Page 43 of Christmas on Ice
After I tucked Ryleigh into bed at my parents’ house, I went downstairs to visit with them and my twin sisters. Kassidy and Khloe were twenty-four years old and still lived at home so they could help with the family farm and save money to fund building their own business.
With an MBA, Kassidy was the logical, brilliant brain behind the operation, and Khloe was the creative visionary. They were mirror twins, opposite in every way, from their personalities to the way they parted their hair.
“Are you sure you don’t need any help tomorrow? It feels strange for me to be in the guest section basking in the fruits of your labors,” I asked, curling up in my favorite recliner. I tapped my leg to signal to Rhett, our old cocker spaniel. At twelve, he was still able to scramble up onto the furniture.
“We’re good!” Khloe assured me. “We’re just so glad you’re here and able to stay through Christmas. This Trask guy must really like you.”
I buried my face in Rhett’s neck so they wouldn’t see me blush. I hadn’t told them we were dating. I wasn’t ready to answer all the questions yet. Let them all think we were just friends for now. It would be easier.
Kassidy plopped down next to Dad on the couch. “Well, I like him already. Don’t you, Daddy?”
“I like that he called me Mr. Ellis and sir. Shook my hand like a man. Very respectful. Unlike that other one. Even as a kid, he acted more important than he was. Not a humble bone in his body.”
None of us had a response to that, but I knew my sisters agreed with our father’s assessment. It had been one of the things that had made Sutton so attractive to me—and others. He was tall, built, tough, and had confidence for days. Not quite a bad boy but oozed sex appeal. Every girl had a crush on him in high school, and he pickedme.I’d felt special. Until he got bored. After Ryleigh was born, it was like his attraction for me died. I’d felt ugly and unwanted and found solace in caring for Ryleigh. She replaced him as my entire world, and I was sure that didn’t help, either.
My mother walked into the room, phone to her ear, and held a finger up to her lips. “Well, that’s wonderful, Bonnie. Y’all are welcome to spend Christmas morning with us … No, ma’am, all my girls are busy with the wedding tomorrow, and we are sitting tight to host extended family Christmas Eve. You’ll make sure Sutton understands that, won’t you, dear? … Oh yes, please do bring your breakfast biscuit casserole. We all missed that last year … All right now. See you then. Buh-bye.”
Mama ended the call, shaking her head. “Bless her heart, I don’t think that woman understands what divorce means. Kami, dear, that was Bonnie Spencer calling to inform me that her son will also be joining us all Christmas morning.”
I shook my head and tried to keep my voice level. I’d gathered as much from her end of the conversation but needed to know more. “He told me he was staying in Colorado Springs with his girlfriend for Christmas because he had to work on the twenty-sixth. Don’t tell me he’s bringing her? Mama, do not let that woman in this house. Ryleigh doesn’t like her.”
My mother sat on the couch next to Daddy and patted his knee. “I’m not sorry to say this, but apparently the woman has broken things off with him. Apparently, he got all bent out of shape and went on and on about how unpleased he was about you traveling here with ‘that jock.’”
“He told his mother that?” I couldn’t believe it.
“Of course not, dear. Carlotta called Bonnie hoping for a sympathetic ear and of course didn’t receive it. You know how much Bonnie loves you and is hoping for a reconciliation. Carlotta is smart enough to know if a man’s mama doesn’t like you, you stand no chance in the long run.”
“I hope that doesn’t mean he’s planning any trouble,” Kassidy said. “It’d be just like him to try to pull something like an apology on Christmas morning.”
I took a deep breath. I was not going to freak out. He was Ryleigh’s father, and if he was in town, I wouldn’t deny him seeing her on Christmas. “I’m not falling for that again.” Three years ago, when Ryleigh was a baby, I’d asked him for a trial separation. He’d shown up on Christmas with an epic apology, and for a few months, everything seemed great again. He was an attentive husband and doting father—until he met a flight attendant that caught his eye.
“Good,” Khloe said. “’Cause I like Trask. And his family. Brooklyn and Brian are the sweetest couple, and their parents remind me so much of Mama and Daddy. They’re a good family, Kami. It just thrills me that you managed to meet their son in some random restaurant clear across the country.”
“A Godwink for sure,” Mama said.
For sure,I thought. I texted Trask while they continued the conversation, wanting to push Sutton out of my mind.What a priceless gift you’ve given me. I’m so glad to be home.I wouldn’t let Sutton get to me. I’d continue to take the high road.
It’s my pleasure,he texted back right away.
I took a deep breath, and with the courage that comes from being on the other side of a screen texted,I can’t wait for tomorrow. It’s been so long since I’ve danced. You dance, right?
Even if I didn’t, I’d try so I could hold you in my arms every chance I got.
I let out a long breath to steady my excitement. I hadn’t even meant slow dancing, but now that’s all I wanted to do.
“Look at you, Kami!” I jerked my head up from my phone toward Khloe. “You’re blushing! Are you texting Trask?”
“Maybe.” I looked back down at the phone to avoid the eyes staring at me.
Another text had come in.Did I say something wrong?
No, what you said was perfect. My family is with me … They’re teasing me because I’m grinning at my phone like a dummy.
Ah. I wish I could see that grin.
“Kamryn!”
I’ll show it to you tomorrow. Gotta go!
