A Bramble House Christmas (Carrigans of the Circle C Book 6)

by CJ Carmichael

  Willa took the brush and made quick work of smoothing out her son’s damp hair. “So—what do you think is going to happen?”

  Scout gave her a curious look.

  “Do you think you’re going to have some sort of adventure on Christmas and...help someone, somehow?” She felt lame asking the question and she could tell Scout agreed.

  “Mom, Santa isn’t real. He’s just a guy dressed up in a suit.”

  Willa knew she ought to be relieved her son didn’t have unrealistic hopes that would only be dashed. Yet she couldn’t help but wish he’d been able to hang onto the magic just a little bit longer.

  Finn had never spent a more action-packed December twenty-fourth. The morning began with an announcement from Eliza at breakfast.

  “Our runaway bride is getting married to Mitch Holden tonight. They’re having a candlelight service at six p.m. and Santa will be giving away the bride. Emma says you’re all invited.”

  “How scandalous,” Mable decreed. “Wasn’t it just a month ago that Scottish girl was all set to marry some other fellow?”

  “Best way to get over a broken heart is to find a new love.” Patricia patted Mike’s hand possessively.

  “It was love at first sight for Mitch,” Eliza said. “He’s a wonderful man and I’m sure the two of them will be very happy.”

  “I had a call from Sage this morning,” Willa said. “She’s going to be handing out chocolates at the wedding.”

  “Awesome! Can we go, Mom?”

  “Yes. And afterward, Sage has invited us to join their family for a chocolate fondue and gift exchange.”

  “Finn, too?”

  “Yup,” Finn was happy to confirm. “I’ll be there.”

  “Cool.” Scout took a drink of orange juice, then frowned. “But we still have time to go skating, right?”

  “We can go skating after lunch,” Willa promised. “As long as we’re home by four to get ready for the wedding.”

  “Why can’t we skate in the morning, too?”

  Finn shook his head ruefully, “I see we’ve created a monster.”

  Willa smiled at him, then answered her son. “Because I don’t want you to be exhausted tonight. Besides, we need to pick up a few extra Christmas gifts for the party at Sage’s.”

  “You don’t mean we’re going shopping?” The way Scout said the word, it sounded like torture.

  “Don’t you want to pick out a gift for Savannah and her little brother?”

  “I guess...”

  “It’s better to give than receive,” Mable commented. “Although children these days already own far too many toys if you ask me.”

  Finn wondered how many of them around the table had to bite their tongues from pointing out that, actually, no one had asked her. Judging from the expressions on Eliza’s and Marshall’s face, at least three, counting him.

  “What about you, Miss Brambles,” he asked. “What are you hoping for this Christmas?”

  The question caught Mable off guard, but she soon recovered and replied with her usual self-possession. “In my experience, it never matters what one hopes for. Scented soaps, books and chocolates are the de rigueur gifts once you reach a certain age.”

  Finn made a mental addition to his Christmas shopping list. He was going to have a very busy morning.

  At four o’clock that afternoon, Finn was relaxing by the fire in the sitting room with a cup of tea and his sketchbook. He was doodling when Kris Krinkles, hair and beard damp, dressed in a pair of gray sweats, came downstairs. Finn did a double take, then sat upright. This was the first time he’d actually encountered the gentleman Eliza and Marshall kept insisting was staying in the Red room.

  “Good afternoon, Finn.” Kris surveyed the room, gaze stopping at the sideboard. “Ah! Coffee! Just what I need. It’s going to be a long night.”

  “I guess so,” Finn agreed, amused by the man and how well he acted his role, even when off-duty.

  “That fire looks cozy. Mind if I join you?”

  “Please do.”

  Kris sank his extra-large sized body into the sofa and gave a satisfied sigh. “Oh yes, this is perfect.” He glanced at the sketchbook. “You’re a talented man. I must say the Everyday Sam books are one of my most popular items.”

  Finn grinned. “Glad to hear it.”

  “I know the latest book is on Scout Fairchild’s list. But I’m a bit concerned about that boy. He’s very young not to believe in Santa Claus.”

  Finn grew serious. “He’s had to grow up fast in many ways.”

  “Yes. That leukemia was a terrible business.”

  “I thought I was the only one who knew—” Finn shook his head. “Never mind. I suppose you have your sources.”

  “Indeed I do. I also have an idea for how we can make that young man’s Christmas extraordinary this year. But I’m going to need your help.”

  “How so?”

  When Kris explained what he needed, Finn shook his head. “Scout’s mother is very protective.”

  “But if anyone can convince her, you can.”

  “Maybe.” He wasn’t so sure anyone on earth had that much power.

  “You’ll find a way.” Kris finished his coffee with a satisfied “ah.”

  “I’ll try.”

  “Good. I’d better get upstairs now. It takes a while for me to get dressed, especially on Christmas Eve. Every detail has to be just so.”

  Before leaving the room Kris planted his hand on Finn’s shoulder and glanced down at his sketchbook.

  Finn had been working on a drawing of Willa, the way she’d looked that morning when he’d stolen a kiss under the mistletoe at the gift shop.

  “Lovely woman,” Kris said. “After all she’s been through, I’d sure hate to see her get hurt again.”

  Finn swallowed hard. “What makes you say that?”

  Kris didn’t answer. But he looked at Finn like he could see straight through him.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Willa was relieved when Scout fell asleep shortly after they returned to their room at the B&B. He’d been going nonstop all day and it was going to be a late night, too. While he got some much needed rest, she used the time to wrap the presents they’d purchased that morning.

  Then it was time to get dressed for the evening. She put on an ivory-colored silk blouse and a long, black skirt that made her feel very elegant, especially once she put her hair up and added sparkling drop earrings.

  When Scout woke up he was a little grouchy, but after eating the sandwich and bowl of soup Willa had snagged from the kitchen, he perked up a little.

  “When you’ve finished your milk would you please get dressed, son?” She indicated the button-up shirt, nice pants and sweater she’d set out for him.

  “Why do we have to dress so fancy?”

  “Because we’re going to church. And a wedding.”

  He perked up a little, no doubt remembering the promised chocolates Sage was going to be handing out.

  Willa put the gifts she’d purchased for Sage, Dawson, Savannah and Braden into a big shopping bag. “Ready to go?” Finn had texted her ten minutes earlier saying he would wait for them downstairs.

  On the landing Scout paused by the door to the Red room. “Do you think Kris Krinkles is in there?”

  “I bet he’s at the church already.”

  Scout galloped down the stairs, then skidded to a stop when he encountered Eliza, carrying a platter of cookies still warm from the oven.

  “Santa made one final batch this afternoon,” Eliza said. “I believe these are the best yet. He made me promise that you would eat one of these tonight.”

  Scout looked at his mother, and Willa nodded. She’d already decided that for the next two days she wouldn’t worry about the amount of sugar her son consumed.

  After his first bite, Scout said, “Wow! Can I have another?”

  “You haven’t even finished that one.” Her son was so hyped up, Willa was worried he would end up crashing before the even
ing was over. “Besides we have to get going. I don’t want to be late for the wedding.”

  Finn appeared then, already in his jacket and carrying their coats. His warm smile felt like it was meant for her alone.

  “Looks like you’re ready to head out the door,” Eliza said. “Marshall and I will meet you at the church.”

  “Aunt Mable, too?” Willa asked.

  “Heavens no. We’re having a late dinner together at eight, once ‘all the fuss,’ as she puts it, is over.”

  Outside it seemed the whole of Bramble Lane was lit up. Twinkling lights guided them as they walked to the church off Court Street. Willa realized she was growing used to the cold, winter air. In fact, she was starting to like it.

  Part way there, Finn took her hand, and they fell into step together with Scout scampering ahead, fueled by his nap, his dinner and the sugary cookie.

  The chorus from her favorite Christmas carol popped into her head. Tidings of comfort and joy. Those words described perfectly how she felt right now, a delicious combination of feeling safe and cared for, as well as incredibly happy.

  There was an excellent turnout at the church, and the candlelit service was beautiful.

  As she watched the bride and groom exchange their vows, Willa said a prayer for them and another for Greg Conrad. She wished he could know how much he’d done for her.

  The ring and the money were the least of it. If he hadn’t booked them into the B&B she never would have come to Marietta. This town was far removed from her and Scout’s regular life, yet so many of the people and their traditions had touched her heart. Not the least of whom was Finn.

  She caught him looking at her frequently throughout the service. The one and only time they’d discussed marriage he’d been vehemently opposed to it. She was pretty sure his feelings had undergone a dramatic shift since then, though. He seemed genuinely moved as the couple exchanged their vows.

  Was he imagining the two of them getting married one day?

  She certainly was.

  Her feelings for him were growing stronger and stronger with each day. Tonight she planned to tell him she and Scout would be happy to accept his invitation to spend New Year’s Eve with him in Boulder. She was excited to see Finn’s home and learn as much as she could about the man she was falling in love with.

  When the service was over, they filed out of the church. Scout was overjoyed when Sage gave him, not just one, but two of her delicious truffles.

  “That was one of the nicest weddings I’ve ever been to,” Finn commented.

  “The candlelit service was lovely,” Willa agreed. “And the bride and groom looked over the moon with happiness.”

  “I liked when Santa walked down the aisle,” Scout said. “He gave a special wink, just for me.”

  Willa had eaten modestly all day, saving room for Sage’s chocolate fondue. There were eight of them seated around Sage and Dawson’s dining room table, including Patricia and Mike. The baby, of course, was too young to participate, so Dawson held him on his knee so he could keep an eye on the proceedings.

  The aroma of melted chocolate was intoxicating. Every person at the table was given their own small pot of it, as well as a generous portion of cut-up apples, bananas, strawberries and shortbread cookies for dunking.

  “Merry Christmas everyone,” Sage announced. “Please dig in and let me know if you’d like more. There’s never a shortage of chocolate in this house.”

  Willa stabbed a strawberry with her fork. Then dipped. The velvety combination of dark and milk varieties of chocolate had been heated to the perfect temperature so it clung in a thick layer to the fruit.

  She popped the whole thing into her mouth. Then sighed. Sublime. She chewed slowly, savoring the experience, not even realizing she’d closed her eyes until she opened them—and saw Finn watching her with a lazy, sexy smile.

  “Aren’t you going to take a taste?” she asked.

  “I’d love to,” he murmured. “But this is a family event.”

  She could feel her cheeks burning and not from the large fire burning in the adjoining family room. Finn was making his interest in her very obvious tonight. And she loved it. After the ceremony, he’d held her hand as they walked back to Bramble Road. Sage and Dawson’s home was several blocks from the B&B, a modest, but charming two-story.

  “How is it you ended up living so close to your Aunt Eliza?” Willa asked.

  “It was just a coincidence. I’d been in love with this house for years,” Sage said. “But I had to marry Dawson to get it.”

  “I was willing to get her using whatever means necessary.” Dawson went along with the joke. “Even if it meant buying her dream home from under her and using it as a bribe.”

  “I just hope you don’t feel too tied down, son.” Patricia was spending more time sipping her wine than enjoying the fondue. Perhaps she was watching her admittedly very trim figure.

  “Why would you say that?” Dawson sounded annoyed.

  “Not that long ago you were a carefree cowboy on the rodeo circuit. Now you’ve got a demanding full-time job as deputy, a house, a wife, and a brand new baby. That’s a lot of change for just two years.”

  “I worked hard to get these things, Mom. I was sick and tired of the rodeo life. Independence is a fine thing. But having people in your life who love you and need you is a hell of a lot better.”

  Willa glanced at Finn, and found him looking at her, too.

  “From where I sit,” Finn said, “Dawson is a lucky man.”

  Sage gave him a grateful smile, but Savannah was bored with the serious turn in the conversation. “When are we going to open presents?”

  “Have you had enough chocolate?” Sage countered.

  “No!” Savannah dipped a chunk of banana into the fondue, gobbled it down, then smiled. “Okay. Now I have.”

  They all moved to the family room, where dozens of colorfully wrapped gifts were piled under a Scotch pine tree bedazzled with lights, ornaments and garland. The room was warm thanks to the wood-burning fire, and Christmas carols played softly in the background, only rarely heard above the buzz of conversation.

  The idea was that everyone was to open one gift, and save the rest for tomorrow. The gifts were all fun, nothing extravagant. Both Savannah and Scout received small Lego sets from Jurassic World, which they happily assembled and began to play with.

  Willa was more than happy with her signature Copper Mountain Chocolate mug, filled with a bag of hot cocoa mix. The cocoa wouldn’t last long, but the mug would forever be a reminder of the wonderful friends she’d made in Marietta.

  “I wish you guys didn’t have to leave after Christmas,” Sage confessed when they were saying good-bye a few minutes before ten. Patricia and Mike were still in the family room. Since they wanted to watch the grandchildren open their stockings and gifts in the morning, they were sleeping over on the pull-out couch.

  “I’ve grown to love this town,” Willa confessed.

  “Me too!” Scout added. “Can we move here, Mom?”

  Because of his prolonged illness and all the school he’d missed, Scout didn’t have many friends in Phoenix. With the added bonus of snow and ice, Willa wasn’t surprised to hear his request.

  “According to the doctor who lives down the street from us, the hospital is currently looking to hire at least one nurse,” Sage said. “And yes, I confess, I did ask, on the outside chance you might be interested.”

  “Wow.” Willa felt more than a little overwhelmed.

  “You, too, Finn,” Sage added. “With your job you can work anywhere, right?”

  “That’s true. As long as I’m near a ski hill, I’m happy.”

  Willa shot him a questioning glance. Was he implying that he, too, would be willing to consider a move to Marietta? They had so much to discuss.

  But right now, she needed to get her son home to bed. He was so tired he was leaning against her the way he had as a toddler when he wanted her to carry him.

  Finn not
iced, and once they were outside he scooped Scout up onto his shoulders. It was only a short walk home, but the cold made Willa’s cheeks tingle. She looked up at the sky, but couldn’t see any stars.

  “I wonder if it’s going to snow.”

  “I hope so,” Scout mumbled sleepily. “I love snow.”

  At the B&B Finn carried her son up the stairs, delivering him straight to his little bed. He was practically asleep so Willa decided, just this once they would forgo brushing his teeth. Quickly she helped him change into his Christmas pajamas—dark green with a pattern of miniature dancing reindeer.

  By the time she drew his covers to his chin, he was fast asleep. “Merry Christmas my darling boy.” She kissed his forehead, then looked for Finn. He was sitting on a chair by the door, waiting for her.

  As she moved toward him, he rose and drew her into his arms. Without a word, he kissed her.

  So much need and desire had been building up between them, the kiss couldn’t possibly release it all. But being in his arms, feeling his lips on hers, was definitely a good start.

  When he asked if she would come to his room, she nodded.

  Until that moment, it hadn’t felt right. But it did now.

  Quietly they left Scout, sleeping soundly on his rollaway bed. In the hallway, Finn paused. “I need to ask you something first.”

  Now that they’d finally made the decision to sleep together, Willa was impatient. “What?”

  “I had a talk with Kris Krinkles tonight. He wants your permission to take Scout on an outing later tonight.”

  “Tonight?” she repeated, thinking she couldn’t be hearing correctly.

  “Yes. He wants to take Scout on an adventure. He has a dog sled lined up to deliver presents to the sick children at the local hospital.”

  Willa stared at him, stunned. “Why can’t they do this in the morning?”

  “Because the children have to get the presents before they wake up.”

  “But...” She blinked several times, wondering if she’d had too many glasses of wine tonight. “But Scout’s so tired. He needs a good night’s sleep. Besides, do any of us really know this Kris Krinkles?”