Page 11 of Promise Me This Christmas
“I went to see your house this morning, Gran.I’m afraid the contractor hadn’t even started the renovations on your bathroom yet.”
A frown line deepened on his grandmother’s forehead.“But the work still will be done by Christmas like they promised?”
“I’m afraid not.When I talked to the owner of the company, he said they might not even start until after the new year.”
“But…where will I live?I can’t stay on at Bramble House.They always close between Christmas and Valentine’s Day.”
Larkin glanced at Carson.This was his opportunity, if he still wanted it.
“I could do the renovation for you, Ethel.I’m not a professional contractor, but I did a lot of the framing and tiling work when I built my own house.I’m sure I could build your zero-clearance shower and install some safety bars for you.”
“That’s such a generous offer.But you’re supposed to be having a holiday, young man.Taking a break from the hard work at the ranch.”
“Believe me, your renovation will be a lot easier than feeding and watering cattle in the dead of winter.I think it’ll be fun.Besides, you fed me a lot of free meals when I was a kid.This is my chance to do something nice for you.”
Larkin had a weird flashback, remembering a time when she and Carson had gone to her grandparents’ house to help them pick raspberries.They’d harvested two gallons of the delicious fruit and had then been invited to dinner where her grandmother had served a glorious raspberry pavlova for dessert.Carson had dug in so enthusiastically he hadn’t realized he had whipped cream and red berry juice all over his upper lip and he’d looked dumbfounded when they’d all started laughing.
“I always loved your visits, and you were often helpful.If you did the work, Carson, I would insist on paying you the same amount we agreed on with that other contractor.”
“Deal.”Carson held out his hand and his grandmother shook it.
Larkin wasn’t sure how she felt about the arrangement.At least it would solve the problem of where her grandmother would live after Christmas.But it was also going to mean more time spent around Carson.
After an indulgent chocolate mousse cake, which they shared among the three of them, Carson loaded them back into Amy’s car and drove them back to Bramble House.The B & B, decorated generously with golden lights and cedar garlands, looked very inviting, and when they were back in the toasty warm foyer, Larkin was tempted to linger in the sitting room and have a cup of cocoa.But she could tell her grandmother was exhausted.She’d held up well to this point, but now that they were home, she needed to go to bed.
They both thanked Carson, who had insisted on paying their bill even though Larkin had planned on going fifty-fifty, then Larkin guided her grandmother to the Mable Bramble room, where she helped her wash up and change for bed.It was almost thirty minutes later when she left and made her way to the sitting room for her cup of cocoa.She almost changed her mind when she saw Carson was there, waiting for her.
Guess she’d have to have her cocoa another night.“Gran is all settled for the night.Thanks again, Carson, it was a wonderful dinner.See you in the morning.”
She was turning to go up the stairs when he called to her.
“Wait.Can you tell me why you seem to hate me so much?I know we had that awful fight.But you were the one who cheated.And then you just left town.We never had a chance to talk about it.”
Wow.He was diving right in.But maybe it was best that they talk this through.It could be the only way to finally put their past behind them.
Chapter Three
At first Carsonwas afraid Larkin was going to ignore him and go straight to her room.But she surprised him.“Want to go for a walk?”
It was a good suggestion.This was a public space.At any moment they could be joined by one or more of the other guests.Besides, they’d just eaten a heavy meal, and a walk would do them good.It also might be easier to talk outside in the dark.“Excellent idea.”
They bundled back up in their outerwear.Their boots squeaked on the cold porch steps and the night air hit Carson’s face like a tonic.He took a deep breath, inhaling fresh mountain air tinged with burning cedar from the fireplace.
“There’s a path that follows the river,” he remembered.
“Sounds good.”
Guided by starlight, and the occasional streetlight, they found the path and set off at a leisurely pace.For the first few minutes neither one of them spoke.Then he heard Larkin sigh.
“I left town to go to college.You knew that was my plan.”
Actually, the plan had been for them to go to Missoula.Together.“You switched to the University of Colorado, and you left four months early.Without a word to me or any of our friends.”
“We’d broken up, remember?And they weren’t really my friends.They all took your side.”
“Not Andrew.”He tried not to sound bitter.Over the years he’d realized that he may have overreacted when he’d seen the two of them kissing.They’d been young and there had been a lot of beer at that pregrad party.He should have asked Larkin what was going on, instead of lashing out and breaking up with her.
“Don’t speak to me about that guy.”Larkin’s voice was harsh.“I don’t want to ever hear his name again.”
