by Lisa Carter
He broadened his chest. If she’d come to criticize Anna, she’d have to go through him first. Nobody was dissing Anna on his watch.
Anna’s smile faded as she glanced at his face. “What’s—?”
“I’m so glad I caught the two of you.” Margaret’s gaze pinged from Ryan to Anna. “Nice to see you home again, Anna.”
Anna’s hand flew protectively over her stomach.
Margaret focused on Ryan. “Your brother promised me he’d have those animals for the Living Nativity by Christmas week.”
“If Luke said he’d have them, then—”
“Fine.” She fluttered an imperious hand. “Actually, I came over to talk with Anna.”
He widened his stance. “I don’t think—”
“I believe congratulations are in order, Anna.” Margaret’s face softened. “I’m sorry your husband will not be here to share in your joy.”
He probed the older woman’s expression for signs of derision but found none. Only a compassion he’d not expected in the usually acerbic grande dame of Kiptohanock.
“Forgive me for asking this of you, Anna.” Margaret’s voice hitched. “I was never blessed with children myself.” She fussed with the buttons on her coat. “The wonders of modern science. Not like when I was your age...”
He gaped at Margaret.
Somehow the grapevine of Kiptohanock knew the whole story about Anna’s baby. It had to be Evy. The young librarian and the town matriarch had become inexplicably close friends since Evy first came to town.
Margaret’s eyes became misty. “I always believed it would be so wonderful to carry a child at Christmas.”
Anna’s eyes were huge, like a fish caught in a spotlight.
Margaret fidgeted. “Would you consider playing the mother of Jesus in the Living Nativity...?” Her voice trailed away.
He’d never seen Margaret so...un-Margaretlike.
Eyes lowered to the ground, Margaret backpedaled. “Never mind, dear. I shouldn’t have—” Her voice choked. “It’s not as though this is your home anymore or—”
“Of course I’ll do it.”
Margaret halted, midstep.
“Kiptohanock will be my home from now on.” Anna rested her hand atop her belly. “I’d love to play Mary in the nativity, Margaret.”
He frowned. “Anna...”
She raised her gaze. “Just tell me when and where.”
Margaret blinked twice before recovering her usual aplomb. “There will be costume fittings. And the one night performance during Christmas week in the gazebo on the square.” She tapped her finger on her chin. “I still need to find a Joseph, of course.”
As if one entity, Anna and Margaret cut their eyes at him. He shuffled his feet. But surrounded and outnumbered, nothing less than unconditional surrender would suffice.
Besides, how could he resist the opportunity to play Anna’s husband, even if it was just pretend?
“Okay. My arm’s twisted. I’m in.”
Margaret clasped her hands together. “I can’t wait to tell the other ladies.” She moved away. “I’ll send you both the details. This is going to be the best Kiptohanock Christmas ever.”
He groaned. “Where have I heard that before?”
Anna poked him in his biceps. “Your famous last words, I believe. And your arm doesn’t look too twisted to me.” She laughed. “Where’s your Christmas spirit, Ryan Savage? It’ll be fun.”
He grunted. “This is Margaret we’re talking about.”
She stared after the older woman’s retreating figure. “She’s changed. The town has, too.” She heaved a sigh. “Or maybe it’s me that changed.”
He crinkled his eyes. “The more things change, the more they remain the same. I hate to end the fun, but we better get going if we’re going to buy Oscar a Happy Meal.”
Anna’s face shadowed. “I don’t want to take him back to the motel.”
He sighed. “Me, either, but she’s his mother.”
“Something needs to be done about his situation.”
Ryan’s life had suddenly gotten so much more complicated. He was supposed to be wrapping up his teaching career, not getting more involved.
“Does his mother work there every night? Is that why he can’t get a good night’s rest?”
He scrubbed his jaw. “I should make a home visit when she’s not at work. See what the school could do to connect them to one of the county programs.”
“You always know the right thing to do.”
He made a face. “That’s me. Mr. Dependability. Mr. Reliable. Mr. Boring.” He called to Oscar. Maria’s father and mother hugged Oscar goodbye and waved them off.
Strolling toward the parking lot, Anna took hold of Oscar’s hand. “You’re not boring, Ryan. You’re nice.”
“Nice...” Ryan clutched his heart. “Kill me now and be done with it, Anna Banana.”
Oscar ran over to the car.
“Nice is nothing to be ashamed of.” She tucked her hands into her coat pockets. “And that’s not how I see you. You’re also—” Her cheeks reddened.
Good-looking? That’s what she’d said earlier. And feeling as carefree as he’d felt in years, he opened the door for Oscar.
Oscar jumped inside. “It’s beginning to look like Christmas, Mister Sabbage.”
An unfamiliar excitement began to build inside Ryan. Yes, it certainly was.
Chapter Five
The next morning Anna arrived at the trailer from a long overdue grocery trip to find Ryan fixing the steps of her porch. Laying aside the nail gun, he rose as she parked next to his car.
When she reached for a grocery bag, he hurried over. “Let me help, Anna.”
“I’m pregnant, Ryan, not an invalid.”
Grabbing two bags, he ignored her. Resigning herself to his helpfulness, she escorted him to the door.
He waited while she fumbled inside her purse for the key. “You were out early for a Saturday morning.”
Inserting the key, she gave it a turn, but the doorknob twisted in her hand.
He handed her the lightest of the sacks. “Let me try.”
Jiggling the key, he lifted up on the knob and shoved the door with his shoulder. “Voilà!” He motioned as the door swept open.
She stepped over the threshold. “You are amazing.”
He carried the bags to the kitchen. “That’s what the kids tell me.”
She gave him a sideways glance. “Their moms, too.”
He pushed at his glasses with his forefinger. “What?”
“Never mind.” She unpacked the bread. “I didn’t expect to see you this morning.”
He unloaded another bag, handing her the items. “I told you I’d fix the steps.”
She put away the cereal. “Thank you.”
He placed the milk jug inside the harvest gold refrigerator. “The lock is next on my list.”
“Ryan, I appreciate your concern, but—”
“Where do you want the coffee?”
She gave him her best teacher glare. He grinned, unfazed.
Hand propped, she jutted her hip. “No matter what I say, you’re going to do the repairs anyway, aren’t you?”
Ryan shrugged. “I’m enjoying myself.”
“Enjoying yourself?” She shivered. “It’s freezing out there.”
“I like to keep busy.”
“Surely you can think of something more fun to do with your free time.” She brushed the pad of her thumb across his cheek.
His expression changed. Why had she touched him? Disconcerted, she dropped her hand.
“I enjoy doing things for you, Anna. Let somebody take care of you for once.”
She busied herself with a sudden interest in the nutritional
data on a box of rice. “Christmas was always one of your busiest seasons at the garden center. Aren’t you needed there?”
“Despite the pride you take in being independent, helping around this place is a win-win for me.” His eyes sharpened. “I get to spend more time with you.”
Her mouth went dry. “Until you leave for your new job.”
Ryan’s gaze dropped to the floor. “Yes. Until then.”
She took a steadying breath. “Aren’t you helping with the open house?”
“My shift starts late afternoon.” He refolded the empty brown paper bags. “Luke’s got the Christmas tree stand under control. Trust me, Justine doesn’t want me near the wreath-making. Ethan and Tess have a system for the sleigh rides and petting farm.”
Anna leaned against the countertop. “I always thought it was so cool you lived on a farm.”
He rolled his eyes. “Dad liked to start the weekend mornings early. Get as much free labor out of us kids as he could.”
She crossed her arms over her belly. “Your dad was a wonderful man. You remind me of him.”
A gentle smile teased Ryan’s lips. “He was a great dad. Mom misses him a lot. We all do.”
“Which is why each of you gave up your own lives to help preserve his legacy. And now you’re helping Oscar, too.”
“I’m not the hero you make me out to be.” Ryan cocked his head. “Luke always loved the farm the most. But for me, Ethan, Justine and Tess, being here won’t be forever.”
Forever. Once, Anna believed she’d found her forever with Mateo. She laid her hand on top of her ever-expanding abdomen. But forever was turning out far different than she’d imagined. What did forever look like to Ryan?
She returned to putting away the last of the canned goods. Forever to Ryan probably looked like microscopes and test tubes.
“Oh, before I forget to tell you... I talked to your brother.”
She raised her eyebrow. “Which one?”
“Charlie had a chat with your absentee landlord. I’m keeping receipts on the repairs, and the cost will be deducted from your rent this month.”
She’d been shocked to discover the trailer matched none of the online photos from the rental agency. “So I need to write you a reimbursement check.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
She shut the cabinet door with a bang. “What did you mean then?”
“Charlie and I have your back, Anna.” He made a palms-up gesture. “Let us help. Don’t be so stubborn.”
Her budget did need some breathing room. She hadn’t bought any baby equipment yet. And baby stuff, especially on a single mother’s salary, would be expensive.
“I appreciate everything you’re doing, Ryan.” She exhaled in a slow trickle of breath. “I really mean it.”
And like the humble guy he’d always been, he deflected her praise. “That’s what friends are for, right?”
Friends. Right. Her jaw tightened.
His eyes crinkled. “Back to Operation Christmas.”
She pursed her lips. “Phase Two for the kids?”
“Actually, I was thinking of you.”
Her heart thudded. “Me?”
Ryan ran his hand over the top of his head. “How about a field trip, Teach?”
She resisted the urge to smooth down the mess he’d made of his hair. “What kind of field trip?”
“A trip to the farm. What would Christmas be without a Savage Farm tree?”
“What indeed?” She did a slow twirl. “Am I dressed farm girl appropriate?”
He scanned her winter-white maternity sweater and the not-so-skinny black maternity jeans tucked into low-heeled boots. “You’ll do.” He smiled.
Anna wondered what his former fiancée, Karen, looked like. Probably model thin and gorgeous. And then berated herself for being stupid. Though, she couldn’t help but notice that Ryan made a point to never allow his attention to stray to her stomach.
She must look so huge and clumsy and unattractive to him. She’d always taken pride in her slim figure.
When he pulled the car off the main road and onto the long, gravel drive leading to the farm, for the first time she truly felt she’d come home. With her mom working hospital shifts and her dad’s law enforcement hours, the farm had been a favorite hangout of hers as a teenager.
Greenhouses sat near the road. Fallow fields lay on either side of the rustic-looking garden center.
“Looks like Justine’s busy.” Ryan nudged his chin toward the nursery where cars filled the parking lot.
Her arms full of potted plants, Justine, a perky blonde, lifted her head at the sound of the approaching vehicle.
“Can we stop to say hello?”
Like a true brother, he gave an exaggerated sigh for Anna’s benefit. “If we must.”
Justine deposited the plants into the trunk of a green Subaru. “Anna Banana, welcome home.” Her outstretched arms engulfed Anna, tummy and all.
“I see the news of my arrival has spread.” Anna made a face. “As has my figure.”
Justine stepped back. “You are as gorgeous as ever.”
Anna sighed. “There’s certainly more of me to admire these days.”
“Congratulations, Anna.” Justine’s blue eyes sparkled. “I’m so happy for you.”
Anna took her first deep breath of her Eastern Shore home. Here on the farm, she inhaled the pungent aroma of rich, loamy soil. From inside the store, a tantalizing whiff of cinnamon-spiced wassail laced the air. And a hint of pine floated from the surrounding forest.
Everything was as she remembered. Everything as it should be.
She spotted the potted plants in the trunk of the Subaru. “As I recall, poinsettias are your biggest seller this time of year.”
Justine nodded. “Wreaths, too. Need one?”
She drew Anna over to a white lattice frame latched onto the side of the storefront from which hung a dozen fresh wreaths of pine, cedar and magnolia.
Anna smirked at Ryan. “This is a conspiracy, isn’t it?”
He squared his broad shoulders. “Farmers and salesmen. It’s what Savages do.”
Justine elbowed his ribs. “That would be salespersons.”
“Watch it, little sister.” He poked her back. She scuttled out of reach.
Anna laughed. “Before the sibling rivalry escalates further, let me take the small one with the holly berries and red ribbon.”
He winked at his sister. “Ka-ching...”
Justine smiled. “Works every time.”
Anna whipped out her wallet before Ryan could object. “How much?”
Justine darted a glance at her brother. “There’s a friends and family discount.”
He took the wreath off the hook. “Exactly.”
Justine took the money from Anna and headed into the storefront as the pregnant blonde woman from the flotilla last night emerged.
“Must be something in the water around here, huh?” She held out her hand. “I’m Kristina Collier. I don’t believe we’ve met. Are you a new ’come here like me?”
Anna shook her hand. “More like a new ’come back here.”
Ryan deposited the wreath in the car. “Anna is Charlie Pruitt’s sister.”
Kristina smiled. “Home for the holidays?”
“Not just for the holidays.” Anna gave Ryan a pointed look. “I can’t think of a better place to raise a family and build a life than here in Kiptohanock.”
Ryan frowned. “There’s more to life than sea air and sand.”
Anna raised her chin. “Not if it’s home.”
Kristina nodded. “Home is where the heart is.”
Ryan’s eyes locked onto Anna’s. “And Kiptohanock is where your heart is?”
Breathless at the intensity of his gaze, the rest of the world faded for Anna. “The heart wants what the heart wants.”
A pulse ticked in his jaw. His mouth opened as if to answer, but Justine returned and handed Anna a steaming cup of wassail. “Would you help Kristina’s husband load the rest of the poinsettias from the greenhouse, Ryan?”
“Sure.” He pushed up the sleeves of his gray Duke University sweatshirt. “Duty calls.” And he disappeared around the corner of the garden center to lend a hand.
Which was exactly how she remembered the Savage family. All for one and one for all. And despite Ryan’s words to the contrary, his work on the farm was far more than duty.
She took a sip of the wassail. “You own the florist shop, Kristina?”
Canyon Collier, the handsome crop duster pilot, appeared with more plants cradled in his arms.
“A dream come true.” Kristina’s cornflower blue eyes drifted to her husband. “Among many dreams come true recently.”
Setting aside the plants, her husband laid his hand on his wife’s just-beginning-to-show belly. Their palpable happiness filled Anna with an unsettling yearning for something she believed she’d forever laid to rest, choosing to focus her dreams on the baby.
But seeing them, a different sort of forever rose to the forefront of her mind. Involving beach, sand and fifth-grade teachers? She took a quick, scalding swallow and sputtered.
His arms full of plants, Ryan staggered into the car lot, interrupting the dangerous direction her thoughts had taken. “You okay?”
She flushed. No, she wasn’t okay. Her grip tightened on the cup. “That’s a lot of poinsettias.”
Canyon and Justine deposited the rest of the flame-leafed pots into the hatch of the Collier vehicle.
Kristina angled around after her husband closed the hatch. “I’m on the church altar guild. We’re decorating the sanctuary after lunch.”
“That’s everything.” Justine gave Kristina a receipt. “Thanks for your business.”
Kristina headed for the passenger side. “I’ll need more greenery by Monday. I have orders for seasonal floral arrangements.”
When the Colliers drove off, another customer approached, juggling pots of paper whites. Justine started forward to help. “Maybe we could get the old high school gang together again after Christmas.”