The words cut him to the core, and for the first time since she’d returned he felt a nip of anger.
“Well, I’m not.” He refused to allow the cold to overtake him as he forged ahead. “I’m not sorry I kissed you, Emmy. In fact, I want to kiss you again.”
“How? Why? How could you want—?”
He leaned in, captured her mouth as he drew her close. The world stood still, as if shuddering on the brink of something both exhilarating and terrifying. There was no turning back now, merely a quick plunge into the future—for better or worse. Warmth wove through as the kiss deepened.
“If you’re intent on walking away again, at least you’ll walk with a memory of this.” His words were clipped as he came up for breath. “Think of it, Emmy—deny it if you can. But whatever you decide, know I loved you then, I love you now, and I’ll love you with my last breath.
Before she could protest, he pressed his lips to hers one last time. Then, without another word, he turned and left her standing there with nothing but the melodic thrum of church bells and an angel at each shoulder.
10
Emmy finished her closing number for the final performance of Aunt Dahlia’s Christmas charity show, and exited stage right. Instead of a sense of satisfaction and euphoria, she felt only a wave of deflation.
Tomorrow was Christmas Eve and her flight was scheduled to take off just before midnight. She’d be home by daybreak.
Home…
Why didn’t the idea of snuggling beneath the covers in her very own bed warm her more? The thought of luxuriating in the California sunshine as she sipped coffee on the small patio in her apartment complex should fill her with glee, but it didn’t. She already felt homesick for Hope Creek and she hadn’t even left yet.
She was tired. The show schedule had proved grueling as they attempted to recover missed performances. When the storm had finally cleared and people were able to putter down the road once again, Aunt Dahlia had arranged two-a-day performances to accommodate the record crowds. After three days of being relentlessly snowed-in, everyone seemed eager to return to the hustle and bustle of holiday cheer.
“I’ve just spoken with my accountant. We’ve met our goal and then some,” Aunt Dahlia announced as she came around the corner to join Emmy in the wings. “The hospital will break ground on the pediatric wing this spring.”
“That’s wonderful.” Emmy threw her arms around Aunt Dahlia and hugged tight. “I never doubted you for a minute.”
“Nor have I doubted you, dear.” She nodded. “You’ve been a trooper. I suppose you’ll be on your way now?”
“I…Yes, I suppose.” She glanced around the room. “Have you seen Jayson? I think I’ll ask him for a ride back to the inn to gather my things.”
“Oh, he’s gone and took Max with him. He mentioned something about meeting up with an architect. Something to do with the parcel adjacent to the inn that they were going to take a look at together.”
“I’m sorry I missed him.”
She’d hoped to say goodbye, at least.
“Yes, but I’m sure you have packing to do. I’ll leave you to it. Louis will take you to the inn, and then on to the airport when you’re ready.”
“Thank you.”
“Merry Christmas, Emmy.” Aunt Dahlia leaned in to hug her, and the familiar scent of her perfume caused a pang of regret.
Tears burned Emmy’s eyes. She had stubbornly booked the red-eye flight before she left California for Hope Creek, despite Aunt Dahlia’s oft-repeated invitation to stay for the holidays. She’d thought she’d be more than eager to return to the sanctuary of her modest loft as soon as the final performance ended. Now she had only to gather her suitcases and head to the terminal. Things were going exactly as she’d planned.
So why did she feel so miserable?
****
Moonlight spilled across the field as the last of melting snow purged itself from rooftops with its soft, melodic symphony. Jayson’s meeting with the architect had gone well. Together, they’d rendered a seamless design for the lay of the land.
Everything seemed perfect. Everything but—
“Jayson?”
Barely a murmur. Jayson swung toward the soft voice, certain he was dreaming.
Emmy stood awash in starlight and more beautiful than he’d ever seen her with her hair flowing and her eyes shimmering dark as midnight.
“You’re supposed to be gone.” He could barely speak for the breath that caught in his throat. His pulse thrummed along his jawline to march around the nape of his neck. “I figured your flight would have taken off, that you’d be over Nashville—”
“I’m not going.”
“And home by morning.” His words plowed right over hers. “That I’d never see…”
His voice trailed off. What had she said?
“I am home.”
Soft as a whisper, her assertion filled his ears.
“You’re not…going?” He couldn’t wrap his brain around it. “You’re staying…here?”
“I’m staying home—with you here in Hope Creek.” She stepped in, pressed her head to his shoulder. “I’ve been a fool to drag this out so long, to allow fear to overtake my heart. I don’t know what the future holds, Jayson, but whatever it may be I can’t imagine letting another memory go by without you in it—without sharing it with you.”
“Emmy…” His heart raced like a piston in his chest. She probably heard it clear as the night sky overhead. Suddenly the future—everything he’d imagined and hoped for—fell into place.
“After all this time and despite my stubborn pride, do you still love me, Jayson? Do you still want me…want us?”
“Do I love you…want us…?” he murmured, pressing his lips to her crown with a hint of merriment because his heart felt so full he was sure it would burst wide open. “Those angels…I knew they’d watch over you, and bring you home to me.”
“Yes, home…with you…” She pressed a palm to his cheek and leaned in for a kiss. “…forever.”
About the Author
MARY MANNERS is a country girl at heart who has spent a lifetime sharing her joy of writing. She has two sons and a daughter, as well as three beautiful grandchildren. She currently lives along the sunny shores of Jacksonville Beach with her husband Tim.
A former teacher as well an intermediate school principal, Mary spent three decades teaching math and English to students from kindergarten through middle grades. While growing up in Chicago and as a coed at the University of Illinois, Mary worked her way through a variety of jobs including paper girl, figure skating instructor, pizza chef, and nanny. Many of these enriching and challenging experiences led to adventures that continue between the pages of her stories. Mary loves long sunrise runs—she’s completed three marathons—ocean sunsets and flavored coffee.
Connect with Mary at her website: www.MaryMannersRomance.com. “Like” her author page on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.
Other Titles in the
Love at Christmas Inn Collection
Christmas Bells are Ringing
Bells at Midnight
With Bells On
More Titles by Mary Manners
Coming Soon
Sugar Cookie Kisses (December 2016)
Babycakes (April 2017)
Heart’s Haven Collection
Dance with Me
Love Notions
Designed by Love
Christmas Novellas
Angel Song
Christmas Wishes...Special Delivery
A Splash of Christmas
A Boulder Creek Christmas
Novelettes
Brenna's Choice
Starfire
Wounded Faith
Sweet Treats Bakery Series
Kate's Kisses
Grace's Gold
Tessa's Teacakes
Mattie's Meltaways
Lone Creek Ranch Series
Lost in Lone Creek
Lullaby in Lone Creek
Lesso
n in Lone Creek
Love in Lone Creek
Miracles at Mills Landing Series
Miracles and Mischief
Stolen Miracles
Miracles and Dreams
Willow Lake Series
Whispers at Willow Lake
Warrior at Willow Lake
Wishes at Willow Lake
Wedding at Willow Lake
Wildflowers and Wishes Series
Daffodils and Danger
Freesia and Faith
Lilies and Lies
Evergreens and Angels
Sins and Virtues Series
Disguised Blessings
Heartache and Hope
Secrets Unveiled
Labor of Love (2017)
Hearts Renewed (2017)
Wants and Wishes (2017)
Songs of the Soul (2017)
Pure Amore
Blackberry Ridge
Simple Blessings
(Part of Pelican Book Group’s
Pure Amore Book-of-the-Month Subscription Service.)
Diamond Knot Dreams Series (Coming 2017)
A Tender Season
Veiled Gems
Jeweled Dreams
Precious Fire
Crystal Wishes
Stand-alone Titles
Mended Heart
Light the Fire
Bachelor Auction
Buried Treasures
Wisdom Tree
Bells on Her Toes
Delia Latham
BELLS ON HER TOES
Copyright 2016
DELIA LATHAM
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Cover Art by Heaven’s Touch Designs, Delia Latham
This book is a work of fiction. Characters and events are products of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously. Any resemblance to persons living or dead, places, events or locales is purely coincidental.
Warning: No part of this book may be copied, scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means without the express, written permission of the author. Unauthorized duplication and/or distribution is illegal. Please do not participate in the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Purchase only authorized editions. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Unless otherwise indicated, scripture references are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version(R), NIV(R), Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com.
Published by Haven Group
Published in the United States of America
Contact Information:
Publisher: Haven Group, [email protected]
Author: [email protected]
“Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe. Aaron must wear it when he ministers. The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the Lord…” ~Exodus 28:33-35 (NIV)~
1
“We’re early.” Karynn Michaels glanced at her cell phone screen. “By a whole two hours. How could we have over-estimated driving time by that much?”
“We didn’t.” Her sister swung her luxury sedan into a small shopping center a few blocks from their destination and slid smoothly into a parking slot. She shot Karynn an impish grin and opened her door. “I got us here early so you could get a head start on unwrapping your gift.”
“Savannah!” She climbed out, and then stood for a second, listening for the beep that assured her the doors were locked. “What are you up to now?”
Her gaze swept the storefronts lined up side by side. The little strip mall boasted only a half dozen or so businesses. Which of them was her sister all set to dash into and lay down more money?
Savannah could afford to spend lavishly, now that she’d married Dr. Darren Quinn, brain surgeon extraordinaire. Karynn rejoiced in the couple’s happiness, and was thrilled for her sister—who grew up right along with her in the school of hard knocks, hard work and staying hard at it to keep the wolves from the door.
Still, despite her genuine joy in Savannah’s happiness and financial security, she cringed when the younger woman tossed money around like game board cash. This trip to Hope Creek, for instance. Why couldn’t her sister be like everyone else and just wrap up a bathrobe or a good book for her birthday? But no…nothing would do but to bring Karynn here—several hours from their hometown of Quillpoint—for a ten-day vacation at Christmas Inn. They’d be in Hope Creek all the way through Karynn’s birthday on December 25th. Darren would join them on Christmas Eve.
She didn’t dare think about the fact that Hearth & Home, the bed and breakfast that was her livelihood, would be closed for two entire weeks. She’d manage the loss of income by cutting corners for a while. Growing up poor taught a person how to live on less than most people thought possible.
Savannah rounded the hood of the car and pulled her into a tight hug. “Sis, just let me do this for you. Please? Darren wants me to. He gave me specific instructions to pull out all the stops and show you the time of your life.” She batted her long lashes like a preening prima donna. “He said he owes you for taking such awesome care of his ‘Precious’ until he could take over.”
They both burst out laughing, despite the truth of the exaggerated presentation. Dr. Quinn adored his wife and always referred to her as ‘my Precious,’ never mind the negative connotations brought about in recent years by a popular book-turned-movie. Unlike Karynn, Darren didn’t waste time and effort trying to please everyone.
Savannah grabbed her hand and tugged her along as she stepped out of the parking slot and onto a wide sidewalk. “Seriously, Karynn, my husband thinks you’re pretty special, and he’s right. You are. So this year, we want to pamper you for your birthday. Will you just let us do that without fretting the entire time?”
“Oh, sweetie…I promise to try, but you know how I am.” Karynn heaved a hopeless sigh. “If life were to roll along without a single kink in the works, I’d fret because there’s nothing to fret about.”
“Well, then I’ll consider it my job to foil your frets. See this?” Savannah whirled in a circle and pivoted to a stop directly in front of Karynn, who came close to barreling into her.
“Vanna!” She brushed off her sweater, which didn’t need brushing. Still, it made her feel better to administer a stinging slap to something.
“Sorry, Sis. But look at me.” Savannah tilted her head forward, raised one perfect eyebrow and dipped the other one. “When you see me do this, you’ll know you’re being an old fuddy-duddy fretter.”
“What are you, eight years old?” Karynn tried to give her sister a stern look, but when Savannah only repeated the ‘fuddy-duddy’ alert, she burst out laughing instead. “Fine. I will try to behave more like my crazy, lighthearted, totally irresponsible little sister. Now, will you stop doing that?” She cast a furtive glance around. “People will think you’re strange.”
“Uh-uh…that’s fretting!” Still, Savannah stopped rolling her eyes, linked arms with Karynn and they were on the move again. “Anyway, I am strange.”
“Well, you got that right.” Karynn giggled, and then blinked. Twice. Giggling? Really? Now who’s the eight-year-old?
“This is it!” Savannah trilled. “We’re here.”
Karynn read the sign on the window and suppressed a sigh.
Nail It.
“I take it we’re getting manicures?”
“And pedicures—a double-digits treat. And we’re right on time for our appointment.” She opened the door, enacted an exaggerated bow, and waved Karynn inside with a flourish. “After you, birthday girl!”
****
Later that evening, Karynn started to slip one foot into a brand new, strappy red heel, but paused to consider. She loved the shoes, in spite of the scary price tag they’d worn when she spotted them. But the bright, cheery bells, one
on each of her toes….
“Maybe I should wear something else. Don’t get me wrong…I loved the mani-pedi, but my sweet, little Bohemian toe tickler might have gone a bit over the top. I’m not sure I want to hang these showy toes out there for everyone to see.”
“What? No way, Sis. You’re wearing those heels. And your toes look fabulous!” She crossed the room to stand in front of Karynn. The silver sequins around her dipping neckline caught the light and sent out a myriad of bright sparkles as she moved. “Honey, they’re not gaudy at all. You asked for a soft, nearly transparent background. What’s so showy about that? And the bells are beautiful—not large or distasteful in any way. You look stunning, Karynn, and I love that your finger-and-toe designs match so perfectly.”
Karynn sighed and slipped on the shoes. Savannah would throw a fit if she refused to wear them, and it wasn’t worth an argument. At least her hands sported tiny bells only on the ring fingers.
Moving to the full-length mirror, she took in her completed look for the formal dinner downstairs. She hadn’t dressed up for anything in such a long time…maybe this was too much.
“Oh, no, you don’t.” Her sister stepped up beside her and used the fuddy-duddy alert for the first time since they’d left the salon. “You look absolutely beautiful. Not in the least pretentious or overdressed.” She laughed when Karynn’s eyes widened. “What? I’ve known you all my life, remember? You always think you have to live in someone else’s shadow. Well, not tonight. Tonight you shine!”
Savannah reached up to touch Karynn’s hair, arranged in a loose coil behind one ear, with wispy strands hanging free. Tiny, pearl-tipped pins sparkled from within the twist.
“You look like Italian royalty. Do you seriously not know how lovely you are?” She kissed Karynn’s cheek—lightly. “Don’t want to mess up the little touch of makeup you allowed yourself. Thing is, on you it’s enough. You look amazing completely au naturale, but this—a bare touch of cosmetics to highlight your beauty—it’s perfect.” She shook her head. “I can’t believe some guy hasn’t scooped you up and carried you away, long ago.”
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