The Rancher's Mistletoe Bride

by Jill Kemerer

  “Kachemak Bay.” She said the words slowly so Oliver could understand how to pronounce it. She listened as he repeated it several times in an attempt to get it right. “That’s it,” she said after the fourth try. “You said it perfectly.”

  “Yes! I did it.” Oliver raised his fist in the air, his gesture full of triumph. A tight feeling spread across her chest. He seemed excited about their new journey. Thank You, Lord. I’ve been so worried about him.

  Losing his father at five years old had been a catastrophic event for Oliver. She knew her son had a lot of emotions he’d bottled up inside him. And even though a year had passed, it wasn’t a very long time for a child to grieve the loss of a parent. Oliver still struggled sometimes. He still asked for Sam. There were tears. And sadness. And tantrums. It broke Maggie’s heart each and every time. Sam hadn’t been a perfect father, but he had loved his son. And Oliver had been crazy about him.

  Starting anew in Love, Alaska, might just be the very thing they both needed to get back on track and build a firm foundation for their future. They had been blessed by Uncle Tobias’s generosity. The uncle she hadn’t seen in twenty years had passed away four months ago. She had been remembered very generously in his will. Maggie felt a burst of joy at the realization that she was the owner of an establishment in a quaint Alaskan town. Between the shop and the house—it was so much more than she had ever dreamed of owning. Deep down inside, she didn’t feel worthy of it all. But she would do her best to live up to Uncle Tobias’s faith in her.

  As the seaplane began to descend lower and lower toward the ground, Maggie gazed out the window and placed her arm around her son’s shoulder. A shiver of excitement trickled through her. They were mere minutes away from landing in their new hometown. So much was riding on this brand-new adventure, particularly Oliver’s happiness. Maggie hoped she’d made the right decision in bringing her child all the way to Love, Alaska.

  * * *

  Finn stood by the seaplane as Maggie and Oliver disembarked. He had grabbed their luggage and placed it on the pier for them. He looked around him at the familiar faces crowding around his two passengers. A small welcome committee had gathered to greet them at the pier, as was the custom when a newcomer arrived here in town. Finn smiled at the sight of the town mayor, Jasper Prescott, as he came toward them. With his long black coat and matching dark hat, Jasper cut a striking figure. Although he sported a gold cane, Finn knew it was purely an accessory. His wife, Hazel, walked by his side, her face lit up with a bright smile. Hazel and Jasper were newlyweds, having been married for less than a year. In many ways they were the heart and soul of Love.

  Jasper reached out and wrapped Maggie up in a bearlike hug. “Howdy, Maggie.”

  He wasn’t certain, but the look on Maggie’s face seemed a bit overwhelmed by Jasper’s enthusiasm. Or maybe Maggie was simply feeling the impact of this monumental move all the way across the country. He imagined having a kid added to the pressure.

  This wasn’t the first time a woman had come to Love with a child in tow. After all, Paige Reynolds had arrived a year and a half ago with sweet baby Emma in her arms—a big surprise no one had known about, including Emma’s father, Cameron. It had all ended happily when Paige and Cameron walked down the aisle.

  Maggie’s son was a pretty cute kid, Finn reckoned. With his round face and hazel-colored eyes, he reminded Finn a little bit of himself at that age. He sure hoped Oliver’s life was a lot more idyllic than his own had been. Although he had been a bit older when his mother passed away, the event had scarred him terribly and changed his life forever. Finn knew he’d never quite recovered from the trauma. Or the guilt.

  Finn shook off the maudlin emotions. Things were looking up for him. He needed to be positive.

  “Nice to see you again after all these years, Maggie,” Hazel said in an enthusiastic tone. “Your uncle told us so much about you and Oliver over the years. He loved you very much.” She reached out and enveloped Maggie in a tight bear hug.

  Maggie’s uncle Tobias had been a longtime resident of Love. He’d been an amiable man whose shop on Jarvis Street had always been popular. “Let her come up for air, Hazel,” Jasper barked. Hazel let Maggie go, before turning toward her husband and scowling at him.

  “Welcome back to Love,” Jasper said in a booming voice. Maggie smiled at Jasper, which immediately lit up her face. With her delicate features, Maggie had a girl-next-door type of beauty.

  Jasper turned his attention toward the little boy. “What’s your name, son?” he asked in a robust voice. Finn let out a low chuckle at the look on Oliver’s face. Much like everyone else who crossed paths with Jasper, Oliver seemed fascinated by his larger-than-life personality.

  The boy looked up at Jasper with big eyes. “I’m Oliver.”

  Jasper stuck out his hand. “Hello there, Oliver. I’m Jasper Prescott, the mayor of this town. Everyone calls me Jasper though.”

  “Hi, Jasper.” Oliver stared, then frowned. “Hey! You kind of look like Santa Claus.”

  Finn knew that Jasper—with his white hair, blue eyes and whiskers—had heard this a time or two. The town mayor threw his head back and roared with laughter. “I like your honesty, young man.” He winked at Oliver. “To tell you the truth, I sometimes feel like him. I do tend to spread a lot of cheer around this town.” He winked at him. “Especially during this time of year.”

  Finn stifled an impulse to burst out laughing at Jasper’s comment as Hazel rolled her eyes and let out an indelicate snort. Jasper frowned at his wife, then turned back toward Oliver.

  “Would you like to head over to my grandson’s café for some peppermint hot chocolate and s’mores?” Jasper asked, eyebrows twitching.

  Oliver’s hazel eyes twinkled. “S’mores are my favorite!” he said with a squeal of glee. He turned toward his mother. “Can we please go?”

  Maggie reached out and tweaked her son’s nose. “Of course we can. S’mores are my favorite too.”

  Finn watched the interaction between mother and son. Their tight bond was evident. He looked away for a moment, casting his gaze at the fishing boats docked by the pier. The boats served as a distraction from the feelings bubbling up inside him. A wave of longing for his own mother washed over him in unrelenting waves. He’d lived without her for almost twenty years, but the pain of her loss still lingered. It still gutted him when he allowed himself to think about it.

  He didn’t know why, but lately the memories had been coming at him fast and furiously. And the guilt he felt over her death never seemed to let up.

  “Finn!” Hazel called out. “Would you like to join us?”

  Finn turned his attention back toward the group. “I have a few things to do, but I’ll meet you over there in a little bit. Don’t worry about the luggage. I’ll bring it over to the Moose.”

  “Thanks, Finn,” Maggie said with a nod of her head. “We really appreciate it.”

  Finn didn’t say a word in response. He merely nodded his head. Something about seeing Maggie again after all these years made him feel tongue-tied. She was so polished and put together. There was a regal air about her, although she didn’t seem like a snob. She was miles away from the tomboy who’d run around with skinned knees and untied shoelaces. He doubted whether they would even have a single thing in common.

  “We’ll see you later then,” Jasper said, clapping Finn on the back.

  Hazel clapped her hands together. “Well then. What are we waiting for?” she asked, motioning for everyone to follow her down the pier. Finn watched as they all walked toward Jasper’s car. At one point Oliver turned back toward him and waved. The thoughtful gesture made Finn smile. He waved back at him, getting a kick out of the way the boy’s face lit up with happiness.

  Finn was glad they were traveling by car. Even though the Moose Café wasn’t far, the ground was a bit slick from a recent snowfall.
Maggie and Oliver weren’t even wearing boots, he thought with a chuckle. Something told him it wouldn’t take either of them long to figure out they were essential for Alaskan winters.

  Once he was alone, his mind veered toward the pressing matter at hand—Tobias’s bequest in his will. It couldn’t have come at a better time. For weeks now he’d been in a financial bind. He’d needed to come up with a large amount of cash so he could buy into a partnership in O’Rourke Charters, his brother’s business. So far his part-time job at the docks hadn’t brought in much cash, and his hours spent working for O’Rourke Charters were few and far between. Living in a town recovering from a recession made finding a high-paying gig almost impossible. He was so close to achieving his dream of being his own boss. His financing had been approved, but for a lesser amount than he’d expected or needed.

  Tobias had come to the rescue and left him a nice sum of money in his will. Although Tobias had placed a condition on receiving the funds, Finn couldn’t be more thrilled about it. He clenched his jaw. Finn wasn’t too sure how Maggie would feel about working side by side with him. Despite their past friendship, they hadn’t been close in twenty years. The situation could prove to be very awkward. He no longer knew Maggie well enough to predict her reaction.

  Just as the group departed in Jasper’s car, another vehicle pulled up to the pier. It took only seconds for Finn to recognize it. He watched as his brother, Declan, got out and walked toward him. With his blond hair and movie-star good looks, Declan radiated charm. Until he’d married his wife, Annie, he’d been known around town as something of a ladies’ man. Now he was enjoying the white picket fence and impending fatherhood. Although he was happy for Declan, Finn couldn’t help but feel envious. That type of life wasn’t meant for him.

  “How’d it go?” Declan asked in an overly casual voice.

  “Fine. Like always,” Finn said in a curt voice. He didn’t know why it bothered him so much to have Declan constantly checking on him. His brother must trust him since he employed him as one of his pilots. Yet, time and again, he gave Finn the feeling he was constantly peering over his shoulder. As the older brother, it didn’t sit right with Finn. After all, for most of their young lives Declan had followed in his footsteps.

  That was a long time ago, he reminded himself. Before he’d let Declan know he couldn’t count on him.

  Declan rocked back on his heels. “That’s good,” he said, quirking his mouth. Finn knew well enough by his brother’s expression something was brewing. Declan was now shifting from one foot to another and clenching his teeth.

  “What’s going on? I know you didn’t come down here just to say hello. Give it to me straight.”

  Declan quirked his mouth. “I need to firm up my plans regarding O’Rourke Charters. I know you said you were in, but I’m going to have to draw up contracts and take the final payment from you. Business has slid a bit even with the second plane, so I’d like to get moving on the purchase of a third one. I need for us to get moving on this partnership and secure more financing, as well as getting this infusion of cash from you.”

  Declan had been in a plane crash over a year ago. As a result, one of his planes—Lucy—had been damaged beyond repair. Because Declan had been trying to save money on his premiums on his insurance payments, he had reduced his coverage months before the crash. As a result, the policy hadn’t fully covered the damages. Declan had managed to purchase a gently used seaplane a few months ago, but the company had taken a loss while operating with only one plane. Now his brother had his eye on a third plane in order to expand the business. Finn couldn’t blame him for wanting to secure his company’s future. Declan gave Finn flying hours as often as he could, but until he bought into O’Rourke Charters and they purchased another seaplane, Finn wouldn’t be hired on as a salaried pilot. His dream of co-ownership would be on hold.

  Finn scratched his jaw. “I know I’ve put you in a bind and I’m sorry about it.”

  Declan cut him off. “Finn, I’m not blaming you for not getting all the financing you needed, but I’ve been as patient as I can for the last few months. The bottom line is I’ve got to make some serious decisions about the future of O’Rourke Charters. If you want to join forces, I’m going to need us to sign a contract and have you make a substantial contribution to buy your way into the business.”

  “Declan, I’ll be honest with you. I wasn’t sure how I was going to come up with the last portion, but my prayers have been answered.” Finn reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the paperwork he’d received yesterday afternoon.

  “What’s this?” Declan asked as Finn handed him the documents.

  “I got a visit yesterday from Lee Jamison. He’s the executor for Tobias’s will.” He shook his head, still in disbelief over his windfall. “Believe it or not, Tobias left me a nice-sized sum of money.”

  Declan raised a brow. His eyes scanned the paperwork. He let out a low whistle as he swung his gaze up to meet Finn’s. “Tobias was mighty generous. You know what this means right? There are conditions.”

  Finn nodded. “Yes. I’ll have to help Maggie get the shop ready for its grand opening, then help her get it up and running for a total period of no less than four weeks. At such time the shop successfully opens, then I’ll get my inheritance.” Finn repeated the terminology he’d memorized from the paperwork. “Then I can buy my way into O’Rourke Charters.”

  Declan let out a hearty chuckle. He slapped Finn on the back. “I can’t believe it!” He grinned at Finn. “You always do land on your feet.”

  “Not always,” Finn said, “but thanks to Tobias, we’re going to be partners.”

  More than anything, Finn wanted to be a co-owner of O’Rourke Charters. He wanted it more than he’d desired anything in his life. For so long he had denied how great it felt to be up in the wild blue yonder flying a plane. But he couldn’t stuff it down any longer. It was where he was meant to be and being a pilot was his destiny. From the very first time his grandfather had taken him up in the air and let him fly the plane, Finn had been a goner. Killian had told him it was his destiny. Being co-owner of O’Rourke Charters would give him stability and respectability. It would give him a purpose. It would allow him the opportunity to live out a lifelong dream. And even though his grandfather wasn’t around any longer, perhaps he could still make him proud.

  “Four weeks will be fine,” Declan said with a nod. “I can work with that.”

  Finn grinned at his brother. It felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. “I appreciate it. And I’m not going to let you down this time. I promise.”

  “You better not,” Declan said, his blue eyes flashing a warning. Finn knew he was referencing the countless times Finn had bailed on him in the past. Not this time, he vowed. He was no longer the man he used to be. Finn liked to believe he’d grown and matured over the past few years. He wasn’t walking away from things anymore. Finn was done with running away from home and everything he held dear.

  Declan turned back toward him. “I’m really happy for you, Finn. And for our future partnership. I really do want this to work out.”

  “Me too,” Finn murmured as Declan turned away and continued back down the pier. Once his brother was out of earshot, Finn murmured, “Things are going to work out. They have to.”

  Now all he had to do was explain his inheritance from Tobias to Maggie and break it to her about the stipulation requiring him to work side by side with her at Keepsakes. Finn let out a deep breath. He wasn’t sure what he would do if she objected. Would he still be eligible for his inheritance if she declined his help? His whole future now hung in the balance.

  Copyright © 2017 by Sandra Calhoune

  ISBN-13: 9781488018749

  The Rancher’s Mistletoe Bride

  Copyright © 2017 by Ripple Effect Press, LLC

  All rights reserved. By payment
of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher, Harlequin Enterprises Limited, 225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario M3B 3K9, Canada.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

  ® and ™ are trademarks of the publisher. Trademarks indicated with ® are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office and in other countries.

  www.Harlequin.com