A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

by Wilton, Patrice

  “Good idea.” They returned to the hotel and put away their good clothes to wear later, then dressed in jeans and coats they headed for the park.

  Ally watched the families play in the snow. A few children with new toboggans were sliding down a hill. Others tried out their new skates twirling on the frozen pond. Young husbands and mothers guided their toddlers on the ice, or treated their children to a hot chocolate with marshmallows.

  Ally coaxed her mother and father into helping her make a snowman and soon other children joined in. They gathered twigs for arms, small pebbles for eyes, and a piece of bark for a nose. One of the children took off his wool cap and donated it to their creation. Afterwards they all took selfies of themselves with Sam, the snowman.

  In high spirits, Ally and her parents returned arm-in-arm to the Inn in plenty of time to get ready for the Christmas festivities with Jennie and Nick.

  They parked outside on the street as several cars were occupying the driveway, and at the first knock the door was opened by their daughter Katie. She was wearing a pretty red dress and a matching bow in her shoulder-length hair.

  “Merry Christmas,” she said, welcoming them in.

  Behind the child stood a lovely woman, tall, with silvery blonde hair. Ally hadn’t met her, but guessed correctly that she was Jennie’s mother.

  “I’m Louise Howard, and my husband is John.” She shook hands with them all. “He’s around here somewhere. Probably in the kitchen pouring drinks.”

  Ken grinned. “I’ll go help him while you ladies get acquainted. Kitchen down the hall?”

  “Yes, past the living room and all the noise. Kitchen faces the back of the house,” Louise told him.

  “I have something for you, Katie,” Ally said, handing her two small presents. “One’s for you, the other is Brooke’s. And the big one’s for your mom and dad.”

  “Here I am,” Jennie, dressed in a long black skirt and a gold shimmery top, met them in the foyer. “Katie, give the present to Brooke, then you can both open them.” She shook her head at Ally. “You shouldn’t have.”

  “Of course I should. And we brought a small gift for you and Nick. A house present, really.”

  “Why, thank you. We’ll open it later, together.” She took Marie by the arm. “I see you’ve met my mother. And I passed Ken in the hall.”

  “Yes, he ran off to get a drink.”

  She laughed. “Good. How about you? I made an eggnog punch, but we have wine, or anything else you might care for.”

  Louise said, “They have a bartender mixing up some fancy cocktails. Let’s go see what he suggests.”

  As her mother marched off with Louise, Ally took a few moments to appreciate the work they’d done in the entranceway. “This is beautiful, Jennie. Amazing.” She gazed up at the enormous tree that stood possibly twenty feet tall. The ornaments and ribbons were all white and gold, and it was the most beautiful tree—outside of a mall—that she’d ever seen.

  “Please tell me you two didn’t decorate this yourself?” she asked.

  “No. I wish,” Jennie said with a shrug. “Not that talented, I’m afraid. But I saw it in a magazine, and we had already hired someone to do the outside of the house. He agreed to do our three trees and entrance hall.”

  Ally tore her eyes from the tree to appreciate the sweeping stairway that led to the second floor. The iron railings were adorned with an elegant arrangement of gold ribbons and bows and pretty bulbs artfully hidden away. It was not the least bit gawdy, but quite magnificent. “This is stunning. So beautiful.”

  “Thank you. We’re very happy with how it turned out.” Jennie guided her away. “Let’s join the party and have a drink.”

  “Sounds like you have quite a crowd. Who did you all invite?”

  “Oh, you know most of our friends. And Byron and Charlie came together.” They entered the living room where most of the guests were seated or standing in groups chatting together.

  Ally nodded and waved at several people, hoping she wouldn’t have to talk about “the incident” again. This morning at church had been enough for one day.

  She didn’t see Ian anywhere in sight and felt a moment’s relief. Perhaps he had decided not to come after all.

  “Would you like eggnog, or something lighter to drink?” Jennie asked, her eyes alight. “Joe, the bartender, makes a very nice champagne cocktail or a creamy concoction called a snowball. Can’t go wrong with either.”

  “Champagne, please.”

  “Good choice.” She laughed softly. “I should know. Joe came over last night and we sampled a few of his delicious, Christmassy drinks. The four of us made quite a night of it.” She clarified, “Not my kids—my mom and dad.”

  “Oh, good!”

  “While I have you alone, I wanted to say that Ian is here. He said he wouldn’t be staying for dinner, but wanted to speak with you. Something about owing you an apology?” Jennie’s sparkling eyes met hers.

  “He doesn’t owe me anything.” Still, her pulse raced.

  “What’s going on?” Jennie kept her voice low. “I’m hoping it’s something to do with a romance between the two of you?”

  “No. No romance. We got kind of close while he felt the need to protect me, but that was his job, nothing more.”

  “You could be wrong about that.”

  “Oh, Jennie.” Suddenly drained, she wasn’t sure she could face Ian and stay strong. “I don’t want to see him. Can’t I just avoid this conversation altogether? I’m tired of all this emotion and drama, and just want to enjoy your party.”

  She leaned closer and whispered, “He must have heard you come in. He’s standing at the doorway watching you.”

  Ally sighed. “Might as well get it over with. But first the champagne.”

  When she had her drink in hand, she joined Ian. He looked at ease in a navy sports jacket and red tie.

  “Merry Christmas,” she said with a friendly smile. “Jen said you wanted to speak with me, but I don’t see the need. We’ve said enough, don’t you think? And you look so handsome that you can’t leave before dinner.” She looked at the face she had come to adore, and kept her voice steady, “Stay. Enjoy yourself.”

  He looked unsure of himself, something he never did. His eyes slid away, dancing around the room, and he seemed fidgety.

  “What is it?”

  “Come with me. Only for a moment.” He touched her arm. “I won’t take up much of your time.”

  “Okay.” Having made her decision to move, she felt freer now, less dependent and emotional. She could give Ian a few minutes, perhaps even say their good-byes. “Not sure what this is all about, but if it means that much to you.”

  “It does. It’s important.” He led the way down the corridor and opened a glass door. She realized they were in Nick’s study.

  He leaned against the desk, but there was no place to sit as all the chairs had been needed for the party. She watched him and sipped her champagne. She was very glad she had it, because her throat had gone dry and she had a nervous stomach.

  For the life of her she couldn’t discern the strange look in his eyes. Ian was a very confident man, but there was no sign of it now.

  “Go ahead. I’m waiting.” She leaned against the door, wishing she could turn around and leave. Whatever he had to say, she didn’t want to hear it. He was a good man. He’d protected her and saved her life. He’d done all that he needed to do.

  “I want to start with an apology. I never should have slept with you.”

  She gritted her teeth and bit back a sharp retort.

  “Not that I didn’t want to, or didn’t enjoy every damn minute of it, because I did. But you are so young and innocent and have been with very few men. You never got a chance to do what most young women do. Fall in and out of love, enjoy flirtations and romance.”

  “You got a point here? If so, get on with it.” She took another sip of her champagne, not enjoying where this conversation was headed.

  “I think I m
isled you. Not once but a few times.” He coughed and cleared his throat. “I care about you very much. I think I’m in love with you. And I don’t want you to leave here. I keep saying go, be free, do what you want. Be anything you want to be.” His eyes searched her face. “I know you should. I’m too old for you. Too jaded. Probably too boring as well.”

  “Ian. This isn’t necessary.” Her stomach churned. Her chest hurt. “Please don’t say anything else.”

  He stepped closer and pulled something out of his pocket. It wasn’t wrapped and by the shape of the small box, it could only be one thing.

  Her throat tightened and she swallowed hard. “No.” She shook her head. “It’s not?”

  He flipped the box open, and his eyes beseeched hers. “Ally, I want to marry you. Please say you’ll be my wife.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  “You can’t mean that!” She put a hand to her mouth. “Oh, Ian.”

  Stunned, she folded his fingers over the ring and shook her head. “This is not what you want. I know that! It’s not what I want either.”

  “Ally…I…I do…” He ran a hand through his hair and there was a tic in his cheek. “It’s soon, I know. We haven’t been together long…”

  “No. Stop.” She gentled her voice and gazed into his warm dark eyes. “You are a great guy. An honorable man and you want to do what you think is right. You don’t owe me an apology. And certainly not a marriage proposal!” She gave a short laugh. “I jumped into the shower with you. We had sex. It was fun. That’s it. As you say, I can do anything now. Be anything I want. Right?”

  He nodded unhappily, and she thought she saw his eyes mist. “You deserve a great life. I know I can’t offer you much.”

  “Ian. Enough.” She put a hand on his arm, and leaned in to kiss his cheek. “I told my parents last night that I’d made a decision.” She kept her hand where it was. Touching him gave her the strength to carry on. “So, I’m leaving after the holidays and will return home—to Connecticut. At least for now. Not sure if I’ll stay there forever, but it’s a start.”

  “Go for a visit, and see how you feel.”

  She dropped her hand and took a step back. “I am going to make a fantastic, wonderful new life for myself.” Ally smiled gently, her heart breaking. “Don’t worry about me. You’re a nurturer and want to protect me, keep me safe and happy. But that’s my job.”

  “It’s more than that, Ally. I have deep feelings for you.”

  “As I do for you. But we both knew that we weren’t a match. I needed you. You comforted me. Let’s leave it at that. Please?”

  “Is there anything I can say that’ll change your mind?” He put his hands on her arms. They were inches apart.

  “No.” She swallowed hard. It would be so easy to close the distance and hold him one more time. Feel his body next to hers. Share a kiss. Or two. But she needed to be strong and to do what was right. For him. And for her.

  He deserved that. He had already set her free and she needed to do the same for him. He’d be happy she did. Probably forget about her in a month or two. It may take her a little longer than that. As he’d said so eloquently, she’d never been loved. Or romanced.

  “I’ll leave you alone then.” She watched as he shoved the ring back into his pocket and brushed by her to the hall, and out the front door. He didn’t make his apologies to the host and hostess, but she would do it for him.

  * * *

  Most men might breathe a sigh of relief and realize they’d dodged the bullet, but Ian was not most men, and didn’t feel anything but regret. Perhaps if he’d told her differently, had romanced her first. Proposing at the party had been a terrible error in judgment, but with her parents staying in the room next to her at the Inn, getting her alone was impossible.

  They hadn’t seen her in years, and were naturally all over her. He wanted to be all over her, but he’d blown it. Big time.

  She had been shocked by the proposal and had reacted the way he should have expected. Hell, at first he’d been shocked by the notion himself. But once he thought about it, it made good sense. He wanted her. They were good together. He couldn’t think of one darn thing about her that he didn’t like. More than like. She made him laugh. She made him happy. And the sex—the way she sheathed him and took him deep, making little hitching sounds in her throat as he drove into her. Her eyes would glaze and she’d stop breathing just the moment before she’d climax. Well, it was the best ever.

  And now he would never know that pleasure again. Hell. It was not a pity proposal. He didn’t want her with another guy, and he wanted to make a home with her. Unfortunately, she didn’t want the same things he did.

  He went to his apartment, took off his jacket and tie—which he’d worn in the hope that Ally might have said yes. They would have had dinner together and he’d have given the happy news to her parents, and maybe Ally would have shared it with the guests.

  He put on a pair of sweats, turned on his TV and found some sports programs to watch. He nuked a frozen meal, opened a can of beer, and sat in his favorite lazy-boy chair, his Stouffer turkey dinner in his lap.

  He tried not to think about Ally and how stricken she’d looked when he dropped the bomb on her. Her cheeks had flushed nearly as red as her pretty dress. Her mouth had trembled and her bright eyes had dimmed. What had been going on in that head of hers he didn’t want to know. But he would do the right thing and stay clear of her.

  The following day, Ian was at work early. The streets were empty, except for the large bins on the sidewalks filled to the brim with wrapping paper and empty boxes. He was glad that the good people in Heaven had had a happy Christmas and that Santa had brought the children new toys they likely didn’t need.

  The stores would not open today, so he didn’t have any fresh donuts, but there was a couple left over from the previous day. Slightly stale, they still tasted good as he washed them down with a fresh cup of hazelnut coffee. He laced it with a shot of whiskey he knew Stuart kept in his drawer.

  Damn straight. He didn’t need to watch his diet anymore and nobody would know about one shot of whiskey. Wasn’t like they had any crime in this town to occupy his time. Maybe he should think about moving on. He’d needed this place once, but now it had lost some of its allure. Heck he was only forty-one. This was like a retirement home. No wonder Finn had put in for a transfer.

  He leafed through Finn’s girlie magazine, then put it back in his drawer. All those half naked girls only reminded him of Ally, and they paled in comparison. He liked that little flower thing she had between her breasts. He’d enjoyed tracing it with his tongue as her perfect breasts floated over him. It made him hard just thinking about it.

  He couldn’t sit here all day thinking about her and what was, and what might have been. He’d go squirrelly if he did. He grabbed his jacket and headed toward his squad car. Maybe with any luck some hapless teenager might go speeding by and he could give the kid a ticket.

  Teach the youngster that crime doesn’t pay. Now that would make his day.

  * * *

  Ally and her mom and dad were invited for brunch at Jennie’s. Since they were staying at the hotel, Louise had insisted that the three of them come over and help get rid of some of the food.

  After Ian left last night, they’d sat down to a sumptuous buffet. With twenty guests, they’d had the adults at one long table. The children attending the party had their own small table.

  Two waiters carved up the thirty pound turkey and the scrumptious ham, but the guests helped themselves to the sides. The buffet included appetizers and salads and a separate small table with giant king-sized prawns, raw oysters, and smoked salmon. Enough food to feed twice the number of guests—therefore when Louise and Jennie invited them for brunch, they could hardly refuse.

  They left the hotel at eleven and Ally drove down the country road toward Nick’s home. It was rural farmland, with wooden fences separating the property lines, and some were ten to fifteen acres in size.
/>   “Dairy farms?” her father guessed.

  “Yes, mostly, Dad. There’s a horse ranch up here too. Not sure which one.”

  They turned off the main road and drove down Green Meadows Lane, lined with evergreen trees, their boughs heavily laden with snow. They bumped along the dirt road, listening to Christmas carols on the radio, an easy distraction from her troubling thoughts.

  Ally had not told anyone about Ian’s proposal, because well, it wasn’t all that serious in the first place. Guy thought he was doing her a favor. Felt guilty for sleeping with her while he was officially on duty, protecting her. Which he had. She’d felt incredibly safe at night lying in his arms, his big teddy bear body hugging her tight.

  Had the proposal been real, she might have considered it. She knew it was much too soon for her to make decisions that were as life-altering as a marriage. She wasn’t ready, emotionally or mentally to jump into something full-speed forward. The choices she made had to be done carefully. She’d made a mess of her life once, and certainly didn’t want to repeat the mistake.

  Coasting up their driveway, Ally spotted the two girls out playing in the snow. They ran to the car and Brooke tugged off her woolen cap to point at her hair. “Look at me!” Brooke laughed. “My hair’s pink.”

  “So it is. Looks lovely on you. And you have blue hair, Katie. Nice!” Ally grinned. “Is your mother pleased?”

  Jennie must have been waiting for them because she swung the door wide and waved. “Come on girls. Bring these hungry people in.”

  “Love the hair,” Ally whispered to Jennie.

  “It’s fun for the holiday, but I don’t want to deal with it once they get back to school.”

  “So, you’re not mad at me?”

  “Of course not!” Jennie hugged her. “It was a very cool surprise and the girls were thrilled. So were we with the beautiful framed picture of our home. Nick is looking for the right place to display it. You are a true artist, Ally.”