by Regina Duke
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Blurb
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Regina's Books
Regina's Bio
KRYSTAL’S CHRISTMAS
by
Regina Duke
Krystal’s Christmas
Copyright © 2014 Linda White
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from Regina Duke. www.reginaduke.com
Published by Regina Duke
United States of America
Electronic Edition: November 2014
ISBN: 978-0-9858482-9-3
This book is a work of fiction and all characters exist solely in the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Any references to places, events or locales are used in a fictitious manner.
Formatted by Stevie DeInk [email protected]
Editor, Marian Kelly www.ravensgateediting.com
Cover design by StevieDeInk © 2014
Image from Fotolia.com
Krystal is hoping for the gift that will free her to love Zachary, the man of her dreams. While she waits, she does her best to make others’ dreams come true and wonders if her old flame, Zach, will return her love after all these years in this delightful tale from USA Today Bestselling Author Regina Duke. Krystal’s Christmas is a special holiday installment in the Colorado Billionaires series.
CHAPTER ONE
Friday, December 22, 2:00 p.m.
Rocking Eagle Ranch
KRYSTAL FINEMAN WAKE WAS STILL a beautiful woman at forty-five, but robust had never been a word used to describe her. Mother to Kevin, Karla, and Keegan, each child had taken some of her heart and soul. She liked to think that as her body grew more fragile, each of her children received an extra dose of inner strength. At least, that was her hope. She could feel confident that Kevin was stronger than most, but she worried about Karla. As for ten-year-old Keegan, he was still young enough to rely on the strength of others.
Krystal’s dark hair peeked out from under the faux fur of her hooded winter jacket, its pale blue color lending a touch of azure frost to her gray eyes. She rocked lazily in the porch swing of her Victorian farmhouse, defying the December cold. A knitted afghan was draped across her felt-lined jeans. Comfort first on the ranch. She hadn’t worn her Oscar de la Renta wardrobe since bringing her family home to Colorado two and a half years ago.
Truth be told, she hadn’t brought the whole family home, just her children. Her husband, Douglas Wake, hated the ranch and was furious when she pulled her two youngest out of their expensive summer programs and headed for the Fineman property near Eagle’s Toe. Krystal smiled as she recalled her manipulation of Kevin, her oldest, holding the family trust over his head, forcing him to find a bride and return home to marry or forfeit his siblings’ future inheritance. She had taken a very big risk, but it had all worked out. Kevin had needed a push to get his life together, and Krystal had shoved hard.
For a moment she felt a twinge of self-loathing. She had promised herself she would never interfere in her children’s lives the way her parents had in hers. They had destroyed her greatest chance at happiness. But where Kevin was concerned, her motherly nudge had brought him back to a family her husband had turned him against. And now he was happily married, and she was a grandmother.
A very young grandmother. But twenty-month-old baby Krystal, or Kissie as she called herself, was the promise of yet another fine generation of Colorado billionaires, and she was the light of her grandmother’s life. Kissie was inside with her mother, Megan, and Krystal was once again sitting out front, waiting for the mail. Her impatience clipped her words.
“Rural route delivery is the only thing I dislike out here.”
Ranch foreman Zachary King leaned against the porch railing near the end of the swing and focused on his cowboy boots. His worn barn jacket only warmed him when he was moving. Beneath it, his jeans and plaid shirt smelled of a morning spent in the barn. Pieces of straw clung to his shoulders and decorated the brim of his Stetson. He looked worn and rugged, but when he spoke to Krystal, his voice took on shades of affection that most had never heard him utter.
“Now, now, ma’am. The mail will come when it comes.”
He spoke to her with great respect. He never used her given name in front of others. After all she was still a married woman.
Krystal, however, smiled warmly at him. “Do you know that Megan said she could tell you were in love with me based on the way you say that simple word?”
Zach looked puzzled. “What word is that?”
“Ma’am,” said Krystal. “Megan told me you say it like a love song. And I dare say she was right.”
Zach looked uncomfortable. “Do you want me to call you something else?”
“No, of course not. I love the way you say that very word. In fact, once I’m a free woman, I may legally change my name to Ma’am, just so I can hear you say it every day for the rest of my life.”
Zach fussed with his hat. He glanced around, an old habit born of his need to conceal his feelings for his employer. He looked off across the snow-packed yard, where Keegan played with Chunky and Creamy, the family’s black and yellow Labradors. Bundled up against the cold, the boy was far enough away to keep him from hearing what was said. His wool cap and ear muffs should further muffle their conversation, but even so, Zach was careful, limiting himself to ranch business. He cleared his throat. “We’re going to need a new spreader soon.”
Krystal followed his gaze. “Keegan loves you very much.”
Zach made a sound.
Krystal knew from long association that he was pleased. She dropped her gaze to her lap. “I plan to tell him as soon as the papers are signed.”
“I’d rather you didn’t.”
She’d barely heard his words, but they left a chill deep inside. She looked away. “I thought you’d be pleased.”
“Not while there’s a chance your husband would take revenge.”
Krystal dropped her gaze and nodded a quarter of an inch. Her inner chill evaporated. He wasn’t refusing to acknowledge Keegan. He was trying to protect him. “You’re right. It can wait.” She raised her face to Zach. A shadow of doubt darkened her eyes to the color of wet stones. “Oh, Zachary, you don’t think he’ll refuse to sign, do you?”
“All your money is in the trust for the kids. Kevin has control of that now. No way he’d let his old man touch it.” He winked at her. “You are one smart cookie, Ma’am. The way you encouraged Kevin to take a wife.”
Krystal suppressed a smile. “Encouraged is a kind word. It was a difficult decision. I swore I would never interfere with my children’s choices after the way my parents manipulated me.” She reached for his hand, but mindful of Keegan nearby, she stopped short of touching him and curled her fingers into a fist. “But as you recall, my back was to the proverbial wall.”
Zach nodded. From inside, a toddler squealed. “All in all, though, things have turned out pretty well.” His features split in a grin as Kissie pushed the screen door open and attempted to navigate over the door sill. She looked cute as could be in a red hooded snowsuit. Beside her trudged an aging yellow Lab, Chunky and Creamy’s mother. Zach stepped to the door and offered Kissie a finger for support, but she already had hold of Buttercup’s grizzled neck. She let
loose a string of vocalizations, none of which contained an actual word, but tone and intonation made her meaning very clear. Let me do it myself!
Zach lifted his hands palm outward in surrender. “Sorry, little lady.”
Buttercup was Zach’s dog and she’d found a new pup to tend to since Kissie had learned to walk.
Megan appeared at the door, as lean now as she was before giving birth. Her ash blond hair was clipped behind her neck in a barrette. She wore a barn coat and boots as if she’d been born to them.
“Time for my lesson, Zach.” She smiled at Krystal. “Has the mail come yet?”
“I was just waiting for it.”
Megan’s sky blue eyes glinted with sympathetic understanding. “I’m sure it will come today.”
“Your certainty is my hope,” said Krystal. “I can’t bear much more waiting.”
Keegan spotted Megan and ran toward her. “Megan! Did you see? Did you see Creamy fetch the ball?”
“Oh, she is very good at that,” said Megan. “I’m lucky you’re helping me train her. I can’t imagine how I got so busy.” She spread her hands and did a comical take on Wile E. Coyote scratching his head.
Keegan laughed. “I know how.” He scooped up his niece. “I’ll play with Kissie while you take your riding lesson.”
Zach prepared to snatch the baby away if Keegan looked about to trip on the shallow porch steps, but there was no need.
“Don’t worry,” said Megan. “He adores her. He’s very careful.”
Zach made a doubtful noise. “At ten years old, ‘careful’ is an intention, but not always a reality.” He cast a glance at Krystal, then tipped his hat to Megan. “I’ll wait for you at the barn.”
Krystal watched him go. His cowboy gait and broad shoulders still moved her deeply. For a moment she flashed back to the last time she saw him before her marriage to Douglas. He was walking away from her, just like he was now. That was so long ago. How had all those years passed so quickly? How could she love him as madly now as she had then? He had rejected her that day. It broke her heart and sent her running into the arms of the man her parents had chosen for her. Several years passed before she learned the truth about his feelings. Now, all these years later, she was waiting for the mail, and in her heart she knew he was just as anxious as she was.
Only once in all those years had they given themselves over to their passion for each other. Douglas had gone to Europe alone again, and Krystal had taken Kevin and Karla to the ranch. Douglas had told her it was over, and she expected to be a divorcee when he returned. So she’d turned to Zachary for comfort. But Douglas had changed his mind. He held their prenup over her head, and for the children, she went back to him. She’d regretted it ever since. She had feared she’d lost Zachary forever. And now? What if they had waited too long? What if he was just being polite and didn’t really return her affections?
Her reverie was disrupted when Megan sat down next to her. The swing moved gently to and fro.
“The lawyers said he’d agreed,” Megan said softly. “Even if it’s not in the mail today, it will come.” Her voice was full of concern.
Krystal smiled sadly and patted her daughter-in-law’s hand. “Don’t worry, dear, I won’t let it affect my health.”
“You haven’t needed your inhaler in months. I just don’t want the stress of the divorce to take anything from you, especially not your health.”
“This Colorado air has been good for me. And good for Keegan and Karla, too.”
“And don’t forget Kevin. He’s a man possessed. He’s so into the ranch now, and the community. He’s in town today deciding whether to run for office.”
Krystal pressed a hand to her chest. “He hasn’t said a word to me about it.”
Abashed, Megan lowered her voice. “I promised I wouldn’t say anything. Me and my big mouth. And the horrible part is, I miss him. He’s already gone way too much for my taste. I haven’t told him that yet.”
“Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me. Besides, what’s he going to do? Take back your Christmas present?”
Megan laughed. “That would be difficult, wouldn’t it? Especially now that Zach has had a month to start loving it.”
“Zach and I have talked for years about building an indoor arena, but Douglas never wanted me to spend any money out here. I’m so glad Kevin built it for you.”
Megan arched one brow. “Yes. It was a clever move. Now that I can ride under a roof, there’s nothing to keep me from becoming an equestrienne. Except maybe a lifetime of practice.” Her features softened. “It’s great for Karla and Keegan, too. And Karla’s friend, Mindy, is making tremendous progress! She has a natural talent.”
“I couldn’t agree more. Now go on. Zachary’s waiting. You know how he appreciates promptness.”
Megan gave Krystal a kiss on the cheek and left.
Krystal leaned back on the swing and watched her youngest boy play with his niece. Chunky and Creamy were careful around Kissie, patient when she grabbed an ear or a tail. The area in front of the house was surrounded by a chain link fence to keep the little ones and dogs away from the long driveway. Secure in the knowledge that the kids wouldn’t migrate onto the drive, Krystal closed her eyes and let herself daydream about Kevin entering the political arena. What office might he be considering? The only one worthy of him was Governor, but she knew he would have to be elected first at a much lower level. Her imagination, however, had him being sworn in as the Governor of Colorado. She clucked softly at herself. It was only a daydream. It sounded like Megan wasn’t thrilled with the idea. She would, however, make a stunning first lady.
The sound of a car approaching way too fast snapped her out of her reverie. She stood up and peered down the snow-packed drive.
“Karla?” She frowned.
Karla slammed on the brakes of the dark green Jeep and it slid six feet before coming to a halt. She turned off the engine, and used the steering wheel like a pillow, burying her face in her arms. Her black hair fell like a curtain to her shoulders.
After two and a half years of life on the ranch, Karla had become a different girl. With the restraining order Krystal had managed to obtain, her domineering father and his anger management issues had not been a part of her life since her brother’s wedding, and living without fear had changed her into an outgoing, artistic young woman who loved school and was preparing for SATs and college entrance exams. Seeing her sobbing in her car filled her mother with dread.
Krystal moved from the porch to the gate.
Keegan had stopped playing and was staring at Karla’s jeep.
“Keegan, take Kissie over to the porch swing, please. I’m going to check on your sister.”
“Sure, Mom.”
Krystal made sure to latch the gate behind her to keep the dogs in. Her heart pounded as she approached the Jeep. Karla was alone in the car. That did not bode well. Mindy had been coming over after school every day for so long, she was practically a member of the family. But there was no sign of her today.
“Karla?” Krystal lifted her fist to knock lightly on the car window.
Karla lifted her head and turned to glare at her mother.
Krystal took a step back, one hand over her heart. Karla’s face was covered in grease paint, pale grayish white with black lipstick and a trickle of red to simulate blood at the corner of her mouth. Her hazel eyes were covered by yellow contact lenses, just like the ones she used to wear at the height of her rebellion against her father. She opened her mouth and flashed a set of fangs that Krystal had hoped she’d never see again. Something was terribly wrong.
Krystal gathered herself together and reached for the car door. At the same moment, Karla pushed it open, but managed not to hit her mother with it.
“What’s wrong? What happened?” Krystal bit back the question that was next on her lips. Did your father come back to Eagle’s Toe?
Karla growled.
Krystal’s heart sank. In the dark days before the restrainin
g order, Douglas Wake had made Karla’s life miserable. He was constantly threatening to send her to boarding school abroad, against Krystal’s wishes. He raided her room on a regular basis, insisting that her behavior and outlandish desire to dress like a vampire were based on drug abuse. But Karla never did drugs. He never found anything to explain her actions during his intrusive, bullying searches of her room. If only he had looked in the mirror.
It had taken Megan’s arrival and several months of psychotherapy to help pull Karla back into the real world. Krystal took a deep breath. She was not going to let her daughter slip back into that dark place.
“Karla, what is it?” She reached out to lay a hand on Karla’s arm.
Karla shook her off and climbed out of the car. The lowered register and gravelly tones she used to speak as a vampire chilled Krystal. “My life sucks! I hate it here! Why can’t we live somewhere else?!” Tears glistened on her white cheeks. She stomped toward the gate, throwing it open.
Chunky and Creamy dashed through the opening.
“I’ll go get them,” said Keegan, unfazed by his sister’s makeup. He headed for the open gate.
Krystal shouted, “Keegan, stop! I don’t want you on the road.”
Kissie caught a glimpse of Karla as she breezed through the front door. Her tiny features screwed into a mask of fright and she screamed, then burst into tears.
Chunky and Creamy ran back through the gate, straight to their tiniest mistress.
Krystal quietly thanked the universe for canine devotion as she closed and locked the gate. She would have to calm Kissie before she dealt with Karla.
Keegan picked up his squalling niece and tried to comfort her. “It’s okay, Kissie. That’s Karla’s Halloween face. That’s all. It’s just a mask. Don’t cry, baby.” He shifted her to one hip and pointed with his other hand. “Mom, here comes the mail truck.” He carried Kissie down the stairs and joined his mother at the gate.
Krystal struggled to compose her features as she greeted the carrier. “Thank you for bringing the mail, Mrs. McAvoy. You really shouldn’t give us rural route people such special service.”