In the wee hours of the morning, after they were done with the snowflakes, they went to bed, and finished at least two more times.
“You had one job.” Kimberly all but stomped into Angelique’s office early Saturday morning to blow off steam. To blow off the fear of falling in love with Ross and leaving herself open to potential heartache. Worse, leaving him open to finally figuring out how broken she really was.
Later that night, they were officially lighting the Wishing Tree. The entire town was decorated like the North Pole. The snowflake ornament wishes adorned the tree, courtesy of the Red River Fire Department.
Miraculously, Chairperson Clydelle and her sidekick sister had given their stamp of approval on all the decorations.
Deacon West hadn’t even put up a fuss when they’d broken the news to him that the buses had fallen through, and they’d have to go back to their original plan to bring the gifts to the kids. How could he complain, after the shenanigans in the park that resulted in a ruined tree and a vandalized Nativity scene. She still had the moving truck she’d borrowed, and the fire fighters had offered to make the rounds to make sure every wish was delivered.
All in all, it had been a kick ass couple of days.
Yet Kimberly had still managed an epic fail.
She’d fallen for Ross, and Ross had fallen for her.
She flung herself into the armchair in front of the desk.
Angelique didn’t look up from her computer. “Aaaand here we go again,” she mumbled.
“One job.” Kimberly held up an index finger and let her eyes bug out. “Was that too much to ask?”
Angelique stopped typing, slowly took off her glasses, and swiveled to look at Kimberly. “Apparently, it was.” She fiddled with her glasses. “Especially since I’m not aware of a job I was supposed to be doing.” She waved a hand over the stacks of papers on her desk. “Other than working my ass off to keep this office afloat while you decorate a town for a holiday that you don’t even like all that much.”
“I had no choice!” Kimberly let her arms fall over the sides of the chair. “You said so yourself, right after I bombed at the town council meeting. Ms. Clydelle would’ve stalked me with her gavel and cane if I hadn’t agreed, and you know it.” She let out a huge Oscar-worthy sigh. “You’re the one who told me I should go ahead and do this instead of standing up to that old hen.”
Angelique pursed her lips. “True on all accounts.” She tapped her reading glasses against the desk. “Refresh my memory. What job have I failed to perform?”
Kimberly covered her face with both hands. She couldn’t look her bestie in the eye when she fessed up to her lapse in self-control. “You were supposed to keep me from falling in love.”
The silence was deafening.
She spread her fingers and peeked at Angelique, who looked dumbstruck.
“Well?” Kimberly huffed. “Say something.”
It took Angelique a moment to respond. “First…” Her voice was scary quiet. “You never asked me to stop you from falling in love.”
“I thought it was a given!” Kimberly dragged her hands down her face. “You’re the one who chose to hyphenate your name so it’s as long as a Latin disease. After you did that, I told you my name wouldn’t fit on the door if I ever got married.”
Angelique’s forehead wrinkled. “Um … I’m so lost right now. Who are you in love with and when are you two getting married?” She frowned. “And what in God’s name does our office door have to do with this?”
Kimberly picked at a cuticle. “Okay, I’m not getting married, so I guess the door is a non-issue.” Pick, pick, pick.
“And?” Angelique lifted a brow.
“I guess I’m sort of in love with Ross.” Kimberly kept her head lowered, but stopped the cuticle picking long enough to lift her gaze to look at her friend through shuttered lashes.
A wicked pay-backs-are-a-bitch smile spread across Angelique’s face.
A few years ago, Kimberly distinctly remembered telling her bestie she was being ridiculous for not wanting to fall in love with Dr. Tall, Dark, and Hotsome.
“Thanks a lot,” Kimberly groused.
Angelique’s chair creaked as she leaned back and swiveled from one side to the other. “So, the sexy mechanic is the one who finally brought the invincible Kimberly Perez to her knees.”
In more ways than one.
Heat crept up Kimberly’s neck and settled in her cheeks because she actually had been on her knees in front of Ross. A few times. One of which had been last night in the shower.
Her cheeks burned hot.
She studied a photo of the Italian countryside that was hanging on Angelique’s wall. Rolling hills covered in grapevines were on fire with the colors of autumn.
“Oh. My. God,” Angelique said on a low laugh. “You’ve been dirty dancing with Ross!”
Kimberly’s BFF knew her too damn well. “Fine.” She threw her head back to rest against the chair. “Yes, we’re doing the dance.” On her office sofa. On his desk. In his bed.
Okay, fine. Even once in his truck when they were scouting for a new tree in the wilderness. She’d frozen her bare cheeks off, too, thank you very much.
But it had been sooooooo worth it.
With each passing day, the butterflies that fluttered in her chest every time she saw him … or even thought of him, had turned to full grown birds with wings that didn’t just flutter. They flapped and beat against her chest until she couldn’t breathe.
“So, what am I going to do about the mess I’m in?” she asked, completely defeated. “I’ve even been working on a surprise for him of legendary proportions, which is going to blow his mind.” Not something she’d ever done for a man. But for Ross?
Least she could do after all the mind-blowing sex he’d given her. It had taken her two years to finally take that step with him, and lucky girl that she was, the guy was really, really good at it. She couldn’t get enough of him.
She groaned as though she was in agony.
Angelique’s smirk turned to sympathy. “Hon, you’re overthinking this because you’re scared.”
Funny, Ross had said the same thing.
“You seem happy.” Angelique’s smile was back. “Not quite as terrifying.”
“Some friend you are.” Kimberly ran her fingers through her hair, then she pointed to it. “This hasn’t even scared him away yet.”
“That’s because he’s a solid guy.” Angelique looked thoughtful. “Here’s an idea.” She tapped her chin. “How about just roll with it? Enjoy the moment. Stop worrying and let life happen.”
Kimberly rubbed her eyes. “Life has happened way too much for me already. That’s why I took charge at twelve years old and decided I’d control who I let myself care about.”
Angelique swiveled back and forth again. “And how has that worked out for you so far?”
“Well…” It hadn’t worked out at all, actually. Unless being alone and lonely … and kind of pathetic was her goal.
She hadn’t been aiming for pathetic. Unfortunately, she’d accomplished alone, lonely, and pathetic like a champ.
Until Ross had come along and had the audacity to be a standup guy.
Kimberly focused on her sparkly Christmas green nail polish that she’d picked up at the pharmacy the night before. The bottle had actually had the picture of a Grinch on it, so, of course, she’d had to buy it.
Ross had belly laughed when she’d brushed it on her fingers and toes. Then, as soon as it was dry, he’d started at her green fingernails and kissed all the way to her green toenails, lingering for a long time at several points in between.
Amazing that they’d actually been able to finish the wish ornaments.
She drew in a dramatic breath, then let it out, puffing out her cheeks.
Maybe instead of worrying about disappointing him, or waiting for him to disappoint her, she should focus on trying to be the kind of woman he deserved.
Her breath caught in her throat
.
No, that wasn’t exactly true.
Maybe she should finally focus on being the kind of person she deserved. That kind of person would let themselves be loved, wouldn’t they?
She shot out of the chair, ran around the desk, and gave Angelique a big kiss on the top of her head. “Thanks. I knew I could count on you for help.”
“Um, okay.” Angelique’s look said she was more confused than ever.
“No time to explain.” Kimberly waved her hand in the air. “I have an appointment at Shear Elegance before we light the tree tonight.”
Angelique’s brows lifted so high they disappeared under her jet-black hair. “No more do-it-yourself dye jobs? No more cutting your own hair?” She let out a low whistle. “You must be in love, girlfriend.”
“Oh, bite me,” Kimberly groused.
“You don’t need me for that,” Angelique shot back. “The hickey on your neck says Ross already has it covered.”
Kimberly’s hand flew to her neck. “I have a hickey?”
Angelique let out a laugh that filled the room. Then she went back to typing. “See you tonight in the park.”
Kimberly hurried out of the office. If she didn’t slow her pace, she could swing by her place before her makeover appointment and change out of her Christmas sweatshirt into a turtle neck to cover the mark on her neck.
She kept a hand over her neck as she flew down the stairs. She hadn’t bothered to look in the mirror when she showered and got dressed that morning. Ross was going to catch hell for not telling her he’d given her a hickey for all the world to see.
Then she was going to kiss the hell out of him and give him a hickey or two of his own.
Chapter Twelve
By the time the sun disappeared behind Wheeler Peak, the park was full of people who’d come to see the lighting of the Wishing Tree.
Ross glanced around, taking it all in as he let out a sigh of relief. The town decked out in Christmas splendor with fresh snow on the ground and the townsfolk turning out to participate—that was the heart of Red River. It was the heart of the holidays.
His sister would’ve been thrilled.
He gazed up, and a shooting star streaked across the night sky. His heart warmed. It was as though Noelle was telling him she was pleased with him.
He closed his eyes and wished on that star, the way he and Noelle used to do when they were kids. His wish was for his parents to someday enjoy Christmas and remember Noelle during the holidays instead of trying harder to forget her because of their consuming grief.
He opened his eyes again to check on all the moving parts that would make tonight a success.
Both the live Nativity scene and the carolers were in full costume. Deacon West had even made sure to include real hay and two live miniature donkeys. Even the baby in the manger was a doll that looked as lifelike as possible. The bonus, though, was the kids who’d likely vandalized Ross’s scrap iron sculptures. Apparently, Deacon West must’ve suspected they’d been the culprits, too, because he was in the process of handing each of them pooper scoopers to clean up after the animals.
Ross chuckled.
He found Dylan McCoy at the front southeast corner of the park handing out free hot chocolate, courtesy of Cotton Eyed Joe’s.
“Thanks, man.” Ross hitched up his chin at Dylan’s table. “This is a really nice touch.”
Dylan handed him a cup, steam swirling up into the cold night air. “Sure thing. Least I can do after you and Kimberly pulled this off so spectacularly.”
A family of four came up the sidewalk and approached Dylan’s table. He handed each of them full cups.
“Enjoy the evening, folks,” Ross said.
They thanked both him and Dylan and strolled into the park.
“Gotta say.” Dylan filled more cups and set them out on the table. “I’m surprised and impressed.”
Ross had to agree. Then again, Kimberly never ceased to surprise or impress him.
He took in the bustling park while he sipped his warm cocoa. Little Noelle’s foster mom led her to the tree, where she put something on it. Ross couldn’t make out exactly what it was, but the color was bright yellow. Then Noelle’s foster mom led her away.
Sorrow filled his chest, but then he swallowed it down with another big gulp of cocoa. He wouldn’t let grief ruin this night, the way his parents let grief ruin every night and every holiday since his sister had passed.
He finished his drink, tossed it in the trash, and shook Dylan’s hand. “Thanks, man. Gotta go get busy.” He nodded toward the unlit tree, then went to inspect it.
It was fully decorated with the recycled lights he and Kimberly had collected and the snowflake wishes they’d made every night in between all of their other planning, their other responsibilities, and … well, all of their extraordinary lovemaking.
The sheer number of snowflakes alone was a testament to Kimberly’s commitment to underprivileged kids because they each represented a Christmas gift that a child in need had wished for.
There were so many, and Kimberly had made sure every last wish would come true. The same way she’d made his wish come true, and not just with the wonderfully decorated town.
She’d made his wish to have her in his life come true. She’d given him a chance, and finally let him through the crazy hair, the wild clothes, and the tough-girl shell so he could see into her heart. A heart that was far bigger than her larger-than-life personality.
Beautifully wrapped gifts to fulfill the wishes were pouring into the Red River Post Office every day by the truckloads. Local firefighters had picked up several loads from donors, and Ross’s shop was overflowing with presents.
He hadn’t been able to solve the problem of getting the kids to Red River, thanks to his client reneging on his promise to loan him a fleet of luxury buses. But the Red River Fire Department had stepped up again. Their off-duty firefighters had offered to drive the moving truck around the state and hand deliver the gifts.
So tonight, he and Kimberly could enjoy watching the tree light up, knowing that her wish to see so many kids receive a Christmas gift would come true.
In the midst of all the sparkly snowflake ornaments was a bright yellow star with child-like writing on it. It had been placed on the bottom branches, right about eye level with a little girl named Noelle. Ross reached for the yellow star to see if he could make out the writing on it, but before he picked it up, Calvin Wells’ head appeared from around the side of the tree.
“Hey, dude.” Cal, the newest member of the Red River Fire Department, said. “Got a sec?”
Ross followed him to the rear of the tree, where Cal and another firefighter were manning the electrical outlet that would light up the tree. “We’re almost ready. Have you seen Kimberly?” Cal’s hair was trimmed to perfection. He was somewhere between early to mid-twenties, but looked younger. Almost like a boy scout because of his combed hair and cleanly shaven face. Cal’s older brother, Cooper Wells, was Red River’s only chiropractor, and his sister-in-law was the infamous erotic romance author who’d kept her identity a secret … until she didn’t, which has rocked the cozy little town.
Ross chuckled at the memory. For a small town, Red River had a lot of interesting history behind it. Stories of scandals, secret love affairs, dangerous arsonists, and so much more. Honestly, someone should write a book about all of it. Because, really, who could make that shit up?
Ross shook his head. “I was going to ask you the same question. You haven’t seen her?”
Cal shook his head and kept checking the power connections. “No, dude. She hasn’t been around all afternoon.”
Huh.
The decorations, the tree … they were mostly her doing. For someone who’d wanted to eliminate decorations altogether, she’d done an amazing job turning Red River into a town that Santa himself would envy, and she’d done it at virtually no cost.
Amazing.
She was amazing.
She was also missing-in-action.
“We wanted her stamp of approval on the last decoration she had us add to the tree.” Cal walked around to the side of the tree and pointed to a large arch that was secured in the middle. It was covered in burlap, with pull-strings on each side.
He didn’t remember Kimberly working on a decoration shaped like an arch. “What is it?”
Call glanced up from his work. “Can’t tell you. That’s why I’m looking for Kimberly.”
Ross frowned. “Why the hell can’t you tell me? I’m in charge of this gig.”
Not really. Kimberly was more the boss than he was, but he wanted to know what was so important that it had to be covered.
Cal shook his head and went back to working on the electrical cords. “No can do, dude. You’re only one of the people in charge of this gig. The other one has wild hair and threatened to find me in my sleep, tie me up, and wax the hair off my balls if I gave up her secret.”
Ouch.
Cal and his firefighting helper both shuddered.
Ross couldn’t blame them. The threat did sound like something Kimberly would say, even though he knew she’d never do any such thing.
What kind of secret had Kimberly been keeping, though? And why? Ross studied the covered arch hanging on the tree.
He couldn’t stop a wide smile. Threatening a young guy with hot wax was exactly the kind of thing that had made Ross fall in love with her.
He swallowed.
Yeah. Man up, dude. He was in love with a woman who was going to keep him so far up on his toes that he might as well get used to wearing steel-toed boots. Even to bed and in the shower.
Especially to bed and in the shower.
He took out his phone and checked the time because it was getting late. He fired off a text.
Where are you?
The dots jumped.
Be there soon, big guy.
He typed a response.
When???? Everything’s ready.
The dots did their dance.
Not everything. It’s not quite dark, and I’m not there, am I?
It's In His Christmas Wish (A Red River Valley Novel Book 7) Page 12