A Fool's Gold Christmas

by Susan Mallery

  “No.” Heidi glanced around, as if checking if they were alone, then she turned to Evie. “I shouldn’t say anything, but I’m just bursting with the news. Can you keep a secret?”

  Normally a statement like that would have had Evie backing out of the room. But Heidi didn’t look like the information was going to be scary or upsetting. Instead she was practically glowing with excitement.

  “Okay. Sure.”

  Heidi touched her arm and leaned close. “I’m pregnant,” she whispered. “I just got confirmation this morning.” Her fingers tightened slightly.

  Pregnant? Evie stared at her for a second, then hugged her. “Heidi, that’s so wonderful. Congratulations. Rafe doesn’t know, does he? He was way too calm for a guy finding out he’s going to be a father for the first time.”

  Heidi grinned. “No and you can’t tell him. I’m waiting until Christmas Eve, after the performance. I thought telling him then would be the perfect Christmas present.”

  “He’ll be thrilled,” she said. And scared. A baby. She thought of adorable Skye, whom she’d held earlier, and felt a small ache in her heart.

  “I’m just so happy,” Heidi told her. “We’ve talked about starting a family, but it wasn’t real to me before. Our child is going to grow up here, on the ranch. In Fool’s Gold. I feel so blessed.”

  Evie knew that Heidi had gone through a lot to end up where she was today. The blessings had been earned the hard way. But in the end, she’d had her happy ending. Evie wondered if anyone could find one or if they were reserved for a special few.

  Shane strolled into the kitchen, ending any chance to continue the conversation. Evie went outside. She saw Dante leading a very reluctant Athena toward the goat barn.

  “You have to go inside,” he told the animal. “It’s cold outside. You need to be warm.”

  Athena made a grumbling noise in her throat.

  “Fine,” Dante told her with a sigh. “Here.”

  He handed over a piece of carrot. The goat took it and then followed dutifully as he went inside.

  She thought about how Dante had been so patient with the children and how he’d teased her about her elf ears. As she’d known for a while, he was one of the good ones.

  He stepped out of the goat barn and carefully closed the door, then spotted her and waved. Moonlight touched his face, illuminated the handsome lines, while his broad shoulders cast a shadow on the frozen ground. She thought of the baby she’d held and the longing in her heart, and then she knew.

  She’d fallen in love with Dante.

  She wasn’t supposed to have given her heart. In fact, she would have sworn she was immune to that kind of thing. He’d made it clear he wasn’t interested in any kind of long-term relationship, that he didn’t do love or forever. He wouldn’t risk those kinds of feelings. She knew she’d never been in love before. Not really.

  So how had this happened? Was it because of everything else going on? Had she been so caught up in the performance and the town and fitting in that she’d forgotten to protect her heart? Or was it simply that Dante was the one? The one man in the world who was everything she’d ever wanted, and once she met him, falling had been inevitable?

  Either way, she was in love with him. A reality that both excited and terrified her. Because she had no idea what she was supposed to do now.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “I’m really more a dog person,” May said with a sigh. “I hope the cats couldn’t tell.”

  Evie put the last of the brushes and combs on the towel to dry. “You were very affectionate with the cats,” she told her mother. “I don’t think they had their feelings hurt.”

  May raised her eyebrows. “Are you mocking me?”

  “A little.”

  “I see.” She smiled. “Fine. I suppose it’s a silly thing to say. Worrying that the cats will know they’re not my favorite.”

  “Imagine how the fish feel.”

  They’d just spent an afternoon grooming pets for the upcoming adoption. The adoption was in two days. After that, it was a fast ten days until the performance. Then she could rest. But between then and now was enough work to keep fifteen elves busy.

  They collected their coats and walked outside. It was nearly five and already dark.

  May looked at her. “Don’t you have dance classes today? Did I make you cancel them?”

  “No. The school holiday programs are all today, so there weren’t any lessons scheduled. That’s why I asked if we could do the grooming today instead of tomorrow. Starting on Monday, we get access to the high school’s auditorium, and we all get to practice on the actual stage. That will be fun.”

  And cause for panic, she thought, wondering if she really could pull the show together in time. A problem for tomorrow, she told herself.

  “Want to get some dinner?” May asked, her voice suddenly tentative.

  Evie was tired and ready for a few hours of quiet, but somehow she found herself wanting to spend more time with her mother. After taking Dante’s advice and accepting her share of the responsibility for their continued estrangement, she found herself a little more open to the thought of family.

  “Sure,” she said.

  They discussed options and ended up deciding on Angelo’s for Italian food.

  They drove into town and found parking behind the restaurant. The whitewashed building had been draped in colored lights that glowed against the pale background. In the spring and summer, a big patio provided outdoor seating, but in the middle of winter, the tables and chairs had been put away. A Christmas tree took their place.

  They walked inside and were shown to a quiet booth by the front windows. After glancing over the menu, May looked at Evie.

  “Thanks for helping with the hayrides,” she said. “I think everyone had a good time.”

  “They did,” Evie agreed. “The kids loved having a chance to pet Priscilla.”

  “She’s very good with children. I think she’s happy, all settled with her new herd.”

  Evie wasn’t sure Priscilla would consider a pony and a pig much of a herd, but they were company.

  Their server appeared, and they each ordered a glass of wine and the house lasagna. For once Evie wasn’t going to sweat the calories. She’d been dancing a lot, and if she had to deal with an extra few pounds after Christmas, then just like much of America, she would make a resolution to lose weight.

  “Are you happy with your townhouse?” May asked.

  “It works for me,” Evie said. “The location is good. I can walk to work, which is kind of fun. I’m sure saving on gas.”

  May offered her a piece of bread from the basket, which Evie refused, then took one for herself. “You’re renting, aren’t you? I was wondering if you’d thought of maybe buying something.” Her mother picked up the small ceramic container of butter, then put it back down. She glanced at the table, then the bread, then back at Evie. “I would like to help with the down payment. If you plan to stay. In town, I mean.”

  Evie stared at her mother, confused about the entire conversation until she realized that May was nervous. About the offer and maybe the question of whether or not Evie was planning on staying in Fool’s Gold.

  As little as two weeks ago, Evie would have announced she was leaving as soon as she had a year’s worth of experience. That would have given her enough time to save enough money to relocate. But since talking to Dominique, she was less sure about her plans. Her boss’s suggestions for the business were exciting, and the idea of being a partner thrilled her. There was also the unexpected tug of family.

  The server appeared with their wine and their salads. Evie waited until she was gone, then drew in a breath.

  “I’m not sure what I’m going to do,” she admitted. “Whether I want to buy or not. But I appreciate your offer. It’s very generous.”

  Her mother studied her anxiously. “So you might be staying?”

  Evie smiled. “Yes. I think I might.”

  May relaxed against th
e back of the booth. “That’s good to hear. I had hoped you would like it here. Everyone is so welcoming. The town has an interesting history. You should get Annabelle to tell you about the women who first came here. They’re from the Máa-zib tribe. Very matriarchal. It’s fascinating.” May frowned. “Hmm, didn’t the Mayans predict the world is going to end soon? Sometime this year?”

  “If it is, it had better hurry,” Evie said, stabbing a piece of lettuce with her fork. “The year is nearly over. And if anyone is listening, I would really appreciate being able to get through The Dance of the Winter King before the world ends. My girls have worked hard and deserve their chance to shine.”

  May raised her wineglass. “We’ll toast the girls.”

  They sipped their wine. Evie gave in to temptation and took a piece of bread, then put a little butter on her plate. She’d just taken her first, amazingly delicious bite when her mother asked, “How are things going with Dante?”

  Fortunately Evie hadn’t started swallowing yet, so she was able to compose herself and not choke. But chewing and swallowing only took so long, and then she was still left with a question she didn’t know how to answer. Despite her tentative peace with her mother, she wasn’t ready to announce she’d fallen in love with a man who didn’t want to love her back.

  “We’re doing well,” she said instead. “He’s a good guy.”

  “So Rafe tells me. Although he does have a bit of a reputation with women.”

  “Dante made it clear from the start that he doesn’t do long-term relationships.” She couldn’t fault him for leading her on.

  “You’re all right with that?”

  “I wasn’t looking for a relationship at all,” she admitted. “This whole thing started with us getting each other through the holidays. Now it’s more than that. We like each other.” Which was the truth. After all, she did like him. She also loved him, but she wasn’t ready to talk about that yet.

  “Tell me about the other men in your life.”

  Evie wrinkled her nose. “There’s not much to tell. I’ve dated some good guys and some not-so-good guys, but I haven’t ever fallen in love. I guess I haven’t met the one.” Until now, she thought with a sigh. But why go there?

  Her mother nodded slowly, as if not surprised. “I’m responsible for that.”

  “Mom, I’m willing to put a lot on you, but I don’t think you get the blame for my sucky love life.”

  “You were afraid to find someone you could love because you didn’t want to be hurt again. Rejected. I would guess you’re afraid to love someone because you’re convinced he won’t love you back.”

  Evie opened her mouth, then closed it. May’s words had a ring of truth. “I have been afraid to give my heart,” she admitted slowly.

  May blinked several times, as if fighting tears. “I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t apologize. I picked the guys. Not you.”

  “But if I’d been there for you…” May held up her hand. “I’ll stop now. I want us to have a nice dinner. I’ve said what I wanted to say and apologized. You can think about it, and we’ll deal with it again another time. How’s that?”

  “I can live with that.”

  “Good.”

  They talked about the costumes for the performance. Evie had seen a few of them, although not all. They were scattered around town, being altered and redone by an assortment of volunteers.

  “I’m looking forward to comparing this year’s dances with what was done in previous years,” she said. “I asked Clay to record the whole thing for me.”

  “You know we’re all coming,” May said. “I’ve already bought my tickets.”

  “I hope you enjoy it.”

  “I will. When you were little, I loved to watch you dance.”

  Their server appeared with their entrées. When she’d left, May leaned toward Evie.

  “Why did you leave Juilliard? Do you mind telling me? I never understood your decision.”

  Evie shrugged. “I wasn’t good enough. After six months, I was called into the office and told I didn’t have the talent. I worked hard, but without the raw ability, I couldn’t achieve their standards. Rather than wait until they forced me to leave, I quit.”

  May’s eyes widened. “I can’t believe that. You’re a wonderful dancer.”

  “You’re not a professional. Trust me, I’m no Dominique Guérin.” She thought about being only a few weeks from her eighteenth birthday and knowing she was all alone in the world. She’d had nothing but a shattered dream and the blistered and callused feet of a dancer.

  “I wish you’d come home,” her mother whispered. “I wish I’d told you I wanted you to come home.”

  “Neither of us were ready then, Mom,” Evie said. “We needed time. I needed to grow up.”

  “I think I did, too. I missed so much. I’m such a fool.”

  “You’re a good person. You just got a little sideways.”

  “You’re being generous with me. I don’t deserve it.”

  “I think I get to decide that. Not you.”

  Evie waited for the anger to reemerge, but there was only lingering sadness and a growing sense of peace. Yes, May had made mistakes. She’d been thoughtless. But she’d also had stresses and responsibilities. Evie realized she could spend the rest of her life hating her mother. But to what end? She would only end up bitter and alone. May had acknowledged what she’d done wrong and tried to make amends. Wasn’t it better to forgive and take what was offered?

  “Is that lasagna?”

  Evie looked up and saw Clay standing by the table, his gaze on her plate. She sighed.

  “Is Charlie working?”

  “Uh-huh. Move over, kid.”

  She did as he asked, and he slid in next to her.

  “Hi, Mom,” he said as he reached for the bread with one hand and her fork with another. “You weren’t going to eat this, were you?”

  “Apparently not.”

  “Good. I’m starving. So what are you two talking about?”

  Evie flagged the server, knowing she would have to order another entrée if she expected to eat. Then she smiled at her mother and said, “Girl stuff. Just girl stuff.”

  * * *

  “HE DID NOT,” Charlie said as she dumped chocolate chips into a bowl.

  “I swear.” Evie made an X on her chest. She’d just told Charlie about Clay showing up at the restaurant and eating her dinner.

  “I’m going to have a serious talk with him,” Charlie promised. “He can’t do that.”

  “He misses you when you’re working,” Heidi said, stirring butter in a second bowl. Evie wasn’t sure, but thought she might be making peanut-butter cookies.

  Annabelle handed two eggs to Heidi. “She’s right. I mean I would have attacked him if he’d tried to take food from me, but he got lonely. Like a little puppy.”

  “A puppy who needs some training,” Charlie grumbled.

  Evie grinned.

  The four of them were in Shane and Annabelle’s new house, making Christmas cookies. Evie had gotten the call the previous evening for a Sunday afternoon bake-fest. Just the four “sisters,” Annabelle had said. While she had a million things she needed to be doing, she’d found herself saying she would be there.

  Now cooling racks overflowed with cookies. By the time these last batches were done, the sugar cookies would be room temperature and ready for frosting.

  “When I was a kid,” Heidi said, breaking the eggs over the bowl, “Christmas was a big deal. We had our extended, carnival family and planned out who would cook what. Someone took the turkey, someone else the potatoes and so on.”

  “My holidays were quiet,” Annabelle said. “When my parents were together, they were fighting, and after they were divorced, they traveled.” She smiled. “Don’t feel bad. I liked when they were gone. I spent the holidays with my friends, and their parents felt sorry for me, so they went out of their way to make me feel welcome. It was like being a visiting princess.”

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nbsp; “I liked the holidays,” Charlie told them. “Especially when my mom was away performing. Then it was my dad and me.”

  “So we’re all dysfunctional,” Evie said, keeping her tone light. “Except for Heidi.”

  “Yes, but not to worry.” Charlie grinned. “No one likes her.”

  “Cheap talk.” Heidi stirred the peanut butter into her cookie batter. “I know you all love me.”

  As far as Evie could tell, no one else knew about Heidi’s pregnancy. She really was keeping it a secret until Christmas Eve when she told Rafe. Evie wasn’t sure why she’d been Heidi’s confidant, but she had to admit she liked knowing about the tiny life growing inside of her sister-in-law.

  “What was Shane like when he was a kid?” Annabelle asked. “Any embarrassing stories you want to share? Something I can torture him with later?”

  “He was in a band,” Evie told her. “When we moved to L.A. For about six months.”

  “A band?” Annabelle leaned against the counter and sighed. “You’ve just given me the best gift ever. Did he sing?”

  “I think he played bass and maybe sang backup.”

  Charlie and Heidi both stared at her, their expressions expectant.

  “And?” Charlie prodded.

  Evie tried to remember what her brothers had done when they’d been younger. “Clay dressed up like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz one Halloween and Rafe crashed his best friend’s car the same day his friend got it as a gift.”

  Heidi’s eyes widened in horror.

  “It wasn’t a bad accident,” Evie added quickly. “Just a fender bender. Actually I think it was the fender that had to be replaced.”

  “Thank goodness,” Heidi said. “If it was serious, I couldn’t tease him about it.”

  “He was humiliated, not hurt,” Evie assured her.

  While they’d been talking, Charlie had finished mixing the chocolate chip cookies and was putting spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet. When she turned to put the trays into the oven, Annabelle picked up the spoon.

  “I’m not supposed to eat raw cookie dough, right?” she asked. “It’s the eggs.”

  Charlie pushed the cookie sheet onto the oven rack, closed the door and straightened, then grabbed the spoon from Annabelle’s hand.