Christmas at the Chalet

by Anita Hughes

  * * *

  Nell left and Felicity poured another cup of coffee. There was a knock at the door, and she wondered if Nell had forgotten something. She opened the door and saw a bellboy holding a huge bouquet of flowers.

  “Can I help you?” she asked.

  “Apparently you had two bouquets sent the other day but the second one was never delivered.” The bellboy entered the living room. “The concierge said it was quite odd. After I delivered the first bouquet, a different gentleman ordered exactly the same flowers. The concierge discovered they were never sent so I was instructed to bring you these this morning. The hotel apologizes for the delay.”

  “A second bouquet of flowers?” Felicity asked, wondering who they were from.

  “That doesn’t happen often, even to our most beautiful guests,” the bellboy offered. “The florist prepared a new bouquet but I have the original card.”

  “The card?” Felicity asked.

  “The card that came with the bouquet.” He handed it to Felicity. “I’m supposed to wait for a reply.”

  Felicity ripped open the card and her stomach did little flips. She scanned it quickly and read it again.

  Dear Felicity,

  I have to admit I was nervous when we met and you asked my advice about love. It’s nothing like medicine, where you make a diagnosis and prescribe a cure. There are no medical journals to consult or previous cases to consider; love makes as much sense as the holiday people in St. Moritz who attempt to ski Diavolezza their first time on skis.

  I know that now, because I’m falling in love with you and it’s impossible to explain. We’ve only known each other a few days, but I’ve enjoyed every minute together. When you ran out of the King’s Club after we kissed, I wanted to tell you how I felt. Then I saw you shivering in the moonlight, and I became as tongue-tied as a preteen boy playing spin the bottle. Instead, I wrote this note. If there is any chance you feel the same, please respond. If I’m completely off base, crumple up the card and enjoy the flowers.

  Yours,

  Gabriel

  Felicity stopped reading and the bellboy looked at her expectantly. “What’s your answer?”

  “My answer?” she repeated.

  “I’m supposed to wait for your reply.”

  Why hadn’t she seen Gabriel’s feelings for her before? The way Gabriel had carried her to her suite after she fell off the sled, and was genuinely worried about her. He’d gotten so flustered when she said she’d promised Raj she wouldn’t see him anymore. And when she asked if he would behave like Adam if he loved someone, he’d answered that if he were in love, he would wrap his arms around her and say, no matter how hard it was, they would work things out.

  How did she feel about him? Nell was right; he was terribly handsome, with his dark hair and brown eyes. Whenever she was with him she felt protected, like one of the pearls in the bodice of Emily’s princess ball gown. And the kiss had been unexpected, but his lips were soft and warm.

  They had only known each other for a week, but when they were together everything seemed brighter. She remembered sharing nut tortes at Hotel Hauser and visiting the Olympic Stadium and watching the snow polo matches. And she loved hearing his folktales: there was something in his voice when he repeated them that made her feel warm and alive.

  The bellboy coughed impatiently, and Felicity started. What if she had been wishing for the wrong Christmas miracle all along? What if the real miracle was waiting for her at the doctor’s office above the village?

  “I’ll tell him myself.” Felicity jumped up and threw on a sweater. “Here—this is for you.” She handed him some Euro notes.

  “You don’t have to do that,” he said, but slipped them in his pocket.

  “I want to.” She beamed. “You’ve just given me the best news I could imagine.”

  * * *

  Felicity hurried through the village and wished she’d worn a pair of boots. But she’d been in such a rush to see Gabriel, she’d run out of the hotel in a coat and pumps.

  She knocked on his office door, but there was no answer. It was almost lunchtime; Gabriel was probably in the village having a plate of schnitzel. She was about to leave when the door opened.

  “Felicity, what are you doing here?” Gabriel asked. “Come inside. You’re not wearing boots; you must be freezing.”

  “I’m a little cold, but I had to see you.” She stepped into the waiting room. “It’s New Year’s Day, and I was afraid you wouldn’t be here.”

  “The office was busy all morning,” Gabriel grunted. “I’ve had more cases of twisted ankles from dancing in high heels than a sports doctor has caring for a basketball team.” He looked at Felicity. “Where’s Adam? I would have thought you’d be enjoying your last day in St. Moritz together.”

  “I broke up with Adam.” She sat on the sofa. “He left for New York.”

  “What happened?” he asked. “The last time I saw you, he sent roses and you were meeting for a fancy dinner.”

  “Adam and I may have wanted the same things, but we didn’t love each other enough,” Felicity said pensively.

  “I didn’t realize there were gradients of love.” Gabriel grinned. “Like diamond ratings on a ski run.”

  “I want to be willing to sacrifice anything for the man I love, and I want him to feel the same.” She paused. “It might be hard to find, but it’s worth waiting for.”

  “I’m glad you know what you want. But why are you here?” he wondered.

  Felicity fiddled with a cushion and adrenaline rushed through her. “This morning the bellboy delivered a bouquet of flowers and a card from you.”

  “From me?” Gabriel leaned down and straightened magazines on the coffee table.

  “The flowers were supposed to be delivered two days ago, but they went to the wrong suite,” she continued. “I read your card and told him I’d give you an answer myself.”

  “It was a silly thing to write.” Gabriel paced around the room. “I got carried away.”

  “My answer is yes,” Felicity said.

  “What did you say?” Gabriel turned around.

  “I’ve never felt quite like this before. I enjoy being with you, and you make me feel happy and alive,” she began. “I’m not sure what will happen, but I’d like to give us a chance. You could come to New York, or I could spend time in Switzerland.”

  “My father is getting better every day, and I’ve always wanted to go to New York.” Gabriel sat beside her. “Are you sure? I don’t have much experience with love. I might not be a good bet.”

  “I haven’t been successful in love either,” she reminded him. “I’m willing to risk it if you are.”

  Gabriel gathered her in his arms and kissed her. His mouth was warm and she kissed him back.

  “Nell and Eliot invited me to lunch. Would you like to come?” she asked. “It would be wonderful to spend some time together before I leave.”

  “My afternoon patient wants a cure for his hangover, but he’ll survive if I’m gone for a few hours,” he said, and nodded. “I’ll get my jacket and put a note on the door.”

  “Would you do one thing for me before we go?” she asked. “Will you tell me a story?”

  “A story?”

  “So when I’m in New York I can close my eyes and remember the best part about being in St. Moritz,” she said dreamily. “Snow falling on the pavement and Christmas lights twinkling in chalet windows, and you telling me a story.”

  “I know an excellent Swiss fairy tale. It’s about a kind-hearted doctor who meets a beautiful maiden. They face many obstacles, but nothing can diminish their feelings for each other.” He leaned forward and his lips touched hers. “It’s a long story, and first I’d like to kiss you.”

  Eighteen

  One Day After the Fashion Show

  12:00 p.m.

  FELICITY SAT ACROSS FROM GABRIEL on the deck of the Panorama Restaurant and tipped her face up to the sun. The sky was bluer than she had seen it, and icicles dang
led from the roof. Waiters carried carafes of champagne and orange juice, and the terrace bustled with activity.

  At first she worried that the restaurant was too high up the mountain, and there wouldn’t be time to pack the wedding gowns before her flight. But Nell’s father insisted it was worth it, and she was glad she came. Skis lined the walls, and the table was set with platters of homemade pasta and güggeli, which Gabriel said was Swiss-German for chicken, and was the best thing she’d ever tasted.

  Nell looked every inch the radiant bride with her sparkling eyes, and Eliot beamed and whispered in Nell’s ear. Nell’s parents were warm and effusive and kept complimenting Felicity on the collection. The best thing was sitting across from Gabriel. He looked so handsome in a green ski sweater, and whenever their eyes met a thrill ran down her spine.

  “It’s a pity your friend Raj couldn’t join us,” Patty said to Felicity. She was wearing a red parka and ski pants, and Felicity thought she could almost pass for Nell’s sister. “You said he was a marketing genius. I’d love to pick his brain on how to increase foot traffic in the bookstore.”

  “He’s saying goodbye to Greta.” Felicity grinned. “Raj isn’t known for long relationships, and this one lasted a whole week. I’m sure he’d love to talk to you. If you come to New York, stop by the atelier and Raj and I will take you to lunch.”

  “I’d love to, but I’m afraid I won’t be in New York for a while.” Patty looked at Todd conspiratorially. “Todd and I are going to be busy planning Nell and Eliot’s reception.”

  “You’re doing what?” Nell put down her soupspoon. She was wearing a white sweater and the emerald earrings her father had given her for Christmas.

  “The ceremony was beautiful, but your mother and I decided you need a proper reception,” Todd piped up. He seemed confident and relaxed in a leather jacket and dark sunglasses. “The house in Beverly Hills needs a new roof, and we wouldn’t fit everyone into my place in Malibu.” He ate a bite of chicken and rösti potatoes. “So we’re considering the Beverly Hills Hotel.”

  “You’re planning our reception together?” Nell glanced at her parents and thought there was something new between them. They kept glancing fondly at each other, and her father couldn’t stop smiling.

  “It’s going to be fun. We haven’t planned a proper party in years.” Patty turned to Nell. “We’ll start right after we get back from Sundance. Your father invited me, and I’ve always wanted to go. I’ll have a chance to wear the lovely skiwear I bought in St. Moritz.”

  “How exciting!” Felicity commented. “I’m afraid I’m going to spend January and February stuck in the showroom. Raj said orders are already coming in from the fashion show, and I have some thrilling news. Felicity Grant is going to be featured in Bergdorf Goodman’s Spring Bridal Fashion Show. It’s very prestigious, and I’m going to have to work awfully hard.” She beamed at Gabriel. “The only days I’ll leave before evening are when Gabriel comes to New York.”

  “Felicity, that’s wonderful news! You deserve it. I didn’t know Gabriel was coming to New York.” Nell looked from Gabriel to Felicity. Ever since Felicity and Gabriel had stepped off the chairlift, she could sense they were an item. Gabriel was sweet and attentive, and Felicity’s cheeks glowed.

  “Columbia Medical Center is making advances in pediatric asthma,” Gabriel said. “And Felicity promised to show me Manhattan. We’re going to visit the Museum of Natural History and the Guggenheim.”

  Everyone kept talking, and Felicity traced the rim of her wine glass. When she was a girl she believed a Christmas miracle would be hearing reindeer hooves on the roof and spotting Santa Claus sliding down the chimney. But that wasn’t the only kind of Christmas miracle. The best Christmas miracle was being with people she cared about and seeing them all happy.

  “I convinced Felicity to come back to Europe in the summer,” Gabriel was saying. “We’ll see the fjords in Denmark and spend some time in Copenhagen.”

  “Why Copenhagen?” Nell inquired.

  “It’s the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen.” Gabriel took a large bite of gnocchi. “Felicity loves to hear fairy tales, and I’ve told her almost all the ones I know. We’ll visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum and read everything he’s written.”

  “That’s a wonderful idea.” Felicity gazed at the skiers in their bright parkas hopping off the chairlift. She turned to Gabriel and wondered how she could be so happy. “I don’t ever want to run out of fairy tales.”

  Acknowledgments

  It is always a pleasure and a privilege to work with my agent, Melissa Flashman, and my editor, Lauren Jablonski. Thank you to the whole team at St. Martin’s Press: Karen Masnica, Brittani Hilles, Brant Janeway, Jennifer Enderlin, and Jennifer Weis.

  Thank you to Traci Whitney, Sara Sullivan, Laura Narbutas, and Andrea Katz for always being there. And thank you to my children: Alex, Andrew, Heather, Madeleine, and Thomas for creating the magic in my life.

  Discussion Questions

    1. Felicity and Adam get into a fight on Christmas because she is expecting an engagement ring and Adam isn’t ready because he is putting all his energy into his business. Who do you think is correct and why?

    2. Nell doesn’t tell her father and mother about the other being in St. Moritz. Would you have kept it a secret? Could Nell have chosen another way to resolve the issues between her parents?

    3. How do you feel about Gabriel’s relationship with Felicity in the beginning? Do you think they started as friends, or were there romantic sparks when they met?

    4. St. Moritz is a magical location and Felicity is hoping for a Christmas miracle. Have you ever been anywhere that felt magical, and if so, where?

    5. Being a wedding dress designer seems like a dream career, but it actually involves long days and very hard work. Are you living your dream occupation, and if so, has it lived up to your expectations?

    6. Give your thoughts on Todd. Do you think he was right in the way he protected Alistair or would you have done something different in his situation?

    7. What are your observations on Gabriel and Felicity’s relationship at the end of the book? Do you think their romance will last, and why or why not?

    8. Where do you see Todd and Patty a year from now? Do you think they will get back together permanently?

    9. Can you imagine Gabriel living in New York or Felicity living in Europe? Where do you see them in five years?

  10. Name something in your life that you wanted more than anything. Did it actually happen, and if it did, did it make you as happy as you thought it would?

  Also by Anita Hughes

  California Summer

  Christmas in London

  Emerald Coast

  White Sand, Blue Sea

  Christmas in Paris

  Santorini Sunsets

  Island in the Sea

  Rome in Love

  French Coast

  Lake Como

  Market Street

  Monarch Beach

  Praise for Christmas at the Chalet

  “A beautiful and authentically heartfelt tale—Anita Hughes reminds us of the true miracle of Christmas: love.”

  —Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis

  “A vivid picture of blossoming love … in the opulent setting of St. Moritz. This enchanting love story will leave you pining for the winter holidays. I loved every page.”

  —Tracey Garvis Graves, New York Times bestselling author of The Girl He Used to Know

  “Christmas at the Chalet hits all the right notes—a beautiful backdrop, a budding romance, and a little Christmas magic to help it all come together. A wonderful holiday indulgence!”

  —Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke, bestselling authors of The Good Widow

  “Christmas at the Chalet transports readers to a world of glamour and romance, and reminds us that a fairy-tale wedding isn’t just about the dres
s. It’s about making sure the right Prince Charming is waiting at the end of the aisle.”

  —Barbara Davis, bestselling author of When Never Comes

  “Christmas at the Chalet reminds us of why we first fell in love with reading. Escaping in the pages of picturesque St. Moritz and the glamorous world of bridal fashion … A dazzling read.”

  —Rochelle B. Weinstein, USA Today bestselling author of Somebody’s Daughter

  “If you need to escape during the holidays, read this book. No, really. Read it. Your in-laws, your stress, and your to-do list will all go away as you head to St. Moritz for a sweet romance.”

  —Cathy Lamb, author of The Man She Married

  About The Author

  ANITA HUGHES is the author of Christmas in London; Christmas in Paris; California Summer; Emerald Coast; White Sand, Blue Sea; Santorini Sunsets; Island in the Sea; Rome in Love; French Coast; Market Street; and Monarch Beach. She attended UC Berkeley’s Masters in Creative Writing Program, and lives in Dana Point, California, where she is at work on her next novel. You can sign up for email updates here.

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  Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Notice

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two