Jingle Bell Wedding: A Colorado Billionaires Christmas Story

by Regina Duke

  George obviously didn’t want to tell her, but he straightened his shoulders and said, “Grandma Polly has decided she wants to stay at least a month and help out with the new baby. I’m sorry. She said they won’t be hiring a nanny anytime soon.”

  Faith slumped backward in the booth. “Perfect. So here I am, back in Eagle’s Toe. My car is being held hostage by a large dog, and my job interview just evaporated.”

  “Everything happens for a reason,” George said kindly. “I just can’t see you as a nanny anyway. There are lots of other things you can do for a living.”

  “Here? In this small town?”

  “Lots of things are happening around here. The Garrisons are building an entire neighborhood of high-end luxury homes. New shops and businesses are opening. Something will come up. I promise.” He leaned forward, forearms stretched toward her. “Now tell me. What do you want for Christmas?”

  Faith shook her head and sighed. “I haven’t even thought about Christmas.”

  George cocked an ear. “How can you say that when ‘Winter Wonderland’ is being sung in the lobby? And it’s snowing. Remember in high school how they’d take us out skiing?”

  Faith smiled. “I loved that. If the school hadn’t provided skis, I never would have got to go. That was so much fun.”

  George grabbed a pen and began jotting notes on his paper napkin. “Number one. Cross-country skis.”

  Faith leaned forward. “You’re really making a list?”

  “Sure. You’re home now. Home for good. Right?”

  Faith thought about it for a moment, then nodded. “That was my plan when I thought I could get a job here.”

  “Don’t worry about that. More, more, more. What else do you want for Christmas?”

  Faith studied George’s features for several long seconds. She felt a deep regret that she’d never got up the nerve to talk to him in high school. He was so kind. And handsome. That realization kept popping up in the back of her mind. Very handsome. And the kinder he was, the more handsome he became.

  He raised an eyebrow at her, waiting for her response.

  “Okay,” she said. “What I really, really want for Christmas is a brand new beginning. I want to start over. I want to block out everything that happened in Reno and pretend I never left Eagle’s Toe.”

  George’s smile threatened to split his face in two. “Perfect! That’s perfect.”

  “What about you?” asked Faith.

  George dropped his eyes to his list. “I want to start over, too. I want to pretend I never got in trouble and was never on probation. I want to pretend that everything is still possible, the way it felt our senior year. I want to start over, and that means I want us to pretend we were sweethearts in high school.”

  Faith felt a tickle of excitement. “Really?”

  George nodded. “I was too scared to talk to you back then. I’ve thought about you a thousand times since. Maybe more. And all I felt was regret. Let’s start over together.”

  Faith bit her bottom lip. He was such a sweet guy. Would it be a mistake? Should she back away and give this some more thought? She looked him in the eye. He seemed so open and honest. He was everything she wished she could have met in college. He was everything she wished she’d never left behind.

  “Okay,” she said. “Let’s start over. Seniors in high school.”

  “And sweethearts. We’re going steady.”

  Faith giggled. “Okay. Let’s go steady.”

  George grinned. He pulled his class ring off his finger and held it out.

  “Shall I wear it on a chain?” asked Faith. “Or wrap it in angora like our parents used to do?”

  “Let’s go get a gold chain.” He motioned to the waitress for the check. He left her a big tip, and they exited the Pam and Eggs arm in arm.

  Faith didn’t know if she was making a mistake or not, but it was the perfect way to start over. She decided she would treat the whole thing like a Christmas dream and not worry about it. “You should be wearing your letterman jacket. Do you still have it?”

  George frowned in concentration. “I’ll have to ask my aunt if it’s in a box somewhere. But meanwhile, let’s go in here for that chain.” He steered her gently into a glass-fronted jewelry store two doors down from Pam and Eggs.

  “House of Bling?”

  George said, “My uncle wasn’t crazy about the name, but the proprietors seem to be doing very well, so no one’s complaining.”

  Faith was drawn to a fake white tree near the front window. Every branch sported specialized Christmas ornaments. It turned slowly on a pedestal while a music box at the base played “White Christmas.” Faith delighted in the Disney and Peanuts ornaments. There were dog ornaments representing every breed she could think of, with jeweled bones and collars hung among them.

  George appeared at her side. “I hope this is okay.” He held up a modest but substantial looking gold chain.

  Faith’s eyes grew wide. “I didn’t know you were going to buy it.”

  “Of course. We’re going steady. I can’t give you my ring without giving you something to wear it on.” He looked pleased as she let him string the ring on the chain and fasten the clasp around her neck.

  Faith looked up at him, her face full of hope.

  “Do I get a kiss?” asked George softly.

  Faith said shyly, “Well, we are going steady. I guess that deserves a kiss.”

  Their lips met softly. It was an innocent kiss, and neither of them expected the electric thrill it sparked in both of them. They parted for a moment and their eyes met as they recognized the attraction generated by the kiss.

  Faith’s breath caught in her throat. She made a soft sound of appreciation. “That was nice.”

  George nodded. “Very.”

  A moment later they were embracing, their lips pressed in a more serious caress. Faith moaned against him, and George felt his passion rising as if he were indeed still in high school. He broke off the kiss and whispered in her ear, “I have to ask you something.”

  Faith pulled back a few inches, waiting.

  George’s eyes twinkled. “Will you go to the prom with me?”

  Faith giggled again. “Yes,” she said. “Yes, yes, yes, yes!” She glanced about, hoping no one could overhear their little game. “Only….”

  “Only what?”

  “It’s December.”

  George snapped his fingers as if he’d forgotten. “Darn.” Then he said, “Will you go to the Winter Wonderland Dance with me?”

  Faith laughed out loud. “Yes, I will. I never got to attend that particular function in school. All the cool kids went.”

  George looked apologetic. “I swear to you, I was only there because our coach said the basketball players all had to go.”

  “Who was your date?”

  George looked away. “Didn’t have one. I went stag.”

  Faith fingered the ring hanging around her neck. “Well, now you’re going steady, so you will definitely have a date this time.”

  George’s cheeks turned a charming pink. “There’s lots of things we never got to do in school. How about we skip class this afternoon and go to a movie?”

  “Great idea! I never once cut school, ever in my life.”

  “And we’re going steady,” said George, “so let’s sit up in the back of the balcony.”

  Faith felt that inner thrill again. “Definitely. Pick a scary one so you can protect me.” She ran her tongue over her top lip and winked at him.

  The movie wasn’t scary. All the choices at the local theater were Christmas-themed. But they sat high in the balcony and had the place pretty much to themselves as the film played. Faith had no idea what it was about because her focus was on George, and he seemed to find her sufficiently entertaining as well. Afterward, George took her to the Cattleman’s and got her the room he’d promised and walked her to her door.

  “Don’t forget, I’ll come pick you up at nine so we can go get your car.”

 
“Thanks, George. I’ve had a wonderful day.” She tilted her head back to gaze into his eyes.

  “Me, too.” He leaned down and kissed her softly. “See you in the morning.” Reluctantly, he turned and walked away.

  Faith watched him until he disappeared behind the elevator doors. Then she went into her room. A brand new pair of pajamas and an array of much needed toiletries waited for her on the bed with a note that read, “Merry Christmas from Santa.” She smiled and felt tears welling in her eyes at the thoughtfulness of the gesture. She wouldn’t have access to her suitcase until she retrieved her car.

  The little table by the window held a tray full of sweets and fruit along with a little coffee pot and a selection of coffees and teas. Faith opened the drapes and sat in a chair to stare out at the colorful lights that decorated Old Town. The events of the afternoon swirled through her mind. She’d been hoping to reconnect with some old friends, but here she was, feeling the thrill of her high school crush all over again. More than ever, she was certain coming home was the right move.

  Her cell phone pinged. Expecting a message from George, she reached for it eagerly. When she read the screen, she froze. One stupid little text message had just complicated her dream of starting over in the worst possible way.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Saturday, December 19

  Faith slept fitfully, unable to decide what to do about the text message on her phone. It was simply a reminder, but for a few brief hours the day before, she’d shut the whole career dilemma out of her mind. There’d been no room for anything but George. Before bed, she’d spent two hours staring at the Weather Channel, trying to come up with a plan, but she felt like that part of her life was a hundred years away. At last, she’d drifted off into a restless sleep and woke at seven feeling more tired than when she went to bed.

  George was coming for her at nine, so she forced herself to shower and dress. She ate an apple off the fruit tray so she wouldn’t look like a famished hyena if they went out to breakfast and made a cup of tea with the single-serving brewer. It helped calm her nerves. All she wanted was to spend another wonderful day with George. Maybe she could ignore the text. She’d come home to Colorado to start over. Why go back to Reno at all? She didn’t want to leave after reconnecting with George. But what if he wasn’t as interested in her as she was in him? What if he was just enjoying her company with no thought beyond the weekend?

  She would have to ask him flat out. If he turned and ran because she was asking questions about what future they might have together, that would be devastating, but it would certainly be an answer. She ran a brush through her long hair and grimaced at herself. Where was her lipstick? After a sleepless night, she definitely needed a dab of color. She paused and examined herself in the mirror. When she got up yesterday morning, she’d seen what she saw every day. But something was different this morning. Was it breathing the Colorado air that did it? No. Fresh air was not enough to put a sparkle in her eye and a shimmer of anticipation in her gaze. She actually looked younger today.

  And she knew why. George had lit twin sparks of hope and desire within her. When her so-called boyfriend in Reno had turned out to be a crook who only wanted to be with her when she was acting as his shill at the gaming tables, she’d begun to think she’d never want a man in her life again. She’d learned one major lesson from that cad: distrust. But George was from a time that predated all of that! George was sweet and kind and honest and hardworking.

  She was secretly glad he’d had a tiny run-in with the law. If he were perfect, she’d never feel she deserved to be with him. So even his flaws were wonderful. She paced back and forth in the room. When she realized what she was doing, she decided she’d wait in the lobby. At least it was filled with people and decorated for Christmas. She grabbed her purse and opened the door.

  And nearly ran smack into George, who stood there with one hand lifted to knock. At the sight of her, he grinned from ear to ear. “Well, hello there. Talk about perfect timing. I’m a few minutes early.”

  “Oh! You startled me! But I’m really glad you’re here.”

  George glanced at his watch. “Shall we go get your car? Then we can come back to town and have brunch, if you like.”

  “I would love that. Let’s go.” She pulled the door shut, still balancing her phone in one hand.

  “Expecting a call?”

  “Hmm? Oh. Er, I got a message from Reno. I’m trying to decide what to do about it.”

  They strode down the hall and into the elevator. There were already three people inside, so they were silent as they descended to the lobby. Faith was lost in thought all the way to George’s VW.

  George opened her door for her. “I don’t suppose you want to share your problem?”

  Faith looked up at him. That wonderful open face! She dropped her phone in her purse and smiled at him, giving him the same line he’d used on her the day before. “I’m saving that for lunch.”

  George laughed and gently closed her door. When they passed The Nest, Faith’s favorite mom-and-pop hamburger stand from her high school days, George pulled in and ordered them each a coffee. They came with free gingerbread men.

  Faith settled back in her seat with a sigh. “I knew coming home would be the right move.” She held up her gingerbread man. “Look at the benefits already!”

  The power of George’s smile sent waves of giddiness through Faith’s core. The fondness in his eyes was so overwhelming, she had to look away. She cleared her throat. “I don’t want to tell you how to drive, but you’ll probably need to watch the road.”

  “Oh.” He turned his eyes front and prepared to pull into traffic, but he seemed amused by her reaction. “Sorry.”

  Faith sipped her coffee and nibbled her gingerbread, using them as an excuse to avoid talking. Part of her wanted to tell him all about the text, all about her dilemma, but she knew they were only fifteen minutes from the Garrisons’ cabin, and she didn’t want to have to drive her car back into town alone, wondering the whole way what he was thinking. So she held her tongue.

  When they pulled up in front of the cabin, Faith could see an agitated blond woman pacing at the big window with a toddler in her arms. The Doberman was there as well, and he wasted no time making a beeline for his doggy door. The chihuahua followed him. The blond woman came out the front door, wrapping a blanket around the little one, who was dressed in a bright red snow suit. As the Doberman skidded around the corner, the woman snapped, “Platz!”

  To Faith’s amazement, the seemingly uncontrollable canine dropped like a stone on the wooden porch.

  Slowly, Faith emerged from the VW. George waved and greeted the woman.

  “Good morning, Polly! Thanks for waiting.”

  Polly’s stern features permitted themselves a taut smile. “Morning, George. Thanks for coming a wee bit early. I’m champing at the bit to get over to the hospital. Odin’s little sister arrived about an hour ago.” She bent over and scooped up the chihuahua in one hand.

  Faith smiled. “Congratulations.”

  This time, Polly’s smile was free and easy. “It’s great being a grandma.” She turned to the big dog and said in a voice thick with Texas, “Y’all git back inside, silly boy. You’ll freeze out here.”

  The Doberman got up, did a goofy dance around her and the child, then loped back in the direction of the doggy door.

  Faith felt much more comfortable upon seeing the dog behave so beautifully. “Are they your dogs? Or Mr. and Mrs. Garrison’s? I hope they like me.… That is, if they need someone after the first month.”

  Polly’s smile disappeared. “Oh. About that.”

  Faith’s gingerbread man turned to stone in her stomach. “Is there a problem?”

  “I was talking to my son, and we decided that I should handle the first six months with the newborn. I suggested they postpone hiring anyone for a while.”

  George put an arm around Faith and said, “But wouldn’t it be good to have a nurse around? For baby emergen
cies?”

  Faith’s eyes widened in alarm, but it was too late to stop him.

  Polly eyed Faith. “I thought your application said you didn’t have your license yet?”

  Faith tried to laugh, but it came out a deflated sigh. “No, not yet.”

  Polly looked smug. “In that case, you just go on then, and come back when you have your license. By then, Thor may be ready to hire a nanny. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to grab my purse and get going. Y’all have a nice day.” She disappeared back inside.

  Faith glanced at George. He looked devastated. She patted his hand. “It’s okay, George. Maybe coming home wasn’t so smart after all.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  George clapped a hand to his forehead. “Me and my big mouth!”

  “No, really, the Garrisons knew all about it. I don’t understand why they’d change their minds like this, but hey, that’s life, right?”

  George’s forehead creased with worry. “Please say you’re staying. Pretty please. Don’t leave Eagle’s Toe because of Polly Garrison. She can be a wild woman sometimes, and because she’s got all the money in the world, she figures she can do anything she wants.”

  Faith shot a glance toward the house. “Maybe we should drive back to the Cattleman’s and talk about her over lunch. You know. Far away. Where she won’t overhear us.”

  George laughed. “Deal. See you there.” Impulsively, he leaned down and planted a kiss on her lips. When he got in his car, she was headed for hers, and he saw she was tracing the kiss with her fingers. That made him feel very good.

  He followed her back into town, feeling quite protective, although he knew she didn’t need protecting. He wondered if she would go back to Reno if the Garrisons weren’t going to hire her. That seemed silly to him because she was one step away from a nursing license, and once she got that, there was no way she’d waste herself working as a nanny. Now that he’d had a chance to think about it, he realized what was happening. Polly didn’t want Faith in the house. She wanted her grandbabies all to herself for a while. That’s what this was all about. He was certain that a phone call to Thor and Ashley would clear this up. He turned up the radio and sang Christmas carols all the way back to the Cattleman’s Inn.