A Holiday Proposal

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  All eyes turned to them as they walked to the dining table. Matthew’s gaze locked on hers, and she found she couldn’t look away until Todd took the platter from her hand, breaking the moment. What was that all about? She averted her gaze and fled to the kitchen for more food. She had to get a grip. Sure, Matthew was incredibly good-looking, sweet and kind, but the whole purpose of bringing Todd along was to get her mom to stop matchmaking. She didn’t want a man in her life distracting her. And Matthew was definitely a distraction.

  Chapter 3

  Matthew bowed his head as Mr. Miller blessed the food. After the amen, Mr. Miller looked up and said, “Let’s eat. I’m starving.”

  The table came to life as food passed from one hand to the next. Matthew took a moment to check out the room. Holly’s parents had a nice place. Soft yellow walls held photos of Holly and Jessica along with an oversize mirror. A little old-fashioned for him, but it made the smallish room feel larger.

  Pleasant conversation flowed between April and Jessica. Ava sat to Matthew’s left with Todd on his right. The man couldn’t stop talking about how he’d helped someone who couldn’t walk due to an injury take his first step, then he went on to boast about some other accomplishment. Evidently Todd had a high opinion of himself and was hung up talking about work.

  A foot nailed Matthew’s shin and he jumped. His gaze slammed into that of Holly, who sat across from him.

  Holly’s eyes widened, and she mouthed sorry. A second later Todd jumped and glared across the table. Holly sent him a look, and if Matthew had to guess, she was signaling Todd to be quiet.

  Tempted to applaud, Matthew instead focused on cutting his meat then looked at Holly. “What have you been up to since high school?” He took a bite of the perfectly cooked roast.

  A pretty pink blush covered her cheeks. “I worked for a couple of years then went to college. Did a little traveling, too, which was fun, but for the most part it’s been work and school. I actually haven’t been back in town long, just since this past winter.”

  He did the math and realized she’d come back about the same time he’d opened his bakery. No wonder they’d never run into each other—he’d spent almost every waking minute working. But that was about to change. April and Ava were visiting and he planned for time away from the business. It might not be the best time to be pulling back his hours, but he had complete faith in his small staff. “I’m sure your family is glad you returned to Leavenworth. I’m not much of a traveler and have to live vicariously though others. Where have you gone?”

  She set her fork down and paused a moment. “Well, most of the time they were just road trips to places here in Washington, but once a friend and I took the train over to Seattle and went on a cruise to Alaska.”

  “Now that’s something I’d like to do.”

  Her face lit and her green eyes sparkled. “You should go there. It’s so beautiful. The glaciers were breathtaking. Someday I want to return.”

  “Yes, our Holly enjoys traveling.” Mrs. Miller beamed a smile his way. “But we’re happy she’s finally finished school and settled into a real job.” She looked pointedly at Todd. “So, how did you and Holly meet?”

  Todd told the story of how she’d gotten lost at the hospital.

  Holly kept her gaze on her plate, clearly embarrassed by the retelling.

  “Holly has always been directionally challenged.” Jessica shot everyone a smile, then pushed back her chair and stood. Her husband followed and grasped her hand between his. “We have an announcement to make.” She paused and looked around the table, demanding everyone’s attention. “We’re pregnant!”

  Holly gasped. The shock on her face mixed with something akin to anger...no, frustration. But why?

  Mrs. Miller screamed and jumped from her seat. She pulled the couple into her arms.

  “Congratulations! I’m going to be a grandma. Wait until I tell Evelyn. She will be so jealous. Oh, Jessica, I’m so pleased. You’ve made me the happiest mother on the planet.”

  Matthew watched Holly sink low in her chair and tried to catch her eye, but she stared at her plate. Why wasn’t she celebrating with the rest of her family? He cast a quick glance at Todd, who seemed nonplussed by the excitement around him. What was the deal with this guy, anyway? Didn’t he see how uncomfortable Holly was? The least he could do was shoot her a sympathetic look, but he was oblivious to his girlfriend’s distress.

  Mr. Miller stood and disengaged his wife from the couple. “Have a seat, dear. We don’t want to upset the baby.”

  Mrs. Miller blanched. “Oh, no. I didn’t hurt you, did I?” She rested a hand on her daughter’s abdomen.

  Jessica laughed and patted her mother’s shoulder before sitting. “I’m fine, and the baby is, too.”

  Mrs. Miller sent a pointed look in Holly’s direction. “Isn’t this exciting? You’re going to be an aunt. You need to hurry up and get married and start making grandbabies, too, so the cousins will be close in age.” She clapped her hands together. “Imagine this house filled with grandkids.”

  Holly’s face reddened. She looked everywhere but to Matthew’s side of the table. If anyone asked him, she’d be better off without the arrogant man sitting to his right. But no one was interested in his opinion.

  Holly pushed back from the table. “Congratulations!” She flashed a forced smile. “Will you find out what you’re having?”

  “We haven’t decided yet.” Jessica’s face glowed.

  “That’s okay. You have time to decide. Well, Todd needs to head out. He has an appointment. I’m going to walk him to his car.”

  “That’s right.” Todd stood. “Thanks for keeping track of the time for me.” He thanked the Millers for the meal and slid into his jacket.

  Holly walked outside with him as everyone else pushed back from the table. The women cleared the dishes, which left him, Mr. Miller and Jessica’s husband to watch football. The Seattle Seahawks game had started at one and was in the middle of the second quarter.

  Matthew strolled into the living room and looked out the window. He pulled back when Holly looked over her shoulder and spotted him. Great, she probably thought he was spying on her.

  Well, maybe he was. She looked out of sorts, and he was concerned for her. He glanced out the window again and saw Todd drape his arm across her shoulders. He quickly turned away, unable to watch the girl he’d once had a crush on in the arms of another man.

  * * *

  Holly walked beside Todd to his car with his arm draped across her shoulders. “Did you see how happy my mother was with Jessica’s announcement? No matter how hard I try, Mom is never that happy about anything I do. I think the only way she will ever be proud of me is if I get married and start a family.” But she could never have a family of her own. Well, there was no medical reason she couldn’t, but what if the baby died? She closed her eyes on the memory of that day so long ago—the day that changed the course of her life.

  “I thought you were focused on nursing and didn’t want to settle down with a husband and kids.” Todd leaned against his car and faced her. He grasped her hands and warmed them between his. “Don’t worry about your mom. She’s just excited. Things will calm down and everyone will go back to normal.”

  She took comfort from his touch. “I hope you’re right. I wish my mom understood I don’t desire that life. You heard her. I was so humiliated. What must Matthew think?” She ducked her head and rested her forehead against his chest.

  Todd circled an arm around her and tipped her chin up, forcing her to look at him. “Who cares what he thinks? He’s nobody.” Todd ran his thumb across her cheek. “You, however, are somebody special. Don’t let your mother or anyone tell you differently.” He lowered his head and closed his eyes. His lips brushed hers ever so slightly.

  Holly took a step back and broke free of his arms. “What wa
s that for?” She shouldn’t have invited him to lunch. But Todd had never acted as if he was interested in her in that way. “You know this is all pretend. We’re friends—that’s it.”

  He caught her hand. “I think we’ve moved beyond that. I really care for you, Holly. I know you want to focus on your job, and I’m fine with that. But I’d like to see where this is going between us.”

  “I can’t.” He was ruining everything. The whole point was to pretend to be a couple, not actually become one. She pulled away. “I like you, Todd, but—”

  He touched a finger to her lips, stopping her words. “Just think about us.”

  She nodded, too emotionally spent to argue. “Fine. Thanks for coming. I’ll see you at work.” She turned and ran back inside, barely able to keep tears from streaming down her face. She rushed through the family room, where the men were watching football, and past the women visiting at the cleared-off dining table. How had everything become so complicated?

  Holly fled into the kitchen, where she could be alone, and pulled on a pair of yellow rubber gloves. She rinsed the dishes and stacked them on the counter. Cleaning always helped her feel better.

  “Hey,” a soft voice said, too close for comfort.

  She jumped and tensed. “Hi.” How had Matthew come in without her noticing?

  “Want some help?” He opened the dishwasher and began loading plates. “Are you okay? I noticed you were upset when you came inside.”

  Holly caught the concern in his eyes and released a shuddering breath, unable to hold in the tears a second longer. “Why are you so nice to me when I was mean to you in high school?”

  He shrugged. “Just a nice guy, I guess.”

  She pulled off the gloves and wiped at her tears. Shame at her treatment of him hovered close, making her feel even worse. “You shouldn’t be. I don’t deserve it. I’m not worth it.”

  “Who told you that?”

  “Isn’t it obvious? I hurt people. It’s what I do. Not intentionally, of course.” She slipped the gloves back on. “Look at my mom, for example. She’s disappointed in me. No matter what I do it’s never enough. Plus, I’m... It doesn’t matter.” She met his gaze, embarrassed by her outburst, and the compassion she saw there about did her in.

  “Is there something else? I’m a good listener.”

  Yes. But she couldn’t tell him about Todd. Matthew would never understand that fiasco. She didn’t understand what she’d done to cause Todd’s forward behavior. Then there was her mother. Holly sighed. “Let’s just say, in my mom’s opinion I don’t measure up to Jessica.”

  A knowing look filled his eyes.

  Maybe Matthew did understand. Her heart warmed toward him. It felt good to have someone on her side.

  “It’s clear to me your mom loves you both very much. I noticed you looked conflicted by Jessica’s announcement. Does your sister having a baby upset you? When Ava was born I was thrilled.”

  She scrubbed a dirty pan. “I’m not upset about being an aunt. I’m happy for Jessica. I love my sister, but I just can’t compete with her for my mom’s approval.” She kept her voice low, aware her mother was in the next room.

  “I’ve known your mom less than a day, but to me she seemed proud of both of you. You are probably just misunderstanding her. I’m sure she loves you both equally.”

  Though spoken gently, Matthew’s words speared her to the core. What did he know? She yanked off the gloves. “Please tell everyone something came up and I had to leave.” She grabbed her purse from the counter.

  “Hey, I’m sorry, Holly. I should’ve kept my big mouth shut. Please don’t leave because of me.”

  She blinked back tears. What was with the waterworks today? She wasn’t a crier. “Don’t beat yourself up, Matthew. It’s just been one of those weeks for me. Take care of yourself. Tell my family I left, okay?” She hurried out the back door without waiting for a reply. So much for being on her side. Then again, maybe he didn’t mean it the way it sounded. She sniffled and dried her eyes. She’d give Matthew the benefit of the doubt. After all, he’d always been nothing but kind to her.

  Chapter 4

  Matthew cradled a sleeping Ava against his chest and followed his sister up the steps to his house. He’d tossed out sand to keep everyone from falling. There’d been too much of that already.

  April unlocked and opened the door. “Put her on my bed.”

  Matthew walked into the guest room and stopped short. The normally neat and organized room had taken on a new appearance. Sheets were strewn across the disheveled bed, and the floor was littered with toys. He remembered remarking about how much stuff she’d brought, but wow. This gave a whole new meaning to cluttered. It looked as though his sister had had a rough morning.

  He scooted toys aside with his foot as he walked cautiously to the center of the large room, placed Ava on the queen-size bed, then he turned the monitor on and closed the door behind him.

  In the family room, April sat in a recliner with her legs raised. “Did she wake up?”

  He shook his head and turned on the monitor’s receiver. “She’s out. I guess the past two days have caught up to her.”

  “Probably, but this is a late nap. I didn’t think of that when I agreed to lunch this afternoon.” She worried her bottom lip. “We shouldn’t let her sleep too long, otherwise I won’t get her settled down tonight.”

  Ever since April had arrived on Friday it seemed he hadn’t had a moment’s peace. This was the first opportunity he’d had to just be with his sister. The quiet of the house felt so good after all the craziness of having an active three-year-old in residence. “Ava didn’t take a nap yesterday.”

  “I know. That was a mistake. I had a hard time getting her moving this morning and then all she wanted to do was play with her toys.” She winced. “I’m not usually such a slob.”

  “I know. Don’t stress about it.” He looked at his watch, then wadded old newspaper and tossed them into the fireplace. “I need to head over to the bakery soon. Is there anything I can pick up for you while I’m out?” He placed kindling over the paper then added a dry log. Striking a match he lit the paper and watched the flames begin to dance before putting the screen in place and facing his sister from his position on the floor.

  “No, thanks. You sure spend a lot of time at the bakery.”

  Matthew didn’t hear condemnation in her voice, just curiosity. “Yes, I have to get up early and bake, then run the place most of the day. While you and Ava are visiting I’ve arranged for help, or I’d never have any time to spend with you. Until you arrived I barely escaped the confines of the bakery.”

  “Don’t you find all work and no play makes life boring?”

  He frowned. “Not yet. I’ve only been open six months. I’m trying to get my business off to a successful start, and it’s important that I be there to greet and serve my customers.” He chuckled drily. “Actually, now that you mention it, my life has been anything but boring. I’ve been so busy, I haven’t had time to come up for air. Let’s just say your timing is perfect—I could probably use a little time off before I overdo and burn out.”

  “Well, then, I’m extra glad we’re here. By the way, I like your church, but why don’t you go to the one we went to as kids?”

  “It’s not there anymore.” He missed the church they’d grown up attending, but as they say, time doesn’t stand still.

  “Really? How sad. At least you found another great place to attend, which reminds me.” She waggled her brows and a silly grin covered her face.

  “What?” He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees.

  “You and Holly?”

  “What about us?”

  “I noticed all the looks you sent her way over lunch and that you followed her into the kitchen later.” April tilted her head. “As I recall, you had
quite a crush on her in high school.”

  Matthew stilled. “How did you know?”

  “You used to say her name with reverence, and your eyes got all dreamylike when you’d ask Jessica about her sister.” She shrugged. “I’m surprised Holly never knew. Or did she?”

  He shook his head. “I asked her to prom, but she barely noticed I was alive.”

  “Seems she’s noticed you now.”

  “She has a boyfriend.” He didn’t want to be unkind, but Holly had horrible taste in men, which made him feel a little better since she’d rejected him as a teen.

  “Who? That weasel at lunch? No way.” She clamped her lips together, and her eyes sparkled. “Sorry. That wasn’t nice. I’m working on only speaking if I have something kind to say. Guess I need to keep at it.”

  Matthew chuckled. “I think there’s an exception to the rule when you’re right.”

  His sister laughed. “Not true, but I wish it was.” She sighed. “This is nice. And for the record, I think you’re wrong about Holly. I didn’t see any sign that she’s a woman in love.”

  A jolt of hopefulness surged through him. Could his sister be correct?

  * * *

  After returning home from the disastrous meal at her parents’, Holly held the phone to her ear and rested her head back on the chaise. “Hi, Keira.”

  “What’s wrong, Holly?”

  “What makes you think something’s wrong?”

  “Your voice. Is everything okay at the candy shop?”

  “I don’t know. I’m in my apartment. Do you want me to go downstairs and check?”

  “Of course not. I just assumed... Never mind. What’s going on?”

  “Nothing much. I had lunch at my parents’ today, and Jessica announced she’s expecting.”

  “How wonderful! I imagine everyone is very excited, but that’s not why you called, is it?”