“Not at all. No more than ten minutes. We could even take a carriage ride back. That would be fun.”
As they walked down the cobblestone street, Ally pointed out stops of interest, a church that dated back to the eighteen hundreds, an old theater that was used for concerts and live performances, the local library, and various shops. She was proud of this town, and excited to be able to share it at last with her family.
“So where is this cabin of yours, Ally?” her father asked as they entered the park. “Is it within walking distance too, or could we get the horse and buggy to drive us by?”
“No, Dad. It’s about a ten mile drive from here. On a big beautiful lake that is very busy in the summer months. Most of the residents aren’t here right now.” She was silent for a moment, remembering how Jimmy Wharton had hid away and attacked Ian when he’d gone searching. Clearing her throat, she pushed the unwelcome thoughts out of her head. “A few people will probably bring their families here for Christmas, but it’s a little desolate right now.”
“You weren’t scared out there all by yourself?” her mother asked, a frown creasing her brow.
“No. I never was. I felt safe. I loved walking through the woods, taking pictures. The solitude and quiet. It was peaceful.” Her hands clenched and a tightness gripped her chest. “Until Jimmy found me, and took it all away. Again.”
“Oh, honey,” her mom said. “We understand how hard this must have been for you. For him to find you after all this time. But it’s over now. Thank goodness.”
“I’m glad that you had Chief Brown watching over you. He seems like a good man,” her father said. “Used to be a city cop. Wonder what brought him here?”
“Long story,” she answered, eager to change the subject. “See over there? The lights? It’s a Ferris wheel and there’s a musical carousel—they don’t run in the winter, but in the summertime the kids and families put it to good use.”
“It is very nice,” her mom whispered, seeing the beautiful paved paths with their old fashioned lampposts, and the holiday lights twinkling amongst the trees. “What a lovely place to bring up children.”
“Yes. And it’s only a half hour into Philly. School system’s not bad either. There’s a kindergarten and elementary school in town, and the older kids get bussed to West Chester. Beats the hustle and bustle of a big city. And before Jimmy reappeared, there was no crime to speak of either.”
“That right?” her dad asked. “Maybe we should all live here after I retire,” he added with a laugh. “But it doesn’t have a golf course, I bet.”
“Or a museum where I can work as a docent,” her mom said half-joking. “Although Philadelphia would.”
“I’m sure there are plenty of courses close to here, Dad. And Ian told me that the chief before him never had anyone in lockup in the five years he’d been chief.” She wanted to sell them on this idea. She’d never considered that they might be willing to move. She couldn’t go back to the rented cabin, but she loved this area. The woods. The wildlife. “They’ve had a few traffic violations, and some graffiti on the school property, but that’s about it.”
“Sounds almost surreal in this day and age.” Her father shot his wife a glance.
“What about career opportunities?” her mother asked. “Have you given any thought to what you might do now?” She gave her an apologetic look. “I know you’ve been well taken care of, and enjoyed working with Nick. Just, your photography…”
Her mother let the sentence trail off when Ally’s dad made a harrumphing sound in his throat.
Ally shook her head. “It’s too soon, Mom. I haven’t been able to think about anything. I’m still just getting over the shock. As much as I wanted him dead? I didn’t want it to happen like that!” Her chest constricted. Jimmy’s hands on hers—his expression had been crazed—and triumphant. He would have her at any cost. Alive or dead. She took in a jagged breath.
“I know, hon.” Marie stopped walking and took her daughter’s gloved hands. “We were just hoping you might come home with us. At least for awhile. It’s going to take time to get over all this and figure out a plan for yourself.”
Home hadn’t been Connecticut in a long time, she thought.
“Right now, I just want to enjoy the holidays and the fact that you both are here.” She smiled at the two faces she loved most in the world. “Can we do that? No plans. No decision making. Just be a family again?”
Her dad pulled her in for a warm embrace. “We can and we will. Now show us the ice skaters and let’s get back somewhere warm.”
They grabbed a hot chocolate at an outdoor stand and watched as a group of young moms with their toddlers played around on skates. A few older couples circled the pond, arm in arm, and she smiled at her parents. “You two want to give it a whirl? They rent skates in the shack over there.”
“We’ll pass,” her dad answered. “I never did get the hang of skating—and each time I fell, I took your mom with me.”
Her mom put her hand on her dad’s arm and smiled fondly. “The good old days when we were young and still dating. What’s a few bumps and bruises in a courtship?”
Her dad snickered into his hot chocolate. “It gave me a chance to kiss you better.”
Her mom laughed, and Ally saw the look that passed between them. Her parents had been married a long time and loved each other deeply. Ally hoped to find that kind of love someday. Until Ian, she’d never considered it possible.
They finished their drinks and grabbed a carriage to take them back into town. During the short drive, Ally updated her parents on how Jennie and Nick had met and married last summer. It had been a small wedding in the Chapel in town, and then the next day they’d flown off to honeymoon in Paris, leaving the girls with her parents.
“I didn’t know what to do with myself having an entire week off,” Ally confessed. “So I decided to go to New York for two nights. I went to a Broadway show the first evening. It was a musical and I loved it, even if I was alone. Then I went to a fancy restaurant the next night and visited museums one day and all the tourist things the next. I took tons of photos and felt brave enough to speak to a few art galleries about my hobby. One of the galleries offered to take a couple of my pictures on consignment. He sold them both and has asked for more.”
“Here we are,” the driver, Darcy said, bringing the carriage to a stop. He jumped off his seat to help the ladies down. “Say hello to Miss Jennie for me. And her precious girls. They love to feed Rusty when they see him come by.”
Ally laughed. “And here they are now.”
The two girls raced over to the horse with snacks in their hands and matching grins on their faces. “Hi Darcy. Hi Ally.” They looked shyly at her parents, then petted the horse’s long nose. “Hi Rusty,” Katie said. You want an apple or a carrot? We have both.”
Brooke jumped up and down. “Apple first.” She flattened her palm and the horse opened his yellowed teeth wide, and munched on the chopped apple. He snorted his pleasure and sprayed white foam on the sidewalk.
The girls didn’t seem to mind. “Now for the carrot.” Katie did the same, placing her palm up for the horse to nibble away at the carrot. She giggled with pleasure. “It tickles,” she said.
She was just about to wipe her hand on her jacket when her mother stepped out of the store. “No, you don’t, young lady.” Jennie handed both girls tissues to wipe the foam from their hands.
Then she turned to greet Ally and her parents. “Hi. I’m Jennie, and this is Katie, and my youngest is Brooke.”
“I’m Marie, and my husband is Ken. It’s so nice to meet you. Ally has been telling us wonderful things about you and the girls.” She smiled. “They are every bit as delightful as she said they were.”
“I am,” Katie said with a devilish grin. “But Brooke can be a pain sometimes.”
“So can you,” Brooke said, sticking her tiny pointed chin in the air.
“Girls, say good-bye to Mr. Darcy, and thank him for stopping by.
Then we can all go in where it’s warm and have some tea and a cookie.”
They spent a pleasant hour getting to know each other over a cup of Chamomile herbal tea, and still warm cookies from the bakery next door. A few people came in with their children and Jennie had to excuse herself and take care of the customers, but for the most part the adults were able to sit and talk as the children played.
“I am so thrilled that you both will be here for Christmas,” Jennie told Ally’s parents as they were getting ready to leave. “We are celebrating our first Christmas together as a family, and having my parents and some friends over. You must come, and Ally please invite Chief Brown too. Byron and Charlie are coming.”
“That’s a lot of people to cook for,” Marie said, looking from one face to the other. “We don’t mind having Christmas dinner here in town. I’m sure there are a few places open. Or at the hotel. We don’t want to bother you. Really.”
“Nonsense. I would be affronted if you didn’t come.” Jennie took hold of Marie’s arm and walked her to the door. “We have a big house, and my husband is an excellent cook. I won’t have to do much at all,” she said with a smile. “And I also have my two little helpers.”
The girls looked up from their art project with smiles and twinkly eyes. “Christmas is my favorite day in the whole world,” Brooke said. “Santa brings lots of presents to everyone, and we sing carols in the afternoon, and go for a drive to see all the pretty lights.” She smiled shyly, and ran over to Ally’s dad, slipping her hand in his. “You can come. You’ll like Papa. He’s about your age.”
Everyone laughed.
Ken beamed and patted her head. “We will definitely come. It sounds like a merry good time.”
“It is,” shouted Katie. “And later at night we watch a Christmas movie and have leftovers or more pie. And chocolates.” She rubbed her tummy and grinned. “It’s so good.”
“Thank you, Jennie,” Ally said with a hug. “What time would you like us, and what can we bring? Dessert? Wine?”
“Just yourselves. We have more than we need, and I don’t expect you to bring anything while you’re staying at the hotel. How is it anyway? You have enough room?”
“It’s very nice,” Marie said. “The staff is friendly and the rooms are large and comfortable. And we have our daughter right next door. What can be better than that?”
“Nothing. This will be a very special holiday for you all this year.” Jennie gave them a warm smile.
“Yes,” her dad agreed. “We’ve been given the best gift of all.”
“Enough, you guys. Or I might start crying.” Ally swiped tears from her eyes, wondering why everything now made her exceptionally emotional. She’d always prided herself on being resilient and strong. In the past twenty-four hours she’d been reduced to a creampuff.
“Do you want to invite Ian?” Jennie said with a curious spark in her eye. “Or shall I?”
“I’m not,” Ally said quickly. “You go ahead. It’s your home. Your party.”
“Fine. I will. Maybe Finn would like to join us too. Although he does have family in town. I could invite them as well.”
Laughing, Ally waltzed out the door. “By the time Christmas arrives, you’ll have invited the whole darn town.”
“Why not? It’s a party and we have so many wonderful things to celebrate.”
The three of them left and walked the two quick blocks back to the Inn. As they entered the lobby the warmth hit them at once. The Tudor-styled inn had hunting scenes on the walls, tartan carpets, four plaid high backed chairs, and a lit fireplace that radiated heat.
Her dad noticed that the bar in the corner was open and nodded toward it. “Anyone want a drink before we head upstairs?”
“Obviously, you do,” Ally answered, and took his arm. “Why not? It’s the holiday season and we do have a lot to celebrate.”
They took the comfortable seats in front of the fireplace and a moment later a waiter—wearing a stiff white shirt, black vest and pants—came over to ask if they’d like anything.
“What are you having?” Marie asked her husband.
“An Irish coffee,” he told her. “It seems fitting.”
“I’ll have the same,” Marie told the waiter.
“Make that three.”
They removed their coats and piled them on the empty chair and sat back to relax. They’d done a lot for the first day and her parents had had an early start. They had a right to be tired. And after a night in the hospital, so did she.
“I like your friends,” Marie said. “They are lovely people.” She sighed. “Guess we’ll have to find something nice to buy the girls.”
Ally nodded. “That won’t be easy. What do you give two beautiful girls with everything?”
“Not sure, but it will be fun looking. We can go shopping tomorrow,” her mother said, glancing at her husband.
The waiter arrived with their drinks and her father signed the chit. After a quick toast, they each sipped. The hot drink was laced with a good hit of whiskey and fresh cream that coated her upper lip. She dotted her mouth with a napkin, and went back for more. “Hmm. This is delicious.”
“Very good.” Her father took another sip before putting his clear glass mug down. “Now, ladies, count me out on that shopping trip,” he said. “You two enjoy yourselves tomorrow. I have a few games on TV I can watch.”
“Oh, honey. We can’t leave you here alone for hours. There’re still plenty of places we haven’t seen and Ally will want to show us around more.”
“We have plenty of time. Five days left until Christmas and we could stay until the New Year. Nothing to get back to. So, give me some peace and quiet tomorrow. You two do what you have to do.”
“Oh, you old fart!” Her mother snapped. “You and your TV. Can’t football wait a few days? We haven’t seen Ally in years.”
“Well, that’s all changed now. She’s not going anywhere and neither am I. You want to run around like a turkey with her head cut off—be my guest. I will see everything in my own time.”
And just like that, Ally felt as if home had been returned to her.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
The next day was a whirlwind of activity. Ally and her mother went shopping for a house gift for Jennie and something for the girls. Not finding anything suitable at the only strip mall, Ally had taken her mother past Nick and Jennie’s place and stopped to shoot some photos of their beautifully restored farm house.
Then she’d found an attractive wooden picture frame to fit the photo, knowing they’d both appreciate the handmade gift. For the girls, Ally had come up with the idea of buying a selection of washable hair dye, so that Katie could have her purple streaks, and Brooke could join in the fun as well.
They’d left her father to rest, but returned sharply at five. He’d been waiting for them at the lobby bar—happily drinking a stiff shot of port. They joined him for a drink, then the three strolled over to the town center. The church choir was performing an outdoor concert of Christmas carols and she hadn’t wanted to miss it.
A crowd had gathered by the time they arrived. Everyone held a lit candle and the three of them were each given one as they entered the square.
Enjoying the music—and the sight of her parents holding hands and singing along with the crowd—she was unaware of Ian standing only a few feet away. Her mother said something to her and she turned her head.
Her eyes met his, and the candle slid out of her hands. Her heart beat wildly and she felt flushed with excitement. She missed this big hunk of a man. She missed his humor, affection, and his body in her bed. Afraid that her face might give her away, she bent to retrieve the candle from the snow-covered ground. When she stood up, he was beside her.
“Hi Ally.” He nodded to her parents. “Nice evening, isn’t it?”
“Delightful,” Marie said. “It’s good to see you again.”
Her father shook his hand. “Girls went shopping this afternoon, so I had the day to rest. You watch fo
otball? The Patriots kicked some Jet’s ass—a whopping 11 points!”
Ian talked about the upcoming Eagles and Redskins game with her dad for a few minutes, then Marie took her husband by the hand, making up an excuse to lead him away.
Ally and Ian were alone in a crowd of people. She looked at him, not saying anything, but feeling so much. If he would just reach out and touch her she’d melt in a minute, but he seemed at a loss for words.
“You doing okay?” he finally said, brushing a flake of snow from her cheek with his gloved hand.
“Sure. It’s great having my parents here. And you? How’s the shoulder?”
“Painful, especially at night. Otherwise, I’m fine.”
“That’s good. So you’re keeping busy? Any bad tourists acting up?”
“Things are quiet.” His eyes dropped. “Finn is thinking about leaving. He wants a little more action.”
“Really? I thought he was happy here. Where would he go?”
Ian shrugged. “I doubt he’ll stray far. Philadelphia, most likely.” He looked into her eyes. “Guess there’s just too much peace and happiness around here for a young guy like him.”
“What about you? Too laid back?”
“Yes, and no.” He glanced at the singers, nodded at a few people, then turned his gaze back to her. “Gotta admit that I miss some of that adrenalin pumping stuff myself.”
“Didn’t you get enough of that in the past few weeks? I’d think that would satisfy you for awhile.”
“Well, it shook things up.” He lowered his voice. “As much as I hated seeing you in danger, it gave me an opportunity to be near you.”
Her eyes searched his. “I’m not sure how I should answer that.” He’d told her to go, but had he really meant it? Their attraction had been real. Nobody could fake the look in his eyes, the tenderness in his kiss, or the heat that had flamed between them. And she didn’t believe for one minute that it had burned itself out.
“Then don’t. But I think you know what I mean.” Those dark haunting eyes of his roamed over her face and settled on her mouth. “I’d give anything to kiss you, be with you once more.”
A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION Page 32