Romance: New Beginnings (Young Adult and Adult Romance, Christian Christmas Fiction book as a Love Story) (Second Chances Trilogy 3)

by Morris Fenris

  Sara’s head popped right between them, “I heard my name. Did she say ‘Yes’ yet?”

  “She was just about to give me an answer to the first question, but you interrupted us.”

  Sara murmured, “Sorry”, and then stared at Tori. “Well?”

  “Fine. I would love to take the job.”

  Sara smiled, “Great! We’ll talk details before you all head home.” Turning to Jackson, she nodded at Tori, “Ask her the second question.”

  Jackson gave an exasperated sigh and told her, “When I’m ready. Don’t you have a husband waiting for you somewhere and a bride to lead down the aisle?”

  “My, my you’re cranky.”

  Tori watched the two interact and then swallowed when Jackson turned the full weight of his stare on her. Moistening her lips, she asked softly, “What’s the second question?”

  Jackson looked to see if the wedding was about to start and then looked at her again. “You’ve seen that big old house I’m living in. It was built with a family in mind. I know you said we could be friends, but I think we could be much more than that.” Seeing she was about to speak, he laid a gentle finger over her lips, “Let me finish.”

  “I think you and Emily should move into the house with me. You can have the ground level, and I’ll stay in one of the upstairs rooms. It will give us a chance to get to know each other and give Emily a place to live.”

  “Are you asking me to move in with you?” Tori asked.

  “Yes, but not in the way you’re thinking. I’m asking you to become my roommate while we discover if we could ever be more than that. We could share expenses, and the cooking and such. We could work things out so that you and Emily were comfortable with the arrangement.”

  “Won’t the townspeople think poorly of us both if we were to live together without being married?” Tori asked, remembering all of the judgmental comments her mother had made during her formative years. She didn’t want to be on the receiving end of those types of statements.

  “Actually, Bill Mercer was the one who suggested it. As a trial basis, of course. He’s already planning to build some smaller homes just outside of town, but not until the clinic is finished. That means those houses wouldn’t be ready to move into until late Fall.”

  “Where will the other employees live then?” Tori asked, already thinking ahead and from a logistical standpoint, something would need to be done to provide temporary housing for others who moved to Castle Peaks.

  “Bill’s going to have some temporary trailers brought up from Butte once the snow melts. It won’t be the nicest accommodation, but it will do until the houses are completed.”

  “Mommy, I want to live in the house with the big tree fort in the backyard. Can we do that? For just a little while?”

  Tori started to answer him, but the music changed, indicating the wedding was about to begin. “We’ll have to talk about this some more.”

  Chapter 25

  “Okay Dani, do it just like we practiced. Step. Together. Flowers. Step. Together. Flowers.” Sara told the darling little girl in front of her.

  Dani had begrudgingly agreed to forego the Princess attire for this afternoon’s event, and Sara hadn’t been able to stand the sad look on her face. She’d sent Trent back to the house and had him locate the green tiara amongst the costume jewelry and bring it to the church. She’d already discussed it with Jane, who’d readily agreed, that as long as Samuel didn’t have to wear it, Dani was welcome to.

  Dani smiled at her and whispered loudly, “I’s remember. And I can’t throw the flowers at the peoples, but I need to drop them on the ground.”

  Sara bit her lip, “That’s perfect, sweetie. Okay, go ahead.”

  Everyone turned and watched as Daniella began her trek down the aisle. She did an excellent job of walking slowly, smiling at the guests, and dropping the flowers onto the floor. Until she reached the halfway point that is. Several of the older ladies had been whispering loudly about how adorable she was, and Daniella had decided to play it to the hilt. Instead of walking sedately now, she was twirling and curtsying, every other step, much to the amusement of everyone in attendance. Even Gracie was trying not to laugh, but losing the battle.

  When she reached the front, she was supposed to have a seat on the front pew next to her mother and Michael. True to form, Daniella decided to hold court instead. Gaining the front of the aisle, she curtsied to Samuel, who played along, bowed, and winked at her.

  She then turned to the waiting guests and regally inclined her head at both sides of the sanctuary, causing the entire congregation to erupt in laughter. Having no idea that she was the reason for the merriment, she then walked sedately over and sat down on the pew, folding her hands in her lap quietly.

  Sara and Jane were both laughing so hard, they had tears running down their faces. “I’m glad we used the waterproof mascara, or your wedding pictures would have a couple of raccoons in them.”

  Jane managed to control her laughter and then smiled, “I wouldn’t care. I’ve never seen one little girl control a crowd like that. She definitely needs to act on the stage.”

  “Either that or marry a Prince with a country to run,” Sara added, wondering when her niece was finally going to give up on the Princess routine. Hopefully no time soon! That was priceless!

  The children’s choir took their places and began the song that signaled it was time for Sara to walk down the aisle. As Trent was Samuel’s best man, Sara had a chance to reminisce about her own wedding. She watched Trent as she walked towards him, unconsciously placing a hand over the new life that was growing inside of her.

  She didn’t see the knowing looks that passed between the guests, or the smiles that were directed at her as she passed by them. She had eyes only for her husband. Gaining the front of the church, she too decided to deviate from the prescribed program and approached Trent with a small smile upon her face.

  “I am so glad I married you,” she whispered to him as he leaned down to greet her with a kiss.

  “I love you, Sara.” Trent’s eyes were shining with love and as he gently touched her cheeks, couples throughout the congregation held onto each other’s hands, letting each other know how they felt without words.

  Sara kissed him one more time and then headed to take her place at the left of the altar. When she glanced back and saw Jane watching her in bemusement, she shrugged and giggled.

  The children’s choir finished their song and the organist began to play the traditional wedding march. The congregation stood and Jane began her walk down the aisle. Samuel moved to stand in the middle, so that she walked straight towards him.

  He was so handsome, it took her breath away. She let her eyes move over his face, trying to record every nuance of this moment, to be pulled out and viewed at a later date and time.

  Samuel watched Jane walk towards him with a smile meant only for him. Her dress was absolutely stunning. A soft peach color, it fell in soft waves around her body, with a hem that was shorter in the front, and then elongated in the back until it hit the floor and created a train behind her.

  She’d declined wearing a veil, wanting nothing between her and Samuel when she arrived at the altar. Samuel was the fulfillment of her dreams. Her saving grace and the reason she had so much joy in her life.

  Samuel took her hand when she reached him and then turned her to face Pastor Jameson. Trent’s parents had been unable to return in time for the wedding, but had sent their fondest wishes for her happiness, and had promised to stop in California before returning home. Several men in the community had offered to give Jane away, but she’d declined them all saying, “No one is giving me away. I am freely giving myself to Samuel.”

  Pastor Jameson looked at the couple before him with a smile and then back out at the audience, “We are gathered together today, to witness the union of Samuel Drackett to Jane Trowler. Marriage is…”

  Chapter 26

  Jane listened to Pastor Jameson go through his “What Marri
age Is” speech, but her mind was on the future. Samuel hadn’t told her where they were going for their honeymoon, and he hadn’t let her pack. Gracie had packed her suitcase for the honeymoon, per Samuel’s instructions, and she had absolutely no idea where they were headed.

  “Are you listening, or daydreaming?” he whispered softly to her.

  Jane glanced up at him and smiled, “A little of both.”

  “Jane, do you take Samuel as your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, from this day forward, in sickness and in health, until in death you shall part?”

  Jane met Samuel’s eyes and nodded, “I do.”

  “Samuel, do you take Jane to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love and protect, to cherish and support, not matter what may come, from here into eternity?”

  Samuel watched Jane’s eyes as she listened to the words, “I do.” He had written his own vows, wanting to make sure she understood exactly what she meant to him. He saw the tears make her eyes shine and whispered to her, “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

  “That was beautiful.”

  Pastor Jameson could tell the couple needed just a moment so he paused to retrieve the rings from Trent and Sara. Once he held them in his hand, he continued the ceremony, pleased to see that Jane had pulled herself back together.

  Pastor Jameson prayed over the rings and then watched as they placed the rings upon each other’s finger, repeating the words, “With this ring, I thee wed.”

  “…you may now kiss the bride,” was the last thing Jane heard before Samuel swept her into his arms and proceeded to kiss her senseless. When Pastor Jameson coughed behind them, Samuel finally let her up, to the applause of the congregation.

  Not to be outdone, Daniella immediately presented herself in front of Samuel and demanded to be lifted up, “My turn.”

  Samuel laughed, but picked her up and kissed her on the tip of her nose before handing her off to a blushing Grace.

  Taking Jane’s hand, he led her down the aisle and then pulled her around the corner for a moment of privacy. “Jane, I love you.”

  “I love you too. Thank you for making my dreams come true.”

  Samuel leaned down and kissed her once more. As they broke apart, Trent and Sara were there, urging them to get in place for the receiving line. It was decided that after they had greeted their guests, Samuel would slip Jane out the back door and they would head towards the cabin. Trent and Sara would play host and hostess during the reception in their stead.

  Fifty minutes later, the last guest had wished them well and Samuel pushed Jane in Sara’s direction, “Go with her.”

  “Go where?” Jane asked.

  “Come on. Where doesn’t matter. It’s with whom that does.” Sara led her back to the bride’s room where Grace had her suitcase open and was pulling out jeans, a warm sweater, her mittens, scarf and gloves. Her winter coat lay draped over a chair, and her snow boots stood beneath it.

  “I guess I’m not heading for a beach,” she commented to the two women.

  “No. Not the beach. Come on, we need to get you changed.”

  Ten minutes later, a much warmly dressed Jane was directed to find Samuel by the back door of the chapel. “Hey,” she called to him, seeing that he too had changed into winter clothing.

  “Hey, my beautiful wife. Are you ready to get out of here?”

  “I think so. Where are we going?”

  “Wait and see. Now, close your eyes,” he urged.

  Jane complied and put her trust in his direction. She felt when they stepped outside, the cold wind biting her cheeks and making her shiver. “Okay, you can open them now.”

  Jane opened her eyes and then gasped. A horse-drawn sleigh stood waiting on them, complete with a driver and warm blankets to snuggle under. “Samuel, it’s gorgeous.”

  “I’m glad you like it. Let’s go. Those blankets looked nice and warm.” Samuel handed her up into the sleigh and then arranged several of the warm blankets around them both. When she naturally snuggled up against his chest, he didn’t think his world could get much better.

  *****

  Trent and Sara greeted everyone at the reception, letting them know that the bride and groom wished them all well, and hoped to see them the next time they were in town. There were a few disappointed people, but for the most part, they completely understood the couple’s desire to be alone.

  Word started to spread through the reception hall that Sara was expecting, and Trent found himself making an announcement to that effect in place of the traditional groomsman’s toast. The gathered townsfolk were elated and it provided yet another reason to celebrate.

  Jackson steered Tori to an empty table, having assigned Emily to a table full of other kids her age who lived in town. After grabbing them two plates of cake and some punch, he leveled her with a stare and boldly asked, “Would you consider sharing my house and seeing if we have anything other than friendship?”

  Tori had thought of nothing else since he’d asked. During the beginning part of the ceremony, when Sara had walked down and kissed Trent so sweetly, she’d felt tears come to her eyes.

  Somehow, Jackson had picked up on the emotion, and had taken her hand in his, keeping it clasped between them the remainder of the ceremony. Just having his holding her hand had given her a peace that had been missing for years. She hadn’t felt alone or inadequate. She’d felt a part of something and that wasn’t a feeling she wanted to let go of.

  Tori looked at him, “What if we find we just don’t get along with each other?”

  “I’ve already thought of that. Bill offered me a room in his house if things become too weird or too uncomfortable. I think the secret to making this work is communication. We need to talk to each other.”

  “And what do we tell Emily?”

  “The truth. That we’re going to be roommates and share that big old house for a while. If friendship turns into something else; then we’ll tell her that when the time comes.”

  “You have this all figured out, haven’t you?” Tori asked.

  “I’ve thought of nothing else since you said “Goodbye” to me two weeks ago.”

  Tori thought back to that morning and blushed. Jackson had stopped by the house to tell them both “Goodbye” before he headed out. In a rash moment, Tori had flung herself into his arms and hugged him tight. The hug had led to a kiss of monumental proportions, leaving them both breathless and speechless.

  Since that kiss, neither of them had mentioned it. They had spent hours on the phone talking, but the kiss had remained a non-subject. It appeared that pretending it hadn’t occurred, was not the same thing as actually making it disappear.

  “So what are you saying?” Tori asked.

  “I’m saying that I want more than friendship with you, but I’ll settle for whatever you feel you can give me right now. If friendship is all you can handle, then that’s where we’ll start. But I warn you, I am going to do everything in my power to change your mind.”

  Tori wanted him to change her mind. “So how…I mean…”

  “How would we go about this?” When she nodded, he pulled out the second part of his plan, “Tori, I want to take you on a date.”

  “A date? But I thought…”

  “A date. Just because we’re going to be sharing a house, doesn’t mean we can’t have a normal relationship. When you get settled in, I want to take you out on a date. We’ll get Trent and Sara to watch Emily, and go to dinner or see a movie. Just the two of us.”

  Tori swallowed, “You know I’ve never done any of this?”

  “All the more reason for me to make sure you don’t miss a thing. So what do you say, will you go out with me?”

  “Yes. Jackson, I would love to go out with you.”

  Jackson smiled at her and then kissed her briefly on the mouth, “Yep, I wasn’t imagining the fireworks the last time. They’re still there. When did you say you and Emily were moving up here?”

  *****

  Jeb steered the sleigh t
o the safe house, stopping as close to the porch as possible and then helping Samuel and Jane alight. “I’ll be back in three days. You two love birds enjoy.”

  Samuel stood with Jane wrapped in his arms until the sleigh was out of sight. Turning, he looked up at the house, thankful that someone had already lit a fire in the hearth and then banked it. “Cold?”

  Jane shivered, “Yes. You know, I never seemed to feel the cold when I lived here all the time. I must be getting used to the warm weather.”

  “Well, let’s get inside then.” Samuel placed his hand on her lower back and guided her up the stairs. When they reached the front door he opened it, but when she would have walked through, he stopped her.

  Scooping her up in his arms, he grinned at her and said, “I intend to start as I mean to continue. Welcome to your temporary home Mrs. Drackett.”

  He stepped through the door and then kicked it shut behind him. He could tell Sara and Grace had been hard at work. There were little feminine touches everywhere he looked, and he was most certain that the FBI agents who’d last used the house hadn’t left them there.

  “Samuel, this is amazing. You did get permission for us to be here, right?”

  Samuel looked at her and then nodded, “How do you know what this place is?”

  Jane smiled at him, “Samuel, I’ve lived in Castle Peaks a long time. Something like this might have escaped the notice of normal people, but my nephew is the town sheriff. I know all sorts of things about this town.”

  Samuel laughed and set her down, “Well, I’ll make you a deal. You keep my secrets, and I won’t tell those three chefs what you put in your chocolate sauce.”

  Jane nodded her head, “Deal.” She watched as he removed his coat and she did the same. “So, whatever are we going to do up here for three days?”

  Samuel toed off his boots and then gave her a look that said he definitely had some ideas. Loving the way they could banter with one another, he teased her, “Trent said there are several board games in that cabinet and a deck of cards. Want to play a game?”