Christmas in Snow Valley

by Cindy Roland Anderson

  As if a giant gravitational force was at work between them, she felt herself leaning toward him. Cole slanted closer until she felt his warm breath mingle with hers. She should move away, make some wisecrack…anything to stop this crazy attraction.

  Instead, her eyes fluttered closed as their lips connected. Slowly, he moved his mouth against hers, and like a beautifully choreographed dance, she returned the kiss. Heat infused every part of her, leaving her limbs languid.

  Her heart thumped wildly, and a sigh escaped as he deepened the kiss. Barley cognizant of her surroundings, Lucy was both relieved and frustrated when Cole ended the kiss and edged slightly back.

  “Lucy, I’m coming to pick you up tomorrow.” His voice was rough with emotion, his eyes serious.

  She swallowed, and knew it was pointless to argue. “Okay.”

  He hovered near her, and she held perfectly still. Several heartbeats passed before he finally withdrew completely and opened the door.

  Just before he got out he pinned her with a heated look. “I’ll come by promptly at ten. Dress warm because after we shop, you’re going to show me how to cut down the perfect Christmas tree.”

  Chapter Ten

  COLE PULLED UP TO LUCY’S HOUSE, and couldn’t help smiling. The classic two-story farmhouse, with its wraparound porch and dormer windows, looked like the ideal house for Lucy to have grown up in.

  A green garland draped the porch railing, accented with red bows at every porch post. In each window, Cole noticed a single candle stick. The holiday décor was simple and understated but he bet at night it looked spectacular.

  Climbing out of the car, he approached the house feeling more than a little nervous. What had he been thinking when he’d kissed her yesterday? The mistletoe kiss could have been on the cheek, but when given the opportunity, Cole hadn’t been strong enough to resist the temptation. Then he’d gone and kissed her in the car.

  What an idiot. There would be no more kissing, no matter how tempting she might be.

  Cole pressed the doorbell, and smiled when he heard the tune of Jingle Bells playing. A few minutes later a teenage boy opened the door.

  “Hi,” Cole said. “I’m here for Lucy.”

  “Hey, Luce,” the kid yelled. “Some guy is here for you.” He motioned for Cole to come inside. “You can come in and wait for her if you want.”

  “Thanks.” Cole wiped his feet on the doormat and stepped inside the cozy house. It looked like he’d just landed in a Hallmark Christmas store.

  “Wow,” he said, glancing around the foyer. “This is incredible.”

  The teenager rolled his eyes. “My mom starts decorating the first of November. It takes her that long just to get everything out of storage and set up by December.”

  Cole didn’t doubt it. Before him lay the most amazing Christmas village he’d ever seen. Unable to resist, he crossed the floor for a closer look. Houses and stores, all decorated similar to Lucy’s house, dotted the length of the table. Figurines of people, animals, and a variety of trees populated the village, making it look real. In the center was a frozen pond with villagers actually skating around in circular patterns.

  No wonder Lucy loved Christmas so much. What surprised Cole was how much the village reminded him of Snow Valley. Downtown, with its elaborate holiday decorations, looked very similar. How could Lucy not want to settle down here?

  “Believe it or not,” the kid said with a laugh. “This is only one of the villages. My mom has a different one in every room.”

  “Really?” Cole glanced around and could see another elaborate set up in the living room.

  “Yeah, my mom and Lucy go nuts every year.”

  “Landon,” Lucy said, coming down the elaborately decorated staircase. “Are you dissing your big sister?”

  “No way.” He gave Lucy an exaggerated hug. “You’re the best sister in the world. Remember that when you’re shopping today.”

  “Suck up.” Lucy mussed his hair. “I’m not going Christmas shopping for you today.”

  “Ah, man. I hugged you for nothing?” Landon laughed at the look on his sister’s face. “I’m kidding. I love you, Luce. You know that.” He disappeared around the corner.

  Cole was fascinated by the tight relationship between the two siblings, as well as the genuine display of affection they showed one another.

  “Now you see what I have to put up with.” Smiling, she shook her head. “I hope you didn’t have to wait too long. He really has been raised to have better manners than to holler up the stairs.”

  “I wasn’t here that long.” Cole glanced around. “Do I get to meet anymore family members?”

  Lucy’s lips twitched. “My dad is at work. Logan, my other brother, is at school taking a make-up test, and my mom is out running errands.”

  It was probably good her mom was out. If what Lucy said was true then Cole didn’t want to have her mother start trying to match the two of them together. He had to admit, though, that part of him wondered if he would usurp Lance’s place if given the chance.

  “Okay,” he said. “You ready to go?”

  “Yes. I just need to put my boots on and get my coat.”

  Cole followed her with his eyes. Lucy looked cute, wearing dark-wash, skinny jeans, paired with a red, long-sleeved tee with the words I Believe stretched across her chest in silvery letters.

  Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, revealing the soft curve of her cheek, and full lips. Heat shot through his veins as he remembered tasting her sweet mouth.

  Just then she looked up and caught him checking her out. “What?” she said, putting on a pair of comfortable looking black boots.

  “Nothing.”

  She narrowed her gaze, and Cole tried not to smile. He pointed to her shoes. “Those won’t keep your feet dry when we’re cutting down our tree.”

  “That’s why I’m bringing my snow boots.” She slipped on her coat, and then grabbed a tote bag with her winter gear inside. “What about you? Those boots won’t cut it either.”

  Cole glanced down at his leather ankle boot. “Brilliant minds must think alike. My snow boots are in the Land Rover.”

  “Are you brilliant enough to remember a hat and gloves?”

  “I might not cut down my own Christmas tree, but I’ve lived in colder weather than Montana.”

  “Really? Where did you go to med school?” She walked toward the door.

  Cole stepped in front of her, and placed his hand on the doorknob. “VCU in Richmond, Virginia. But my residency was at the Mayo.” He opened the door. “And you don’t know what cold is until you spend a winter in Minnesota,” he said, following her outside.

  “I’ll bet you liked going home to California for Christmas.”

  She was wrong. California was warm, but being with his parents had felt just as cold as a January day in Rochester.

  “Like I said before, Christmas with my parents wasn’t anything to look forward to.”

  “So you won’t see your parents for Christmas this year?”

  He chuckled dryly. “My mother left a voicemail the other day telling me she and Dad would be spending Christmas and New Year’s in the South of France with some of their friends. I wasn’t invited.” He glanced over at her. “But at least I’ll be here with Uncle Will.”

  Reaching his SUV, she stopped next to the passenger door and turned around to face him. Her blue eyes studied him, compassion evident in their depths. “It’s too bad you couldn’t have come to your uncle’s for Christmas when you were younger.”

  Although he’d wanted to visit his uncle during the holidays many times, his parents had never allowed it. Once he was in college, he’d been unable to get away. School didn’t come easy to Cole and he’d had to spend every hour studying.

  “Yeah, maybe if I had I might not be such a Grinch.” He smiled, hoping to lighten the somber mood.

  It worked. Lucy’s lips curved up. “When I’m finished with you, you’ll be like Buddy the Elf, spreading Christmas ch
eer for all to hear.”

  He shook his head and laughed. “I wouldn’t have a clue what you’re talking about if Uncle Will and Beverly hadn’t made me watch that movie last night.”

  “Cole, please don’t tell me you’ve never watched any Christmas shows?”

  “All right. I won’t tell you.” He opened the car door for her.

  She groaned and climbed into the passenger seat. “I guess we better add a movie night to our agenda.”

  “If you insist,” he said, suddenly liking the idea of snuggling up with her in a darkened room. “Just name the night and I’ll be there.”

  The trip to Dove’s was quick with Lucy reciting a long list of her favorite Christmas shows so he could make an informed choice. Once inside the crowded store, they found a sturdy looking tree stand and added it to the cart.

  Then they picked out colored lights for the tree, white lights for the outside of the house, and a variety of Christmas ornaments, as well as a star for the top of the tree.

  Cole insisted on paying for the whole thing, even though Lucy wasn’t happy about it. But when he told her his Uncle Will had contributed a thousand dollars to help the little family, she finally relented. She didn’t need to know that money was going directly to Allie Parker.

  As they drove to the tree farm, Lucy told him about her visit with Pastor John. “Nobody seems to know anything about the Parkers. Pastor John and his wife plan to go over there this evening to introduce themselves and to welcome Allie and her children to Snow Valley. He said he’d assess the situation and get back with me tomorrow.”

  “Sounds good. What about your mom? Is she onboard with getting the kids wish list for Christmas?”

  “Yeah, she and Lance’s mom are going over there before five. They’re going to bring her dinner, as well as a welcome basket.”

  Cole tamped down the slight irritation he felt at hearing Lance’s name. It was irrational since he knew Lucy didn’t return the guy’s feelings, but it bothered him knowing how close the two families were.

  Maybe he should meet Lucy’s mother. She couldn’t be that bad. Heck, he knew his own mother would never take dinner to a new neighbor, especially someone who didn’t come close to her social status.

  “That’s really nice of your mom. I’m looking forward to meeting her.”

  Lucy didn’t say anything, and Cole glanced over to find her watching him. “What?” he asked, returning his attention to the road.

  “After all the warnings I’ve given you about my mother, why do you still want to meet her?”

  She had a point. Why was it every time he got around this girl all his convictions about avoiding relationships disappeared?

  While he thought of a good answer, he turned on his blinker and prepared to turn into the tree farm. He took a quick look and found her still studying him, waiting for his response.

  “Well, I am going to be her new doctor.”

  She shrugged. “That’s true.”

  Cole decided to leave it at that. Turning back, he saw the road was clear, and made a left turn onto a winding street that led them to Bennett’s Tree Farm. Several vehicles sat in the snowplowed parking area. He parked alongside a Suburban, which was the only car there without the Bennett logo on it.

  Cole left the SUV running while they changed into their winter gear. Once they were bundled up, he cut the engine and exited the car. Lucy climbed out of the car before he could get the door. She looked cute with a blue beanie that brought out the color of her eyes.

  A lumberjack-looking guy came out of the little office. “Howdy, folks. You all here for a Christmas tree?”

  “We sure are,” Lucy said with enthusiasm.

  “You ever done this before?” he asked, looking directly at Cole.

  “No, but I’m with an expert.”

  The guy eyed both Cole and Lucy skeptically. “I’ll go over the basics.” He walked over to a pegboard with several crosscut saws hanging on it and removed a newer looking one. “By the way, did you all want to rent a 4-Wheeler or a you planning on hoofing it?”

  “We can walk,” Lucy said.

  “Are you sure?” Cole asked, spotting the row of recreational vehicles. “I think it would be fun to drive one of those, plus it would save us time.”

  Lucy pursed her lips and glanced toward the quads. “It’s not really necessary is it?” she said, her gaze swinging back to Cole.

  “Oh, come on,” Lumberjack guy said. “Let your husband have some fun.”

  Lucy’s eyes widened. Before she could correct the guy, Cole put his arm around her shoulders. “Yeah, honey. Listen to the man.” He gave her shoulders a little squeeze. “Let’s take the quad.”

  The corners of her mouth lifted slightly, like she was trying not to smile. “What ever you say, dear,” Lucy said sweetly. “But I get a turn driving.”

  The man snorted a laugh. “You two can work out who goes first.” He quickly explained the proper and safe way to cut a tree down and then had Cole fill out some paperwork for the 4-Wheeler rental.

  “You ever drive one of these before?” the man asked, handing Cole a key.

  “Yeah. I lived in Minnesota for a few years and when the streets weren’t passable I’d take my quad to work.”

  “Good enough.” He tipped his head toward Lucy. “I assume your wife also has experience?”

  “Yes,” Lucy said. She looked up at Cole and patted him on the chest. “But if I have any questions I’ve got this big guy to help me out.”

  Cole laughed, but his gut tightened with a mixture of emotions. Although he and Lucy were having fun pulling off the married charade, the idea of being her husband actually appealed to him.

  “Okay.” The man opened one of the side boxes on the quad and secured the saw as well as some twine. “Just drag the tree back here and me or my son will put it on the shaker to get off all the snow and any other critters that might have taken up residence.”

  “Like squirrels?” Cole asked, thinking that might be a harsh evacuation.

  Both Lucy and the man laughed so hard, Cole felt his face flush with embarrassment. It wasn’t that funny.

  Finally, Lucy composed herself enough to answer. “The machine gets rid of dead needles or any bugs or spiders living on the tree.”

  “Too bad we can’t shake it before we cut it down. I hate spiders,” Cole said, as he climbed onto the seat of the rented ATV.

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ve never once seen a spider in any of our trees.” Lucy grinned. “And spiders don’t bother me so if you see one, I’ll take care of it for you.”

  Still smiling, she took her seat behind him. Cole started the engine and looked at her over his shoulder. “Ready?”

  She nodded her head. “Don’t go too fast, okay?”

  He felt a twinge of disappointment. Going fast was fun, plus it meant Lucy would hold on to him tightly. “I won’t.”

  He started out, and followed the path made from the other 4-Wheelers. Lucy’s hands gripped the side of the ATV but when they hit a small bump, her arms wrapped around Cole’s middle. Lucky for him, the trail was bumpy most of the way so Lucy’s arms stayed securely around him.

  After driving for about five minutes, they came to an area where Cole could see several fresh tree cuts. Lucy pressed close and spoke in his ear. “This looks like a good place to stop.”

  Bringing the machine to a stop, Cole cut the engine and waited for Lucy to climb off first. He stood up, pocketed the key and jumped down. Right away he noticed without her warm body next to his the air seemed a little nippy. He glanced around at the trees, and spotted a beautiful tree.

  “What about this one?” he said, walking over to the large tree.

  Lucy came up beside him. “It’s beautiful all right, but we can’t choose the first tree we find.”

  He laughed. “Why not?”

  She started walking toward another cluster of trees. “Because it will ruin the experience. We need to each find one and then argue their good points.”r />
  “I take it you and your brothers get into a healthy debate about which tree is better?” he said, moving in her direction.

  “Sure, it’s all part of the experience.”

  Cole chuckled and followed her around as she inspected several pines before choosing a tree that looked similar to his, but in his opinion not nearly as full.

  “Now here is a beautiful tree,” Lucy said, circling around it. “Look how perfect and straight the top is. The other one kind of looked like it was leaning a little.”

  “It did not.” Cole slowly walked around the tree until he stopped where Lucy stood. “And I say this tree is too skinny.”

  “This tree is not skinny,” she protested. “It’s perfect.”

  Cole shook his head, as he made one more pass around the tree. “No, my tree is much fuller. We can get some of the twine to measure both of them if you want me to prove my point.”

  Suddenly, something cold and wet smacked Cole in the neck. He whipped around and narrowed his eyes at Lucy. “Did you just throw a snowball at me?”

  “Maybe,” she said, barely holding back a laugh.

  “Let me guess,” Cole said, wiping away the snow from his neck with his glove. “A snowball fight is all part of the experience too.”

  She grinned and lifted one shoulder up. “One does what one has to do in order to be the winner.”

  “Good to know.” Cole bent down and scooped up a handful of snow.

  “Cole Taggart,” Lucy said, hiding behind her skinny tree. “Don’t you dare throw that at me.”

  “One does what one has to do in order to be the winner,” he teased, forming the snow into a compact ball. He took a step forward and Lucy squealed.

  “I was kidding. We never have a snowball fight.”

  “You can’t keep changing the rules, Lucy.” Cole took another deliberate step toward her.

  “I’m warning you, Cole, don’t come any closer.”

  Closing in on her, Cole debated about where to aim the snowball. He’d either miss on purpose, or go for her legs. He didn’t even get the chance to choose either option. The next thing he knew Lucy pulled back on the tree and let it go, showering him with snow, most of which hit him in the face.