Jingle-Bell Jam (River's End Ranch Book 32)

by Pamela M. Kelley

  “She did, didn’t she?” Jess agreed.

  “I can come on Monday and Tuesday to help, too. You might need more help if Maddie isn’t feeling well.”

  “That would be great, if you could make it,” Jess said. Thirty minutes later, all the bags were done and in the church waiting to be blessed in the morning. Melanie helped Jess to clean up the pizza boxes and stray cups, and then they locked up the parish for the night. Now Melanie had the rest of the afternoon to go dress shopping.

  She drove to Lewiston, which was about an hour away and had more stores to choose from. Luck was with her as she found the perfect dress at Macy’s, the first place she went into.

  It was a shimmery, cranberry red cocktail dress with a scoop neck, long sleeves and a slim fit that flared out a little above her knees, giving it a flirty look. She found a matching pair of strappy high heels and a pretty string of fake pearls to complete the look. Satisfied with what she’d found, she paid for her purchases and drove back to the ranch with plenty of time to relax for a bit before she had to shower and get ready.

  Chapter 11

  Melanie took a deep breath as she ran a brush through her hair one last time. The dress fit her perfectly and she looked about as good as she possibly could, so why was she so nervous? And why did this non-date feel very much like a date? Was it just that she wanted it to be one? And wanted for Bryan to want that, too? Or was it because she wasn’t sure how he felt? Sometimes she thought she caught a hint of interest from him, when she’d catch him looking her way or holding her gaze a moment longer than normal.

  But other times he seemed distant and he was so matter-of-fact the other night at trivia when he stated that he simply didn’t date his clients, ever. But then she thought of what Jaclyn told her to do—to make sure he knew she was interested. Maybe that would make a difference? And if not, then she’d be a little embarrassed, but at least she would know.

  A flash of light came through the window as she heard the sound of Bryan’s truck driving toward the cabin. She added a final touch of rosy pink lipstick and was putting her long black coat on when there was a knock at the door. She opened it, and Bryan stepped inside and took her breath away. It was snowing lightly and he was dusted with snowflakes but still looked so handsome in his crisp black suit and red silk tie with green embroidery on it. On closer look, she saw that it was actually mistletoe all over his tie! That made her smile and gave her a little hope.

  “You look nice!” she said at the same time he said, “You look beautiful.” They both laughed.

  “I love your tie.”

  Bryan grinned. “Thanks. Clark dropped it off yesterday, said he wore it last year and it was a hit.”

  “How’s the driving?” Melanie glanced out the window and saw the snow starting to come down heavier.

  “It’s fine. This isn’t supposed to amount to much, I don’t think.”

  “That’s what we thought for the other storm!”

  “True. But I think this really is just going to be light flurries. Are you ready to go?”

  “I’m ready.” Melanie grabbed her purse and gloves. She decided to skip wearing a hat because she didn’t want it to flatten her hair too much. A few seconds later, she was in the truck and they were on their way.

  It was a pretty drive into town, with the snow falling and the ground wearing a soft blanket of new snow. By the time they reached Main Street, the snow had all but stopped as Bryan had predicted. The Founder’s Hall was on a side street and as they drove about halfway down Main Street, Melanie felt like a little kid taking in all the festive holiday lighting and decorations. There was even a giant Christmas tree that was all lit up and beautiful.

  “They had the lighting ceremony for that last night. I had dinner with my parents afterward. It’s kind of a family tradition for us.”

  “That sounds lovely.” Melanie felt a moment of sadness, missing her own parents. She and Melissa had lost them to a car accident many years ago. It did get easier over time, but the holidays always brought occasional moments of sadness.

  “I’ll drop you at the entrance and then go park. It shouldn’t take too long,” Bryan said as he pulled the truck up to the front door.

  “Are you sure? I don’t mind walking with you.”

  He smiled, but insisted. “Go ahead, I’ll meet you right inside.”

  Melanie walked into the lobby and the first person she saw was Jaclyn standing near the door. She looked lovely in a royal purple sparkly dress, matching shoes and her hair was up and looked very white against the vivid purple.

  “Well, don’t you look lovely. Is Bryan parking?” Jaclyn asked.

  “Yes, he insisted I come inside. You look very pretty yourself.”

  “Thank you. Simon did, too. I think I’ll keep him around. You should do the same!”

  Melanie laughed. “I’d like to!”

  A moment later, Bryan and Simon walked in together and Jaclyn said hello, then pulled Simon away to talk to someone they knew.

  “Ready to head in?” Bryan asked. They checked their coats and then he led her into a large function room that was beautifully decorated with red, gold and silver. Bouquets of poinsettias were on all the tables, which were covered in crisp white linens. A tall tree sat in a corner, shimmering and glittering with gold and silver ornaments. Waiters wearing black with gold ties circulated the room, carrying silver platters of appetizers. There was a cocktail bar at either end of the room.

  “Would you like something to drink?” Bryan asked.

  “I’d love a glass of wine, a chardonnay please.”

  “I’ll be right back.” He went to the bar while Melanie waited by a tall cocktail table and watched the crowd of people as they streamed into the room. She saw Jaclyn and Simon at the far end, chatting with a small group of people. In the center of the room, a five-person band played soft jazz music, perfect for cocktail hour.

  Bryan returned with her wine and a bottle of beer for himself.

  “I ran into Bernie and David in line at the bar. They said they’d come find us.”

  “I was hoping that Melissa and Jack might come, but she said he’s working.” Melissa had said that they never bought tickets ahead of time for events like this because they never knew about his schedule.

  “Clark was disappointed, too, that he wasn’t able to come this year. One of his colleagues is on vacation and he is covering for him. He said it was a great time last year.”

  “It will be a great time this year, too!” Bernie said as she and David joined them and set their drinks down as a waiter stopped by their table. They each took a bite-sized spinach pie, which was delicious. “See, already great!” Bernie said with a laugh.

  “I love your dress,” Melanie said. Bernie was wearing a stunning, long black velvet dress that had a high neck and then dipped lower in the back.

  “Thanks. I wore it last year, too, but I’m hoping no one will remember.”

  “I told her she can make it her Jingle-Bell Jam dress and wear it every year, but that didn’t go over so well,” David said with a grin.

  “I think that would be pushing it.” Bernie laughed, and then waved as Jess and Jake walked in and looked around the room. Jess came over to the table while Jake went to the bar for cocktails. She looked pretty in a sleek, navy blue cocktail dress. Her hair was twisted into an elegant up-do. Both David and Jake looked handsome in their suits. David was wearing dark gray and Jake was in black. Both were wearing red Christmas ties. Jake’s had cats and dogs in red Christmas hats, which was perfect for a vet, and David’s had green Christmas trees. Melanie noticed, looking around the room, that most of the men were wearing creative Christmas ties, which added a fun feel to the event.

  “I like that it’s not too stuffy here,” Jess said, echoing Melanie’s thoughts. “We look forward to this every year.”

  Another waiter came by with skewers of marinated beef and they all took one. A few minutes later, it was scallops wrapped in bacon and then crab cakes and chic
ken on a stick with spicy peanut sauce.

  “I’m not going to want much for dinner,” Melanie protested as the spinach pies came around again and this time, she said no.

  “It looks like people are starting to sit for dinner. Should we get a table?” Jess suggested. They followed her to a round table that had room for all of them. Dinner was served soon after and it was an elegant meal of carved tenderloin with béarnaise sauce, roasted baby potatoes and sautéed spinach. There was a simple salad to start and freshly baked bread. Their server explained that there was a dessert table they could help themselves to and he brought coffee and tea for the table.

  Conversation was lively during dinner and by the time they finished eating, everyone was stuffed. But they still went to look at the dessert table and everyone found something to nibble on. Bryan picked a small pot of chocolate mouse topped with a raspberry sauce and whipped cream and Melanie was excited to see cannoli. She selected one that was dusted in sugar and the ends dipped in mini chocolate chips. They took them back to the table and Melanie sipped a cup of coffee while she savored the cannoli.

  “What is that? I don’t think I’ve seen one of those before.”

  “You love sweets and have never had a cannoli?” Melanie teased him.

  “I usually go straight for anything chocolate,” he admitted.

  She broke off a piece of the cannoli and handed it to him. “Try this. It’s my favorite dessert in the world. Sweetened ricotta cheese in a crunchy cookie with a bit of chocolate on the ends. The best ones I’ve had are at Modern Pastry in the North End of Boston. But this is surprisingly good too.”

  “That is good. This is, too. Do you want to try a bite?”

  “No, I’m perfectly content with what I have. Thank you, though.”

  “It looks like Lily is ready to play,” Bernie said excitedly.

  Melanie glanced over to where the jazz band had been playing. She hadn’t even noticed that the live music had switched over to piped-in jazz. The five guys were gone and Lily, her brother Tyler and friend Marc took their places and a moment later the soft sound of a slow country music song filled the room.

  They played several slower songs to transition from the quieter jazz but once it looked like everyone was done eating and starting to mill around the room again, they picked up the pace and played a more lively tune. It was the first time that Melanie had heard Lily sing and she was impressed.

  “She really has a great voice,” she said to Bernie. The song she was singing was one Melanie had recently heard on the radio. It was by a new artist and they were playing it constantly. She couldn’t remember the name of the singer.

  “You recognize the song?” Bernie asked and Melanie nodded. “Lily actually wrote that song and sold it to a music studio in Nashville. And now we hear someone else singing it all the time. I think it hit the top ten on the charts last week.”

  “Wow. And Lily wrote it? Why doesn’t she record her own music?” Melanie found that a little confusing. Lily’s voice seemed good enough. Maybe not as memorable as the one on the radio, but still really good.

  Bernie smiled. “She doesn’t want that. She’s not interested in performing anywhere except locally like this. Her passion is the song-writing. Her best friend Laura lives in Nashville. They went to college together and I’ve heard her sing. Someday we will hear her on the radio, maybe even singing one of Lily’s songs. How cool would that be?”

  “Very,” Melanie agreed.

  “I want to dance,” Bernie said and stood up. “David?”

  He laughed and stood, too. “Guess I’ve been summoned.”

  Jess and Jake made their way out to the dance floor, too.

  “Want to join them?” Bryan asked.

  “I’d love to.” They joined the others, and they danced five fast songs in a row and had a blast. When the music slowed, Bryan took her hand and pulled her toward him and they swayed to the music. It was a lovely feeling, to be wrapped in his arms. She felt like she fit perfectly there and she didn’t want the moment to end.

  “Are you having fun?” Bryan asked softly.

  “Yes. So much fun. Are you?”

  “I am. I’m glad that we came.”

  “Me, too.”

  “Have you spotted your parents and sister yet?” She hadn’t noticed Cameron and was surprised.

  “Cameron couldn’t come after all. She was on call and got called in. My parents gave her ticket to one of their neighbors. They should be here somewhere. I think they came in a little late. We can take a walk around and see if we can find them. There’s also a silent auction we can look at. There’s usually some good things up for bid.”

  “Oh, I didn’t realize there was a silent auction. I definitely want to take a look. Maybe I’ll find something for the new house.”

  When the music slowed, instead of going back to the table, they visited the silent auction that was set up along the hallway. There were all kinds of items that had been donated by local businesses and residents—tickets to sporting games, gift certificates to local restaurants, various gift baskets, trips, and creative items like paintings. Melanie found herself drawn to a vivid watercolor that looked like it was of Heron Lake, where she was building her house.

  “I love that,” she breathed.

  “It’s very nice,” Bryan agreed. “Put a bid in.”

  “I think I will.” There were no bids yet, so Melanie picked up a pen and wrote a number in.

  “Don’t forget to check back later to see if you need to up your bid.”

  “There you are!” Melanie and Bryan turned at the sound of a woman’s voice behind them.

  “Hi, Mom, Dad. This is Melanie.”

  “It’s lovely to meet you, dear. You work at the new fitness center at the ranch, I believe?”

  “I do.”

  “Pleasure to meet you.” Bryan’s father held out his hand and Melanie shook it. She could see the resemblance. Bryan’s father had whiter hair but they shared the same eyes and he had his mother’s smile. She was a petite woman with a smooth silver bob that fell cleanly to her chin. She had a very elegant style and was wearing a shimmery, blue-gray dress and a gorgeous diamond necklace and matching tennis bracelet.

  “Come visit with us for a little while,” his mother said.

  “We won’t steal you for two long. We know that you’re here with your friends,” his father said with a twinkle in his eye. Melanie liked both of his parents. She could see where Bryan got his niceness from. They joined them at their table for a while, and Melanie enjoyed chatting with both of his parents and getting to know them better. His father seemed to be enjoying his retirement and they both liked the theater and traveling.

  “We’re about to do the most marvelous trip that will combine both of our interests. We’re going to fly to New York City for a long weekend and see a few Broadway shows, and then we’re going with a group on the Queen Elizabeth ship and crossing the ocean to London. There will be all kinds of theater and arts lectures on the ship, and then we spend a few more days in London visiting various museums and attending more lectures and at night we will be seeing plays.”

  “That sounds like an amazing trip,” Melanie said.

  “We are looking forward to it. We’ve done other trips with this same group so we are looking forward to seeing some familiar faces when we go.”

  “Take lots of pictures,” Bryan said.

  His mother laughed and looked at Melanie. “He’s teasing. We took so many pictures on our last trip that it was a little ridiculous. Bryan was a good sport though. He sat there and looked at all of them with us.”

  Bryan smiled. “I’m glad you had a good time. And I do want to see plenty of pictures. I’m not kidding about that. It sounds like a great trip.”

  “Have you gone on that boat before and crossed the ocean?” Melanie asked. She pictured a grand ocean liner with fancy staterooms, sort of like the Titanic, but hopefully with more lifeboats.

  “No, we’re excited to, though, an
d Harvey made sure they have plenty of lifeboats in case we hit an iceberg.”

  “Very funny,” his father said and then added, “I did check though.”

  “I probably would too,” Bryan admitted.

  Big band music began to play and Bryan’s parents turned to look.

  “It’s that band we like. Want to go for a spin?” Bryan’s father held out his hand, and his mother took it and they both stood.

  “You two should go dance too. Bryan is a very good ballroom dancer,” his mother said before they headed to the dance floor.

  “You are?” Melanie asked Bryan. She hadn’t expected that.

  He smiled. “I’m not half bad I suppose. My mother made my brother and I take lessons years ago before some wedding we were in. It was a relative I barely knew.”

  “Well, you’re probably much better than I am but I’m willing to give it a try if you are,” Melanie said.

  “I’m happy to.” Bryan took her hand and led her out to the dance floor. He put one hand on her waist and the other lightly on her shoulder and smoothly twirled her around the dance floor with an ease that surprised her. For such a big man, he was very quick on his feet and sure of himself. Melanie loved to dance and they stayed out there for three more songs before either of them was ready to take a break.

  “Want to join the others?” Bryan asked as they came off the dance floor. Lily and Cody were there, too.

  “Did you get anything to eat earlier? I didn’t see you guys until you started to play,” Bernie asked.

  “No. We ate at home and got here a little bit before we were scheduled to go on. My stomach is a little off these days and I’m not drinking. We’re actually heading out in a few minutes.”

  “Lily’s been really tired the past few weeks so we’ve been going to bed early.”

  “It is getting late. I don’t think we’re far behind you,” Bernie said.

  After Lily and Cody left, the band took a break and Bryan’s parents stopped by to say they were leaving, too.

  “It was so nice to meet you both,” Melanie told them.

  “You too, dear,” his mother said.