Cole was fascinated by the tight relationship between the two siblings, as well as the genuine display of affection they showed one another.
“Now you see what I have to put up with.” Smiling, she shook her head. “I hope you didn’t have to wait too long. He really has been raised to have better manners than to holler up the stairs.”
“I wasn’t here that long.” Cole glanced around. “Do I get to meet anymore family members?”
Lucy’s lips twitched. “My dad is at work. Logan, my other brother, is at school taking a make-up test, and my mom is out running errands.”
It was probably good her mom was out. If what Lucy said was true then Cole didn’t want to have her mother start trying to match the two of them together. He had to admit, though, that part of him wondered if he would usurp Lance’s place if given the chance.
“Okay,” he said. “You ready to go?”
“Yes. I just need to put my boots on and get my coat.”
Cole followed her with his eyes. Lucy looked cute, wearing dark-wash, skinny jeans, paired with a red, long-sleeved tee with the words I Believe stretched across her chest in silvery letters.
Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, revealing the soft curve of her cheek, and full lips. Heat shot through his veins as he remembered tasting her sweet mouth.
Just then she looked up and caught him checking her out. “What?” she said, putting on a pair of comfortable looking black boots.
“Nothing.”
She narrowed her gaze, and Cole tried not to smile. He pointed to her shoes. “Those won’t keep your feet dry when we’re cutting down our tree.”
“That’s why I’m bringing my snow boots.” She slipped on her coat, and then grabbed a tote bag with her winter gear inside. “What about you? Those boots won’t cut it either.”
Cole glanced down at his leather ankle boot. “Brilliant minds must think alike. My snow boots are in the Land Rover.”
“Are you brilliant enough to remember a hat and gloves?”
“I might not cut down my own Christmas tree, but I’ve lived in colder weather than Montana.”
“Really? Where did you go to med school?” She walked toward the door.
Cole stepped in front of her, and placed his hand on the doorknob. “VCU in Richmond, Virginia. But my residency was at the Mayo.” He opened the door. “And you don’t know what cold is until you spend a winter in Minnesota,” he said, following her outside.
“I’ll bet you liked going home to California for Christmas.”
She was wrong. California was warm, but being with his parents had felt just as cold as a January day in Rochester.
“Like I said before, Christmas with my parents wasn’t anything to look forward to.”
“So you won’t see your parents for Christmas this year?”
He chuckled dryly. “My mother left a voicemail the other day telling me she and Dad would be spending Christmas and New Year’s in the South of France with some of their friends. I wasn’t invited.” He glanced over at her. “But at least I’ll be here with Uncle Will.”
Reaching his SUV, she stopped next to the passenger door and turned around to face him. Her blue eyes studied him, compassion evident in their depths. “It’s too bad you couldn’t have come to your uncle’s for Christmas when you were younger.”
Although he’d wanted to visit his uncle during the holidays many times, his parents had never allowed it. Once he was in college, he’d been unable to get away. School didn’t come easy to Cole and he’d had to spend every hour studying.
“Yeah, maybe if I had I might not be such a Grinch.” He smiled, hoping to lighten the somber mood.
It worked. Lucy’s lips curved up. “When I’m finished with you, you’ll be like Buddy the Elf, spreading Christmas cheer for all to hear.”
He shook his head and laughed. “I wouldn’t have a clue what you’re talking about if Uncle Will and Beverly hadn’t made me watch that movie last night.”
“Cole, please don’t tell me you’ve never watched any Christmas shows?”
“All right. I won’t tell you.” He opened the car door for her.
She groaned and climbed into the passenger seat. “I guess we better add a movie night to our agenda.”
“If you insist,” he said, suddenly liking the idea of snuggling up with her in a darkened room. “Just name the night and I’ll be there.”
The trip to Dove’s was quick with Lucy reciting a long list of her favorite Christmas shows so he could make an informed choice. Once inside the crowded store, they found a sturdy looking tree stand and added it to the cart. Then they picked out colored lights for the tree, white lights for the outside of the house, and a variety of Christmas ornaments, as well as a star for the top of the tree.
Cole insisted on paying for the whole thing, even though Lucy wasn’t happy about it. But when he told her his Uncle Will had contributed a thousand dollars to help the little family, she finally relented. She didn’t need to know that money was going directly to Allie Parker.
As they drove to the tree farm, Lucy told him about her visit with Pastor John. “Nobody seems to know anything about the Parkers. Pastor John and his wife plan to go over there this evening to introduce themselves and to welcome Allie and her children to Snow Valley. He said he’d assess the situation and get back with me tomorrow.”
“Sounds good. What about your mom? Is she onboard with getting the kids wish list for Christmas?”
“Yeah, she and Lance’s mom are going over there before five. They’re going to bring her dinner, as well as a welcome basket.”
Cole tamped down the slight irritation he felt at hearing Lance’s name. It was irrational since he knew Lucy didn’t return the guy’s feelings, but it bothered him knowing how close the two families were.
Maybe he should meet Lucy’s mother. She couldn’t be that bad. Heck, he knew his own mother would never take dinner to a new neighbor, especially someone who didn’t come close to her social status.
“That’s really nice of your mom. I’m looking forward to meeting her.”
Lucy didn’t say anything, and Cole glanced over to find her watching him. “What?” he asked, returning his attention to the road.
“After all the warnings I’ve given you about my mother, why do you still want to meet her?”
She had a point. Why was it every time he got around this girl all his convictions about avoiding relationships disappeared?
While he thought of a good answer, he turned on his blinker and prepared to turn into the tree farm. He took a quick look and found her still studying him, waiting for his response.
“Well, I am going to be her new doctor.”
She shrugged. “That’s true.”
Cole decided to leave it at that. Turning back, he saw the road was clear, and made a left turn onto a winding street that led them to Bennett’s Tree Farm. Several vehicles sat in the snowplowed parking area. He parked alongside a Suburban, which was the only car there without the Bennett logo on it.
Cole left the SUV running while they changed into their winter gear. Once they were bundled up, he cut the engine and exited the car. Lucy climbed out of the car before he could get the door. She looked cute with a blue beanie that brought out the color of her eyes.
A lumberjack-looking guy came out of the little office. “Howdy, folks. You all here for a Christmas tree?”
“We sure are,” Lucy said with enthusiasm.
“You ever done this before?” he asked, looking directly at Cole.
“No, but I’m with an expert.”
The guy eyed both Cole and Lucy skeptically. “I’ll go over the basics.” He walked over to a pegboard with several crosscut saws hanging on it and removed a newer looking one. “By the way, did you all want to rent a 4-Wheeler or a you planning on hoofing it?”
“We can walk,” Lucy said.
“Are you sure?” Cole asked, spotting the row of recreational vehicles. “I think it would be fun to dri
ve one of those, plus it would save us time.”
Lucy pursed her lips and glanced toward the quads. “It’s not really necessary is it?” she said, her gaze swinging back to Cole.
“Oh, come on,” Lumberjack guy said. “Let your husband have some fun.”
Lucy’s eyes widened. Before she could correct the guy, Cole put his arm around her shoulders. “Yeah, honey. Listen to the man.” He gave her shoulders a little squeeze. “Let’s take the quad.”
The corners of her mouth lifted slightly, like she was trying not to smile. “What ever you say, dear,” Lucy said sweetly. “But I get a turn driving.”
The man snorted a laugh. “You two can work out who goes first.” He quickly explained the proper and safe way to cut a tree down and then had Cole fill out some paperwork for the 4-Wheeler rental.
“You ever drive one of these before?” the man asked, handing Cole a key.
“Yeah. I lived in Minnesota for a few years and when the streets weren’t passable I’d take my quad to work.”
“Good enough.” He tipped his head toward Lucy. “I assume your wife also has experience?”
“Yes,” Lucy said. She looked up at Cole and patted him on the chest. “But if I have any questions I’ve got this big guy to help me out.”
Cole laughed, but his gut tightened with a mixture of emotions. Although he and Lucy were having fun pulling off the married charade, the idea of being her husband actually appealed to him.
“Okay.” The man opened one of the side boxes on the quad and secured the saw as well as some twine. “Just drag the tree back here and me or my son will put it on the shaker to get off all the snow and any other critters that might have taken up residence.”
“Like squirrels?” Cole asked, thinking that might be a harsh evacuation.
Both Lucy and the man laughed so hard, Cole felt his face flush with embarrassment. It wasn’t that funny.
Finally, Lucy composed herself enough to answer. “The machine gets rid of dead needles or any bugs or spiders living on the tree.”
“Too bad we can’t shake it before we cut it down. I hate spiders,” Cole said, as he climbed onto the seat of the rented ATV.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ve never once seen a spider in any of our trees.” Lucy grinned. “And spiders don’t bother me so if you see one, I’ll take care of it for you.”
Still smiling, she took her seat behind him. Cole started the engine and looked at her over his shoulder. “Ready?”
She nodded her head. “Don’t go too fast, okay?”
He felt a twinge of disappointment. Going fast was fun, plus it meant Lucy would hold on to him tightly. “I won’t.”
He started out, and followed the path made from the other 4-Wheelers. Lucy’s hands gripped the side of the ATV but when they hit a small bump, her arms wrapped around Cole’s middle. Lucky for him, the trail was bumpy most of the way so Lucy’s arms stayed securely around him.
After driving for about five minutes, they came to an area where Cole could see several fresh tree cuts. Lucy pressed close and spoke in his ear. “This looks like a good place to stop.”
Bringing the machine to a stop, Cole cut the engine and waited for Lucy to climb off first. He stood up, pocketed the key and jumped down. Right away he noticed without her warm body next to his the air seemed a little nippy. He glanced around at the trees, and spotted a beautiful tree.
“What about this one?” he said, walking over to the large tree.
Lucy came up beside him. “It’s beautiful all right, but we can’t choose the first tree we find.”
He laughed. “Why not?”
She started walking toward another cluster of trees. “Because it will ruin the experience. We need to each find one and then argue their good points.”
“I take it you and your brothers get into a healthy debate about which tree is better?” he said, moving in her direction.
“Sure, it’s all part of the experience.”
Cole chuckled and followed her around as she inspected several pines before choosing a tree that looked similar to his, but in his opinion not nearly as full.
“Now here is a beautiful tree,” Lucy said, circling around it. “Look how perfect and straight the top is. The other one kind of looked like it was leaning a little.”
“It did not.” Cole slowly walked around the tree until he stopped where Lucy stood. “And I say this tree is too skinny.”
“This tree is not skinny,” she protested. “It’s perfect.”
Cole shook his head, as he made one more pass around the tree. “No, my tree is much fuller. We can get some of the twine to measure both of them if you want me to prove my point.”
Suddenly, something cold and wet smacked Cole in the neck. He whipped around and narrowed his eyes at Lucy. “Did you just throw a snowball at me?”
“Maybe,” she said, barely holding back a laugh.
“Let me guess,” Cole said, wiping away the snow from his neck with his glove. “A snowball fight is all part of the experience too.”
She grinned and lifted one shoulder up. “One does what one has to do in order to be the winner.”
“Good to know.” Cole bent down and scooped up a handful of snow.
“Cole Taggart,” Lucy said, hiding behind her skinny tree. “Don’t you dare throw that at me.”
“One does what one has to do in order to be the winner,” he teased, forming the snow into a compact ball. He took a step forward and Lucy squealed.
“I was kidding. We never have a snowball fight.”
“You can’t keep changing the rules, Lucy.” Cole took another deliberate step toward her.
“I’m warning you, Cole, don’t come any closer.”
Closing in on her, Cole debated about where to aim the snowball. He’d either miss on purpose, or go for her legs. He didn’t even get the chance to choose either option. The next thing he knew Lucy pulled back on the tree and let it go, showering him with snow, most of which hit him in the face.
Lucy giggled as Cole gasped from the shock. He hadn’t seen that one coming.
“I can’t believe you just did that.” Cole dropped the snowball and used the back of his glove to wipe away the snow.
“I told you not to come any closer.”
She was still laughing when Cole lunged for her, grabbing her around the waist. Her laughter turned into shouts of protest. “Let go of me!”
She squirmed and managed to get away. Cole took off after her. He wasn’t sure what he was going to do with her once he caught her, but he was going to catch her.
The deep snow impeded her getaway, and Cole’s legs were longer. He caught her within a few seconds, but the momentum of their chase pulled them both down into the snow. Lucy ended up under him, and Cole shifted his weight so he didn’t crush her.
“Now,” he said, his breath a little ragged from the impromptu game of tag. “Let’s talk about which tree is better.”
Lucy’s face was only inches from his, and he felt her warm breath against his skin as she continued to giggle while at the same time accuse him of cheating.
“How did I cheat?”
“You’re taller than me. It wasn’t a fair race.”
He laughed. “Do you always change the rules to fit your needs?”
“My daddy calls it smart thinking.”
Cole was about to make a witty comeback when their gazes met and locked. She stilled beneath him, and he watched the color of her eyes deepen. His pulse surged, heat racing through him like a match to a dried-out Christmas tree.
“I told myself I wasn’t going to kiss you again,” he murmured.
“And what are you telling yourself now?” Her voice came out soft and breathy.
“That rules can always be altered.”
With that, he lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers. He didn’t rush the kiss, but took his time, enjoying the incredible sensations she evoked in him. The cold world around them disappeared, leaving them in a cocoon of wa
rmth and sunshine.
Lucy returned the kiss, her arms coming around his back, pulling him closer. Cole deepened the kiss, exploring her sweet mouth, tasting the candy cane lip gloss she’d put on earlier. He wasn’t sure how much time had passed when he heard the sound of giggling.
He and Lucy broke apart, and Cole looked up to find two teenage girls watching them from a few feet away.
“Are they hurt?” a deep voice asked.
One of the girls turned around and shook her head. “No, Dad. No one’s hurt.” This elicited more giggles from the two teenagers.
Aside from the fact they had an audience, it suddenly became apparent he and Lucy were lying in cold, wet snow. Cole jumped up and held out his hand to help Lucy stand.
“What’s our cover story?” Lucy whispered to Cole as she brushed snow from her pants.
“I don’t know. You’re better at this than me.”
A slightly overweight man came into view, dragging a tree behind him. His face was red, like he’d been running. Clearly, he thought Lucy and Cole had been injured, most likely thrown from the ATV.
“You folks okay?”
“Yes,” Lucy said with a laugh. “Sorry if we scared you. My husband is afraid of spiders, and when he saw one in the tree we’d picked out, he screamed like a little girl and took off running and tripped in the snow.”
That was her cover story? Cole shot her a disbelieving look, but kept his mouth clamped shut. He had absolutely no defense for that.
The girls snickered, while their father eyed Cole suspiciously. He either didn’t believe Cole was the type of man who screamed like a little girl when confronted by a spider, or he couldn’t believe Cole called himself a man and screamed like a little girl when confronted by a spider.
“Do you need me to cut the tree down for you?” the man asked.
Awesome. He didn’t think Cole was man enough.
“Oh, no thank you,” Lucy said, slipping her arm through Cole’s. “Facing his fears is all part of his therapy.”
Cole really hoped he didn’t end up being this family’s doctor. Hopefully they weren’t even from Snow Valley.
An Unexpected Kiss: A Christmas in Snow Valley Romance Page 8