A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

by Wilton, Patrice

  Her mother’s eyes sparkled with happiness and she cupped her daughter’s face. Gently, as if she was a little girl, her mom brushed back her hair and kissed her cheeks. “One day at a time. It’s been less than twenty-four hours. And we’re here now to take care of you.”

  Ally gave her a small smile, more tears leaking from her eyes. “Yes. I’ve needed you.”

  Her dad cleared his throat. “We’ll never be far away again.”

  She nodded and her eyes misted up.

  “I love what you did to your hair,” her mother said. She twirled Ally around, taking in every detail she might have missed in the last year.

  Ally crinkled her nose. “I thought you’d hate it, and the tattoo.”

  “There isn’t one thing about you that I, or your father, could ever hate.”

  “We love you so much, Ally. And we’re so proud of you,” her father said, hanging up his winter coat, and reaching for her mother’s.

  Ally sighed deeply, gathering strength as she looked from one face to the other. All that she ever needed was here. Their love and support would sustain her every day of her life. Whatever decisions she made, they’d applaud. Knowing this, some of her tension melted away.

  “Damn, you two look good.”

  Her mother, Marie was a stylish looking woman. Only fifty-three she kept slim from her weekly games of tennis, and the spin classes she enjoyed. Ally knew that she’d started working again in the past few years as a docent for the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.

  Her dad was Vice-President with a big company that he’d been with for the past twenty years. He had another ten to fifteen years before retirement. They had a busy life in Connecticut, and would never leave it. If she wanted to be near them again, she would have to be the one to make the move.

  “I’m so excited that you can stay for Christmas. This town goes all out. Main Street is made for walking with great shops and restaurants, and here at the Inn, we’re in the heart of it.” She rushed on, “Speaking of which, Nick, my boss, called me this morning. Told me to take the week off, and invited us to come for lunch. He wants to meet you both, and of course, you need to meet Jennie and the girls.”

  “What about the police officer who saved your life?” her father asked. “We certainly want to thank him for taking such good care of you.”

  “Yes. Sure. You’ll meet Chief Brown, and his sidekick Finn, too.”

  “Honey, we don’t need to go rushing about,” her mother said gently. “All I want to do right now is sit here and look and listen to you.”

  “We could do that over lunch,” Ally said, feeling antsy as hell.

  “Give us some time to unpack and then we can go meet your friends,” her mom replied. “I’m sure that your dad is probably getting ready for something to eat.”

  “My stomach is rumbling as we speak,” he admitted. “We left the house at six and didn’t have anything to eat. We managed a coffee and a danish at the airport.”

  She probably should leave them alone to unpack and freshen up but she’d missed her parents so much and didn’t want to miss another minute of their time. She knew she could be angry at the time stolen, or choose to be happy. She chose happy.

  “Nick is looking forward to meeting you both. He’s a great guy, and a terrific cook. I highly recommend the chili or his hearty beef and barley soup.”

  Her father smiled. “We were surprised to hear that he married. We always thought that you and Nick had a special connection.”

  “We do. Just not like that.” Ian’s face flashed to mind and she had to turn her head to hide the sudden tears.

  She cried nonstop now. It had only been a night, but it was as if a dam had burst inside of her, making her weak. It had nothing to do with Ian, she told herself. Recently divorced, he was not ready for a woman in his life. Well, she got it and would respect his feelings. After all, he’d been there to offer comfort and protection when she’d needed him the most. Her fault that she had not only let him into her bed, but also her heart. She would get over him. In time.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Ian had a rough night, so his mood when he reached the station was less than pleasant. The pain meds he was taking to keep the edge off of his shoulder wound didn’t do a damn thing for his guilt.

  The look on Ally’s face when he’d suggested she go had lanced through him. Had she really cared, too? No. She had made it clear that it was just sex and comfort she needed. Not once did she give him the impression she expected or wanted more than that. He’d spent the morning at her place, and it had practically torn his guts out. Her signature was everywhere. On every photograph, every print, even the damned stuff animals that had been shredded revealed her sweet nature, her tender heart. She was a warm, caring, deeply thoughtful and creative person. A woman who had a lot to offer the world, and the man she’d eventually choose to share it with.

  Damn him for being a fool, he chided himself. He’d gotten too close. He had no right lusting after a young girl like that. She could dance around the world and have exciting adventures and affairs with men her own age. Guys who could give her all the things he couldn’t. Like joy and happiness and a baby.

  His grumpy mood just got grumpier.

  Ian pushed his chair back from his desk and made himself another cup of coffee, took a sip and tossed it out. He needed to cut back on the caffeine and drink more water. Eat healthier too. And stop buying the donuts every morning from the small bakery down the street. Let somebody else eat those sugary carbs.

  It was past noon, and he’d had nothing but black coffee and a stale donut, and a sour stomach. He told Finn he was heading out for some fresh air. He still felt shitty for not picking up Ally this morning. He just wasn’t ready to face her. The look of disappointment and betrayal on her face during their drive in the ambulance weighed on him. She thought he was dumping her, whereas in fact, he was once again saving her. From him.

  He marched down the street, head down. There was a cool wind whipping up and he shifted the wool scarf around his neck to cover his chin. He was in the mood for a big bowl of steaming soup and he could probably get to Nick’s, eat and leave without running into her. Her parents were coming in around noon, so Ally would be busy with them.

  It was a blistery wind and he regretted not taking the squad car. By the time he reached Nick’s his shoulder was aching from the cold, his face ruddy and chapped. He flung the door open and stepped inside.

  Then he saw her.

  “Ian?” Ally was hanging up her coat on the hook near the door, and had turned when the rush of cold air followed him in.

  “Hey, Ally.” He paused, taking her in. She looked pale, eyes a little puffy as if she’d been crying a lot. “How’re you doing? You feeling all right?” Ian was trapped. Her parents were with her. He’d have to stay, chat, make nice, and bury the pain rotting a hole in his gut.

  “Sure. Of course. Surprised to see you here. Thought you’d still be at the cabin. Or with Speed.”

  Her parents stood behind her, looking with interest at him, a question in their eyes.

  He reached out a hand to her father who didn’t look all that much older than himself. And in better shape.

  “I’m Chief Brown,” he told him, pumping his hand.

  “Ken. Ally’s father.” His face was relaxed and smiling, but Ian had a terrible feeling that Dad might guess he’d been sleeping with his young daughter.

  Ian turned his gaze on the attractive mother. “You must be her mom. Just as pretty too.”

  She laughed and took his hand in hers. “I’m Marie, and I had a feeling I would like you.”

  Her father laid a hand on his bad shoulder and squeezed. Ian refused to flinch although the friendly gesture hurt like a bitch. “We are very grateful to you and your men, Chief Brown. Won’t you please join us for lunch?”

  Ian flashed a guilty look at Ally and watched her cheeks flush. Her green speckled eyes shot daggers, and he knew she was angry. As she should be. He’d avoided her thi
s morning, not because he was pushing her away, but because he needed to get a grip on his emotions. She didn’t understand. How could she?

  “No,” he said. “You have a lot of catching up to do. I’m going to grab a bowl of soup and head back to the station.”

  “Oh, do stay and join us,” Marie said with a warm smile. “We have the rest of our lives to catch up, thanks to you, but right now we’d like to know more about this place. And you. Have you lived here long?” she asked taking his arm, and leading him to the table the hostess had set up.

  “No, ma’am. Just six months.”

  “Don’t ma’am me,” she said, sliding into the booth. “Marie will do.” She patted the seat beside her. “Ken, sit here next to me, and let Ian and Ally take the other side.”

  Ian felt like the lamb being led to slaughter. They weren’t going to let him escape, and he was damn sure that every time he looked at Ally his feelings were too big to hide. Just like the rest of him.

  Big man. Big feelings. When Ally sat down the booth became a whole lot smaller. The lavender scent of her favorite body lotion wafted toward him, and he remembered kissing every inch of her silky smooth skin. Although they’d only spent a few nights together he knew her intimately, inside and out. Every mole, every freckle, every sensual curve. Her hot spots, and what brought her over the edge.

  He cleared his throat and tried to control his breathing. It wasn’t an easy task.

  “So, how big is your police force here in Heaven?” Ken asked.

  “Just me and two other deputies are the full-timers. We have two other officers who take the weekend shifts. Got to have some time off,” he answered. “Not that we usually have much going on, and if we do there’s a good size force in West Chester, next town over. They joined up with us to capture Ally’s stalker.” His eyes connected with her father’s. “Guess you know him better than I do. Jimmy Wharton.”

  “Too well, I’m afraid.” Ken’s jaw clenched. “And I’m not sorry that he’s dead. Ally said he held a gun at her head, and you took the shot.”

  Ally tensed next to him.

  “Yes, but I wouldn’t have if Ally hadn’t been brave enough to kick in his kneecap, causing him to loosen his grip on her. It gave me the opportunity I needed.”

  Her parents both looked at Ally. Startled, but with approval in their eyes.

  “Wish I could have done more,” she said. “I was afraid you didn’t have a back up plan.”

  “We had to toss our weapons,” he explained to her parents. “I couldn’t take a chance, not with the gun at Ally’s head.” Ian glanced at Ally. Her fingers were clasped in her lap and he longed to reach out and fold them into his.

  “You did the right thing, and we’re very grateful,” her mother said. “I can’t imagine how he got his hands on our girl with all the officers around.”

  Ian nodded, guilt making his voice harsher than normal. “We didn’t realize at first, but he’d rigged a semi-automatic rifle high in a nearby tree using a tree stand. They’re common around these parts for deer hunting.” He glanced at Marie and Ally, explaining further. He hadn’t had a chance to give Ally the final details of the report. “He had it set up to keep firing. I pushed Ally into the cabin and told her to lock the door.” The coffee and donut rose up in his throat, leaving a sour taste. “Jimmy was there waiting for her.”

  Marie paled, her gaze toward Ally. “Oh, honey,” her voice cracked, and her eyes welled with tears. “You didn’t tell us that part. You must have been scared out of your mind.”

  Ally ducked her head. “Can we talk about something else? I don’t want to think of it. Not again, at least not now.”

  “Of course, dear.” Marie reached out her hand and touched her daughter’s arm. “I know this is difficult—it’s going to take some time.” She glanced at Ian. “We were just so happy to run into the chief here. Dad and I wanted to thank him personally for giving you back to us.”

  Ally lifted her eyes and gave Ian a long look. He wondered what was going on in that pretty head of hers.

  “Yes. He was a hero and I’m grateful too. For everything.” She picked up her menu. “Now enough about that. Let’s order lunch. I recommend the soup and sandwich special. The bread is home-made.” She smiled, the motion fragile and so brave that Ian’s breath caught. “Fresh everyday from the baker across the street.”

  “Sold,” the father said, and winked at his wife. “How about you, my dear?”

  “I’m eyeing the quiche and salad.”

  “An excellent choice.” Nick stood there, grinning at Ally and her parents. “I’m Nick. It’s such a pleasure to meet you at last.” He shook hands as Ally introduced her parents.

  “Ally speaks highly of you and your new family,” Marie told him with a warm smile. “I feel like I know you already.”

  Nick nodded. “Well, Ally is like family to us too. I hope we’re going to keep her here.” He squeezed Ally’s shoulder with affection. “Jennie, my wife, will miss her big time if she leaves. We all will.”

  “I haven’t decided anything yet,” Ally said quietly.

  Ian moved his leg under the table, not moving it when it grazed hers. “Take your time. You don’t need to make any big decisions right now.”

  Ken looked from Ian to Ally. “He’s right. Plenty of time to figure it all out, but we’ll be around until you do.”

  “Ally was telling us all about this beautiful little town of yours,” Marie said quickly, eager to put her daughter’s mind at rest. “We had a quick stroll down Main Street. So charming! With carriage rides through the park, and a church group that actually sing carols down the street.” She smiled. “It’s no wonder you all love it here, everyone we’ve met is so friendly.”

  “Right. It will be hard to replace.” Ally bit her bottom lip, her face unreadable. “Nick, what are the specials today?”

  “We have split pea soup or butternut squash, and two quiches. Quiche Lorraine or chicken and spinach. We also have a vegetable bean chili.”

  “I’ll have the chili,” Ian said, “with the cornbread rolls.”

  Ken nodded. “I’ll have the same.”

  “I’d like the chicken and spinach quiche,” Marie said. “How about you, dear?”

  “Squash soup for me, Nick.” Ally glanced around. “Where’s Charlie? I haven’t seen her since we came in.”

  “She left about twenty minutes ago. It’s almost two. Not many people coming in now.”

  “It’s always busy from around eleven thirty, until half past one,” Ally explained to her parents. “Then again from five until eight or nine. That’s about it. People are pretty predictable around here. But of course we have lots of tourists in town for the holidays.”

  “Will you be visiting Jennie at the craft store after lunch?” Nick asked, and glanced out the window. Light snowflakes dusted the glass. “She’ll be picking up the kids soon. By the time you finish up here, you’ll be able to meet my family.”

  “Yes, I was hoping to do that,” Ally said with a smile. “Brooke and Katie are six and eight, and as sweet as can be.”

  “Sounds like a good plan.” Ken sat back and stretched out his long legs. “Is it too early for a beer? I could handle a good stout right about now.”

  “It’s never too early,” Nick replied. “Especially during the holidays. Anyone else?”

  “I’ll have a glass of Chardonnay,” Marie told him, reaching out for Ally’s hand across the table. “We do have something to celebrate.”

  “I know you’re on duty.” Nick glanced at Ian. “How about a coffee? Iced tea?”

  “Water’s fine. And just one roll.” He patted his stomach. “I’ve gotta knock off a few pounds.”

  “No, you don’t,” Ally surprised him by saying. “You’re fine the way you are.”

  Ian shifted his weight so his thigh was against hers. Her simple words warmed his insides and gave him hope. What the hell he was hoping for he wasn’t exactly sure, but it was better than not having any at all.
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  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  After lunch, Ian said his good-bye, and Ally and her parents put their winter coats on and stepped outside. A light snow was falling and Ally lifted her face to catch a flake on her tongue.

  She laughed. “I love the snow here. It’s never heavy, just soft, fluffy snowflakes that last for a few hours or a few days and make everything pretty.” Her mood had lightened and she wasn’t sure if it was the good warm soup, being surrounded by her loving parents or the fact that Ian had purposely left his thigh next to hers.

  As always, his touch soothed and comforted her. She had hoped he’d reach for her hand, but knew he wouldn’t. Last thing he’d want is for Nick or her parents to know about their personal connection, that they’d slept together. Being the honorable man he was, he had no intention of standing in her way if she wanted to leave Heaven and explore the world, which unfortunately left her wondering if he really wanted her around or not.

  “Well, this place does look a whole lot better in the snow than our place back home, I’ll give you that,” her father said, putting the collar up on his gray cashmere coat. He wore leather gloves and a plaid scarf around his neck, but his salt and pepper hair was hatless.

  In the past year, there was more salt than pepper, and she wondered if he was working too hard. In the past five years while she’d been on the run, the worry had added fine lines on the faces she loved. They were a handsome couple, just the same. Her mother had her brunette hair colored with fine gold highlights running through. It was cut in a stylish shoulder length bob and today she wore a cream colored wool cap that matched the full length wool coat.

  “There’s a beautiful park with a small lake just outside of town. It’s frozen over now, so people will be skating. Want to go down and take a look?”

  “Sure,” her mother answered, sliding her gloved hand into the crook of her daughter’s arm. “After sitting on the airplane and having lunch, it’ll be good to stretch our legs. As long as it’s not too long of a walk.”