. I don't want to have to send Dex after you." I leaned in and whispered in his ear, "No cold feet."
"Have I gotten cold feet yet? I'm the one who conned you into this arrangement." He gave me another squeeze and turned toward the checkout lines by the exit door. "What's that they're giving out?"
"Santa mugs with the Flash logo filled with locally sourced organic chocolates."
"Nice!" He grinned at me and was off, stopping to grab a mug on his way out, and thank and hug the volunteers.
I watched him go, incredibly proud of him. Happy he was mine. As far as any government authority was concerned, Jus was legally my husband. But all I wanted for Christmas was two vows. Mine to him. His to me. Fully sober. Fully in control. Fully present.
As Jus turned the corner out of sight, I pulled my phone from my pocket and checked the New York weather again. The Doppler weather still showed New York in the bull's-eye of a major snowstorm.
And then it hit, the worst storm of the century… There's nothing I can do. We're going to have to cancel our Christmas wedding.
Christmas Duet: A Big City, Small Town Christmas Romance Bundle Page 11