* * *
Pete spotted Keira, Cody and Susan as they walked toward the church and the crowd that gathered outside. He waved and smiled when Keira noticed him. The trio approached him a minute later.
“You made it.” Keira stood on tiptoe and planted a kiss on his cheek. “How’re you feeling?”
“Not too bad. How was your day?” He loved the feel of his hand against the small of her back.
“Busy to start, but Cody and I had a nice afternoon playing in the snow. Then I made spaghetti for dinner.”
He ruffled Cody’s hair. “Sounds like you had a fun day.”
Cody nodded, then motioned with his finger for him to come down to his level. Easier said than done with his knee feeling the way it was, but he muscled through the pain and squatted beside the child. “What’s up?”
“Are you going to marry my mom?” Cody whispered.
Pete rocked back on his heels and landed on his bottom.
“You okay?” Keira asked.
“Fine.” At least physically. He rolled over onto all fours and whispered into Cody’s ear before standing. A huge grin covered Cody’s face. Pete touched a finger to his lips.
“What was that all about?” Keira kept her voice low as the presentation began.
“Man stuff.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, tugged her close and turned his attention to the nativity as the narrator started talking. He rubbed his palm up and down her arm to help ward off the chill. The outdoor performance drew him in and he soon forgot about the cold.
Pete had an inkling of the love Joseph must have felt for Mary. Hopefully his situation would turn out as well as Joseph’s. One thing he did know for certain, he loved Keira and her son and wanted to spend the rest of his life with them.
* * *
Early Christmas morning, before the sun was even shining, Keira heard a tap at her apartment door. A moment later she opened the door and touched a finger to her lips. “Come in, Pete.” She stepped aside, allowing him to pass with the dog crate that seemed to hold all the supplies he’d picked up for Max. “Cody’s still sleeping, but he’ll wake up soon. How’re you feeling? Do you need any help?”
“No, thanks, I’m fine.” He placed a quick kiss on her forehead. “I’ll be right back with Max.”
Keira quickly arranged a doggie bed and a basket filled with doggie treats near the Christmas tree, where a few other gifts were waiting to be opened. The door opened and Pete limped in carrying Max, who wore a red handkerchief around his neck, from which a tag hung that said Merry Christmas.
“What do you think?” Pete held up the wiggling dog.
“He’s perfect. Quick. Go put him by the tree. I hear Cody rustling around in his room.” She turned on the tree lights and turned off all the others. Soft Christmas music played from the iPod dock.
Cody walked into the room, rubbing his eyes.
Keira flipped on the light. “Merry Christmas!”
Cody blinked and looked toward the tree. He caught his breath when he spotted Pete holding Max. A huge smile covered Cody’s face. “Mr. Pete, you came!” He ran at Pete and tackled his legs with a hug.
Pete grunted and held Max higher to protect him from her rambunctious preschooler. “Yep, and your mom has a little surprise for you, too.” He lowered the puppy and handed him to Cody.
Cody’s eyes widened and his gaze shot to Keira. “For me?”
“Max is your Christmas present.” She smiled wide.
“No way!” Laughter burst from his lips. He hugged Max close. “I love you, Max. Thanks, Mom.”
“I think he liked your surprise,” Pete whispered beside her.
“Mmm-hmm.” Keira swiped tears from her eyes, laughing at her overemotional response. She took Pete’s hand and held it tight. “Thanks for making this happen. This is the best Christmas ever. I’ve never seen my son so happy.”
“You’re welcome. Thanks for inviting me to be a part of it.” Pete withdrew his hand and sat on the floor in front of the tree. “What do you say we see what else you got?”
Cody leaped toward the gifts.
“Hold on just one minute.” Keira sat next to Pete. “Why don’t you let Mr. Pete hand you your gifts, rather than go into attack mode?”
Pete handed Cody a package she didn’t recognize. He ripped off the wrap and jumped up and down. “My own camera!”
“I thought you’d enjoy taking pictures of Max.”
“Thanks, Mr. Pete!”
“You’re welcome.” A warm smile touched his lips and he looked as if he belonged in their living room. He handed another gift to her son.
Cody finished opening presents, then moved on to his stocking. “This is the best Christmas ever.” He flung himself into Keira’s arms. “Thanks, Mom. I wanted more Hot Wheels.”
“You’re welcome.” She leaned against the couch and ran her fingers thorough his hair. He looked so much like his dad, but she saw some of herself in him, too. “Would you like pancakes for breakfast?”
“Yum. With gummy worms.”
“Eww!” Pete’s lips curled. “That’s disgusting.”
“No, it’s not,” Cody said. “They look really cool coming out of the whipped cream.”
“Oh. There’s whipped cream? That changes everything.”
Keira laughed and pushed up. “Why don’t you take Mr. Pete down to the store and have him help you pick out a few from the bin.”
She shook her head and looked at Pete. “I forgot about your knee. I’ll take him down.”
“I’m much better. We’ll be right back.”
“If you’re sure.”
“Positive.”
She knelt in front of her son. “Remember, a few is three—no more.”
“Okay. Thanks!” He tugged on Pete’s hand. “Come on.”
Keira turned on the griddle, then stirred water into the store mix until the consistency looked right. Footsteps clopped on the stairs.
Cody pushed through the door, then dropped the candy on the kitchen counter. “Here, Mom. I only took three.”
“Good job. Go play and I’ll call you when breakfast is ready.” She’d set the table the night before, to simplify things.
“What can I do to help?” Pete stood at the opening to the kitchen, rubbing his hands together as if he were anxious to get to work.
“Would you like to finish up the pancakes and I’ll pour the coffee?”
“Sure.” He brushed up next to her, invading her space and trapping her.
Keira’s face warmed and she tried to move away, but there was nowhere to go in the tiny kitchen.
Meanwhile he went about flipping pancakes with a tiny grin on his face.
“I suppose you find this funny.” She crossed her arms.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He moved the cooked food to a platter. “Would you keep these warm in the oven, please?”
Keira took the platter and slid it into the oven.
“Mom, can Max play in my room?”
“Only if all your toys are picked up.”
“They are.” He wrinkled his brow. “Mr. Pete, where’s Molly?”
“At home. She’s fine for a couple hours by herself.”
“Oh. Isn’t she lonely?”
Keira stepped between them. “If you want to play you’d better get moving. Breakfast will be ready very soon.”
“Okay.” Cody clapped his hands and Max followed him.
Pete’s attention had shifted to her. “Thanks for the save. He’s a good kid. Anyone would be proud to call him son.”
“Thanks.” She looked up at him. Was he trying to tell her something? His gaze locked with hers, knocking her train of thought right out the window and into the next county. “I mean, um...” S
he shook her head. “Never mind.” There’d be plenty of time to have this conversation—after coffee.
His eyes sparkled. “You sure? Seems like you have something important on your mind.”
“Nothing that won’t keep. Looks like we have plenty of pancakes. I’ll grab the syrup if you want to set the platter on the table.” Keira squeezed past him and grabbed the syrup from the cupboard, then hollered for Cody to wash his hands. She set it down, then spun to get the coffee, but Pete had beat her to it.
“Should I leave room for cream?” He waggled his brows.
“Only fill it half-full. I like a lot of milk in mine and a generous amount of creamer.”
“I was teasing. Who could forget you’re one of those people who like a little coffee with their cream?” He handed her the half-full cup.
“It’s pretty good. You should try it.” She filled the rest with milk and cream, then held the mug out to him.
He took a sip and made a face. “Too sweet. But I suppose you’re full of sugar and spice and everything nice.” He winked and moved to the table.
They sat and Pete opened his hands to Keira and Cody. Keira grasped it and Cody followed her example.
Pete closed his eyes and prayed over their meal, then gave her hand a gentle squeeze and let go. “This looks delicious.”
“Mom, where’s the whipped cream and gummy worms?”
Keira jumped up. “I forgot. Just a second.” She went into the kitchen, pulled the can from the fridge, swiped the candy from the counter and created her son’s favorite breakfast. “How’s that?”
“Yum!” Cody pulled a gummy worm from the center of the whipped cream and sucked off the cream. “Thanks, Mom.”
She smiled and tried to ignore Pete’s horrified look. Guess he didn’t have the taste buds of a four-year-old.
* * *
Pete chuckled. The child would be on a sugar high for hours. Of course, so would Keira, with all the sweet creamer she’d used.
“Grandma said we could go sledding when we get to her house.”
“Sounds like fun.” Pete picked up his coffee and brought it to his lips. The warmth spread through his chest. Keira might not be much of a cook, but she could brew an amazing cup of coffee.
“You know, if you change your mind you’re welcome to join us for the entire day,” Keira said.
“Thanks, but I don’t think so.” Spending the day with Keira and Cody appealed, but he didn’t want to intrude on their family. He really wanted some time alone with her, but the chances of that happening were probably slim.
Cody patted his stomach. “I’m full. Can I play now?”
“Sure. Put your dishes on the counter and wash your hands. I don’t want Max covered in syrup.”
Pete grinned. “He’d probably lick Cody clean before that could happen.”
She shook her head and stood. “If you’re finished I’ll take your plate and load the dishwasher.”
He handed his dish over, deciding it’d be best not to invade her space again but instead pushed back from the table and brought his coffee to the bar. Cody had disappeared into his bedroom. “I’m not working tomorrow. Any chance you’d be free for coffee or something?”
“You mean like a date?” Her hands stopped midair and she held a drippy plate over the sink.
“Yeah.” He cleared his throat.
The hint of a smile touched her lips and she set the plate in the dishwasher. “Go on.”
“When I first came to Leavenworth the furthest thing from my mind was finding someone like you. Then there you were, and I freaked because of your son. I’m so sorry for that. I want a relationship with you and Cody.”
A full-fledged smile broke across her face. “He got to you, huh?”
“Yeah.” Pete pushed back from the counter. “So did his mom.” He sauntered into the kitchen, not caring anymore if he invaded her space. He had every intention of doing just that.
Her eyes widened and she caught her breath.
In two strides she was within the circle of his arms. He reached around her and shut off the water. He lowered his mouth to hers and probed her soft lips. She responded hesitantly at first, then her hands slid up his chest and cradled his neck. “I love you, Keira.”
She looked at him with wide eyes. “I love you, too.”
He buried his face in her neck and breathed in the scent of her clean skin. “You smell good.”
She gently pushed him away and distanced herself from his touch. He wanted to reach out and pull her to him again, but noticed the wary look in her eyes. What had he done wrong? It was only a kiss. “Is everything okay?”
“Of course. I just don’t want to get carried away.” Her cheeks matched the color of the red berries tucked into the Christmas tree. “And I don’t want to move too fast.”
“Was that too fast?” It wasn’t like it was the first time they’d kissed.
“Like a speeding train.” She wrapped her arms around her middle. “I haven’t been kissed like that since... I can’t remember.”
Pleased by her statement, he stood just a bit straighter. “There’s more where that came from.” He winked.
She giggled. “You’re missing the point.”
He sobered. “No, I hear you. I’m just teasing.” He reached for her hand and drew her back to him. “I never thought I could feel this way about anyone.”
“Especially someone with a child?” She raised a brow.
He groaned. “Can we forget I ever said I don’t date women with children?”
She cradled his face in her hands. “Don’t give it another thought. I love you even more for your honesty.” She planted a kiss on his cheek and moved away. “You sure you won’t spend the day with us?”
Tempted to say yes, he hesitated. “I really want to, but I feel weird about intruding on Michael’s parents. After all, I’m extremely interested in their daughter-in-law and, well...” He rubbed the back of his neck. “It just feels awkward. After all, you were married to their son.”
“I want you to come with us today. Mary already thinks the world of you.”
He worked his jaw. “But she doesn’t know me.”
“Doesn’t matter. Apparently Cody has given her all the important details. Please come. You’ll save me from having to drive.” She raised her brows as if saving her was an enticing offer. Who was he kidding? He’d do anything for her.
Chapter 15
Keira clasped her hands tightly together in the passenger seat and peered out the windshield. Cody sat with Max behind her in his booster seat, singing “Frosty the Snowman.” Why did he have to sing that song? As if she needed reminding that it was snowing.
“How’re you doing?” Pete glanced in her direction. “You look like you might be sick.”
“No, I’m fine, but it’s still hard riding in a car.”
“You’re doing a great job. I’m proud of you.”
“Me, too, Momma.” Cody stopped singing long enough to join in the conversation. “Grandma and Grandpa will be so surprised. Won’t they, Mom?”
“About what?”
“Grandma said they came to our place last year because of the snow.”
“Oh. That’s right.” She’d forgotten. In fact she’d managed to get out of Christmas at her in-laws’ since Michael’s death. Funny that hadn’t occurred to her until Cody brought it up.
Pete pulled into their driveway and parked. “Would you like help carrying things in before I take off to get Molly?”
“No, thanks.” She raised the box filled with gifts and dog supplies. “I got it, and Cody can be responsible for Max.”
Pete glanced toward the house. “They do know I’m coming, right?”
“Yes, and they’re thrilled.”
“I wish I had gifts for
them. I could probably dig something up from home, though, when I pick up Molly.”
She rested her hand on his. “They don’t expect anything, but if it will make you feel better I’ll add your name to our gifts.”
“No.” He shook his head. “You’re right. It’s not a big deal.”
Cody stood between the seats. “Can we go in now? Grandma said she has a special surprise for me.”
Keira laughed. “Make sure Max is on his leash.”
“I did.” He moved to get out and stopped. “Mr. Pete?”
“Yeah, buddy?”
“I’m glad you’re here.”
“Thanks. Hop on out and I’ll go pick up Molly and be back before you know it.”
Cody opened the door and jumped out. “Come on, Max.” He patted his thighs and the dog scrambled down.
“You’ll drive carefully, right?” Keira couldn’t help the unease in her stomach. It was a day much like today that Michael had lost control on that turn.
“I promise.” He leaned over and placed a soft kiss on her lips.
Keira nearly floated into the house, her face heated at the knowing look on Mary’s face. “Merry Christmas!”
“Where’s Pete going?”
“To get his puppy. He hadn’t planned on coming with us and she’s too young to stay locked up all day at his place.”
Cody held up Max for his grandma to see. “Isn’t he the best?”
Mary took the puppy and snuggled him close. “Absolutely. That was sure nice of your momma to get you a dog for Christmas. Are you going to take him for walks and feed him and clean up after him?”
Cody cast a worried look toward Keira.
“Don’t worry, sweetie. We’ll do it together.”
Mary pulled her into the kitchen. “How do you plan to take care of a puppy, your son and the store all at the same time?”
She stifled a sigh. Mary was practical to a fault. She couldn’t even give them one day to enjoy Christmas without pointing out the challenges of pet ownership. Oh, well. She refused to let it spoil the day. “It’s all taken care of. I’m only working five days a week now, and I hired a dog walker to take Max out on the days I work until he’s a little older.”
The Christmas Promise (Heartsong Presents) Page 16