Page 64 of Promise Me This Christmas
“I could tell Shelley recognized me.She even left a business card for the Rocking Chair B & B beside my coffee cup one day.”
“Really?That was nervy,” Amy said.Then again, it was far from the worst stunt Shelley had pulled.
“I’m doing research for a future podcast where I’ll feature good B & Bs to visit over the holiday season.”
Amy groaned.“I guess you won’t be recommending Bramble House.”She had never had a guest who had so obviously not enjoyed his stay as much as Gibson.
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that.I may come across as critical, but that’s part of my persona.I was actually very impressed with Bramble House.And I love Marietta.That chocolate shop alone is a reason to visit this place.”
*
After breakfast, Larkin’sgran couldn’t wait to be taken home.Larkin helped her pack her suitcase, then Carson loaded it into her grandmother’s old station wagon.They’d already said their goodbyes and their thank-yous to Amy and Chet, who had left with Robin to spend the rest of the day with their friends the Carrigans.With all the other guests gone, too, the old house was unusually quiet.
Larkin paused on the front porch and looked up at the ball of mistletoe.She remembered noticing it when she first checked in one week ago.She’d never guessed it would bring her more than a kiss, but the return of her old love who was now her forever love.
The previous afternoon Larkin had stocked her grandmother’s kitchen with essentials and had put up a small Christmas tree in the living room.As soon as they entered through the front door, Gran noticed the tree.
“Oh, how beautiful!When did you do that?”She hugged Larkin and then Carson.“Now can I finally see the bathroom?”
“Go ahead,” Carson replied.
With her walker, she carefully navigated down the hall, while Larkin and Carson followed behind.She opened the door and flicked on the light.For several seconds she was quiet.But when she turned around, there were tears in her eyes.
“It’s perfect.I feel like I’m in a fancy hotel.”
Carson demonstrated how to use the new handheld shower fixture.He showed her the chair he’d put in the shower, so she could sit if she wanted.He pointed out all the support bars, and the new textured tile flooring that should prevent slips.
Watching his tenderness with her grandmother brought tears to Larkin’s eyes as well.Once again, she had flashbacks to their younger days, watching him work with the new colts.So patient.Never mean.He would make a good father one day.
The thought filled her with joy.They’d hardly slept at all last night, they’d done so much talking.They’d shared their dreams, their hopes, their fears.One of her fears had been that her past trauma would prevent her from having children.Well, already she was feeling a lot more optimistic about that.
Ethel retrieved another container of homemade soup from her freezer—broccoli cheddar this time—and after lunch, declared she needed a nap.
“Want to go for a walk?”Carson asked.
“Great idea.”She put on her boots and coat, then tied her scarf around her neck.She was surprised to find Carson watching her with his old sexy smile.
“You rock the all-bundled-up-for-winter look,” he told her as they stepped outside.
She smiled as he took her hand.In his wool-lined denim jacket and cowboy hat, he looked completely at home in Marietta.Lots of other people were out to enjoy the afternoon sunshine.Little kids making snowmen in their front yards.Older kids zooming down hills on sleds and toboggans.As they headed toward the river they saw solitary dog walkers, and entire families, and even a few die-hard joggers.
“Did you meet Marly Everett at the Bramble House Christmas tea?”Larkin asked.
“The owner of theCopper Mountain Courier?”
“Yes.”
“Sure did.I liked her.Her husband’s a rancher too.Drake, I think his name is.”
“That’s right.I should have mentioned this earlier, but they’ve invited us to Christmas dinner—including you if you’d like to join us.Marly’s mom is an old friend of Gran’s.”
He tightened his grip on her hand.“I’d love to come.But I have a feeling there’s more to the story.”
“Your instincts are correct.”She hadn’t yet told him about Marly’s job offer.Mostly because she hadn’t been sure what she wanted to do about it.
Or so she’d told herself.
“Marly would like me to become senior reporter at theCourier.”
