A Heartwarming Christmas: A Boxed Set of Twelve Sweet Holiday Romances

by Melinda Curtis

  She made cheerful, inconsequential conversation with the owner, Chris, while she picked out two of everything Dash could possibly need. While she shopped and talked, the suggestion that her father was involved in some kind of relationship that he hadn’t told her about rolled around in her brain.

  Josh would know whether it was anything to worry about.

  Eventually she’d stop thinking of him first.

  “Dash, are you ready for a walk around the green?” Ivy asked and then looked over her shoulder at Chris.

  He waved a hand, the huge bag of expensive dog food he’d recommended draped easily over his shoulder. “We all talk to them. You’ll get used to it. When they start to answer, you know you have a problem.”

  After Ivy stashed her purchases in the trunk, she and Dash, who was decked out in his new bright red collar, harness, and leash ensemble, headed for the green.

  If towns had heartbeats, the green was Christmas Town’s. All the vendors were set up. The pageant preparations were in full swing. And the gazebo was doing a booming business. After grabbing a hot chocolate, couples often meandered over to kiss under the mistletoe.

  Her tour bus spiel made sure to mention the local legend that a kiss under this mistletoe would mean a happy marriage for another year.

  “And it couldn’t hurt.” Ivy checked to make sure no one was close enough to hear her. This time, she was talking to herself. Dash might provide a nice cover.

  But he was busy. Sniffing. Occasionally woofing. And pulling hard against his harness.

  “Next year, we’ll have a Dash bus, tie you to the front, wild dog.” Ivy dug her feet in but skidded in the snow after him.

  She was so busy watching him, trying to keep him from getting tangled with other dogs or the kids running wild on the green, that she didn’t notice her father until he caught her arm. “A dog? When did you get a dog?”

  Grateful for the added traction, Ivy clamped a hand on her father’s and held tight. “He was waiting for me under the Rudolph bus last night.”

  Ivy held the leash tight and Dash decided to display his manners, settling quietly to grin at her father, his tongue lolling out the side of his mouth.

  “Handsome fella. Kinda skinny.” Her father shoved his hands in his pockets and jangled his change. Since that was his go-to move to handle nerves, Ivy studied him closely. He turned to stare over his shoulder and a slight flush spread up his neck.

  And there she was. Ms. Appleby. Scourge of Christmas Town High School seniors.

  When she wrapped her arm through Ivy’s father’s, Ivy stepped back and congratulated herself on not wrinkling her nose.

  “Ivy. How nice to see you.” Ms. Appleby, who’d seemed too rigid to enjoy a good kiss under the mistletoe when Ivy was suffering through modern American literature, had pink cheeks herself.

  They were framed by wild salt-and-pepper curls topped with a velvet hat that Santa would envy. Every move she made was accompanied by jingling bells.

  Ms. Appleby had more spirit than Ivy did.

  Ivy realized the silence had stretched into awkward territory when Dash whimpered with impatience.

  And there wasn’t much reason to stand here dumbfounded.

  The gossip was true. She would never have believed if she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes.

  “Ah, nice to see you,” Ivy said and cleared her throat. “I’ll let you guys go…” She spun on one heel, desperate to make it to her car where she could meltdown in private. Nothing was what she’d planned this year. Nothing.

  Her father? He was dating? And he hadn’t mentioned a single thing to her, not even during their heart-to-heart in his office. How could he hide this?

  The ache in her chest warned Ivy that she was gasping for breath, each inhale of cold air freezing and burning through her lungs. Dash didn’t hesitate but took the lead, as if he knew what she needed.

  “Ivy, wait,” her father yelled and Ivy doubled her speed.

  “Gotta run. I’m parked near a hydrant and you know…” It didn’t matter how she ended that sentence because her father caught up. He grabbed Dash’s leash and pulled them both to a stop. Ivy refused to turn around. She couldn’t.

  At any second, her burning eyes were going to unfreeze and start leaking.

  Crying for the second time in less than a day. Worst Christmas ever.

  “That’s why I was waiting for you. In my office.” Her father shoved his hands in his pockets. “I wanted to warn you that I was asking her to Christmas dinner.”

  “Christmas dinner,” Ivy said and realized she’d nearly shouted it. They both turned to check on their audience. Ms. Appleby was standing close enough to see them, but she didn’t move any nearer. That was a good thing.

  “Heart attacks have a way of waking people up, Ivy.” Her father raised his shoulders. “Work is good. I love that company, but this life won’t go on forever. And…” He stared off into space. “Maybe if I have something going on and cut back on the business, you’ll be free to live your life.” He held up a hand to stem her desperate retort. “Not the one you think you have to live but one you dream of.”

  Conscious of Ms. Appleby nearby, Ivy muttered, “Of which you dream. Better watch your prepositions, Pop.”

  He dipped his chin and waited.

  “Okay, so I understand what you’re saying. Mom’s been gone a long time and you’re still active.” Ivy rolled her shoulders to ease some of the tension there. “But Ms. Appleby?” Ivy gave the woman a fake smile. “She’s so…grammatically correct.”

  Her father blinked slowly. “That’s your objection? She was your English teacher?”

  No, not really, but how could she tell him that she didn’t want him to be happy? Ivy had gotten comfortable being her father’s steady support. After her mother died, she’d needed him to depend on her. Stepping up to help run the house and business and his life had been easy, and that control made it possible to get through each day after tragedy.

  But that was a long time ago. Was she still using her father as a crutch?

  “I have no objection. I wish I hadn’t interrupted your big announcement with my own trouble.” Ivy shook her head. “You deserve to be happy. If she makes you happy, I’ll share Christmas dinner with her.” That was as much as she could promise.

  Was it time to put away some of her mother’s things and try something new?

  “You and me, her and Josh. Irene’s planning a feast, so you have no need to attempt cooking. Bring the fudge.” The relief in his voice was disheartening. Her father braced his hands on her shoulders. “You’ll see. This is going to be okay. All of it.”

  Ivy nodded slowly. Agreeing was the only way to get out of the green and she needed to escape. Soon.

  “Okay. I’ve got to go. Josh is waiting at the pond in Reindeer Meadow.” Ivy waved at Ms. Appleby. Irene.

  “You two make up? It was the dog, wasn’t it?” Gus scratched Dash’s chin. “I know the kid asked for a dog a hundred times.”

  Asked for a dog. A grown man waiting for permission. Like Ivy was his mother.

  The sick realization that she’d ordered Josh’s life like she had her father’s in order to control her own world made Ivy’s stomach ache.

  The hits kept coming.

  “Yeah, he’s pretty happy about Dash.” Ivy fiddled with the dog’s leash. “But when he goes, I’m keeping Dash.”

  Her father’s smile faded. “Ivy, don’t make a mistake because your plan’s already set. Life happens. Don’t miss out on something wonderful because you’re afraid to make a change.”

  “Good advice, Pop.” Ivy kissed his cheek. “See you tomorrow.”

  Dash made a beeline for the car and waited patiently for her to unlock the door.

  After he was settled in the backseat, Ivy crossed around in front to slide into the driver’s seat. “No ticket. That’s a piece of good news.” She started to pull out of the spot, but a loud honk stopped her. “Paying attention to what you’re doing would be a good idea
, Ivy Fisher.” She waved as the irate driver passed her and then checked carefully for oncoming traffic before she pulled out. The tiny parking lot at Reindeer Meadow was packed with cars, so Ivy had to wait for someone to leave.

  She impatiently tapped the steering wheel and tried not to imagine how strange it would be to sit with another woman at the Christmas table. Every year since her mother had died, Ivy had set the table as she had on their last Christmas together. The same china and silverware, stemware, and even the silk poinsettias her mother had arranged in an old Mason jar.

  All of that would have to go. Ivy didn’t want to share that with Irene Appleby.

  Finally a car backed out of a spot and Ivy zoomed in ahead of a minivan. Since she wasn’t planning on staying long, she refused to feel guilty.

  As soon as she stepped out into the snow, Ivy realized she had no notion what she was going to say to Josh. What was she doing here?

  Jules and her gossip had made it so necessary to get Josh’s opinion.

  But she’d seen her father and Ms. Appleby together with her own two eyes. No opinions were needed anymore.

  For some reason, that made her twice as anxious to tell him all about it. He’d say everything would be fine. She wouldn’t believe him, but there was comfort in knowing he’d make her the promise anyway.

  Dash was a happy dog. Each step he took sent a happy jiggle from nose to tail. Their progress toward the ticket booth and frozen pond beyond was slowed by a dozen different little screaming girls who wanted to pet the puppy. After the first encounter, Ivy relaxed. Not only was Dash good with kids, but he was a born entertainer. Each fan got a happy slurp and a tail wag that shook his whole body.

  Ivy was coaxing the dog closer to the banks where spectators lined to encourage the skaters when she spotted Josh. Instead of the heavy coat she’d bought him at the beginning of the season, he was wearing red-and-black flannel and the vest he’d insist on being buried in someday.

  Today he helped a grandmother through a turn before she zoomed off. There were any number of kids whirling and flying by who might turn into bombs to take him out, but he was solid and strong in the bright sunshine.

  Then Dash spotted Josh and took off at a gallop.

  Panic flashed across Josh’s face until Dash hit the ice and promptly started to falter. “Silly dog.” He straightened Dash and turned the dog toward the bank. When he saw her watching, Josh grabbed Dash’s leash and raised his bandaged hand to wave.

  That was the minute Dash got traction on the ice and decided to leave his career as an ice skating dog behind. He scrambled toward the bank, Josh in tow. When Dash hit the bank, Josh stumbled a few steps on land and then hit the bank with a thud, face first in the snow.

  Everyone on the pond was silent until Josh waved his bandaged hand in the air.

  Applause broke out and all the fireman on the ice had some comment to make about Crash Fisher.

  Ivy knelt beside Josh and dodged Dash’s happy kisses. “Are you okay? Did you hurt your wrist again?”

  Josh rolled over. “No, but it’s a good thing I wrapped it. I was so careful. I haven’t skated with a single toddler all day long.”

  Ivy brushed his messy hair off his face and then realized they had an audience of people who were curious to see how Crash recovered. “Everyone’s watching.”

  “Big surprise. They’re always watching.” Josh rolled his head in the snow to avoid Dash’s tongue.

  Unable to resist his patience and good heart, Ivy pressed a soft kiss on his lips. Whatever had gone wrong in her world disappeared. She was safe here in his arms. He’d always been big enough and strong enough to make it easy to believe he would protect her.

  Her brain knew she was capable of figuring out this situation with her father and with Josh on her own, but her heart was relieved she didn’t have to.

  Josh immediately stilled and this time the firemen shouted his name and added wolf whistles.

  When he reached to stop her retreat, Ivy met his stare.

  “What was that for?” he murmured.

  “A hero deserves a kiss for his efforts.” Ivy sighed. “And I needed to kiss you.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “I like the sound of this.” Then he studied her face. “Everything okay?”

  Josh slowly rolled to sit next to her. Dash immediately climbed into his lap. And Ivy was jealous of the dog.

  “My dad is dating Ms. Appleby.” It took him a minute to decipher her horrified whisper. His grimace was reassuring. He was on her team in this. “Can you even imagine? They were kissing under the mistletoe.” Ivy rubbed her eyes, the ache there building in the bright light.

  Josh wrapped his hand around her shoulder and massaged the tension there. “Ivy, he’s still a young guy. Did you never imagine this might happen?”

  She shook her head. “I guess…not. I mean, we were happy. I had everything all lined up. I’d take over and he’d finally have time to relax. He got a jump start on that and with our English teacher.”

  “Are you upset he’s dating her or that he’s making his own plans finally?” Josh grabbed her hand as Ivy struggled to stand. If she could, she’d stomp off. It was becoming a habit. So what if she liked to plan ahead? A lot of people would be impressed.

  “Hey, don’t leave. I’ve been missing you since I got here.” Josh stood next to her. “I wish I hadn’t agreed to take Mayday’s shift out here.” He waved Dash’s leash. “Very Christmasy choice, Ivy Carstairs.” He used the same teasing tone he’d preferred as a kid.

  “Fisher.” She cleared her throat. “Crash Fisher’s wife. That’s me. Please don’t change that, Josh.” Desperate to get it all right, Ivy pulled him closer. “I need you. I only work because of you and without you, I’m so…afraid. When I saw my father, my first thought was of you. I needed to talk to you. No one else.” When she realized she’d tangled her fingers in his vest, Ivy forced herself to let him go. This wasn’t her. She didn’t beg.

  But for him, she would.

  “You won’t go, so I’ll stay, Ivy. It’s okay.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders to pull her into his side. “One more year in Christmas Town. We’ll see how things go. Okay?”

  Thrilled, Ivy grabbed his vest with both hands again. “Really? You won’t go?” The sting of tears burned and she squeezed her eyes shut, but a sob made it out. “Oh, Josh, I…” Another sob cracked through whatever she meant to say after that but it didn’t matter. With a year as a deadline, she could work on Josh’s father, convince him Josh deserved the chance for more training and make all of this work out.

  Josh sighed as he wrapped his arms around her and squeezed. “Ivy Fisher. My wife. That’s all that matters.”

  “Nice going, Crash. From kissing to crying in under five,” Trip McKellar yelled from his spot across the pond.

  Ivy couldn’t tell what Josh’s response was, but she sort of hoped it was a rude gesture. If that loudmouth ruined her reconciliation, she’d slip and slide over to give him her own answer.

  “We’ll figure out what to do about Ms. Appleby later.” Josh brushed the tears off her face. “Go home. Give Dash a handful of treats. I’ll meet you there as quick as I can.” The grim line of his lips worried Ivy. Whatever joy and relief she felt, none of it showed on Josh’s face.

  Ivy took Dash’s leash. She trudged to the car through the snow and turned to see that he was watching her. Josh waved. Ivy returned it and let Dash into the backseat. Josh was heading out on the ice when she started the car. “High heat, Dash. These jeans are soaked.”

  He stuck his head through between the seats. “Does the heat feel good?”

  His wet kiss was a good answer.

  Ivy closed her eyes and tried to relax. Now that Josh was on board, she’d go home and put out their usual decorations, set the stage for the holiday she wanted. Then she’d start making plans to prove to Josh this was their home. He wanted a chance at a promotion. She’d figure out how to get that. He had his dog. And if either one of his brothers tr
ied to put him down or tossed one single “Crash” his way, she would show him the error of his ways.

  She had a plan. Instead of the relief she expected or even the happy thrill of excitement, all she could see was Josh’s serious face when he said he’d stay one more year. He wasn’t relieved or excited about what that year might hold.

  That had been more patience. More sacrifice to keep his wife happy.

  How long would a love like that last? And what would she do when he reached the end of his rope? Unless she made some changes, the end she was so afraid of was inevitable. How far was she willing to go to match the sacrifices Josh had made for her?

  Chapter 6

  Josh was late when he pulled in his driveway. Instead of leaving when his shift was up, he’d succumbed to the guilt trip and light bullying of the rest of the guys and waited until the ticket office closed. And for the extra two hours, he’d repeated “It’s for a good cause” under his breath.

  Exhausted, Josh rested his head against the seat and closed his eyes. He hadn’t slept well since his exam results had come. This drama with Ivy might be resolved, but the relief he expected was missing. And now he had to go and make merry with his family.

  He’d run out of time to get Ivy a different gift.

  The one he’d worked on for a week would not be well received at this point.

  He’d been so excited. The prospect of starting somewhere new, the two of them, with the opportunity to grow had given him so much hope. Giving that up was wearing him out.

  Then why are you doing it? The nagging question had been running through his head ever since Ivy and Dash had left him in Reindeer Meadow. Passing the exam had made it clear exactly what he wanted.

  And it wasn’t here in Christmas Town.

  He’d started all this as a way to show his father he was capable of more, but now he knew this was what he was supposed to do. He had to try to find his own firehouse, somewhere he could be Josh Fisher, not the chief’s son or Rick’s little brother.

  The hard knot of worry in his stomach seemed to confirm he was on the right track. This would be hard. All the most exciting things were. Should he tell Ivy he’d changed his mind now or wait?