Snowflake Sweethearts

by Turansky, Carrie

  What did he see when he looked at her? The tired lines that crossed her forehead, the dark circles under her eyes, the grief she still carried for the choices she’d made? Her heart sank, and she looked away. “It’s late. I should get to bed.”

  He leaned back, his gaze still focused on her. “Yeah.” He cleared his throat. “I guess so.”

  She closed her laptop and stood. As she stepped away from the table, he reached out and touched her arm. She stilled as the warmth of his hand spread up her arm.

  “Annie.” His voice was soft and low.

  She swallowed and slowly raised her gaze to meet his. “Yes?”

  “Thanks for everything you’re doing. It means a lot.”

  “I’m glad I can help.” She stepped away, and his hand slipped off her arm.

  “Good night.”

  She hurried from the kitchen, clutching her laptop to her chest. Thank goodness he was going to be here only a few more days, because no matter how many times she told herself she did not love Alex Jameson, her heart was not listening.

  * * *

  Annie pushed her full grocery cart around the corner to the next aisle, searching the shelves for canned pumpkin. She scanned past chopped walnuts, sliced almonds, chocolate chips and coconut, but she didn’t see pumpkin anywhere.

  Had she missed it in the holiday baking display in the center of the grocery store? Maybe Alex would know where to find it. She chuckled softly and shook her head. Probably not, though he was making a good effort to help her on this shopping trip.

  She and Irene had planned the Thanksgiving menu and made the shopping list, but Alex had insisted on coming with her to the store, saying he wanted to be sure they got everything they needed for their special holiday meal.

  They’d found all the items on their list except the last two. Alex was now off searching for the sparkling apple cider while she hunted down the canned pumpkin.

  Annie looked across the aisle and finally spotted it on the bottom shelf next to the cherry pie filling. She grabbed two cans and added them to her cart.

  The thought of baking pumpkin muffins made her smile. They were one of Emma’s favorite snacks. It was a light and healthy recipe that Irene would also be able to enjoy without guilt. And she couldn’t wait for Alex to try her pumpkin fluff. Her friend Terry from her church in Portland had made it last Thanksgiving. When Annie had asked her for the recipe, Terry had laughed and said it was simply canned pumpkin, light whipped topping and sugar-free vanilla pudding mix. She was sure he’d like it, especially when she served it with gingersnaps.

  “Annie?”

  She turned and saw her old friend Brianna Lundberg pushing a grocery cart toward her. They had both grown up in Fairhaven and attended the University of Oregon together—at least those first two years until Annie dropped out because she was pregnant with Emma.

  Annie greeted her and they exchanged a brief hug. “What brings you back to Fairhaven?” she asked Brianna.

  “I’m here visiting my parents for Thanksgiving. How about you?”

  “I moved back a few months ago. I’ve started my own business as a personal chef.”

  “Wow, that’s great.” Brianna smiled. “That sounds like something you’d enjoy. I remember you used to love planning the menus for our house parties.” She gave Annie’s arm a little pat. “And those Tri Delta guys always raved about everything you made.”

  A shudder traveled through Annie. House parties, especially those with Tri Delta fraternity, were not happy memories. She’d never enjoyed that part of sorority life. She’d pledged looking for friendship and a sense of belonging, and though she’d made a few friends in her sorority, none of them stayed close after she became pregnant. The choices and compromises she’d made to fit in had cost her so much more than she’d ever dreamed.

  Brianna took a step closer. “Speaking of Tri Delta...did you hear what happened to Kevin Seagraves?”

  Annie pulled in a sharp breath and shook her head.

  “I remember you two were friends.” Brianna narrowed her eyes. “Didn’t you date him for a while?”

  Annie’s mind spun, and her thoughts flashed back to her second year at college. Spring semester Kevin had swept her off her feet then left her with a broken heart before she had the courage to tell him she was pregnant.

  “We only dated for a few months,” she finally managed to say.

  “Well, it’s a good thing you broke it off.”

  She hadn’t. Kevin had been the one to tell her it was over. Then he transferred to Oregon State, leaving her behind—just like her father had when she was seven, and just like Alex had when she was fifteen.

  Annie blinked and forced out her words. “Why? What do you mean?”

  “Kevin was arrested for embezzling funds from the company where he worked.”

  Annie’s mouth dropped open.

  “I can’t believe it, either.” Brianna shook her head, looking disgusted. “He has a wife and baby boy. What’s going to happen to them now?”

  Annie gripped the handle of the shopping cart and tried to stop the dizzy spinning in her head. Kevin was married and had a son? He’d been arrested for embezzlement? It was too much to take in.

  “Annie?” Brianna reached out and touched her arm. “Are you all right?”

  “Yes, I’m okay. It’s just...so terrible. I had no idea. I mean, I knew Kevin had issues, but I never thought he’d do anything illegal like that.”

  “I know. It’s hard to believe, but I saw Paul Sherman and he mentioned it. So I looked online and read the article. The trial is still going on. They said he could get up to thirty years if he’s found guilty.”

  Annie stared at her friend, trying to figure out what to say.

  Alex strolled down the aisle toward them, carrying three bottles of sparkling cider. As he drew closer, his carefree expression faded. “Everything okay?”

  Panic rose and swirled through Annie. She couldn’t tell him about Emma’s father. Not here, not now. “Alex, do you remember Brianna Lundberg? She was in my class at Sehome.” She forced lightness into her voice, but it still sounded strained.

  He glanced at Brianna and shook his head. “Sorry, it’s been a while. And I’m not great at remembering names.”

  Brianna flashed a bright smile and held out her hand. “Well, I remember you.” They shook hands. “You played basketball for Sehome, didn’t you?”

  “That’s right.” He stepped back and crossed his arms.

  She flipped her long blond hair behind her shoulder as her gaze traveled over him. “You look like you’re in great shape. Do you still play?”

  Annie’s eyes widened. She glanced at Alex, checking his reaction.

  The small crease between his eyebrows deepened. “A little.”

  “Great. I’d love to see you play.” Brianna sent Alex another teasing smile, then shifted her gaze to Annie. “So are you two...together?”

  Annie stifled a gasp and shot a quick look at Alex. He placed the cider in the cart, apparently leaving it up to her to answer the question.

  Annie’s face flamed. Brianna had a lot of nerve putting her on the spot like that. “I’ve been taking care of Alex’s grandmother since she had a heart attack a few weeks ago.” That didn’t really answer the question, but it was all Annie intended to say.

  “Oh.” Brianna waited, looking as though she hoped for more. “Well, I’m sorry to hear about your grandmother. Does she still have that little bakery...what’s it called?” She tapped her chin, then smiled. “Oh, yes, Jameson’s, isn’t it? I should’ve remembered since that’s your last name.” She laughed as though that was the funniest joke in the world.

  Alex shot Annie a perturbed glance.

  “Maybe we can get together this week.” Brianna looked at Annie first, then her gaze slid to Al
ex with a slight lift of her eyebrows. She reached in her purse and pulled out two business cards. She handed one to Annie and the other to Alex. “That’s my cell number. Give me a call anytime.”

  “Thanks.” Annie forced out the word then glanced at the card. Willmont Realty, Salem, Oregon. She slipped it into her purse.

  Alex stuffed the card in his pants pocket. “We’ve got to go. I don’t want to leave my grandmother alone too long.” He placed his hand on Annie’s lower back and gave her a gentle push forward.

  “Give your grandmother my best. Take care, Annie. Nice to see you again, Alex. Give me a call. I’d love to get together anytime you’re free. Things are really boring at my mom and stepdad’s...”

  Brianna’s voice faded as they rounded the corner. Alex dropped his hand, and Annie found herself missing his touch.

  “Is she a close friend?”

  “Not really. I haven’t seen her since I left Eugene.”

  “Good.” He huffed and shook his head.

  Annie grinned. “She was always a little over-the-top in the flirting department.”

  “You can say that again.”

  A chuckle rose from Annie’s throat.

  “What is so funny?”

  “Nothing. It’s just that she really seemed to enjoy seeing you again.”

  “Well, the feeling was not mutual.” He grimaced. Took her business card from his pocket and tore it in half. “Women like that make me want to head for the hills.”

  He took over pushing the cart and steered them into the shortest checkout line as Annie’s heart did a happy little dance. She could hardly keep her smile in check.

  Chapter Nine

  A crisp fall breeze sent golden leaves tumbling across the driveway as Alex pulled in and parked. He popped the trunk and hopped out of the car. Annie climbed out on her side, opened the back passenger door and reached for the two grocery bags on the seat.

  Alex stopped to stretch, taking in the view behind the house where lush evergreens stood outlined against a deep blue sky so clear and close it looked as if he could reach up and touch it.

  He could get used to more time off like this. Even though he’d come home because of a serious medical emergency, he was thankful for the break from his stress-filled days at work. The thought of returning to his job and solitary life in San Francisco didn’t have the same pull it had those first few days he’d been back in Fairhaven.

  Something was changing. Maybe it was him.

  He glanced at Annie as she walked around to the trunk. She already juggled two heavy bags, and she was reaching for another.

  “Hey, let me take one of those. You go on inside, and I’ll get the rest.”

  She looked up at him, and her lips curved into a grateful smile. “Thanks.”

  “No problem.” His chest expanded with hopeful feelings. He grabbed four bags, then followed Annie as she trotted up the steps and into the house. It was funny how such a simple offer to carry in a few groceries could spark such a positive response. He’d have to remember that.

  Then the reason for Annie’s reaction hit him. She’d been on her own for a long time, raising her daughter by herself and doing just about everything else without any help. She obviously appreciated someone sharing the load. Well, she deserved a break. And he was glad to give it to her.

  It took him two more trips out to the car to bring in the rest of the groceries, but he didn’t mind. He set the last three bags on the kitchen table. “Here you go. That’s everything.”

  She took a loaf of bread from one of the bags and sent him a sweet smile. “Thanks, Alex.”

  “Glad to help.” He looked around. “What else can I do?”

  “Do you have that receipt? I want to keep it with the rest.”

  “Sure.” He reached in his pocket, pulled out his cell phone and set it on the kitchen table, but he didn’t find the receipt. He searched his other pockets and came up empty-handed. “I must’ve left it in the car.”

  “That’s all right. I’ll get it later.”

  “No, I’ll be right back.” Humming a tune, he walked out the door and down the steps.

  * * *

  Annie watched Alex stroll outside. He seemed different today—more relaxed and not nearly as tied to his schedule as usual.

  And the even bigger surprise was that he actually seemed to enjoy grocery shopping with her. Their trip to the store felt almost like a date as they laughed, talked about past Thanksgivings and planned ways to make the holiday special for Irene. Their friendship seemed to be deepening a little more each day.

  The encounter with Brianna had certainly been interesting. She smiled, remembering the way Alex had been turned off by Brianna’s overt flirting. Most men would be flattered if an attractive blonde made her interest that obvious. But Alex was not impressed, and that boosted her opinion of him even higher.

  Alex’s cell phone rang and vibrated on the kitchen table. Annie pushed a sack of groceries aside and glanced at the phone. The photo of a pretty redhead flashed on the screen, along with the name Tiffany Charles.

  Annie’s heart clenched. Was she the person who’d called him several other times? He always left the room when he answered his phone, and he never talked about those calls.

  She stood on tiptoe and glanced out the window over the sink, but she didn’t see Alex. He must still be searching for the receipt.

  The incessant ringing continued, and the urge to find out more about Tiffany Charles grew stronger. She picked up the vibrating phone, staring at the photo of the redhead with bright blue eyes.

  The back door opened. Alex walked in.

  Annie jumped and almost dropped the phone. Her hand shot out. “Your phone is ringing.”

  He frowned slightly, took the phone and glanced at the screen. His eyes flashed, then his expression returned to neutral. “Excuse me a minute.” He walked out of the kitchen and down the hall.

  She tiptoed to the kitchen doorway and strained to listen while her heart thumped in her chest. But Alex’s voice grew distant, and she couldn’t make out his words.

  Whoever Tiffany Charles was, Alex certainly seemed to want to keep her a secret.

  A warning flashed through her mind: Beware—heartache ahead. Turn back now before it’s too late.

  She groaned and closed her eyes. Is that warning from You, Lord, or is it just my old fears raising their ugly heads?

  * * *

  Alex walked into the living room and answered the call. He didn’t want Annie to worry about his problems at work. “Hey, Tiffany. What’s up?”

  “Alex, we’ve got a real situation here.”

  He frowned. “What’s going on?”

  “Eric walked out, and Andrea is threatening to do the same.”

  His stomach took a nosedive. “Eric quit?”

  “That’s right. The whole team is falling apart.”

  “Does he have another job offer? Is that why he’s leaving?”

  “I don’t know. All he told me is he’s not going to sit around and wait for the merger to go through. He said he’d rather quit than be laid off. And now Andrea is freaking out and threatening to leave.”

  Alex paced to the window and rubbed his forehead. “Do you think Eric has an inside source?”

  “How should I know? No one tells me anything!”

  “Okay, I know you’re upset, but listen—”

  “I’m not just upset. I’m about ready to have a nervous breakdown!” Her voice rose to a high-pitched squeak, then dropped to a pleading whine. “You’ve got to come back, Alex. I can’t deal with all this on my own.”

  He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose as he tried process the situation. “I know these past couple weeks have been difficult for you.”

  “Ha! Difficu
lt doesn’t even come close to what I’m feeling right now. Please, Alex, can’t you just get on a plane and fly back here today?”

  He glanced at his watch, checking the date, then shook his head. “It’s not going to help for me to fly back on a Friday night. We can’t do anything over the weekend. And lots of people are taking next week off because of Thanksgiving.”

  “Not me. I’ll be right here trying to hold everything together until you decide to come back.”

  “I appreciate that.”

  She huffed.

  “Look, I know it’s tough to handle this on your own, but I don’t think it will make any difference if I come back now or after Thanksgiving.”

  She blew out a long breath. “I suppose you’re right. Between people taking vacation days and other people quitting, there won’t be too many of us in the office next week.”

  “I’m sure no one is making any decisions until after the holiday. Just hold down the fort a few more days.”

  “All right, but just so you know, we’re not getting much work done around here. You can’t expect people to be productive when they’re worried about losing their jobs and their medical insurance. Most of us have spouses and kids and bills and mortgages...”

  He held the phone a few inches away from his ear until she finished. “I’m sorry. I know this is not what you expected when I asked you to handle things for me. But it won’t be much longer, I promise.” He hoped to soothe her ruffled feathers with his gentle tone.

  “I guess we’ll survive. I just can’t promise anyone will be here when you finally get back.”

  “Just try to keep a lid on things. I’ll be there in a few days, and we’ll get this all straightened out. Okay?”

  “Sure. Fine. Enjoy your holiday.” Her sarcastic, pouty tone negated her words.

  He ended the call and slipped the phone back into his pocket. Rubbing his forehead, he tried to sift out the facts from Tiffany’s tidal wave of emotion.

  All he really knew was he’d lost one of his best coworkers, and the rest of the team at Tremont was anxious about the possibility of losing their jobs. If only he could find out what was really going on with the merger—but that was impossible. That kind of news was always kept under wraps until the official announcement was made. How long would he have to wait?