She caught Taylor off guard. “Hey, no fair.”
Ignoring him, she packed a ball and began to roll. Her partners, Karynn and Savannah—sisters, celebrating a birthday at the inn—jumped in. They were as energetic and competitive as Ari.
The girls finished the bottom section of their snowman, a rather lopsided base for the top two balls but there was no time to redo it. They started on the second ball and since they were running out of snow, it took all three of them to roll it to the farthest edge of their section. Unfortunately, when they placed it on top, it slid off the lopsided bottom. They squealed as it slipped to the ground.
Ari glanced over. Taylor’s team had already completed the body of their snowman and was adding black-rock buttons to the front.
“We’re falling behind. You two gather arms and legs and I’ll round this guy out.”
Her partners dashed off in search of rocks. Ari gathered handfuls of snow and patted them into the lopsided spots of their snowman. Karynn and Savannah returned with sticks and rocks just as Lizzie shouted. “Time’s up.”
With a groan and a laugh, Ari stepped back from their creation, snow still packed in her hands.
“Well, he’s a little off, but he’s ours.” Ari gave her partner’s a one-handed high five, then absently patted the snow still in her hand into a loose ball.
Taylor’s team had built a far-superior snowman. Lizzie and Bertie spent little time deciding, and soon declared his team the champs.
Taylor looked straight at Ari, tilted his head in a cocky manner and called out. “Another win. No more Even Steven.”
Ari laughed. But when he fist-pumped the air, she couldn’t resist. She flung the snowball still in her hand straight at him. Taylor had just congratulated his teammates and turned back around just in time for the wet snow to hit him smack in the face.
The whole group froze and watched in silence as Taylor sputtered, and then wiped wet dollops of snow still clinging to his eyelashes.
“Oh, no, you did not.”
“Oh, yes, I did.”
Ari laughed as he dropped to his haunches and rolled a snowball. She squealed and hid behind the snowman as a ball of snow just missed her face. She dropped to the ground for a supply of snow and barreled the quickly patted lump in Taylor’s direction. She stood and ducked a ball flying straight toward her. She heard a splutter and turned. The snowball meant for her had hit Karynn in the face.
“It’s on!” Ari’s partner packed snow and let it fly, straight at Taylor.
Her sister did the same and soon, everyone joined in. Snowballs and laughter flew across the clearing. Lizzie and Bertie made a hasty retreat to the safety of the deck while everyone tossed perfectly formed and not-so-perfect balls …anything they could get their hands on.
Ari’s arms were growing tired, but Taylor seemed determine to win. He fired ball after ball at her in rapid succession as he made a slow advance. Each ball was perfectly aimed to hit close to her face. The snow was too wet to hurt and Ari was laughing so hard she couldn’t fight back, so she struck in the only way she knew how. She ran toward Taylor and tackled him full on.
He was so surprised he didn’t have time to brace himself. Laughing all the way, they tumbled into the snow, Ari on top.
His cheeks were red from the cold. Laughter lit his eyes. Snow clung to eyelashes and he looked so absolutely kissable, Ari did just that. She bent down and pressed her lips to his.
Taylor froze. But his lips felt so warm and wonderful, Ari ignored his stunned response. Wet with snow, cold on the edges and still warm. A perfect match for hers.
He must have thought so too because his arms went around her and pulled her close. One hand grasped the back of her head and tilted her, fitting her mouth against his.
It was a wonderful kiss. Sweet and tender with the promise of much, much more. Ari was lost in it. Completely lost to everyone and everything around them.
Then a sound burst across the clearing.
Clang. Clang. Clang. The ringing of bells echoed over the snowy expanse.
Ari’s eyes flew open. So did Taylor’s. Immediately, he pushed her upright and lunged to his feet. He stepped back and both of them stared across the grounds, through the bare branches of trees to the little white chapel on the hill. At last the bells stopped. Silence again.
Chrissy said, “Daddy, make them ring again. They’re pretty.” Her little-girl voice sounded so sweet, so innocent. So unknowing.
Taylor fixed a stunned gaze on Ari and shook his head. Without another word, he stalked past her, stomped up the stairs without even glancing at Lizzie and Bertie, slammed through the door of the inn and disappeared. The portal shut more slowly, easing its way closed with a finality that filled Ari’s heart with darkness.
9
Ari smoothed her fingers over the needles of the pine bough resting in a small gold container. The Hope Creek Senior Crafters had done it again with a beautiful collection of decorations for the chapel. Four tall, old-style paned windows lined each side of the building. The windowsills were just wide enough for the lovely little containers of fragrant pine boughs. A candlestick with a white taper adorned the center of each container. Perhaps the candles would light the way home for so many who had missed the chapel services at Christmas Inn.
One handsome, enigmatic person in particular came to mind. One Ari had impulsively kissed and driven away. She’d not seen or spoken to Taylor since he’d stomped off the grounds the day of the snowman contest. For the rest of the storm, he’d stayed in his room, avoiding all contact with most of the guests and especially her. The day the roads were cleared, he loaded up his truck and checked out.
She didn’t really blame him. Everyone, absolutely everyone heard the bells…and everyone was talking about them. An electric current of awareness had shot through the community, leaving a new excitement in the air. People shared stories about past couples, the tree-trimming party when local country singing celebrity Dahlia Brewster filmed her Christmas special at the inn. Most important, people were just happy, as if the unexpected ringing of the bells renewed their faith, imbued them all with that special Christmas spirit of peace and love.
Ari couldn’t regret that…even if her own heart was breaking. She ran a finger along the pine bough and the crisp scent of evergreen floated upward. Her parents were here, along with her brother, his wife Jody and baby Kyle. Aunt Lizzie was healthy and Bertie’s sister and niece had decided to join them as well. Almost everyone Ari loved was here to share this special time. She clung to that thought and it softened the ache in her heart.
She glanced out the window at the black sky filled with the twinkle of a thousand stars…an infinite universe. The stars seemed to wink at her and she smiled.
You’re there, Lord. You’re watching over me and You alone are enough.
She moved to where the box of decorations rested on a pew but it was empty. While she’d been moon gazing, Lizzie and Bertie had finished placing them on the windowsills. She looked up to find them both watching her, their faces sad and confused.
Bertie shook her head. “I just don’t understand what he’s thinking. He heard the bells. He knows what they mean.”
Ari sighed. “He said it perfectly, Bertie. We live in difficult times. Things have changed. The bells ring for love. That doesn’t mean both parties are in love.”
Bertie gave a negative shake. “Don't be silly. Of course that's what it means. Stop making excuses for Taylor. What I say is, if the boy doesn’t know what a gift he’s being given, then you’re better off without him.”
“Bertie, I know you’re upset for me, but please don’t be angry with Taylor. He told me from the beginning he was moving on. He never led me on or made any promises and…well, I kissed him. If anyone’s at fault it’s me. I acted impetuously…again. We’ve barely known each other for a month and I kissed him, right out there in the front of a whole group.”
“He heard the bells, that should have told him something special was between y
ou two.” Bertie remained unswayed.
“That’s what we heard, Bertie. What Taylor heard was bells, telling him what he had to do. He was expected to forget his dreams—not for the first time—and do what was demanded of him. I don’t want a relationship with someone who feels trapped. He needs to go. Needs to find what he wants. He deserves it.” She leveled her gaze on her honorary aunt. “That’s why we’re going to stop being so hard on him. Besides, you don’t want me stuck with someone who doesn’t want me as much as I want him, right?”
“Of course not.”
Lizzie’s soft voice echoed across the room. “Dee Knox, Taylor’s mother, delivered the chapel decorations. She says the day after the storm, Taylor bought his bike. He’s been riding all over the county practicing for the road.”
Bertie lifted the empty box. “She also said he’s not himself. It's like a dark cloud has settled over him. She says Taylor has always been easy going, happy and positive, even when he had to take on the family business. It was a lot of responsibility and he took it on without blinking an eye.”
An image of Taylor stretching his neck and shifting his shoulder’s to lift the heavy burden flashed through Ari’s mind.
Bertie shook her head. “Dee says he’s quiet and moody now. Not like himself at all.”
“See? My impulsiveness caused all kinds of trouble again. Taylor doesn’t deserve everyone talking about him and speculating. He needs to do what he feels is right and we need to let him. So…no more talk. Let’s move on and enjoy the wonderful gift of us all being together again.” She met their gazes. “I love you both. And I love that you love me so much, but let’s put all this aside.”
Her silver-haired aunt crossed the room and threw her slender arms around Ari. “Have I told you lately how proud I am of you?”
Ari shook her head. “Impulsive gestures and all?”
Lizzie’s eyes twinkled. “Especially the impulsive gestures. I think they’re rather amazing.”
Laughter spilled out of Ari. “I’m sure Taylor has a different opinion.”
One of her aunt’s silver brows rose. “I thought we were done discussing him.”
Ari laughed again. “Right. We are.”
“I can’t wait to hear what Ian has in store for us this evening. I'm sure it's going to be wonderful.”
“I can tell you he's nervous. I heard him practicing earlier this afternoon and he told me he was shaking. But he’s always had a gift. Whatever he shares will be a blessing.”
Bertie returned from carrying the empty box to the vestibule. “That's right. It’s going to be a very special night—and I hear voices outside the doors. I think it’s time to let our guests inside.”
“Good idea. Why don’t you open them, Bertie. I’ll light the candles.”
Happy voices rose as people filled the chapel. Ian came to the podium as Ari lit the two free-standing candelabras on each side of the altar. He spread his papers out and cleared his throat in what Ari recognized as a nervous manner. She patted his arm for reassurance, then blew out her match and headed to her family’s pew at the front.
Bobby Knox and his sister, Missy, helped Granny Knox to a seat. Ari smiled, even as her gaze automatically darted through the Knox crowd for Taylor. Sure enough, he was seated next to another young lady, chatting. He didn’t even look Ari’s way. But she didn’t let that bother her. She couldn’t be disappointed. She was simply happy that he didn’t allow their encounter to keep him away from the service.
Ian signaled Aunt Lizzie, who took her seat behind the upright piano. She led them through several Christmas songs, and then a few worship songs before returning to the family pew. Ian cleared his throat again.
“I want to thank you all for joining my family tonight. I can’t tell you how happy we are to be together here at Christmas Inn. It means a lot for all of us. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in front of crowd like this. For some reason, I got the notion that I had to choose between two paths.” He smiled and shook his head. “I don’t know where I got that idea. Our Lord’s powers are infinite, and if He gave me a heart for two things or fifty, He’ll find a way to make it work. My job is just to follow orders. So here I am. I’m rusty so I’ll keep it simple, but be warned…I’ll be back.”
The crowd laughed, and Ari could see Ian relaxing.
“For now, I want to share a family tradition. Every Christmas Eve, one of our family reads a beautiful passage, which reminds us of the true meaning of the season. So if you will, please turn to Luke 2:8-20.”
Ian read in a clear, beautiful voice, the wondrous passage of the angel announcing the birth of the Christ child to the shepherds. The passage never failed to bring tears to Ari’s eyes and it was even more special this Christmas, with her family gathered around her at Christmas Inn.
When Ian finished, he led them in another prayer and invited them all to share some refreshments in the grand room of the inn before returning home to their own festivities with their families.
Ari’s mother hugged her. “That was beautiful, simply beautiful. Thank you, sweetheart.”
“Thank Ian, if you can get to him.” A crowd had gathered around her brother, thanking and encouraging him.
Her mother smiled. “I’ll wait my turn.”
Others stopped to welcome Ari back and thank her. By the time the crowd had thinned and Ari turned to look, the Knox family had gone.
What did she expect? For Taylor to hug her and thank her for making him the center of Hope Creek’s gossip? She laughed at her own foolishness and turned back to her family who were bundling into warm coats and seemed ready to head to the inn. She grasped Bertie’s arm and wrapped her arm around Aunt Lizzie’s waist. “Thanks for all your help. I can finish up here. Why don’t you two join the party? I’ll be there as soon as I make sure all these candle are out.”
“All right. Just don’t take too long. I have a feeling we didn’t prepare enough refreshments. We didn’t expect quite so many people.”
Ari smiled at her aunt’s pleasant reminder. “Yes, it was good. Do me a favor, please, and switch off the lights on your way out.”
She blew out the candles along each side of the chapel, one by one, until just the candelabras at the altar remained. They flickered, casting a golden glow over the altar. She ran her finger along the edge of the white wood, thanking God for the ancestors who had built this beautiful place of worship. The smell of the candles, the lingering essence of pine and the sweet silence of the sanctuary swept over her. She closed her eyes in silent praise.
Her eyes flew open at a noise from the back of the chapel. Taylor emerged from the shadows and walked down the center aisle with steady purpose. Moonlight spilled over him through the tall sanctuary windows, casting a silvery glow over his hair.
Dressed in a blue suit and tie, he looked so handsome, so confident as he walked toward her...and the altar. The sight of him lit an impossible fire inside her. An impossible dream. More than likely, Taylor and she would never have an altar aisle between them. But right now, with the silver light kissing his face, he was hers. Joy filled her.
He stopped just below the steps and looked up. She was staring. She knew it…knew she needed to stop, but it took all of her effort to look away. Trying to gather her thoughts, she said the first thing that came to her mind.
“I’m so glad you waited. I wanted to apologize. I’m so sorry I caused so much trouble by kissing you. I acted on impulse and, as usual, didn’t think about the results of my actions.”
He shook his head. “In all the time I’ve known you, you’ve never not had something to say.”
She ducked her head. “I know I talk too much. I just can’t stand the silence. I rush in to cover the awkwardness.”
He smiled. “You’ve done a lot of things on a whim—lots of things you regret.”
She nodded.
He lifted her chin until her gaze met his. “But this shouldn’t be one of them, Ari. You don’t control the bells. They don’t answer to you
or even to natural law. Apparently, they answer to a Higher Power.”
The sincerity, the sweetness of his words sent a thrill through her. She hoped it wasn’t a false thrill. Ari slowly shook her head. “Please don’t say something you’ll regret later, Taylor.”
“I already did that. I’m sorry I said all those things about love.”
“No, you were right. Just because we connected and have a few things in common…”
“We have everything in common, Ari. Love of family.” He gestured around them. “This old place and all it means. Goals for our futures and the desire to follow the path created for us by the Lord. Everything.” He nodded, sealing the word with conviction.
“I thought what I needed was out there someplace…waiting for me. All the while, everything I needed was right here.”
Ari’s lips parted but no words came out.
“Well, that’s a first. You’re at a loss for words.”
She shook her head. “I’m not at a loss. I…I just don’t... I left my heart here, at Christmas Inn. I had the opportunity to find out for myself where I belonged and what I needed to do. I don’t want to be the cause of you giving up that opportunity. Don’t give up your dream for me, Taylor.”
He clasped her hands. “Who said I’d be giving up anything? Correct me if I’m wrong, but don’t event planners need to travel to their events?”
He pulled her closer. “Ari, every time I got on my bike and took off for a ride, all I could think about was how I needed you to be there with me. I wanted to know what you’d say about the quaint sixties motor hotel I passed, or how you would have loved the mountain waterfall.”
He wrapped her arms around his waist and tucked her in just right. “I wanted to know how this would feel. But most of all I wanted to try another kiss. The last one sort of got messed up.” He leaned down, his lips inches from hers.
“Ariana Christmas, I don't want to go anywhere without you. You are what I’ve been waiting for all my life. Will you kiss me again?”
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