by Elsie Davis
Nothing could have shocked Gemma more. More proof her dad hadn’t simply walked away and never looked back. He deserved a relationship with her and staying would be better for them to have a real go at it.
“Wow. Another secret. Any more I should know about?”
“No. That about covers it.”
“How much?”
“I’m not sure. But more than enough to start your own business. Maybe if I’d been willing to take a chance years ago, things would be different. It’s a decision I’ve regretted every day. Don’t make the same mistake.”
A tingle raced down Gemma’s spine. Her heart felt lighter, just thinking about the possibilities. She didn’t have to leave. The choice was hers. And she knew exactly what choice she’d make. Jake and Kyle were worth the risk, and she loved them both enough to stick around and start life over right here in Hallbrook.
Not to mention, she already had her first client. The GiddyUp Kids.
* * *
Ten minutes after Gemma left, Jake knew in his heart he’d made a mistake letting her go. He didn’t want her to go back to Syracuse. It was asking a lot from her, but he’d be a fool not to try. Life had handed him an opportunity to love again, and he had to take it. Kyle wore his heart for Gemma on his sleeve, and Jake intended to take a lesson in love from his son. He couldn’t let Gemma go back to Syracuse without telling her how he felt. And asking her to stay. With him.
Jake found Kyle in his room, sitting in the corner, a sad expression on his face. He knew exactly how Kyle felt, and it tore at him to see his son hurting. In the beginning, he fought to keep this from happening by trying to keep Gemma away. But now, just the opposite was true; he needed her in their lives.
“Hey, Kyle. I know you’re sad Miss Gemma’s gone. What do you say we go and tell her goodbye one last time? We can surprise her at Mr. Chad’s house.”
Kyle’s face brightened. “Yippee. Let’s go, Daddy.” Kyle jumped up and ran toward him.
She was willing to try a long-distance relationship which had to mean she cared. Dare he hope she could love him in return? He wouldn’t know if he didn’t ask.
Jake headed for the closet to grab Kyle’s shoes and spotted a clear round plastic container on the dresser. His dad wasn’t supposed to get Kyle trinkets from the machines, but for once Jake wasn’t irritated, because this one gave him an idea.
“Do you mind if I give Miss Gemma your special superhero ring? To show her how much we care.”
Kyle hesitated. “Okay. I love Miss Gemma, and she’s going to be my mommy someday. My ring will protect her and bring her back to me.”
He didn’t know what to say in response. He hoped Kyle was right.
They pulled up in front of Chad’s house, Jake surprised to see his dad’s truck there but relieved to see Gemma’s. She hadn’t left yet.
Kyle raced up the stairs and knocked. Chad opened the door and stepped back, inviting them to come in.
“I wasn’t expecting you.” Chad glanced toward the hallway and then back at him, a knowing look in his eyes.
“Well, um, I have some unfinished business to attend to.” It sounded lame, but how did you tell your best friend you were here because you were in love with his daughter?
Gemma entered the room, her face lighting up with pleasure when she spotted them.
“Jake, what…what are you doing here?” Her reaction warmed his heart with joy and strengthened his resolve that he was doing the right thing.
“Miss Gemma!” Kyle flung himself at her leg and hugged her tight. “I missed you.”
She knelt to his level. “But honey, I haven’t even left yet.”
“Why do you have to leave? Stay, pleasssseee,” Kyle whined.
“Kyle, let me talk to Miss Gemma while you, Gramps and Mr. Chad play with Brody.”
“But—” Kyle started to argue, unwilling to let her go.
“No buts. Stay here. Gemma, can we talk? Privately.” He held out his hand, hoping she’d go with him outside.
She reached out, her smile giving him all the courage he needed.
“Feel free to go…ummm…talk.” Tom cleared his throat, laughing.
Ignoring his dad, Jake led her out to the backyard patio. The magnificence of the countryside painted the perfect backdrop as he pulled her close. On the way over, he’d planned this all out in his head, hoping she hadn’t left yet. If she had, he would have followed her to Syracuse. This just made it easier, but it didn’t lessen his nerves one iota.
“Jake, what’s going on?” She gazed up at him with such trust, he decided to get right to the point.
“I lied to you last night.” His thumb caressed her cheek as he pushed her hair back off her face.
“I don’t understand.”
“It’s not just Kyle who would be upset if you go away. I would be heartbroken if you left and I hate the idea of a long-distance relationship. I can’t imagine a single day without you in it.”
“That makes two of us.” Between her shy smile and the gleam in her eyes, Jake knew she loved him.
He dropped down on one knee and pulled out Kyle’s clear plastic ball. He opened it and held out the superhero ring. “This is Kyle’s, and he wants you to have it. He thinks it will keep you safe and bring you back to him. I’m hoping it will keep you from ever leaving us. I’ll give you a ring of my own, but on such short notice, this is the best I can do. I’m asking you to stay forever. I love you. Will you marry me?”
Tears ran down her face, her smile one of pure joy. “The ring is perfect.” It might not have been love at first sight, second, or third sight, but when she fell, she fell hard. “Yes, I’ll marry you because I love you, too. And just for the record, I wasn’t leaving.”
She said yes. The hole in his heart now had all the right ingredients. “What do you mean?”
“I changed my mind. You and Kyle are the most important people to me. Syracuse’s got nothing on you two. I’ve decided to open my own business, right here in Hallbrook. I couldn’t leave all my favorite guys on their own.”
“Bestus news ever,” Jake said, mimicking Kyle.
He stood and wrapped her in his arms, kissing her with all the love he felt inside.
“We should probably go inside and put Kyle out of his misery. Although it would be fun to string our dads along and make them wait to hear the news. Next thing you know they’ll be pestering us for kids.”
“They won’t have to pester me much, I’m all for expanding our family.” Gemma grinned.
“Then Mrs. Soon-To-Be-Duncan, I suggest we get married soon.”
They turned toward the house, hand in hand, spotting three faces pressed to the glass.
“So much for privacy.” Jake squeezed her hand, the two of them laughing.
He had a feeling life would always be like this, and he was okay with it. This was his family.
Epilogue
Jake had given her one month to put together a wedding, unwilling to wait any longer. He figured an event planner who could throw a fundraiser together in two weeks for what turned out to be almost a thousand people, ought to be able to put together a small wedding in a month.
And he was right.
She was grateful her mother had come to town to help her as the big event drew near. It allowed her mom and Chad to spend time together, all in the name of planning, but it also gave Chad time to work his magic. She loved seeing the two of them together, talking and laughing. It was a remarkable healing potion for all three of them.
The view from her bedroom window allowed her to watch the proceedings going on outside. Dressed in a tuxedo, her handsome hero and soon-to-be-husband stood smiling, waiting for his bride.
Kyle and Brody walked out onto the back porch to take their places beside Jake. She was so proud of her new son as he walked a well-mannered Brody down the aisle, somehow still managing to safeguard the rings on the pillow in his other hand. Kyle was the perfect replica of Jake, dressed in a little-man tux, and Brody, with his black bow t
ie and leash to match, completed the picture.
Katie walked out, beautiful in her emerald green dress, a vision of loveliness. She’d been instrumental in helping put everything together for the wedding. Her friend was ecstatic for Gemma’s new-found double happiness and had gone out of her way to make everything perfect. She’d been hanging around Whispering Pines a lot, and if Gemma didn’t know any better, Troy was responsible for the new glow of happiness on her friend’s face.
The picture of everyone standing there waiting would be etched in her memory forever, the twinkling tealights and setting sun adding the finishing touches.
Her father took her hand and leaned down to kiss her on the forehead. “It’s time. I feel as if I’m losing my little girl just when I found you.”
Gemma smiled up at him, tears welling in her eyes. “Don’t make me cry. You’re not losing me. Lead the way.”
It had been a long road, but she was glad she’d taken it. Over the past month, they’d grown close. She’d come to understand that sometimes, things happened for a reason and that maybe they were all the better for the way things worked out.
The Bullbuster might have been one tough cowboy, but as her dad, he wasn’t so tough, the glistening of tears proof she wasn’t the only emotional one. He led her through the throng of guests toward the archway and Jake.
With love in his eyes, Jake held out his arm and waited until her father placed her hand on his arm. Together, the two of them, with eyes only for each other, committed to love and cherish one another, forever.
“You may kiss the bride,” the pastor announced.
Jake pulled her close and placed a kiss so tender and sweet, as if she were an angel, upon her lips.
Gemma no longer remembered the past and looked forward to the future. A future that would have her own mother and her own father in her life. Together or apart didn’t matter, although she was rooting for them to be together.
As she danced with her new husband, they waltzed around the room, as one. It had taken a bit of extra practice to get him up to speed, but it was well worth it.
“I love you,” he whispered in her ear.
Gemma cupped his face. “I love you more.”
“I love you the most.” He spun her out and drew her back in tight as they danced.
“I love you the mostest.” They clearly watched too much Disney. It was Kyle’s favorite channel, and they’d even adopted their own version of these tender lines.
A new song started, and the announcement was made for the next dance. The time had come for one of those moments Gemma had waited for all her life. She wasn’t eight years old at her school dance. She was a grown woman. Married. And it was time for her to have her first father-daughter dance.
Her dad made his way across the room, resplendent in his black suit. He offered his arm and led her onto the dance floor for a waltz. Gemma lost herself in the moment. For three minutes, she was the fairy princess, floating on air, as her wish became a reality.
“I’m glad we have this dance. Thank you for letting me in your life.” His words were spoken from the heart as he smiled down at her.
“I’m glad we have this dance, also. I love you, Dad.”
“I love you too, sweetheart.” They both rubbed away their tears and laughed.
“Jake’s an honorable man. I’m thrilled for both of you.”
“Thanks. You seem to be making headway with Mom. How’s that going?”
“You’ll see for yourself soon.” She wasn’t sure what he meant, but there would be time for questions later. Right now, she wanted to memorize this dance in her heart forever, placing it side by side with the one she’d just danced with Jake.
And when it was over, he returned her to Jake’s side.
“Take good care of my baby.” Her dad’s words revealed the depth of his love.
Jake nodded, and the two men hugged before her dad left them alone to dance and to mingle.
Her dad had opened his house up for the wedding and the reception, and it appeared as though half the town had shown up, including the entire rescue squad. The money they’d raised had allowed them to update their equipment, add a new vehicle to the fleet, cover more training expenses, and make the new Hallbrook Rescue Squad shirts they all wore to the wedding.
Kyle approached, looking so adorable in his tux. “So, are you really my mommy now? Forever and ever.”
“I am, sweetheart.” Gemma picked him up to give him a great big hug.
“I kept telling everyone you would be, but nobody believed me. Guess I showed them.” He smiled, throwing his arms around her neck.
“I guess you did at that.”
Jake took Kyle into his arms and turned Gemma around. “Look at what I see. I guess Chad’s heart will be just fine from here on out.” Jake nodded over at her parents.
They were dancing. Close. Best wedding present ever. Life and time had torn them apart, but their hearts still beat for one another. “I love it.”
“And I love you.” Jack leaned down to kiss her.
“I love you too, mommy.” Kyle wasn’t about to be outdone by his dad.
“And I love you both.” She laughed.
Gemma had come to Hallbrook looking for closure, and instead, she’d found a brand-new beginning. She pulled Jake and Kyle toward her parents, eager to find out what was going on between them.
“You two seem pretty close.” Gemma grinned; her heart filled with hope the two of them would find the same happiness she shared with Jake.
“Nah. I’m just a gimpy, old, washed-up cowboy.” The twinkle in his eye told Gemma he was teasing.
“Probably a good thing. At least this time you can’t run away.” Her mother laughed, leaning up against him, a look of love shining in her eyes.
Gemma remembered the picture she’d drawn and realized maybe it was time to retrieve it out of the lockbox and hang it in a place of honor. She knew the perfect place was right beside Kyle’s picture on the refrigerator. Two happy families.
What’s Next?
Read the first chapter of LOVE & PEACE, book 3 of HOLIDAYS IN HALLBROOK…
“Turn left onto Christmas Tree Lane. Continue for two point two miles. Your destination will be on the right.” The level tones of the woman’s British accent didn’t vary as she repeated the directions.
Megan maneuvered her way down the back road, grateful they would arrive at the log cabin before it got pitch black outside. The snowflakes were getting bigger and falling with splats against the windshield, reducing her visibility. The wipers tried to keep up as they pushed the wet snow to the sides of the glass, the white hard mass causing the blade to thunk against it with every swish.
Having never been to the cabin before, she peered at each mailbox they passed, trying to make out a number. The last thing she wanted to do was show up at the wrong house, or worse still, get stuck somewhere. The realtor said it was the last driveway on the road, but they didn’t exactly tell her when the road ended.
The cabin had been her mother’s favorite place to visit, and she’d invited Megan on several occasions, but life was always too busy and had managed to get in the way every time. Being a single parent meant having very little time to relax, much less vacation. Her mother’s death six months ago from breast cancer had left a great void in Megan’s heart, although it was her husband Andy’s death years ago that had started her emotional shutdown. It was only her daughter and her sister who managed to keep her grounded and moving forward.
Her mother had described the place as magical, which was exactly what they all needed this Christmas. Her sister Heather’s suggestion to come here for their first Christmas without their mom had been perfect. When they’d discovered the place available for rent, it was as if their mom was smiling down upon them from heaven.
Megan had packed up all her mother’s Christmas decorations and loaded them in the SUV with one simple plan in mind—honor their mother in her favorite place for her favorite holiday of the year.
&
nbsp; These past few months had been difficult without her mom around. The bond they’d shared had been deeper than a normal mother-daughter relationship. Susan Milner had been her best friend, confidante, and second parent to Rebecca after Andy’s skiing accident.
Her mother loved her daughters, but her granddaughter had become the very center of her existence. It had been hard for Becca to understand why her daddy was never coming home, while at the same time trying to understand why her mommy’s job kept her from coming home right away. Without either parent available, Becca had turned to her grandmother for comfort, a bond forming between the two that left them inseparable.
It hadn’t taken Megan long to get a hardship discharge from the Air Force, but nothing took away the guilt she felt for not being there when her daughter needed her the most. It had taken her everything she possessed to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart and life and move on. She couldn’t have done it without the help of her mother.
Glancing in the rearview mirror, she drew in a deep breath and then exhaled. It was hard to believe three years had passed since Andy’s fatal accident, but Becca was seven now, and the difference from preschooler to second grader was nothing short of amazing. Megan was looking forward to spending some quality time with her daughter. Lately, her work hours had been grueling, something she vowed to change in the future. But for now, this trip would have to make up for all her absences at school events.
“Mom, are we almost there yet?” Becca covered her mouth as she yawned.
“Yes, honey. The GPS says it’s only another couple of miles. We just need to go slow because the snow is starting to cover the roads, and I’m trying to be super careful.”
Her daughter had been patient for the last four hours in the car, mostly because she was listening to her own music or playing games on the tablet. But apparently, her electronics had a limited hold on her attention. Becca preferred more active things, just like her father. This trip would do her good and give her a chance to play outdoors and embrace her free-spirited side. Living inside the city limits of Boston and having a mother tied on a short leash to the hospital with long hours didn’t give a kid much chance to get out and play.