A Heartfelt Christmas Promise

by Nancy Naigle

  She mentally set Sally aside.

  She’d done a search on Fraser Hills, but aside from fruitcake, horses, and Christmas trees there wasn’t much to read about.

  Either way, it would be good with Anna along for the stay. She’d get things moving on the project, and then she’d book a flight for Anna to join her.

  She slowed her pace, to catch her breath and cool down. She pulled the hand towel from her waistband and dabbed the sweat from her face. When she looked up, Robert was stepping up on the treadmill next to her.

  “Good morning,” he said, tossing his towel over the rail of the treadmill.

  She took the right earbud from her ear and let it drop against her tank top. “Hey. You’re late.”

  “You’re early.” He stepped on the machine and started a slow jog. “I called you yesterday.”

  “Oh gosh, it was a crazy day. I didn’t want to drag you into all the drama.”

  “Probably for the best. I was busy too, but I wanted to share some news with you.”

  “Oh? What’s up?” He was an attorney. Good news to him wasn’t always that good to her, but she feigned excitement. “Tell me.”

  “Well, it doesn’t really matter now. It was yesterday’s news. We don’t seem to be talking as much lately.”

  “We’re a typical two-career couple,” she said. “Time is a premium. We’ve got priorities. Right?”

  “Yeah, but I do expect you to be there for me when I’ve had a tough day.”

  “Umm. Yeah, of course.” But when she had a tough day, she really preferred to handle it alone. She’d always handled it alone. It was one of the things she liked about Robert. Low maintenance. Well, at least about most things, but lately he’d been pushing for more time, more commitment. And staying away seemed easier than talking about it. What was wrong with how things were?

  “You’ve canceled or rescheduled half of our dates over the past three months to accommodate your projects.” He reached over and put his hand on her arm. “I want to spend time with you.”

  She smiled gently, unsure of how to respond without lying or leading him on.

  “I told my folks that we’d spend the holidays with them this year.”

  Vanessa stumbled over her own feet. Swatting at the control board, she steadied herself and slowed the pace. “What?”

  “Christmas is magical there. Okay, maybe a little over-the-top old-fashioned, but it’s fun. And you’ll love my parents. They’re going to love you as much as I do.”

  Her heart rate jumped and she was only at a walk now. “I can’t.”

  “Why not? It’s just a couple of days. Everyone takes time off for Christmas.”

  “I told you I’d probably be working through the holidays. I’ve got an end-of-year deadline. There’s no time to take off at Christmas. It’ll be a quick project. We can go visit them in the new year.”

  “But it’s Christmas. You’ve never met my parents or sister. You need to make this relationship the priority instead of work … for once.”

  She stepped off the treadmill and pulled her hands to her hips. What kind of comment was that? An ultimatum? “Or what?”

  “Or … or … it’s not going to work.” He lifted his chin, his nostrils flaring a bit, and she didn’t think that was from the slow jog on the treadmill. “It’s Christmas, Vanessa. Everyone spends Christmas with family. It’s tradition.”

  “I don’t have traditions, or family for that matter.” Well, she had Anna, but Anna understood. She never complained about not spending Christmas together. “Even when my parents were around, we didn’t have family traditions. They were always working. It’s the reason for the season, not where you are, that makes Christmas special.”

  “I do. And you and I will be family. We need to pick out a tree. Bake cookies. Have a snowball fight. I don’t know, make something special and unique just between the two of us to do each year. Our own family traditions.”

  He really is the perfect guy. Why can’t I love him? Her heart ached. “I have a commitment to this project, and only six weeks to get it done. We’ll do Christmas in January. That can be our tradition.”

  “That’s ridiculous,” Robert muttered.

  Break it off. He deserves someone who will love him. Who can love him. That’s not me. But he looked so disappointed. “I tell you what. You can come down to Fraser Hills, North Carolina, and we’ll get a tree there. See, I can compromise.” Only she hated herself for it right now. Anna’s voice echoed in her head. It’s time you decide if you’re going to marry him, or just let him move on.

  “I can’t be in North Carolina to get a tree and back home in Connecticut by Christmas day for the festivities.” His words were short and clipped.

  He stepped off his treadmill, toe-to-toe with her. “Vanessa, I want to spend Christmas with my family … as a couple. You and me. I really don’t think it’s asking too much.” He took her hand in his.

  She shook her head. Please don’t ask me.

  “You know, we could plan to get married at my folks’ place over the holidays, and you could look for a new job next year. One that isn’t so demanding on your time. Or take a year off. Would that be so bad?”

  “You know I love my job. I’ve never even considered not working.”

  “Why not? Do you like being so busy that there’s no room in your life for anything else?”

  “Well, yes I like being busy, and I love working to a budget and deadline. So, I’m a little competitive. What’s wrong with that?” His job was certainly the same way. “I make a good living, Robert. I don’t want a different job.” And she didn’t want to spend any time she did take off on her best behavior singing carols with people she’d never met. I should send them a fruitcake.

  “So, you’re saying you’re not going to spend Christmas with me?”

  He was a good man and this gym was full of people they both knew. Most of whom were already listening in on their conversation. She didn’t want to embarrass him. She glanced away.

  He shook his head, disappointment on his face. “I guess I have my answer. Merry Christmas.”

  She dabbed at her skin with the towel, hoping most of the people hadn’t caught the full gist of the conversation.

  He headed to the locker room without a word.

  “I’m sorry,” she said—too quietly for him to hear, not that it mattered. She got back on her treadmill and pounded out a seven-minute mile, but no matter how far or fast she ran there wasn’t an easy answer.

  Robert walked out of the gym just as she was grabbing the locker room door. He hadn’t given her a second glance. He was mad, and she couldn’t blame him.

  In her car, she dialed the office. “Hi, Kendra. Do I have anything on my calendar?”

  “Not a thing. I’ve got your airline reservations done. Do you want me to schedule a town car to take you to town, or would you rather rent a car on this one? It’s a couple-hour drive.”

  “Town car. If I need a car, I’ll rent one there.” Something for her local assistant to work on until Vanessa had time to outline everything that needed to be done. “Where am I staying?”

  “Mr. Grayson sent down information about a corporate apartment on the premises.”

  “Good old Edward. Always saving a dime.”

  “I know, but in this case, it might work out for the best,” Kendra said. “There’s not a hotel closer than thirty miles. That wouldn’t be convenient.”

  “Not even one?”

  “Not a one.”

  “Corporate apartment it is.”

  “I’ve got your itinerary almost ready. I’ll leave it on your desk for you.”

  “Thanks, Kendra. Call me if I’m needed. I’m going to take care of things at home today, and probably do a little shopping. The winter clothes I bought for Paris might not really work in Fraser Hills, North Carolina.”

  “Mmm. Population one thousand nine hundred and eighty-seven,” Kendra said.

  Only 2.5 million less than here. “Sounds quiet.”r />
  CHAPTER FIVE

  “Dial Anna.” Vanessa’s phone connected the call, and then Anna’s voice came over the speakers in her car.

  “So, where will we be spending Christmas! I’m so excited.”

  “There’s been an unexpected turn of events.”

  “Oh, Vanessa. Don’t you dare cancel on me. We’ve let way too much time pass.”

  “I’m not. I promise. Only it’s not going to be quite as exciting as I’d thought either.” That’s what I deserve for being overconfident in my position at AGC. Switching projects happened often. But this was the first time she’d been caught in that predicament, and that stung.

  “I don’t care where we go. Paris? Sure, that would have been pretty amazing, but I don’t know a word of French. Who knows what I’d end up ordering for dinner? Or how I’d find the ladies’ room. Besides, that Bavarian town in Washington sounds wonderful too. Nothing better than a small-town Christmas.”

  “Well, it’s going to be way smaller than Leavenworth.”

  Anna’s laugh tinkled across the line, making Vanessa relax. “As long as we don’t have to camp it’ll be fine.”

  “From what I understand I’ll have a corporate apartment, but at this point that’s all I know about Fraser Hills, North Carolina. Well, and that it’s in the mountains.”

  “Sounds lovely. And better yet, I can drive.”

  “I’ll fly you up. I don’t want you driving in the mountains.”

  “I’ve got more than twenty years’ more driving experience than you do, Vanessa. Quit treating me like an old lady. I’m your cousin, not your grandma.”

  “I know. I didn’t mean it like that but it could be cruddy weather this time of year. Better safe than sorry. I’ve got Kendra working on pulling together some information on the town for us. There have to be some fun Christmas events planned in the area. As soon as I get settled in and have all that, I’ll forward it to you and we’ll plan on when you can come.”

  “I’m completely open. You are my priority this holiday so you just give me an address and I’ll be there. The longer the visit the better.”

  She had a lot of work ahead of her, and Anna would definitely be a distraction. She’d have to delegate more than usual to have spare time, but the last thing she wanted was to hurt Anna, or worse, ruin her Christmas. “I hope the accommodations are decent.”

  “Fraser Hills. I’m excited just saying the words. It’s where we’re meant to be. I can feel it. Promise me we’ll get a little Christmas tree.”

  The thought of a tree with Robert had unnerved her, but with Anna it was different—joyful even. The people of Fraser Hills probably wouldn’t be feeling much joy knowing their only factory was going to be shut down. Then again, there’d be tons of warehouse positions, so it wouldn’t be like they’d be out of work. A win-win.

  “Is there something else going on? You don’t sound like yourself. Are you disappointed about not getting the project you wanted?”

  “A little, but that’s not it. Robert and I had it out this morning. He wasn’t happy about me not joining him with his folks over the holiday. He gave me an ultimatum.”

  “Oh? I don’t want to cause a problem—”

  “No. It wasn’t you. I’d already told him I’d probably be working. When the project in North Carolina popped up it completely reinforced what I’d already told him. I honestly think he was trying to force my hand.”

  “He’s tired of spending time without you,” Anna said.

  “That’s what he said. He even suggested we get married at his folks’ house at Christmas.” Her laugh came out stuttered.

  “That’s not a horrible idea. I mean, if you are ever going to marry him.”

  “No. I’m not marrying him. He even had the gall to suggest once we were married, I could quit my job and find one that was less demanding of my time or, get this, not work at all for a year.” She hadn’t intended to share that with Anna until they were together, but as soon as she got started the words just poured out.

  “Oh?” Anna didn’t offer anything else. “Well, your job is very demanding. I guess a little life balance wouldn’t hurt, but not work at all?”

  “Exactly! Not work? Me? I’m not that kind of girl.”

  Anna’s hearty laugh filled the line. “I don’t think ‘I’m not that kind of girl’ applies to that situation, but I see your point. I can’t imagine you in an apron, putting stain remover on his shirt necklines, and making dinner every night.”

  “Never.”

  “I’m sure he thought he was being supportive. Generous even.”

  “Pfft. Sounds controlling to me.”

  A long sigh came from Anna’s end of the line.

  “He’s a very nice guy. He’s smart—”

  “How does he make you feel?”

  “At this moment?” Vanessa wasn’t sure. “Aggravated.”

  “How long have you two been dating?”

  “A while. Two—well, almost three years. Actually, three and a half.”

  “And I haven’t even met him,” Anna said. “What is it you really want from Robert?”

  Vanessa took in a breath. “Nothing more than we have. Dates for parties? I can take care of myself. I mean, he’s good company. He’s a good man.”

  “I’m sure he is, but that’s not love. You marry for love, Vanessa.”

  “Mom married for love and look how that turned out.”

  “Your mother never regretted any of her decisions. I know you and your father have not had a good relationship since she passed, but I promise you he was a very different man before your mother died. I’ll say this. Being married to the wrong man is never better than being alone.”

  “I knew I should’ve broken it off, but he was so upset about Christmas.”

  “Do you really think he is going to be any happier to be with a woman who doesn’t truly love him? You’re stealing his opportunity to find true love with someone who can’t wait to do the things important to him.”

  “Like Christmas with his parents?”

  “Exactly. Or stay home for a year. Forever maybe.”

  “I hadn’t really thought about it that way.”

  “I’m not here to judge, but it’s something to consider. If you really weren’t torn about work, and how to make things right with Robert, then I think you might already have your answer.”

  “We probably should have had this discussion a long time ago.”

  “I’m always here for you. I don’t think you were ready for this talk before.”

  “You’re right. As usual.” She sighed. “I really liked the idea of being in love, and he was so perfect, but there was never that spark.”

  “Vanessa, you can’t make the spark. It happens on its own. But you also don’t want to work your way through the best days of your life. Succeeding in your career is awesome, but not at the expense of a life well lived. You don’t even get to enjoy the places you travel to for work.”

  “The schedules are tight.”

  “You could make it work. You’ve got to put yourself out there—heart and all. Believe me, you will find even more happiness in both if you do.”

  “It’s not going to be easy to break it off with Robert.”

  “Matters of the heart never are, even between friends.”

  “Thank you, Anna. I’ve got to take care of some personal business before I do some shopping and pack for this trip. They expect me Monday morning.”

  “That’s quick.”

  “And I have a lot to do before January first.”

  “Call me when you get settled in. I’ll be right there. I might even treat myself to a train ride instead of driving. I’ve always wanted to do that.”

  “I’d be happy to send a plane or train ticket. I’ll call you next week from my new home away from home, and we’ll figure it all out.”

  Vanessa hung up the phone feeling better and worse. Better about the holidays, but dreading the discussion with Robert. She did care about him. Altho
ugh, stepping back and looking at the relationship, he probably could use a talk like she just had with Anna too. They were friends. Comfortable and convenient friends. There never had been any butterflies or passionate romance. The occasional night out. Pizza in the office—hers or his. Someone to celebrate Valentine’s Day with. A partner to dance with at a coworker’s wedding reception, the ball drop on New Year’s, or the annual 4th of July party, which happened to be the only fireworks between them.

  I’ll miss him if we break off and can’t be friends.

  Food for thought for her afternoon of shopping. She stopped by the office on her way home. Kendra had her itinerary and information about Fraser Hills packaged nicely along with print copies of the original contracts for Porter’s and the warehouse deal. It was a thick packet. I have my work cut out for me.

  Kendra had already left for the day, so Vanessa left a quick thank-you note on her desk.

  Robert was already mad, and she hadn’t even told him she’d be out of town for Thanksgiving for work too. It had kind of become their tradition to go to the club for their buffet. Nice, but not like the family gatherings Mom had always hosted on Thanksgiving Day. A big turkey, ham, and all the fixings. There’d be so many things cooking at once that the kitchen was more like a sauna. Dad would set up card tables in each room, while Mom ran around with dish towels over her shoulder and somehow perfectly timed ten dishes to all be ready and hot at the same time. And yeast rolls. Mom would put those pans in the laundry room with a little heater keeping the room warm for them to rise so big they looked like they might float right out of the pans.

  Mom would open all the doors to let cool air in. No one even seemed to mind.

  The whole day was clouded by nostalgia. By the time she finished running errands, it was too late to go to her favorite boutique. That would have to wait until tomorrow.

  Back home, she ordered Chinese takeout and sat on the floor in front of the coffee table watching television. It had been so long since she’d watched TV that she didn’t even recognize most of the programs on the network channels.