In Love by Christmas

by Cari Lynn Webb

  “No, I was really awful,” he said. “Two left feet and no rhythm. I grew too fast. My brain had a hard time processing the balance issues and coordinating all my gangly body parts.”

  “But you were put on stage in front of everyone. Called out for being bad.” She whispered, “For being different.”

  “We were all awkward and weird at that age.” But that class had bonded and remained close friends until graduation. He hadn’t thought about that group in a long while. Those friends had been his family and his support. “Several of the guys thanked me for taking the heat off them. Several others offered to teach me to dance.”

  “Did you learn quickly?” she asked.

  “I purposely got even worse. Every day.” He shook his head and laughed at her confused expression. “I helped several of the more clumsy ones survive the class. No one wants to be the worst. I’d already been given the title, so I made sure I kept it.”

  Her fingers brushed the back of his neck. “That was kind and you told me you weren’t kind.”

  “Seemed like the right thing to do.” He shrugged. The wrong thing was to pull Josie even closer. Hold her tighter. The wrong thing was to believe this could be something more.

  Anton floated toward them, twirling his imaginary partner. He wrapped his arms around them. “My little porcupettes, we came to become swans. This is not the way.”

  Josie rested her head on Theo’s shoulder and giggled. “Are you sure?”

  “Quite.” Anton clapped his hands together. “I have a dance you two will love. Trust me?”

  Theo peered at Josie. “Dinner or dance?”

  “We have hors d’oeuvres arriving shortly.” Anton beamed. “Delicious, I promise.”

  Theo linked his hands behind Josie’s back, reluctant to end their impromptu dance. “Your choice.”

  Josie bit into her lip. Her blue eyes sparked. “Mimi would want us to dance.”

  Theo grinned. “Teach us, Anton.”

  His mother and her date nodded their approval. Anton gathered his class around him and the dance lesson began.

  Two hours later, Anton declared the evening a success. Crowned Josie and Theo young swans and invited the group to return any time. His mother and Kirk stayed in the dance studio to enjoy a champagne toast with Anton. Josie and Theo stepped off the elevator and walked outside, leaning on each other.

  “Thank you. I can’t believe we learned to dance. Really dance.” Josie flung herself into Theo’s arms and wrapped him in an all-consuming hug. “That was one of the best moments.”

  It was the kind of full, warm embrace he’d always hoped for from his parents as a kid. The kind that now always took him by surprise. Such pure affection disconcerted him. He stopped wanting that years ago, hadn’t he? Yet in Josie’s embrace, he wanted even more. Felt even more.

  Theo pulled away, tucked that one strand of her hair—the one that always swept across her cheek—behind her ear. He trailed his fingers across her cheek like he’d wanted to do since he’d first met her. His fingers tipped her chin up. “Josie.”

  Josie swayed forward. Theo leaned in.

  But Josie paused and yelled, “Cab!” She jumped out of Theo’s embrace and raced toward a taxi. “I need that cab.”

  Theo dropped his suddenly empty arms. Cleared his mind. Followed Josie.

  She opened the cab door, climbed inside.

  Theo reached for her.

  “Shanna’s fitting is tomorrow.” Her gaze skipped from his eyes to his mouth and back. Her smile twitched, restless and nervous. So very flustered. “Come to the boutique around four if you want to see what vintage looks like new.”

  “Josie. Wait.” I want to kiss you. That wasn’t a proper goodbye. You should know...

  Her car door shut. The cab pulled away. Its exhaust captured Theo’s plea.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  “MY HANDS ARE SHAKING.” The bride-to-be, Shanna, clutched Josie’s arm and followed her out of the dressing room.

  “Deep inhales.” Josie guided the woman up onto the platform and positioned her in front of the mirror. “Keep your eyes closed.”

  Theo wasn’t closing his eyes. Not now. His gaze was fixed on Josie. A tint colored her cheeks. She stepped back, pressed both hands to her face. Then she shook her head, as if her amazement couldn’t settle inside her.

  Josie amazed him. She was invested in this moment as if it was her own wedding day. It was personal. Not a simple sales transaction. Not any other dress. Josie smoothed her hands down the curve-hugging gown.

  “I’m so excited.” Shanna’s arms flailed at her sides as if she was afraid to touch anything. “I can’t breathe.”

  Theo held his own breath for the woman, too. The transformation of the dress was incredible. No more obnoxious bows, puffy shoulders or bulky skirts. Only the deep open back remained to hint at what had been. Josie had added sleeves—she called them illusion for the sheer lace.

  “Deep inhales. I’m almost ready.” Josie attached the train at Shanna’s trim waist, then she fluffed the material until it draped off the platform in a wash of embroidered silk.

  Theo moved closer to see the detail on the gown, drawn to both Josie’s work and the dressmaker herself.

  “Open your eyes.” Josie stepped back and faced Shanna. Her gaze shifted over Shanna’s shoulder and collided with Theo’s. “What do you think?”

  The corner of Josie’s bottom lip disappeared. That tint increased from a pale flush to scarlet. He thought Josie was breath-stealing. Incredible. Talented.

  “I can’t...” Shanna touched the beading on the scalloped collar, then tried again. “It’s...”

  Josie clutched her hands together and pressed them against her mouth. “I’m not supposed to have favorites. Our designs are like our children—each one precious and unique. But this one.”

  Theo had a favorite, too. A woman that wove dreams into fabric. He wanted to be by her side. Wanted to share in this moment that wasn’t his. He had no place there. Except beside Josie—that was the place he wanted to be.

  “I know.” Shanna twisted, glimpsing the back of her gown.

  Theo stepped onto the platform. Pride and satisfaction swirled through Josie’s gaze.

  Shanna turned and faced the mirror. Theo winced, taking the woman’s former pain as his own. And then he understood. Understood Josie’s insistence that Shanna should have her personal fairy tale. It wasn’t the burn scars that flickered up Shanna’s right cheek, damaging the skin on her neck, then disappearing beneath the neckline of the gown. Those proved Shanna was a survivor. No, it was the hope and courage buried inside Shanna’s hazel gaze. Josie wanted Shanna to believe in herself the same way Josie believed in her.

  Shanna lifted her hands to release her hair.

  Josie reached out. Theo touched Josie’s arm and shook his head at her. Confusion crossed over her face, yet she held herself back.

  “Shanna. We haven’t officially met. I’m Theo Taylor.” Theo moved to stand in front of Shanna, blocking the woman’s reflection in the mirror. “Josie has been kind enough to include me in the transformation of your gown. It’s quite remarkable.”

  Shanna’s hands stilled in her hair. “It’s more than I ever imagined.”

  This woman was more than she imagined, too. Josie had already known that from the first. Now, Theo knew, too. “Can I give you some unsolicited advice? You should leave your hair up for your wedding day.”

  Shanna’s hand dropped to her neck, covering her scars. “They’re...”

  “A part of you.” Theo’s voice was gentle. Sincere. Heartfelt. He channeled everything Josie was. Everything he wanted to be. “You’re perfect as you are. Don’t hide anything.”

  “What about my fiancé?” Shanna whispered.

  “He’ll want to see you just as you are now.” Theo reached out and took Shanna’s
hand. “You’re going to take his breath away.”

  Josie moved behind him, walked to the couch and the tissue box. She pressed several tissues into Shanna’s hand.

  “I am, aren’t I?” Shanna wiped the tears from her cheeks. Her tentative laughter gained strength and depth. Her chin tipped up, her shoulders tipped back. Confidence and happiness burst from her. “I’m getting married. I’m in love. Really, really in love. And I look hot.”

  Josie picked up a chin-length veil.

  Shanna shook her head and grinned at Theo. “I don’t think I want a veil.”

  Part of her story. That’s what Josie wanted. To be a small part of her brides’ stories. He understood the appeal. And the draw. The feeling was energizing. Addicting. How was he supposed to ask Josie to give that up? Did Josie even want nationwide reach and national exposure? Or was this fulfilling enough?

  Josie smiled, set the veil back on the mannequin and lifted her arms toward the accessory wall. “We have crowns. Jeweled headbands. Hair clips.”

  “I have a picture on my phone.” Shanna’s focus returned to the mirror, as if she was surprised by her reflection.

  Theo was surprised by the power in the moment. Surprised about his own reaction. Surprised that he wanted to linger and encounter the same empowering boost with another client.

  “Let me get your phone.” Josie returned from the dressing room and handed Shanna her phone.

  Shanna tapped on the screen and gave the phone to Josie. Theo peered over her shoulder. The model’s hair was upswept into thick braids that circled her head like a crown. Fresh flowers had been woven into the strands.

  “Do you think that would work?” Shanna touched her head. “I’ve been growing out my hair.”

  But not to hide herself anymore. Josie had given her that gift...in one beautifully crafted used dress.

  Josie gave Shanna her phone and smiled. “It will be perfect on you.”

  “I’d add in lavender,” Theo suggested. “Josie would call it that surprising pop of color.”

  He liked Josie’s pop of surprised laughter, too. Yes, he remembered the fresh lavender party favors Shanna’s friends were making. He remembered everything that involved Josie.

  Shanna requested Josie’s help to change and cried on her way into the dressing room. The woman hugged Theo on her way out. And wiped away more tears on her way out the door. All the while, a smile remained on Shanna’s face. A light shone in her gaze.

  “That was the magic. The magic Mimi always told me about.” Josie sat beside him on the velvet couch. Amazement radiated from her voice. “And I created it.”

  He set his phone on the couch and studied her. “The dress was truly breathtaking.” Like the woman who designed it.

  “Have you changed your mind about vintage then?”

  “I’m starting to see the appeal.” And he was starting to see a life that included Josie. He took her hand, curved his fingers around hers. Her head dropped onto his shoulder. But that life included compromise and change. And he had a dream to offer her first. “What if you had to choose? What if you could only upscale vintage gowns or only create originals?”

  “I don’t want to choose.” Her grip tightened around his. She curled farther into his side. “I love vintage and bespoke gowns.”

  “Launching a custom bridal line takes effort and complete attention.” He set their joined hands on his leg. He didn’t want her pulling away. Didn’t want her to have to choose. “Redesigning consignment gowns will become a distraction.”

  “You’re talking like I’m already launching a custom bridal line.” She lifted her head and looked at him. “Like I’m distracted now. I understand what’s at stake. Adriana’s wedding dress can put my name into the bridal world. But only if I concentrate on that goal.”

  “Adriana’s gown isn’t the only way to do that.”

  She shifted on the couch to face him. “What do you mean?”

  “Barry and his assistants showed the footage of you to the producers of our TV show. They want to feature you on the show.” Theo wanted to give Josie her dream. And a part of him—the selfish part—wanted her to stay just like this, holding his hand on a faded couch in a small boutique and altering one bride’s world at a time.

  Josie squeezed his hand. Her words came slow. “You want me to be a part of your TV show?”

  “The producers believe you’ll be an instant fan favorite.” She was already his favorite.

  “What do you think?”

  “I think they’re right.” He knew they were right. It’d been his idea. But once he launched her career and helped fulfill her dream, she wouldn’t need him anymore.

  “What’s in it for you?”

  I lose you. He stared at their joined hands. Pumped positivity into his tone. “Your success makes the show a success. That builds Coast to Coast’s brand.”

  “What’s the catch?” Suspicion lowered her voice.

  He liked that about her. She never took anything at face value. “You have to agree to several conditions. There would be a complete makeover of the interior and exterior of the boutique.”

  “Who covers that cost?”

  “The show.”

  “Done.” She grinned.

  That was the easy part. “You have to be a wedding-dress designer exclusively.”

  “I’m not allowed to work on charitable events or design costumes for the kids?” Disappointment pulled down the corners of her mouth.

  Theo considered her. “That could be negotiated.”

  “That will be,” she insisted. “I have over forty elf hats to deliver tonight to the Curtain Call Children’s Theater group.”

  Elf hats she’d probably stayed up all night to make. He paused only to nod. His next condition was swift and succinct. “Your exclusives cannot be worn or seen until after the first season airs.”

  “The first season. They want me on your show for an entire season.” She pulled her hand from his and ran her fingers through her hair. “Why me?”

  “The producers want to showcase your transformation from a consignment dress shop to a bespoke bridal salon that competes with top designers.”

  “That’s impressive.” Her fingers stilled in her hair. Her gaze narrowed. Sarcasm had leaked into her tone. “Are the producers offering me a chance to show a collection at New York Fashion Week, too?”

  “The particulars for Fashion Week are being discussed. There was mention of a sponsorship.” And a possible relocation to New York. A better boutique. In a new neighborhood. On another coast. The small-time dressmaker reaching for her dream in a true fashion capital.

  She dropped her hands to her lap. “You’re serious?”

  He nodded. He was granting her everything she’d ever dreamed. And ensuring the success of his own TV show. Why wasn’t he happier? “Just to be clear—the reveal of your exclusive gowns needs to be timed appropriately and according to the airing of the season finale.”

  Maybe it was his awkward shifting on the couch. Or the sudden silence. Or her ability to read him. Understanding widened her gaze. “A finale will be months away. You’re telling me that Adriana cannot wear my gown.”

  “No, she can’t.” His wince creased into the edges of his eyes. “But the national TV exposure would more than compensate. Adriana’s wedding won’t have that kind of reach.”

  “Can I think about it?” She stood and buttoned her knee-length sweater, as if guarding herself from any more of his conditions.

  “The producers and I meet on Monday. You can put together your questions over the weekend.”

  “That’s fast.” She hurried into the workroom.

  “They’d like to begin filming before the end of the month.” He stopped in the doorway.

  She picked up a plastic bin of elf hats and her travel sewing bag. “Is there anything else?”


  “Exclusive includes your upscaled wedding gowns.” He grabbed the plastic bin and looked at her over the top. “They cannot be worn, either.”

  “Until when?” She didn’t release her grip.

  Nothing released inside Theo. “Next fall.”

  She paled. “Shanna’s wedding is in two weeks.”

  “We’d offer her an unlimited budget for an off-the-rack gown at any bridal store.” The offer sounded hollow even to him. No off-the-rack gown could match what Josie had created. No gown would boost Shanna’s spirit like Josie’s had.

  “She isn’t my only bride on a limited budget. I have others waiting for their upscaled gowns.” Josie stared at him. Dismay on her face, sadness in her voice. “You’re asking me to take away their dreams.”

  “But you’re reaching for your own dream,” he said. “You matter, too, Josie.” So very much.

  “This is a lot to consider.” She released the bin to him.

  “You need time to think.” He walked with her toward the front of the store. “And we need to deliver these colorful hats.”

  “You don’t have to help me.” Her voice came out in a distracted whisper, as if he’d already helped enough. Or not at all. She flipped off the lights and locked the front door.

  “I’m giving you an opportunity and I know there’s a cost to it.” He waited until she turned and looked at him. “I’d like to simply help now.” I simply want to be with you as long as I can. As long as you’ll let me.

  Silence crowded between them like too many extra passengers as they drove to the theater. Inside the theater lobby, silence was hard to find. Off to the side, Santa sat in a large chair surrounded by Mrs. Claus, several high-school-age elves and a setting that looked right out of the North Pole. A long line of children waited to share their Christmas wish list and take a picture with Santa. Mia held her camera and directed another elf on the proper lighting angle.

  Across the lobby, Mia’s mother and new mother-in-law sat behind a long table and chatted with the parents passing by. Josie swerved and headed in their direction.

  Helen rose, greeted them both and showed Theo where to place the bin. Then she grinned. “Now, you both need a picture with Santa.”