by Eason, Mary
They put on their coats and walked outside into a winter wonderland. Jase scooped a handful of snow from the porch rail and tossed it at her. Cara stopped in her tracks and whipped around to face him.
“Oh, no, you didn’t just do that!” She bent down, fetched a heaping handful of the white powder and packed it together into a killer snowball.
“Okay, now you’re just asking for trouble,” he said as he came after her. Somehow, Cara managed to get away before he caught her. She started toward the truck, but he came after her and pulled her down onto the soft snow-covered ground.
“Jase,” she managed in between laughs. “We’re getting all wet.”
“Yes, we are.” Yet he didn’t move. He pinned her body beneath his not in any hurry to release her. When their eyes met, all the laughter died away. He lay watching her, aware of every single breath she took.
He couldn’t help himself. He leaned slowly over her and kissed her, and she kissed him back the way only Cara could kiss.
Slowly, he released her and got to his feet before reaching for her hand. “I think we’d better going before this gets any further out of hand. We are on our way to church after all.”
Jase pulled her close and brushed the snow from her hair. “I want you, Cara. More than ever before, I want you, but I want to do this right this time. I don’t want to screw it up. I know you need more time. You still have doubts. So let’s just go slow, okay? Let’s just take our time and get to know each other again first.”
*****
Cara remembered the last Christmas she’d spent in Cartwright before her aunt’s death. It had been so special. This Christmas would be as well. For the first time since she’d left, she believed her marriage to Jase held hope.
The church was packed this Christmas Eve. She and Jase found a spot next to Aiden and Fran just as the service begin. The lights dimmed with the first song. The solemn atmosphere of the congregation emphasized the importance of the season.
As Pastor Thomas read from the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke about the Christmas story, everyone sat in reverent silence. The service and the music were beautiful, ending with a candlelight tradition of passing the light of one’s candle onto another person’s. The pastor told the congregation their light represented the light of the church that passes on and never goes out.
“That was so beautiful,” Fran whispered with tears in her eyes.
Cara managed a nod. “Yes, it puts life in perspective, doesn’t it? All the things we think are so important really aren’t.”
Fran looked past her to where Aiden and Jase chatted before studying Cara. “How are you two doing? You seem good.”
“We are,” Cara agreed. They were in a good place in their relationship.
The moment outside the house, lying next to him in the snow had shaken her. Being close to Jase reaffirmed her feelings. She loved him.
Fran lifted the sleeping Emma into her arms. “I’m glad. You two belong together, Cara. Don’t let that one go.” She nodded toward Jase who stopped talking and smiled at Cara. “We’ll see you both for lunch tomorrow?”
Aiden and Jase drifted over. Aiden took the baby from Fran’s arms.
“Yes. Are you sure we can’t bring anything? I feel guilty just showing up to eat.”
Fran grinned at her. “Nope, we have plenty of food, trust me. Aiden’s mom and mine fight of control over the kitchen, which leaves me absolutely no cooking to do, and I’m okay with that. There’s usually enough food to feed a small army.”
“It’s true. Fran’s mom is the best, but don’t tell my mom I said that. Mom loves to cook, and Christmas is her favorite time of year. She and my dad are arriving first thing in the morning. They’ve been visiting my sister, Jenny, and her husband and kids in Austin for several months, but Mom wouldn’t miss Christmas here in Cartwright for anything,” Aiden said.
Fran turned to Cara. “Stella told me to tell you she’d see you tomorrow. She’s so excited you’re coming. She stayed home tonight to bake her famous pecan pie. She’s happy you’re back town. She said it’s where you belong.”
The four adults left the sanctuary to find a winter landscape reminding Cara of something from a Norman Rockwell painting.
“Oh.” Fran breathed a hush sigh. “It’s so lovely. I almost want to wake Emma up to see it.”
Jase wrapped his arm around Cara. “Another gift from God. We’re so blessed.”
Cara’s gaze met his. She knew exactly what he meant. “Yes, we are so blessed.”
“Okay you two lovebirds, we’ll see you tomorrow. Don’t be late or there may not be anything once my relatives start in on the food,” Aiden told them.
Through the headlights of Jase’s truck, the snow on the road glistened like diamonds. There was something about snowfall untouched by the world that reminded her of new beginnings. Anything might be possible.
Jase glanced her way several times on the ride home, but he didn’t ask what she was thinking. She sensed he felt the same way.
“Mind your step.” Jase held her hand as they walked up the stairs of the house.
In the foyer, something happened that hadn’t ever taken place before. Until tonight, she’d never thought of the house as anything but Jase’s home. Now, she felt as if she was finally coming home.
“Want some coffee?” Jase asked as he turned on the Christmas tree lights.
When she didn’t answer, he turned to her.
She remembered all those Christmases past as a child. The wonderment of it that made it impossible to sleep on Christmas Eve. “Yes,” she said, finally looking at him. “Coffee sounds great. I’ll make it.”
Even the simple task of making coffee felt different. She was different. She didn’t want to run anymore.
Cara took the coffee into the living room and found Jase standing next to the fireplace, a fire blazing.
“Thanks.” He took the coffee from her and sipped it.
Cara sat on the hearth. The warm from the fire filled the room. “The lights are so beautiful.”
“Yes.” Something in his voice made her look at him. Jase seemed distracted.
Her pulse quickened. “What is it?”
“I have something for you.” He retrieved a small box from the mantle and held it out to her. Cara recognized the jeweler’s box right away. Her rings.
She took the box and opened it. The lump in her throat made it next to impossible to speak. “You kept them?” The diamond solitaire blurred in front of her and she got to her feet. “Why?”
His expression said it all. For the first time, she truly understood how difficult her leaving had been for Jase.
“Oh, Jase, I’m so sorry.” She went into his open arms. “I’m so sorry.”
He held her as if he believed she might leave him again. “I know. It’s not your fault.”
“It is.” She realized she was crying even harder. “I didn’t listen to what you were trying to tell me. All I heard was you married me for the wrong reason. For my aunt’s land.” She pulled back a little so that she could see his expression. At the sight of her tears, Jase’s face crumbled.
“Don’t. Please don’t cry, Cara. Please.”
She brushed away the tears and tried to tell him the things she needed him to understand. “I’m okay. I’m okay, Jase. Please, just listen.”
“I’m listening.” And he was. He seemed to hang on to every one of her words.
“I never stopped loving you. No matter what happened. No matter how hard I tried to believe you were wrong. Throughout these long months alone, I never stopped loving you. And no matter what happens this time, I need you to know that I’ll never stop believing in you or loving you until the day I die.”
His lips claimed hers once more. At first gently, but then with each new touch, each whispered word of comfort, the passion they’d both buried deep within their hearts ignited into a need that could no longer be denied.
“I want to be your wife. In every sense of the word, Jase. I
don’t want to wait another minute. I want us to together.”
“Are you sure?” As she watched, he drew in a shaky breath. His eyes darkened to the color of the sea after a storm. She pushed her fingers into his hair, bringing his mouth to hers once more. She couldn’t get close enough to him. For so long, she’d waited for his touch. Longed for it. She would never be close enough.
“I’m sure. I’m so sure.” And she was.
Chapter Nineteen
He hadn’t wanted to wake her. She looked so peaceful sleeping curled up next to him. She was home, finally, truly home.
Jase untangled Cara’s arms from around his waist and slipped from bed. He tiptoed downstairs and made coffee then went to his office. It was Christmas morning, and God blessed him with a special gift, a second chance, and he wanted to spend some quiet time. Just himself and God.
Outside, the day had barely begun. Various shades of pink filtered through the window. Jase pulled out his Bible. He’d finally stopped referring to it as Maudie’s Bible. One of his favorite passages in the Bible was one of the first he’d read. Maudie highlighted so many jewels throughout the book. When he’d hit rock bottom, desperate for some reason to go on, he’d opened the Bible to John 14: 27: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid.
He’d sensed that peace for a while. Since Cara’s return.
Thank you. Thank you for bringing her back home to me.
After he finished reading several favorite passages, he heard the beep of the coffeemaker. Jase closed the Bible. He needed coffee almost as much as he wanted to make sure Cara didn’t have any second thoughts about last night.
He found her stirring when he walked into their old bedroom. When she noticed him standing in the doorway her reaction was not unexpected. She appeared uncertain of what to say. Vulnerable almost. She sat up in bed, and he handed her the coffee. He loved her so much.
Jase sat next to her. “Here, I thought you might need this.”
“Thanks, you’re right. I do.” She tossed him a grateful smile then took a sip, averting her gaze.
Jase rubbed his thumb across her flushed cheek. “No regrets?”
Her hand covered his, and she looked into his eyes. “No regrets. I could never have any regrets with you.”
He leaned in and kissed her. “I’m glad. I love you, Cara.”
“I know, and I love you, too.”
Jase got to his feet. “I should let you get dressed. Come down when you’re ready, and I’ll make you French toast.”
A short time later, when she found him in the kitchen, Jase was just finishing their breakfast.
“Those look wonderful.”
Jase glanced up and grinned. “I hope you’re hungry, Mrs. Cartwright.”
For a second, her smile faltered and then she laughed. “I am.”
“What’s that?” he nodded toward the package she’d tucked under her arm.
“It’s your Christmas gift from me and my aunt. Although after these,” she held up her left hand and wiggled her ring finger. “Well, I hope you won’t think it silly.”
Jase’s arm circled her waist drawing her into him. “Nothing you give me could be silly.” He kissed her then released her, taking the package she handed him. “Sit. Enjoy your toast. More coffee?”
“Yes, but I’ll get it. You open the package.”
Cara took his cup, poured them both more coffee, then sat opposite him.
Jase ripped open the package. It was a book. A very old book. He turned it over and read the cover. “The history of Cartwright, Montana.”
“It’s a book about history of the area. There’s a lot of your family history in there as well. I found it in Aunt Maudie’s old trunk. I think she planned to give it to you. Do you like it?”
Both Cara and her aunt’s consideration touched Jase. “I love it. I don’t think I’ve ever head the whole story of how my family settled the land.”
She smiled, pleased by his answer. She cut a piece of toast and tasted it. “Delicious as always. Look, the snow’s stopped.” She pointed her fork toward the window.
“Yep. It’s going to be a gorgeous day. But then after last night, I wouldn’t expect anything less.” Jase felt almost guilty at how easy it was to make her blush. He still remembered how nervous she’d been the morning after their wedding night.
“You sure you’re up to the spending the day with Aiden and Fran’s families?”
Cara put down her fork and studied his expression. “Why? Is it going to be that bad?”
“No, but there’s so many of them. There’s bound to be a lot of uncomfortable questions that come up. I just don’t want it to be too difficult for you.”
Cara grasped his hand. Tenderness in her eyes as she looked at him. “Thank you. And thank you for not giving up on me.”
*****
“Merry Christmas. Come on in, and I’ll introduce you to the gang.” Fran gave them both a hug then stood aside to let them in. They followed her into a living room filled to capacity with people.
“Jase, I think you know most everyone. Guys, this is Cara, Jase’s wife.”
In unison the group answered, “Hi, Cara. Merry Christmas.”
Fran leaned in and whispered, “I’ve warned them the first one to ask a personal question gets to wash the dishes. So you should be okay.”
Although Cara was grateful, the warm welcome Fran and Aiden’s family showed her did much to put her at ease.
“We’re about half an hour away from eating. Jase, Aiden’s out back tossing the football with my nephews if you want to join them. From the sound of it, they’re ganging up on him and I’m sure he can use some help. Cara, can I get you something to drink? Some eggnog maybe? Aiden’s mom makes the best.”
Cara watched Jase weave his way through a group of older men before answering, “That sounds good. I’ll help you.”
Fran headed toward the table set up in the corner of the room. It held a crystal punch bowl filled with eggnog.
“Here you go.” Fran handed her a cup.
While Cara sipped the homemade eggnog, she was aware of Fran watching her carefully.
“Oh, my goodness,” Fran exclaimed then clamped her hand over her mouth. “Sorry, it’s just that I’m so happy.” She reached out and hugged Cara almost spilling the eggnog.
Cara was blushing up to her roots. “What do you mean?” But she knew. It was as if she were wearing a neon sign.
“You and Jase. You’re back together for real, aren’t you?”
It was pointless to deny it even if she’d wanted to. Cara couldn’t stop grinning. “Yes.”
Fran giggled and pulled her a little away from the crowd. “I’m so glad. You two belong together, and Jase has missed you so much.”
“I’ve missed him too. So much. I was such a fool.”
Fran squeezed her hand. “We all make mistakes. Forgiving yourself is sometimes the hardest thing to do.”
Jase and Aiden burst through the back door, laughing and ribbing each other. Jase gave her a quick kiss on her cheek and grabbed her hand. “Everything good with you?” He scanned her face looking for problems. She realized she’d given him plenty of reason for worry in the past. She wanted to change all that. There was just one thing holding her back.
“Yes, everything’s fine. Your hands are freezing.”
Aiden tugged his wife close. “That’s because it’s freezing outside. But we schooled those two youngsters, didn’t we, buddy?”
Fran rolled her eyes. “They’re teenagers. You two should be ashamed.”
“We should be, but we aren’t,” Aiden said.
He winked at Jase who readily came to his friend’s defense. “That’s right. You should’ve heard the smack they were talking, those two.”
“Honestly, anyone would think you two are the teens.” Fran shook her head pretending to be angry, but it was easy to see she adored her husband’s antics.
>
“Fran, I think we can put the food on the table now.” Stella poked her head out of the kitchen from where the scents of roasted turkey, pumpkin pie, and what Cara suspected had to be homemade dressing followed the old woman.
“Oh, as I live and breathe, Cara, why didn’t you come say hello to me when you arrived?” Stella enveloped Cara in her loving embrace.
“Hi, Aunt Stella. I didn’t want to bother you while you were making dinner. How’ve you been?”
Stella kept her arm around Cara’s waist. “Well, now I’ve been real good, child.” She gave Cara a once-over as if wondering whether she could say the same. “Speaking of dinner, it’s ready. Call everyone to the table, Fran.” In Cara’s ear she whispered, “You and I will talk more later. I want to know how you’re really doing.”
Aiden and Fran had to set up a couple of additional tables in the dining room just to accommodate the two extended families. With everyone seated, the room grew quiet.
“Jase, would you offer the blessing for the meal?” Aiden asked.
Cara looked over at her husband. He appeared surprised by Aiden’s request, but Jase nodded and reached for her hand beneath the table.
“Father, thank you so much for family. For allowing us to be together at this special time to give you thanks for all the blessings you’ve bestowed on us that we take for granted each day.” Cara felt him squeeze her hand. “And thank you for giving each of us second chances. Amen.”
Everyone seated at the table repeated, “Amen.”
After a moment of silence, Aiden said, “Well, what are you all waiting for? Dig in.” That was all it took before ordered chaos erupted and dishes of succulent food made their way around the table.
Cara took a slice of turkey and passed it on to Fran who sat at her right hand. “This looks so good.”
Fran took the platter from her and whispered, “Stella makes the best turkey ever. Don’t tell Aiden’s mom I said that. Sue Ellen’s still upset she didn’t get to make the turkey this year.”
Before Cara knew it, her plate was laden with foot. “I’ll never eat all this. And if I do, I’m not going to be able to get out the front door.”