Sure enough, the mischief-maker had decided to fill the bathroom sink with water and placed several toys in it. Water soaked his sleeves up to his forearms. “Cody, what are you doing? You know we need to leave for church soon.”
“Just playing.” Her son held out a windup duck. “See.” The duck zoomed across the sink and crashed into the other side.
“Yes, and I also see that you need to change your shirt. Go quick, while I clean this up.”
Ten minutes later they tromped down the stairs to Susan’s car.
“You’re sure about this?” Susan asked as she opened the driver’s door.
“Yes.” No! After securing Cody in his booster seat, she clicked on her own seat belt, pulling it as tight as possible. Does this thing have air bags? She looked over her shoulder and noticed it had curtain bags as well as side and front-impact bags. At least there was one thing to be thankful for. Michael had been driving an older-model pickup without air bags. If it’d had them he might still be alive.
Susan put the car in Reverse and backed out.
A jolt jostled Keira in her seat and sent shivers up her spine. She caught her breath. “What was that?” She gripped the windowsill with her fingers.
“Just a clump of snow.”
“Oh.” Keira closed her eyes, took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Think happy thoughts. At least the church was close. The car rolled forward and Susan pulled out onto the road. This wasn’t so bad, much better than the parking lot. Keira opened her eyes. A car came near them and she squeezed her eyes shut. Who was she trying to kid? She was terrified out of her mind.
“Once I get onto the highway we’ll be there before you know it.”
“No rush,” Keira squeaked. A few minutes later she felt the car slow and turn, then slide. A whimper escaped her lips and she held her breath.
“Sorry about that. Hit a slippery spot when we pulled into the parking lot.” Susan cast a worried look her direction. “How’re you doing?”
Keira took in a gulp of air. “Still alive.”
Susan chuckled. “Always the drama queen.”
“What’s a drama queen?” Cody spoke for the first time since they’d gotten into the car. He must have sensed her stress. She’d always said he was a smart boy.
Susan looked in her rearview mirror. “A person who exaggerates things and makes something seem like a bigger deal than it is.”
“And driving here today wasn’t a big deal?” Keira asked.
“I suppose, but you added a dramatic flare,” she said with a smile.
Susan parked and Keira scrambled out on shaky legs. She helped Cody. As she held his hand, they strolled into the church.
“Will Pete be in this service?” Susan asked.
“I don’t think so. He usually goes to the later one.”
“I thought he might come early since you’re going skiing afterward.”
“Beats me. Thanks for the ride.” Keira excused herself to take Cody to his class and then washed her sweaty palms in the bathroom sink. The cold water soothed her frayed nerves. Maybe agreeing to ski and ride to church on the same day was too much. Walking home sounded like a good idea. At least she’d worn pants and boots.
Soft piano music washed over her as she entered the sanctuary. She found a spot near the middle and sat, thankful to have her feet planted on solid ground. Too soon the service was over and she made her way out of the sanctuary.
Susan nudged her shoulder. “Let me know when you’re ready to go.”
“I think the drive here was enough for one morning. Cody and I will walk home.”
“You’re sure?”
“Positive.”
Susan gave her a quick hug. “I was proud of you this morning. I know how scared you were.”
“Thanks. I’ll catch you later.”
Chapter 12
Keira started when a knock sounded on her apartment door and checked her watch—eight-thirty. She set down the book she was reading and walked to the door. A look out the peephole showed Pete. Oh, no! She wore sweats and had her hair in a tiny ponytail at the back of her head. She quickly reached up and released her hair, allowing it to fall freely around her face.
Pete knocked again.
She unlocked and then opened the door. “This is a surprise. Come in.”
He shook his head. “I can’t stay long.”
“That’s fine, but it’s cold out.”
He stepped in and stood just inside the threshold. “Did you get my message this morning?”
“I did, but unfortunately I didn’t think to check until you didn’t show up.”
He groaned. “I’m sorry. I can’t believe I missed a day on the slopes for nothing.”
“No worries. How’s the other vet doing? You mentioned he had the flu.”
“I haven’t talked with him since his call this morning. I don’t mind covering for him when I don’t have plans, but—”
“Seriously, it’s fine. Would you like some warm cider? It’ll only take a minute to heat.”
“Sounds good, but I should head home. I was only in town for a quick trip to Safeway. Do you think we could try skiing next weekend?”
“Sure. Cody is miffed at me for not going.”
“I’m really sorry.”
“Seriously, don’t worry about it. After riding to church this morning with Susan, it’ll take me all week to work up the courage to ride again.” She shuddered.
“So the whole trusting-God thing’s a little tougher than you thought?”
She sighed. “I knew it’d be a struggle, but you gave me a reprieve and I’m not one bit sorry. Cody and I had a nice relaxing day here, which we never do. He has a friend from church coming over to play tomorrow.”
His shoulders sagged a little. “So no meeting in the park at noon?”
“Probably not. His buddy’s coming for lunch, and then they’re going to play. Are you sure I can’t get you something?”
He reached for the door. “No, thanks. I’d better go.”
“Well, if I don’t see you sooner, have a Merry Christmas.”
“Oh, you’ll see me. I still need to pick up the chocolate I ordered for the clinic.” He looked toward Cody’s bedroom. “And I need to bring the d-o-g over, along with his supplies.” He flashed a Hollywood grin and walked out.
How had she forgotten the puppy? Keira closed the door and leaned against it with a sigh. She’d never be able to sleep now. Thinking about Pete would keep her up for hours. At least Christmas was Thursday. She wondered if he realized that. He should’ve planned to pick up the candy he’d ordered for the vet clinic tomorrow. Hmm. That gave her an idea.
* * *
The following morning the sun shone bright in the cloudless sky. “Come on, Cody. Step it up. If you walk this slow all the way to the clinic we won’t have time to play with the puppies before your buddy comes over.”
Cody sped up a bit, but not much. “I’m tired. Will you carry me?”
Keira sighed and scooped him up. “Just for a little bit. You’re getting too big for me to carry you very far.”
He wrapped his legs around her and tucked his head into her neck, snuggling close. She inhaled his sweet smell and held him tighter.
“Mom, can Mr. Pete come to Grandma and Grandpa’s for Christmas with us? He’s all alone and no one should be alone on Christmas.”
“Sometimes I think you’re too old to be four.”
“Huh? I’m almost five.”
Keira chuckled. “Never mind. I’ll ask Grandma, and if she says it’s okay, then you may invite him. But you’ll have to get down so I can call her real quick before we get to the clinic.”
Cody walked beside her as she talked to Mary. “Okay, thanks. I’ll let him know. Bye.”
&
nbsp; “What’d she say?”
“Yes.”
“Yay! Do you think he’ll bring the puppies?”
“You need to invite him first. And I don’t want you to get upset if he says no. He may have plans we don’t know about.”
“Okay, but I hope he says yes. I want to play with the dogs on Christmas.”
“You’ll have plenty to play with.”
Cody rattled on as if she hadn’t spoken. “I also want to go sledding.”
“That sounds like fun.” They walked into the veterinary clinic parking lot. “Remember not to touch any of the pets without permission.”
“Okay.”
“And no sudden or loud noises. We don’t want to scare the animals.”
He nodded solemnly, his blue eyes serious.
They stepped inside and walked to the reception desk. Keira introduced herself and held up the bag with a box of chocolates inside. “I have a delivery for Dr. Harding. Is he available?”
The woman at the desk stood. “Let me check.”
A minute later she returned. “He said to have you wait in his office. Follow me.”
Keira’s heart pounded. What had she been thinking, coming here? He probably had a ton of patients to see and they’d be waiting forever. She should’ve just left the bag with the receptionist. Her thoughts were cut off when Pete hustled into the room.
“Is everything okay?” Concern etched his brows.
Keira stood and handed him the bag. “I thought you might like this now, since Christmas is only a few days away.”
His brows relaxed and his face broke into a smile. “Thanks! You saved me a trip to the shop. I wish I could talk but I need to get back to work. May I call you tonight so we can talk about that other issue?” He glanced toward Cody.
“Of course.”
Cody tugged on Pete’s shirt. “Mr. Pete, can I see Max and Molly?”
“Sure. I’ll have Meghan take you to them.” He looked to Keira. “Thanks for this. I appreciate it.”
Keira took Cody’s hand and followed the woman to the kennels, trying to ignore her disappointment that Pete was too busy to visit.
“You two must be the reason Dr. Harding rushes off every day at lunch.”
“He lets me play with Max and Molly.”
“Well, here we are.” A symphony of barking greeted them. The wall had kennels all around, but only five were occupied, not including Max and Molly.
The puppies barked and pawed at the floor.
“Looks like they want to come out and play.” Meghan opened the door and allowed the puppies to greet Cody.
Keira turned to Meghan. “Thanks. My son really missed these two.”
Meghan laughed. “It looks like they missed him more.”
The dogs licked his face as if he were covered with doggie treats.
“Okay, you two. That’s enough.” Meghan put the animals back in the kennel. “I’ll walk you out.”
“I don’t want to keep you from anything.”
“I could use the break.” She lowered her voice. “How’s it going between you and Dr. Harding? When he had me book the carriage for the night of the ball, I knew you must be someone very special.”
“Meghan, I need you in room two.” Pete stood in the doorway.
“Be right there.” She wiggled her fingers. “Ta-ta.”
Keira approached Pete. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get her into trouble.”
“You didn’t.” He placed a peck on her lips, then turned and strode away.
Stunned, Keira touched her hand to her mouth. He’d kissed her in front of everyone!
* * *
Pete brushed past Meghan, who was gaping at him. Let her gawk. He grinned and almost laughed at the look of surprise on Keira’s face. Well, there was more where that came from.
Until that moment he hadn’t realized he was going to kiss her, but when she showed up today everything became clear. Keira was the woman for him regardless of anything else. Sure he’d been burned in the past, but he wasn’t going to allow that time to keep him from the woman he loved any longer.
Now to convince Keira he was the man for her.
Meghan sidled up beside him. “I like your girlfriend, and her little boy is adorable.”
“She’s not my girlfriend.” But she would be if she’d give him a chance.
Meghan shrugged. “Whatever you say. But I think she likes you, Dr. Harding.” She winked and strode away.
With renewed determination, he attended to his patients. One way or another, he’d make his feelings known to Keira and the sooner the better.
* * *
Later that night, Pete sat on his couch with the puppies curled up on each side of him. He punched in Keira’s number and listened to it ring.
“Hi, Pete.”
“Hey. Sorry I couldn’t talk earlier.”
“No problem. I probably shouldn’t have bothered you at work.”
“Actually, I’m glad you did. I enjoyed seeing you. Both of you.” He heard Cody’s voice in the background.
“Pete, Cody wants to ask you something.” He heard the phone bang against something and chuckled to himself.
“Can you come to Grandma and Grandpa’s house for Christmas with us? They said it’s okay.”
“Hmm. I don’t know. Christmas is for families.” His heart thrummed in his chest. Should he impose on a family gathering? He didn’t want to hurt the child’s feelings, but wasn’t sure spending Christmas with Keira’s in-laws was a great idea. Did they really want him?
“Please, Mr. Pete. You could bring Max and Molly and it’ll be lots of fun.”
He grinned. Now he saw where the little guy was going with the invite. He just wanted to be with the puppies. “How about you let me talk with your mom?”
“Okay.”
“I’m sorry about that, Pete. If you have other plans or don’t want to come, no worries.”
“I’m sure he just wants to be with the puppies. Since he’ll have Max it’s a moot subject.”
“I don’t think so. He doesn’t want you to be alone on Christmas. He told me so himself.”
“Oh.” Now what? Maybe this would be a good opportunity to show Keira how much he cared about her. But spending Christmas with her in-laws? “Can I ask you something?”
“Okay.”
“Why aren’t you spending Christmas with your own parents?”
“They couldn’t come this year and, well, you know how I am about driving in the snow.”
“You planning to walk to your in-laws’?”
“Well, no. But my parents live in Spokane and that’s just too far for me to go.”
“It’s only a few hours if the roads are clear.”
“Which they’re not. Pete, what’s wrong? Why are you avoiding the subject?”
“I guess I’m not crazy about intruding on your in-laws’ Christmas, but I’d love to spend some of the day with you and Cody if it can be arranged.”
“Really? I’d like that, too, and I know Cody would.”
Over the next several minutes they schemed an idea that would make Cody’s year. Pete had to admit, he was pretty excited himself.
* * *
Keira placed the phone on the battery charger and went into Cody’s room to tuck him in.
“What did Mr. Pete say? Will he come with us?”
“I’m afraid not, sweetie.”
Cody’s little bottom lip protruded. “Why not? Doesn’t he like us?”
“He likes us just fine, but he doesn’t know Grandma and Grandpa and feels like he’d be uncomfortable at their house.”
“Oh.” He looked at her with wide eyes. “Won’t he be sad all by himself?”
Keira�
��s heart melted a little. She sat on the edge of her son’s bed and pulled him into her arms. “You are a very sweet boy for caring so much about Mr. Pete. But he assured me that he has a wonderful plan for Christmas.”
“Okay. I’m glad.”
She kissed his forehead and tucked him under the sheets. “Love you. Good night.”
“’Night, Momma.”
Keira shut off the light and strolled out of his room. She had to have the most thoughtful child on the planet. Wouldn’t he be surprised come Christmas morning? Her stomach fluttered in anticipation. This just might be the best Christmas yet. Then again, it could be the worst if she’d misread Pete.
* * *
The next morning, Keira flipped the sign to Open. Based on the orders she’d received, she braced herself for a wild day. Even before she could get behind the counter the door opened. She looked over her shoulder and her heart stuttered. “Pete. What are you doing here?”
“I needed some fresh air and wanted to run something by you. I know you’re busy, but I had an idea, and I was hoping you’d join me.”
“What’d you have in mind?”
“Night cross-country skiing out on my property.”
She opened her mouth but no sound came out.
“Hear me out before you answer. It’s supposed to be a clear evening. The stars and moon will light our way.”
Keira pursed her lips, but didn’t want him to think she wasn’t interested. “I’ll see if Cody can spend the night with his grandparents.” She didn’t add that skiing on ungroomed trails sounded like a lot of work. Spending time with Pete would be worth it.
“We won’t be too late. How about if we pick him up on our way back here?”
“That’s nice of you to offer, but it’d be easier for them if he just spent the night.”
“Okay. Whatever works for you. I’ll pick you up around six-thirty and have you home by eight.” He spun on his heel with a light in his eyes and left.
Ugh. What had she gotten herself into? Not only would she freeze to death, she’d have to ride in a car.
* * *
Eight hours later Keira grabbed her ski jacket and put it by the door, along with her cross-country skis and boots. Business had been brisk today and she was tired, but not so tired she wouldn’t enjoy being with Pete.
The Christmas Promise (Heartsong Presents) Page 13