“Mom. Something’s wrong.” Without a second thought, she hurried over to Noah’s office.
“Chloe, are you okay?” She touched the child’s shoulder, her gaze locking with Noah’s. His eyes darkened as he shook his head, and a muscle in his jaw flexed rapidly.
Chloe shifted her head against her dad’s chest and looked at Beth with tearful, sad eyes. “I didn’t get a ticket, and tomorrow is Thanksgiving.”
Beth’s heart sank. Her mother had let her down. “Oh, Chloe, I’m so sorry.”
“Is everything all right?”
Beth glanced over her shoulder as her mother joined them, but before she could explain, Chloe broke from Noah’s arms and plunged into Francie’s.
“I can’t spend Thanksgiving with my mom.”
“Oh, sweetie. I’m so sorry.”
“I was going to meet Dustin Baker and all kinds of famous people. Now it’ll be an old boring day with just Dad and Gram.”
Noah’s mouth pinched, and his brow furrowed. Her heart went out to him. She felt certain he knew Chloe didn’t mean what she said, but it probably stung at any rate. How could a dad and grandmother compete with the rich and famous in Hollywood? But maybe she could soften the blow a little bit.
She caught her mother’s gaze. “How about Thanksgiving dinner with a not quite as famous ballerina and her family?”
Her mother’s face brightened with delight at the suggestion. “That’s a wonderful idea. Why don’t you and your dad and grandma come and spend the day with us? You already know Abby and Evan. We play football in the afternoon, and we have the dogs running around and all kinds of fun things to do.” She stroked Chloe’s hair and looked at Noah. “Please. We’d love to have your family join us. We have plenty of room and more than enough food.”
Noah considered the idea. “That’s very kind of you, but I think Gram already has some food prepared.”
“Just bring it with you.” She set Chloe away from her and smiled. “Will you come, Chloe?”
She wiped tears from her cheeks and looked over at her father. “Can we? Please?”
Beth grinned at the resigned look on Noah’s face. She knew he probably didn’t want to spend the holiday with her, but it’s not like they’d be alone or anything. They’d barely have time to talk.
“I’ll have to check with your grandma, Chloe.”
Francie waved off his concerns. “Leave that to me. I’ll give Evelyn a call right now and arrange everything. Thanksgiving is more fun with lots of family. Since you’re my renter, that qualifies you. Besides, we’ll be a couple members short this year. Tori is still in California, and Seth is a newly minted Houston police officer, so he’s working.”
Francie took Chloe’s hand and went back to the office, leaving Beth with Noah. He was worrying his bottom lip with his finger as if rethinking the idea.
“I’m sorry her plans didn’t work out.”
“I knew they wouldn’t, and I tried to prepare her, but she won’t listen. Once she gets an idea in her head it’s hard to get it out.”
“Family trait, huh?”
“Yeah. I guess.”
“I hope I didn’t make this awkward for you with my invitation. Mom’s right, though. We’re used to having a full house for the holiday, and we’re short this year. You’ll be our fill-ins.”
“A fill-in family. Should I be honored or insulted?”
She tilted her head. “That’s up to you. I just wanted to cheer Chloe up. She had her heart set on going to see her mom.”
“We don’t always get what we set our hearts on. You should know that better than anyone.” He paused and took a deep breath. “I didn’t mean to sound judgmental. It never gets any easier.”
“This happens a lot?”
“Too many times to count.”
She reached out and touched his arm. “I’m sorry. For both of you.” His blue eyes softened with affection, sending a sweet warmth curling through her rib cage. It was the look she’d seen in his eyes frequently those last few months before they’d graduated. The one that had convinced her he was secretly in love with her the way she was with him. “I’d better get back. Is it okay for Chloe to stay with us for a while longer?”
“Sure. I’ll finish up here and then come get her.”
At the door to the real estate office, Beth looked back to see Noah rubbing his forehead before placing his palms on the desk and bowing his head. How many times had he been forced to endure his child’s disappointment? She’d known a lot of disappointment in her life and it had been deeply painful, but experiencing Chloe’s had hurt in a way she’d never known before. What must it feel like to be a father?
On the heels of that thought came one from her own conscience. How many times had her family been disappointed when she canceled a trip home or failed to remember a birthday?
She couldn’t go back and fix the past, but she knew she didn’t want to be that out of touch with the people she loved ever again. Seeing the sadness in Chloe’s eyes held up a mirror to her own failures.
And she didn’t like the picture it revealed.
Chapter Six
Noah had never experienced a Thanksgiving dinner like this one. He’d agreed to spending the holiday with the Montgomerys in a moment of weakness and had been regretting his decision ever since. Even reminding himself it was for Chloe’s sake hadn’t helped ease his anxiety.
His grandparents had always celebrated with quiet formality, in a solemn and dignified fashion. He’d expected the Montgomerys to be the same. He’d anticipated being on edge and feeling awkward in the midst of a family gathering with no connection to his familiar traditions. But Beth’s family was boisterous and fun-loving. While the table was set with fine china, silver and crystal, the atmosphere was relaxed and casual, and it was obvious they enjoyed being together.
It reminded him of holidays growing up with his parents. Being surrounded by this large family renewed his hopes that he could give his daughter a complete family one day.
He took another bite of the melt-in-your-mouth cornbread dressing Beth had prepared and tried not to moan with delight. He had no idea Beth could cook, even though her mother had touted her skills before the Thanksgiving dinner.
He glanced around the table at the Montgomerys assembled for the holiday meal. Gram was seated next to Francie, and the two women giggled and chatted between bites like teenagers. They had been friends for a long time, but after they’d each lost a spouse, they had a deeper bond now.
Beth’s brothers were clearly crazy in love with their new wives. Her sisters-in-law were beautiful women—Gemma a stunning strawberry blonde with sparkling eyes, and Julie a lovely brunette with a megawatt smile. But neither could hold a candle to Bethany’s serene, elegant beauty. Maybe it was her years of dance training that gave her the graceful carriage, or maybe she’d been born with it and that’s what had made her such an exceptional ballerina. Either way, she was the most fascinating woman he’d ever met, a unique combination of femininity and strength.
He glanced at Beth. How had she lived in New York away from this kind of support for so long? She’d always claimed that she didn’t fit in here, but she looked relaxed and happy to him. She caught him looking at her and smiled, making his mouth suddenly dry and his palms sweaty. He hated the way his body reacted whenever she looked at him or touched him. He’d strengthened his defenses today, but when she’d opened the door to the Montgomery home with her welcoming smile, they’d tilted like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The dark slacks she wore emphasized her long legs, and the soft teal top with the scooped neck showed off the graceful curve of her shoulders. Earrings with tiny stars bobbed around her chin, adding even more sparkle to her pretty eyes.
All in all, he was glad he’d agreed to come today. As close as he and Beth had been, he’d never spent any time with h
er family. Her older brothers had been away at college or working for the family business. But he’d been welcomed today with handshakes and smiles. They’d inquired about his new business, and offered to pass his name along to the architects they knew. They said they would do whatever they could to help him get established.
A giggle drew his attention to his daughter. Mostly he was glad he’d come because of the smile that was now back on Chloe’s face after a long night of tears. She and Abby were seated together talking nonstop, waving forks in the air to punctuate their conversation. He marveled at the resiliency of his child. Time after time, her mother let her down, broke promises and failed to follow through on plans. Chloe would cry, but then get back up, convinced that one day her mom would come through. She shamed him with her faith and loyalty. Unfortunately, he knew that loyalty had its limits.
His gaze drifted immediately to Beth. Where were her loyalties? With her career, or with her family?
The tapping of metal on glass drew everyone’s attention. Gil stood. “Before we have our dessert, we have an announcement to make.”
Abby jumped up. “Can I tell? Please? I’ve waited forever.”
Gil chuckled and reached down to take his wife’s hand. “Go ahead, sweet pea.”
Abby clapped her hands and bounced up and down. “I’m going to be a big sister.”
The room erupted with cheers and laughter, and questions were flung at the couple. Beside him, Beth remained silent. Her smile was forced, and her hands gripped her napkin tightly. He watched as she closed her eyes briefly. When she opened them, her attitude had changed. She stood.
“Now we’re really ready for dessert. Let’s celebrate with Mom’s pecan pie.”
Noah glanced around the room. Everyone was preoccupied and didn’t seem to notice the strain in Beth’s voice. He rose and picked up his plate, following her to the kitchen.
He found her standing at the counter, pie cutter in hand but not moving. Her shoulders were slumped as if she was too weary to proceed. He stopped at her side, fighting the urge to pull her into a hug to comfort her. “Are you all right?”
The sadness in her eyes when she looked at him pierced every nerve ending.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m fine.”
“I know you’re not. Talk to me.”
“I think you might have been right. I did pay too high a price for my career.” The mellow tones of classical music intruded. She pulled her phone from the small pocket on her top and looked at the screen.
“I have to take this.” Turning her back, she disappeared from the kitchen.
When the pie had been served and she hadn’t reappeared, Noah went looking for her. Gil directed him to the office off the foyer. She was curled up in one of the leather chairs, legs tucked beneath her, staring out the window. Her cell phone was still clutched in her hand. “Beth.”
She glanced up and saw him, and the worry in her eyes pricked his throat. Something was wrong. He considered leaving her alone. If she needed his help, she could ask for it. But he couldn’t leave her alone like this. Slowly he moved toward her, taking a seat in the chair next to her. When she didn’t withdraw, he braved a question. “Bad news?”
“Maybe. Probably.” She chewed her bottom lip and clutched the phone to her chest. “A friend called from the ballet company. There’s a rumor that a new artistic director is coming in, and she’s going to void all our contracts and renegotiate.”
“Can she do that?”
“It’s happened before. My contract is up in February. I was hoping to be back by then, but I won’t be ready to perform again for several more months, if then.”
“You’re their star. Surely they wouldn’t let you go. Don’t you have an agent or someone that can handle this for you?”
She shook her head. “Most ballet dancers don’t have agents. And I’m an injured star who hasn’t danced for nine months. The rumor is Noreen Andrews is taking over, and she’s never been one of my fans.”
He wanted to reach out his hand, but she was so closed off, he doubted she’d accept his sympathy. He searched for something comforting to say. “You should check with your attorney. Maybe you should resign and cut your losses.”
She nodded, wiping a tear from her eyes. “But if I do that, it means it’s truly over. I’m done. I’m not ready to accept that.”
Noah set his jaw. Now he knew where her loyalties were. She was still focused on getting back to her other life. “Do you really think you can get back to the level you were once at? Honestly?”
“Yes. Other dancers have overcome this type of injury. I can, too.”
Small shards of ice cut across his insides. He stood. “Well, knowing how obsessed you are, I’m sure you’ll be back onstage in no time.”
He pivoted and walked back into the family room, where Linc and Gil promptly drew him into a game of football on the front lawn. He welcomed the diversion. Physical exertion was exactly what he needed to work off that big dinner.
But he knew he was lying to himself. He needed to work off his anger and disappointment in Beth. She would never, ever change.
* * *
With the real estate office closed the day after Thanksgiving, Beth used the time to begin decorating the windows for the upcoming contest. She’d been dragging her feet on this project, mainly because her mother had wanted her to do Noah’s window, too, so they’d match. After yesterday, she doubted Noah would welcome her invading his office to put up Christmas decorations. Each time she thought they’d made progress toward restoring their old friendship, something would drive them apart again. Usually it involved her career.
Thanksgiving with the Carlisles had gone well, though not as she’d expected. She’d counted on her large family to act as a buffer between her and Noah, but his presence had instead been an electrified magnet, drawing her attention to his every movement. He seemed to enjoy all the hustle and bustle, but there’d been times when he’d looked a bit overwhelmed, even melancholy. When they’d taken their places at the table, the tension between them had intensified. They’d ended up on one corner of the long table, making it impossible to avoid eye contact or bumping knees. After the third apology, she’d given up.
During the blessing, Beth had taken Noah’s hand, his touch sending little jolts of awareness up her arm and swirling around her heart. When the prayer ended, he’d clung to her fingers a long moment before letting go. She looked into his eyes, searching for an explanation, but he only smiled and looked away, giving her hope that he might be ready to forgive her.
Then the phone call about her contract had come, and now she was on his bad side again. He’d tried to comfort her and she’d raised her defenses, declaring she would dance again and pushing him away. She’d taken his advice, however, and made an appointment to talk to the family attorney, Blake Prescott, to go over her contract.
Hopefully, working on the window would keep her mind off her troubles. Locating her sister’s stash of Christmas decorations was easy. Getting them out of the narrow crawl space behind the closet was something else. Nothing was heavy, just awkward, and she was concerned about twisting her knee. She made a mental note to call one of her brothers to get the boxes out. She’d managed to retrieve one container filled with craft ribbons and other items, and she maneuvered it down to the office.
The old building’s display window consisted of a raised platform, a common feature in the past as a means to showcase merchandize. It was a charming touch, but it made it awkward at times to hang posters and other things. She used to worry that her mother would forget about the twelve-inch rise and would lose her balance. Now that worry was for her own safety.
Opening the lid, she rummaged through the carton, silently thanking her sister for being so organized. Every item was neatly packaged and labeled. However, now it was up to her to create s
ome kind of holiday design out of the bits and pieces. She’d never been as good at that as Tori. There was an abundance of white paper and red ribbon. She fingered the items, trying to jump-start the long-dormant creative part of her brain. The white paper reminded her of the church steeple of Peace Community rising above the trees. A memory surfaced of her and Tori making piles of paper snowflakes and trees to hang around the house. The thought made her smile. It might actually be relaxing to sit and cut out paper shapes.
After pulling up her playlist of Christmas music, she selected an album then settled in, folding and cutting various designs, large and small. Her mother had told her there was a small white artificial tree in the back storage room of the office. The more she worked, the more her ideas grew. And so did her satisfaction. The window might not win an award in the contest, but it would be attractive.
She was securing the last red ribbon to the corner of the window when someone tapped on the glass. Chloe smiled and waved. She waved back and went outside to join her. Noah was there, causing her to come up short. For some reason, she’d expected Chloe to be with Evelyn.
He looked ruggedly handsome today in a plaid button-up shirt in soft colors, faded jeans and a sleeveless zip-up vest that made his shoulders appear impossibly broad. She couldn’t tell from the closed expression on his face if he was still irked with her, so she turned her attention to the little girl. “What do you think?”
“I love it.”
“I still have to decorate the tree and add lights.” She stepped back and examined the arrangement. Overall she was pleased. It could use a touch of greenery and maybe a contrasting color, too. Something to make it all pop, but she’d tackle that later.
“Where did you get the big snowflakes, Miss Beth?”
“I made them.”
Her eyes widened. “Can you teach me?”
Beth laid her arm across the child’s shoulders. “Of course. It’s easy.”
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