Harlequin Heartwarming December 2020 Box Set

by Cari Lynn Webb, Linda Warren, Mary Anne Wilson

  He reached forward to grab her hand, then pulled back. Not his place to offer her comfort. Not his place to guarantee her suitcase would be returned in time for her sister’s wedding. “That’s definitely hard to replicate.”

  “Tell me about it.” Her sigh deepened her frown. “And now I have to tell my sisters I lost another piece of Mom.”

  She had no Christmas presents, no date for the wedding and no clothes. Those she would most likely resolve soon. She was too self-contained and lacked any melodramatic tendencies not to solve her own problems.

  What tugged inside him was the loss of her mother’s bracelet. That he understood all too well.

  The conveyor belt slowed to a stutter, then stopped. An airline employee rolled the handful of unclaimed bags against the far wall. Right next to a room labeled Lost Luggage. Zach pointed to the Lost Luggage sign, likely hoping to make his exit. “They should be able to find your bag.”

  And he should be able to wish her luck and leave.

  Except his long legs easily matched her pace. He strolled, she rushed, straight into the Lost Luggage office and right up to the customer service counter as if it’d been their suitcase that had gone missing, not hers.

  Carla, the airline’s customer service manager, according to her badge, took the claim ticket from his plane mate and tapped on her keyboard. “I apologize for your troubles, Ms. Harrison. I’m sure it’s on another flight here.”

  Ms. Harrison nudged her elbow into Zach’s side. “What are you doing?”

  Zach was picking through the candy bowl on the counter, leaving the chocolate candy and stashing extra mints in his shirt pocket. “Never know when I might need to combat bad breath.” Then he grinned. “Last name Harrison. I bet I can guess your first name.”

  “You’ll never get it.” The smallest of smiles rippled across Ms. Harrison’s face, disrupting her frustration.

  He accepted the victory, as Cody had liked to call it. His brother and he had relied on laughter to keep from sinking beneath the continuous stress and hard times his brother’s disease had dragged him through. Zach depended on laughter lately to balance the loss. “Katherine? Alexandra? Eleanor? Victoria?”

  She grimaced.

  “Right. Way too formal.” He considered her. No extra jewelry or glitter nail polish weighed down her fingers. He liked her less-is-more natural appearance. “Definitely something more simple. Sarah? Jane? Ellen? Diana?”

  She arched an eyebrow. “That’s what you came up with?”

  “Those are good names,” he argued. “Famous people have those first names.”

  Carla studied her computer screen, reread the numbers on the claim ticket. Her face pinched, from her penciled-in eyebrows to her shimmery lip-gloss-covered mouth. The keyboard tapping resumed.

  Zach leaned forward. “Is there a problem?” Other than the fact that all his first-name choices offended his companion.

  “There’s no problem for your suitcase.” The woman’s stiff smile never brightened her wide eyes. “It’s gone tropical.”

  “Tropical,” Ms. Harrison repeated.

  “Your bag is on a flight to Belize City.” Carla adjusted her name badge as if considering taking it off and leaving for the day.

  His companion rested her forehead on the counter and groaned as if he’d suggested Florence or Hettie or Myrtle for her first name.

  “At least your bag isn’t lost. And here, chocolate makes everything better.” Zach pushed the candy bowl toward her. That bit of wisdom he’d heard from his ex-girlfriend. He selected a chocolate from the bowl, unwrapped the candy, popped it into his mouth and tested the theory.

  She turned her head and peered at him. Her words were dry. “Feeling better?”

  “Not as good as your suitcase, likely enjoying the tropical heat.” He shrugged. “Although Belize City isn’t exactly the beach I’d pick.”

  She straightened and gaped at him. “You like the ocean?”

  “Would it surprise you if I said yes?” He smiled. “Give me a surfboard and beach towel any day.”

  Her gaze tracked from his hat to his boots and back, as if she was trying to picture him in swim trunks, holding a surfboard. He would’ve reacted the same way, surprised and unconvinced, if she’d told him she liked mud bogging and four-wheel off-roading.

  She shook her head, opened her mouth as if she wanted to verify his surfer claim, then abruptly turned to face Carla. “When is my suitcase expected to return from its vacation in Belize?”

  That was for the better. This wasn’t a get-to-know-you meeting. Her first name hardly mattered to him. He’d walked with her to Lost Luggage, which was enough. Goodbye, Ms. Harrison would suffice as a parting line.

  Cody would remind him that not everyone wanted help or needed fixing. Ms. Harrison appeared more than capable of taking care of herself.

  Cody would also tell Zach that he should concentrate on fixing himself first.

  You can’t fix what’s not broken, Cody. How many times had Zach launched that statement at his brother?

  The truth will catch up with you one day, Zach. How many times had his brother recited that same prediction?

  Zach popped another chocolate into his mouth and rubbed his hands over his jeans. He kept on moving—always moving—for a reason. He’d wait until Ms. Harrison finished with Carla and then get moving again. Alone like always. Just how he preferred it. After all, he couldn’t be abandoned if he was already alone.

  “I’ve put rerouting instructions into the system.” Carla slipped a piece of paper and pen across the counter. “If you could fill this form out, we’ll contact you as soon as your bag arrives here in Bozeman.”

  “Can’t it just return on the flight back from Belize tonight?” She filled out the form.

  “Flights have already been delayed into Chicago due to the inclement weather and won’t arrive until late tonight at the earliest.” The apology in Carla’s voice dipped her mouth into a small frown. “Your bag has to travel through Chicago to get here.”

  “Of course.” Georgie handed Carla the form.

  “There’s a toll-free phone number on this card to inquire about your bag.” Carla held out a business card and plastic-wrapped amenity kit. “We apologize for your trouble.”

  His companion sank her hand into the bowl on the counter and clutched a fistful of assorted candy.

  Zach accepted the airline’s consolation gift and thanked Carla for her help. Outside in baggage claim, he turned to wish Ms. Harrison good luck with her bag and the wedding.

  Her phone buzzed in her pocket. She reached out, dumped her candy into his hand and tugged her phone from her jacket. She glanced at her screen and grimaced.

  “Something else wrong?” he asked. Other than his standing there, holding her candy and not walking away.

  “The rental car is listed under my colleague’s name. They won’t rent the car to me and they don’t have another snow-ready vehicle available.” She dropped her arms to her sides. “I cannot believe this.”

  “I have a rental car.” He couldn’t believe the words tumbling out of his mouth. “You can ride with me.”

  She slowly raised her head. “Seriously?”

  “I’m only offering you a ride.” He gave her the candy and the amenity kit. “You already have my cell number. If you decide a cowboy fits your wedding-date criteria, you can always call me. I’ll check my availability.”

  “I’d be grateful for the lift.” She dropped the candy and overnight kit into her laptop bag. “And I promise, I’ll give your number to my cousin like I said.”

  “If we’re going to be carpooling, we should probably know each other’s first names.” He reached out. “Zach Evans.”

  “Georgiana Harrison.” Her grip on his hand was brief, as if she didn’t quite believe his offer. “Everyone calls me Georgie.”

  “
Pleasure to meet you, Georgie.” Zach liked her name and holding her hand. He stopped himself there. That was more than enough to like about her. “Ready to get on the road?”

  CHAPTER THREE

  GEORGIE’S SUITCASE HADN’T ARRIVED. Lily likely would not have her something old on her wedding day. The one wedding task Georgie had been assigned and she’d failed. The dread in her gut expanded, refusing to be dismissed.

  Her phone buzzed on her lap. A group text from Lily and Fiona flashed on the screen.

  Are you on your way? This from Lily.

  Fiona added: Can’t wait to see you.

  Georgie swallowed around the lump in her throat and replied: Lost bag. Driving now. Making a stop at the store. Be there soon.

  You can borrow my clothes. Lily offered.

  But Georgie couldn’t borrow Lily’s confidence or her sister’s pants. Lily and Amanda were several inches taller than Georgie. Hopefully my suitcase will be here tomorrow. Just need pajamas.

  Lily answered: I’ve got you covered. No need to stop. You can get here faster now.

  I need to pick something else up. A replacement gift for their mother’s charm bracelet. An impossible task.

  She always hated letting down her sisters. And now she faced a week that she feared would be one massive letdown.

  Are you picking up something for me? Lily’s text was followed by several smiling emojis. Lily added: I love presents. And my sisters. And Conner.

  Georgie squeezed her phone. Lily believed she loved Conner. How could she really know in such a short time? There was a protocol to falling in love. A schedule and specific steps that ensured the love between two people was real. Both Lily and Fiona had ignored love’s guidelines, along with Peyton and Amanda, too. Georgie, on the other hand, had graduated from medical school and passed her medical board exam precisely because she had adhered to a strict timetable and regime that had ensured success.

  We know you’re in love. Now go find your groom, Lily. Fiona responded. See you soon, Georgie! Can’t wait to meet this new man in your life. Several heart emojis followed to reveal her younger sister’s excitement.

  Concern, not excitement, sifted through Georgie. She didn’t have a new man in her life. She had a carpool with a green-eyed cowboy who wanted to use her to get to her cousin Ethan Blackwell.

  Zach spoke horses and most likely understood ranch life. He’d relate to Conner and probably support Lily’s decision to embrace both—horses and ranch life. Cowboys looked out for each other. Georgie understood hypotheses and validated data, research and key findings.

  Georgie knew nothing about the man her sister intended to marry. Nothing more than that her other sisters liked him. But Georgie wanted details, specifics about Conner Hannah to prove his and Lily’s love was the kind that would last.

  She glanced at Zach. He radiated confidence, from his calm grip on the steering wheel to his casual posture. He was seemingly undisturbed by the falling snow continually swept aside by the windshield wipers and the silence stretching inside the car.

  Try as she might, there was something she couldn’t ignore about the cowboy. Something that kept her thoughts and gaze circling back to him. Something that made her curious about him. And that was not good.

  Georgie made a living asking questions and testing theories inside her lab. But her cowboy wasn’t another one of her experiments. He was simply her ride to Falcon Creek. She tapped on her phone screen and broke the silence. If only her interest in the man beside her was as easily fractured. “There’s an antiques mall up ahead at exit fifty-two. Can we make a quick stop?”

  “You can’t want to stop there.” Zach’s voice was bland and uninspired. “At a mall.”

  “I need to replace that something old.” And inhale several bracing breaths of the brisk, ice-chilled air and determine her next steps to prove to her family that they didn’t need to be concerned about her choices. That a move to London was the best thing for her, even if she would be alone.

  “Why not get something from your Blackwell relatives?” Zach drummed his fingers on the steering wheel and glanced over at her. “They’re certain to have a lot of old things on their ranches. And it’ll mean more than buying something that was once owned by a stranger.”

  The Harrison sisters had only learned about their Blackwell connection four months prior. The Blackwells were strangers to Georgie. No more than faces in photographs her sisters had texted her. Today would be the first time she met her new relatives in person. Asking for an heirloom from her new relations to give to Lily for her wedding was as inappropriate as walking into a sanitized lab in street clothes. “I’d like to look. Can we just please stop?”

  He pulled off at the exit. “What’s your definition of quick?”

  “Less than thirty minutes.” She only needed enough time to collect herself.

  Signs pointed to the antiques mall. A handful of local restaurants and gas stations were clumped together like an oasis in the snow-covered pastures. Christmas lights blinked in the frosted store windows and garland hung from the doors.

  Zach parked in front of the large antiques mall and checked his phone. “You get twenty minutes. We have to stay ahead of the incoming storm.”

  “I’ll be done in fifteen.” She opened her door and glanced back at him. “What are you doing?”

  “Joining you. I need to stretch my legs.” He set his hat on his head. “I’m not built for airplane seats and confined spaces. I prefer trucks and open country roads.”

  “Where do those country roads take you?” She smashed her lips together.

  “Anywhere you want to go.” An invitation wove through his words, and his smile settled someplace deep inside her. Someplace that defied logic and common sense. Georgie was never flustered, especially by a man. And she wouldn’t let one cowboy, however adorable, rattle her.

  Or make her reconsider replacing Colin with a cowboy.

  She hurried toward the mall entrance, intending to leave her bad judgment outside for the wind to sweep into a snowdrift.

  Zach moved in front of her to hold the door open. She was perfectly capable of opening a door for herself. But she appreciated his consideration.

  Inside, Georgie’s gaze skipped over the massive area. A gold-edged, ivory-colored china set filled a cherrywood dining-room table in the front window. Gold flatware and smoky, etched wineglasses completed the table setting. Knickknacks from every time period stood crammed inside curio cabinets and old hutches. No shelf, no part of the store, was empty, from the ceiling with its old-fashioned chandeliers and lights to the floor covered in tasseled area rugs. What had she been thinking?

  Georgie headed down the first aisle, which was crammed on every side. Her gaze refused to settle.

  And the panic took hold. Nothing could replace her mom’s charm bracelet. Nothing.

  Just as no one could replace their mom. Their mom, who should’ve been there on Lily’s wedding day. Should’ve been the one to give Lily her bracelet and her unconditional support.

  Not Georgie, who’d remembered to put a research journal in her laptop bag but not the bracelet. As if the research journal was more precious than her mom’s jewelry. Georgie rubbed her chest and the ache pressing into her ribs.

  As for unconditional support, Georgie always wanted proof. The only time she’d never questioned the world was inside her mom’s embrace. There, in her mom’s arms, she’d known love, acceptance and strength. She wanted her mom now. Wanted her mom to tell her to fly, like she used to. Fly, Georgie. Spread your wings and never be scared to look down and see how far you’ve gone.

  “Are you okay?” Zach’s hand settled against her lower back. Concern deepened his voice.

  His touch was steady. Solid. Grounding. And gave her the strength to pull herself together. “Just a bit overwhelmed. There’s so much of everything.”

  “Never would’
ve guessed from looking at the outside.” He laughed. “It’s all a bit unexpected, isn’t it?”

  The same as her entire day. And like him, too.

  He moved around her, farther into the jumbled array of antiques. Georgie remained where she was.

  “Here. These are old. They come in a pair. A perfect gift for a new couple.” Zach waved his hand over a display of vintage salt and pepper shakers that filled an ornate side table. He picked up a pair shaped like nutcrackers. “They can be the start of a collection. You can give them a set every year.”

  “I’m not sure Lily wants to collect those.” Georgie welcomed the laughter building inside her, nudging the sadness aside. Great-Aunt Pru would’ve added the shakers to her collection of all things holiday, calling them tacky but cute. “My sister always liked wind chimes, but I’m not sure her soon-to-be husband will want wind chimes dangling all around their house.”

  Zach shrugged. “A man in love will agree to a lot of things, even a wind-chime collection.”

  “Sounds like you speak from experience.” Georgie faced Zach, seeking a reprieve from scouring the antiques shop and her grief. “What did an in-love Zach Evans agree to?”

  “I agreed to enter a rodeo.” Zach rearranged the salt and pepper shakers on the table.

  “Doesn’t seem like such a bad decision.” Georgie added elf shakers to Zach’s growing Christmas shaker gathering. “You’re one of the best in the country in your events.”

  “I am now.” Zach glanced at her. “I entered my first rodeo after I’d been working on a ranch for exactly five days.”

  “But you grew up around horses.” Or so she’d assumed. His cowboy boots were too worn. His jeans too relaxed. His cowboy hat too much a natural extension of him. His wasn’t a look anyone could simply purchase in the Western store they’d passed on the way to the antiques mall.

  “I grew up in the suburbs in Cincinnati.” Zach crammed his hands in his front jean pockets and avoided looking at her. “We lived on a cul-de-sac in a two-story house with a basketball hoop in the driveway and a sandbox in the backyard.”