Her shoulders tensed as she paced around her room, waiting for him to return her call. After twenty minutes had passed by, she started to think the worst. Was he sitting there trying to figure out a way to let her down gently?
Another ten minutes went by. Maybe the message didn’t go through. Maybe something weird had happened with the connection and he didn’t know he’d missed her call. When forty-five minutes went by with no response, she sank down on her bed, and rolled her shoulders back. If by chance he didn’t get the voicemail, a text message would be better than not doing anything.
Since it was still awkward typing with her finger, she repeated basically the same thing using her voice to text option. The process was tedious because her phone autocorrected a lot of her words so the message didn’t make any sense. It took her a while but finally the message was ready to be sent. Holding her breath, she tapped on the button to send it. She followed the progress of the little blue line at the top of the screen until the swooping sound indicated the text had gone through.
At least now she knew she’d tried. If he didn’t make a reply then she’d know it was too late.
Chapter Seventeen
Early Saturday morning, Cole woke to pounding on his bedroom door. He was exhausted after staying up late searching the Internet for a reputable IT company to digitize his medical practice. He should’ve just broken down and called Lucy to ask for her professor’s name, but he couldn’t do it. The more time he spent away from her, the more he wanted her. He knew if he talked to her again he’d probably blurt out how much he loved her, and beg her to stay.
In a few hours she’d be leaving Montana, and maybe then he’d get his life back on track.
Climbing out of bed, he crossed the room and opened the door.
“Hey there,” Uncle Will said cheerfully. “I just listened to my answering machine and the hospital found your phone. They’ve got it waiting for you in the ER.”
“That’s great.” Cole ran his hand through his hair. “I thought I was going to have to buy a new one today.”
“Bev is coming over in a few minutes to make homemade crepes. You’re welcome to join us.”
Cole thanked his uncle for the invite, but wanted to go to the hospital first. After doing a double shift in the ER Christmas Day, Cole had come home and slept for ten hours straight. When he woke up, he couldn’t find his phone. After searching his car and his room, he remembered he could log into his account and locate his phone through an app he’d downloaded.
It indicated it was at the hospital, but it also showed it only had nine percent of battery power left. He’d immediately gone over to the hospital to look. Using a personal phone of one of the nurse’s, he’d logged onto his account to activate the audible sound. He’d only gotten a message that said the sound was pending until the phone was connected to the Internet.
Taking a quick shower, Cole skipped shaving and made his way to the hospital. He couldn’t volunteer to do doubles anymore. It was too exhausting. At least his turn to take call for the ER wouldn’t come around again for seven weeks.
The hospital parking lot was pretty empty. He entered the double doors and made his way to the emergency department. It wasn’t fair. They weren’t very busy and only had a couple of patients on the white board.
“Hey, Dr. Taggart,” a nurse said. “They found your phone in the laundry.”
He smiled. “I hope they found it before it went through the wash and not after.”
“You’re in luck. Housekeeping said she found it when she was sorting the laundry.” The nurse handed him his phone.
“Thank you so much.” He glanced around. “I’m not gonna jinx you all, but next time I work here can it be a shift like this?”
They all laughed. It was taboo to mention how quiet the ER was. You were guaranteed to get slammed.
Returning to his Land Rover, Cole immediately plugged in his phone. He knew it would take a few minutes to get enough juice to power up. In the meantime, he drove past his house. Work wouldn’t resume until Monday. If he was lucky, the plumber would finish up before the New Year, and Cole could move in.
Tempted to drive by Lucy’s house, he turned around and headed back to his uncle’s. He didn’t know the exact time of her flight, but remembered her saying something about early afternoon. With the distance to the airport, and the time it took to get through security, she would be leaving soon.
Pulling into Will’s driveway, Cole powered up his phone. It showed he had a few missed calls, and one voicemail. There was also a text message from Lucy. He swiped his finger across the screen, and opened the text. The message was long, but not too far into it he realized what she was saying.
Letting out a loud whoop, he put the car in reverse and backed out. Lucy missed him, and wanted more. Even better, she wanted the job he’d offered her.
The drive there seemed to take forever, and he was careful not to speed. He’d already been pulled over once last week, and got off with a warning. He doubted his new doctor status would get him out of a second ticket. Besides that, it would take up too much time.
Finally, he pulled up in front of her house. Cutting the engine, he got out of the car and quickly made his way to her door. His adrenaline was ramped up so high his heart felt like it’d beat right out of his chest. He pushed the doorbell, and hoped just once Lucy would answer.
He was disappointed when her father pulled open the door. “Dr. Taggart, what are you doing here?” His voice had an edge to it that matched the hard look on his face.
“I’m sorry I stopped by so early, but I have to see Lucy.”
“It’s a little late for that,” Lamont said. “When you didn’t return her call or reply to her text, she cried herself to sleep.”
“But that’s why I’m here. I lost my phone at the hospital, and they just notified me they found it in Laundry. The second I read her text I came right over.”
Lamont blew out a big breath, shaking his head. “I tried telling her something like that might have happened, and she should just go by Doc Taggart’s, but she was too upset to listen.”
“I’m so sorry. Please let me talk to her.”
“She’s not here. Lila and I are taking the boys skiing so Lucy rented a car yesterday and left about an hour and a half ago.” He glanced at his watch. “Her plane leaves around noon. If you leave right now, you should be able to make it there in time.”
“All right.” He took a step backward and pulled out his phone. “I’ll try calling her, but if she happens to call you, please tell her not to get on the plane.”
“Lamont, who’s at the door,” Lila said, coming up to stand next to her husband.
“It’s Lucy’s doctor, and he’s going after her.”
“Oh thank heavens,” Lila said, putting a hand over her heart. “Now Lamont won’t have to go to prison for shooting you.”
Cole stumbled on one of the stairs, and glanced at Lucy’s father. Lamont grinned, and waved his hand. “I was kidding. Now hurry up.”
Turning around, Cole ran to his car and climbed inside. Lucy’s dad might be kidding, but he made a mental note to never get on his bad side.
All the way to Billings, Cole tried calling Lucy. Her phone immediately rolled over to voicemail, like it wasn’t even on. He left several messages, explaining why had hadn’t returned her call. He also begged her not to get on the plane.
About a mile before taking the airport exit, Cole saw the flashing blue lights come up behind him. Shoot. He looked down at the speedometer and groaned. He was going ninety miles an hour.
Slowing down, he pulled over into the emergency lane. When he came to a stop, he grabbed his wallet and pulled his license out. Leaning across the seat, he opened the glove box and found the registration.
Hoping his preparedness would buy him some points, he rolled his window down as the state trooper approached the driver’s side.
“I’m sorry, officer. I have a very good reason for going so fast.”
“License and registration, please,” he said, ignoring Cole’s confession.
Cole handed him his license and paperwork. “If you’re going to give me a ticket, can you make it fast? The woman I love is boarding a plane in thirty minutes.”
Once again, the trooper ignored Cole. “I’ll be back in just a minute.”
Fifteen minutes later, the trooper knocked on Cole’s window. “I clocked you going ninety-two in a sixty-five zone. The woman you love isn’t gonna be too happy if you get yourself killed, and take someone with you.” He handed Cole his license and registration. Then he gave Cole a handheld computer for him to sign.
“Slow down,” he said, once Cole was finished.
“I will,” Cole said.
He waited until the trooper was back inside his vehicle before he dared pull away. Going exactly the speed limit, Cole took the exit and groaned when he saw the posted speed limit had dropped to forty-five. Using his Bluetooth, he tried calling Lucy again, but still got no answer. By the time he finally made it to the airport parking garage, it was five minutes past noon.
Running inside, he found the monitor and located the right flight. The flashing words made his stomach sink. Departed. He couldn’t believe he had missed her. He stared at the monitor, wishing the status would change. He knew it wouldn’t, and needed to come up with another plan. He wasn’t going to let Lucy go that easily.
People congregated around the monitors, and encroached on his space so he couldn’t concentrate. Moving to a secluded alcove, Cole pulled out his phone. He swiped his finger over the screen to open his travel app, and typed in the information. Impatiently, he waited for the results to load.
A tap on his shoulder startled him and Cole turned around, half-expecting to see the state trooper. A smile spread across his face as Lucy stepped near enough for him to catch the scent of her perfume.
“Um, hi,” she said, sliding her arms around his neck. “I’m Lucy, and I need you to kiss me. Right now.”
Bringing his hands to rest on her lower back, he pulled her to him, and lowered his head until their mouths were so close their breath mingled. “I’d be crazy not to,” he murmured before covering her lips with his. Unlike his mad-dash to the airport, Cole was in no hurry, and savored the slow caress of her soft lips.
Gradually, the need for more of her increased, and he deepened the kiss. Lucy rose up on her toes and, returned his kiss with an urgency that ignited all the feelings he’d kept bottled-up. Indescribable happiness filled him, making him complete.
After a while, the kisses softened and Cole reluctantly drew back. “I love you, Lucy.”
Her kissable mouth curved up. “I love you too.”
“I was so miserable without you.” Cole gently pressed his forehead against hers. “I know I have a heart, Lucy, because it broke when I thought I’d lost you.”
“Mine too.”
“I wish we could have a do-over for Christmas. I wouldn’t work, but spend every second with you.”
She tipped her face up so their eyes met. An adorable smile appeared on her lips. “Did you know I sent Santa a letter and asked if I could be on his naughty list?”
Cole smiled. “And why is that?”
“Because…” She nestled close. “All I want for Christmas is Cole.”
Laughing, Cole kissed her again. And just like the Grinch, he felt his heart grow three sizes that day.
This book is also available, along with 5 other Christmas romances, in the Christmas in Snow Valley anthology.
--> Christmas in Snow Valley
Check out the first chapter of the next book in the anthology on the next page.
Feels Like
Love
A Snow Valley Romance
By
Jeanette Lewis
Chapter 1
“How many weddings are we planning to have?” April’s fiancé Scott cast a horrified look at the stack of bridal magazines in her arms.
“Shush,” April said, giving him her best withering stare. “I like to be prepared.” She fumbled for the handle of the car door and lost her grip on the slippery pile. Two dozen magazines hit the ground with a splat.
Scott sighed and began gathering them up. “You know, there’s this wonderful thing called the Internet. I’ve heard there are all sorts of pictures and articles and information. You can find anything you want and save a few trees in the process.”
“I won’t have internet during the whole drive,” April pointed out, “and this is the perfect chance to get something done.” She opened the door of the red BMW and slid into the passenger seat.
“Whatever you say, sweetheart,” Scott smiled. He deposited the magazines, now neatly stacked, onto her lap and shut the door.
April wiggled her left hand so the diamond on her finger sparkled in the morning sunlight. They had been engaged for almost five weeks and this was their first road trip. True, it was just going home to Snow Valley, Montana to spend Christmas with her family, but after the stress of finals, it would be nice to get away and have Scott all to herself.
Well, sort of. He still had to work on his graduate project, but not the whole time. Hopefully.
“All set?” Scott climbed in and turned to her.
April pushed her blonde curls away from her face and wrinkled her brow thoughtfully. “Let’s see … suitcase, backpack, computer, phones … did you remember your phone charger?”
“Phone charger, check,” Scott replied.
“What about the presents?” April whipped around to take inventory of the wrapped gifts piled in the backseat. “Did we get them all?”
“April, relax. We have everything and if by chance we’ve forgotten something, there are stores in Snow Valley, right?” Scott was a city boy from Denver and constantly teased her about her small town roots.
“Duh,” April rolled her eyes. “It’s not like we’re going to the outback or anything.”
“I dunno. From the way you make it sound, I’ve been wondering if I’ll have to churn my own butter.”
“Stop it,” she threw him a playful smile. “You might have to knit your own sweater, but we would never make you churn butter.”
He leaned over to kiss her. “I guess it’s a good thing I already packed two sweaters then.”
For the first part of the drive, Scott listened to talk radio while April thumbed through her magazines, marking pages that caught her notice.
“I thought the point was to narrow down your options,” Scott said, glancing at the forest of sticky tabs bristling from between the pages.
“I know, but I can’t decide. Do I want the bridesmaids to wear the same dress or different dresses, but in the same color? Or should they wear totally different dresses?” April started flipping through the top magazine. “I saw an article somewhere about how bridesmaids should be allowed to express themselves and shouldn’t wear cookie cutter dresses. But I think that can look so patchy.” She wrinkled her brow. “I want it to look like they all go together, but I don’t want them to look like a chorus line either. I don’t know … maybe they should be able to add their own touch. Except that it’s my wedding. What do you think?” she finished a little breathlessly.
Scott shook his head. “Honey, you do whatever you want. I truly do not care what the bridesmaids are wearing.”
“You should care; it’s your wedding too.” April drummed her fingers on the magazine stack. “Did I tell you I’m thinking of changing the colors?”
“Again?” he sighed.
“I know. But I remembered the carpet in the church is burgundy and will clash really badly with coral.”
“We haven’t decided on that church, yet,” Scott said with a slight hint of exasperation in his voice.
“But you promised to give it a chance, remember? It really is a neat building; I think you’ll like it.”
“Whether or not it’s neat isn’t the problem,” Scott replied. “The problem is asking people to travel all that way. Why can’t we pick someplace more con
venient?”
They had had this discussion many times. Scott may not have cared about bridesmaid dresses, but he did care about where they were married.
But April had never considered getting married anywhere but the Snow Valley Community Church. Pastor John was a fixture of her childhood and he always seemed to take a special interest in the young people of his congregation. Or maybe that was just April and her friends … after the Outhouse Incident, he seemed to decide they were in need of his direct supervision.
How many Sundays had she sat in the chapel and dreamed about walking down the aisle on her father’s arm, in the perfect white dress, to the perfect music, with her perfect groom standing at the front, tall and blonde, his brown eyes dancing …
April wrenched herself out of the daydream. Even if she did get married in Snow Valley, not everything would be the way she’d so often imagined.
She looked at Scott. His hazel eyes were hidden by sunglasses, but they could dance at her just as well as brown eyes. No, it wasn’t going to be as she’d dreamed, but sometimes dreams change.
“Are you all right?” Scott glanced over.
“Fine,” April gave him a smile. “Tired, I guess. I stayed up pretty late wrapping presents.”
He pressed a button on the steering wheel to turn the radio down. “We have a long drive ahead, why don’t you take a nap?”
“Don’t you want me to take a turn driving?”
“Not if you’re tired,” Scott said. “What if you wreck my car?”
April dropped the pile of bridal magazines onto the floor and twisted to reach her pillow from the backseat. “Wake me up when you need a break,” she said as she pushed the pillow up against the window and sank gratefully into its depths.
The crunch of the tires on gravel woke April and she sat up in time to see Scott pulling into a gas station.
An Unexpected Kiss: A Christmas in Snow Valley Romance Page 13