Sweet Christmas Kisses (19 page)

“Ashley asked for a sports game, and Will’s getting a new iPod. How about Daniel?”

“I got him a laptop to take off to school with him next year.”

“Great idea.”

“What about you?”

“Me?”

“Isn’t there something you wanted for Christmas, just for yourself?”

“Oh no, I never really…”

“Come now, there must be something you wanted?”

“Well, I wanted to come here. Have a white Christmas with the kids.”

He chuckled warmly. “That’s too easy. You’re already getting that.”

She studied him, unsure of what he wanted her to say. “I’m not sure I understand.”

He set down his glass and leaned toward her. “Other than skiing. Was there anything else you wanted to do here? While you’re in Maine?”

“Well,” she began tentatively, “the kids were really bent on dog sledding. I mean, I thought it looked cool too.” She sighed. “That was until I checked out the price.”

“It is a little steep for a group,” he agreed.

“Doesn’t matter,” she said, smiling happily. “The important part is we’ve had plenty of good fun. All of us, together.”

“Yes.” He checked the clock on the mantel. “Looks like it’s getting late. I guess it’s best we get some shut-eye.”

“Good plan,” she said as casually as she could. Carol couldn’t help but feel slightly disappointed. There they’d been, all alone by the glowing fire. Just the two of them, and she’d secretly hoped for another romantic moment that apparently wasn’t destined to be.

Paul got to his feet, then helped her off the sofa. “After all, Santa comes tonight.” He shot her a mysterious grin that made her feel all mixed up inside. She liked him so much and desperately hoped he liked her too. All indications were that he did. But now here he was, forcing them to say good night.

“Yes, yes, he does,” she said, barely able to stand it. He was close enough to take her in his arms. Close enough to kiss her. But some inner instinct told her he wouldn’t. “Santa and that Christmas moose!”

Paul laughed, dark eyes dancing. “We can’t forget Ashley’s moose.”

“I wonder what she means by that?” she asked, looking up at him.

“Maybe that she’s hopeful,” he said softly. “Hopeful of a little Christmas magic.” He stepped closer, and Carol’s heart stilled. “Are you?”

The seconds ticked by like hours as he stared at her with soulful eyes and firelight lapped against them.

“I still believe in Christmas magic,” she finally whispered.

“That makes two of us.” He leaned forward, brushing his lips to hers, and she feared she would faint from the warmth of his mouth covering hers. He was so manly and sexy, and smelled of the great outdoors. “Good night, Carol,” he said, stepping back. “Sleep well.”

She would try, though she didn’t know how. Her silly heart did cartwheels all the way upstairs and danced a jig all over her room before she collapsed in a heap on the bed. She tugged a huge feather pillow over her face and squealed with delight, kicking her feet in the air. She’d never known what it was like to kiss a man. A real man, someone so kind, steady, and caring as Paul. It had been a chaste kiss but something so tender and wonderful that she never could have imagined it happening to her. But it had! And right here at Christmas! In beautiful, unforgettable Maine! Carol sighed, pulling the pillow against her chest and rolling happily onto her side. What a wild, wonderful day this had been. As long as she lived, she would never,
ever
forget it.

Carol awoke to the sound of yapping. She sat up with a start, frightened by the bunny ears all around her. Then she remembered where she was. She reached over to the nightstand and checked her cell for the time. Five thirty a.m.?

“Mom! Mom!” Ashley called, bursting through her door and into her room. “They’re here! They’re really here!”

“Who?” Carol groggily looked around as the commotion continued.

Will came in next. “A whole bunch of dogs,” he said, dashing to the window. “Look outside!”

Carol clambered to her feet and padded over to the window beside her two kids. To her delight, five dogsleds with teams were parked outdoors in the dark.

Velma poked her head into the room with a bright grin. “Guess who’s going dog sledding?”

“All of us!” Zach said, appearing beside her.

Daniel and Amy emerged from separate rooms, then held hands, grinning in the hall.

Beth arrived next in a fluffy white robe. “Santa left a note,” she said with a smile.

A few minutes later, the group had scrambled into their clothes and suited up for the snow, which drifted lightly. Carol watched in awe as two team managers gave directions and Paul helped the group split up in pairs.

“Can I have my own?” Will asked with a hopeful look.

“I don’t see why not,” Paul said. “Beth can ride with Ashley.”

“Sure!” Beth kindly agreed.

“That is…” Paul turned to Carol. “If it’s all right with your mom?”

“Are you sure he’ll be okay?” Carol asked uncertainly.

“I manned one of these at his age,” Daniel interjected.

“He’ll do just fine,” Paul said with a reassuring look.

Will beamed at Paul and Daniel, then took up his post. Paul seated Velma and Zach in their sled next, then helped Beth and Ashley into theirs.

“How was your talk?” Paul questioned as Beth settled in.

“Better than good.” She smiled sweetly. “Jack and I have decided to give it another go.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

“Thanks for this. Very nice.”

He looked at Ashley and smiled. “Maybe you’ll see your moose.”

The child drew an expectant breath. “Really?”

“Keep your eyes peeled,” he said with a wink.

Amy and Daniel needed no assistance. There were already in place and raring to go.

“Carol,” Paul said, encouraging her to climb aboard the last vacant sled. He hadn’t even asked if she’d ride with him, because he would have been devastated if she’d said no. Though, given the look in her eyes, he didn’t imagine she would have.

“Everyone clear on what to do?” the lead team manager asked.

“We’re clear!” Beth called.

“Ditto,” said Zach.

Amy and Daniel both gave a thumbs-up.

Carol turned to Paul with a blush. “I can’t believe you did this for all of us.”

“I didn’t do a thing.” Paul settled into his seat. “It was Santa.”

One of the team managers cracked a whip and called, “
Mush!
” And then they were off—snaking between trees and gliding down hills through the majestic beauty of the deep woods. “It’s spectacular,” Carol said, captivated.

Paul gave her shoulder a tight hug. “I’m glad you like it.”

They passed rabbits and white-tailed deer, and even caught a raccoon creeping along. Suddenly, Paul gave a sharp whistle, signaling the lead driver, and all teams dragged to a halt.

“What is it?” Carol asked. “Is something…?”

Paul leaned toward her with a husky whisper. “I think Ashley found her moose.”

Carol saw movement through a tall stand of trees, and then her jaw dropped. Paul pointed, and all heads swung in the direction of the enormous seven-foot-tall creature turning its broad, antlered head toward them in the shadows. Carol’s face came alive with excitement and wonder. “Paul, it’s…”

“Just watch,” he said. At once, the horizon exploded in a bright burst of color, grenadine hues streaking the sky. The moose seemed to glow in its aura, shimmering all around in bright bands of color.

“The aurora borealis,” Paul whispered in Carol’s ear.

“It’s beautiful,” she said, catching her breath.

Paul took her hand on the seat between them. “It’s magic.”

Before Carol knew it, their vacation had ended and they were all standing in the parking lot, packed up to go. Christmas Day had begun with a bang, then eased into a nice, relaxing day of the group playing charades by the fire, then sharing a holiday meal. This time, they’d all gathered to eat in unison by pushing the smaller tables together. Even Paul had decided to join them, abandoning his role as host for one afternoon, at everyone else’s insistence. After his wonderful dog-sledding surprise, the separation of innkeeper versus guests didn’t seem fitting. They were more like one big happy family. And, they were, in a way. Paul, Daniel, Paul’s mom, and Zach were all really related, and—by extension—Amy was too. Beth was Paul’s old friend, and Carol and her kids had become new ones.

Carol stared at the others, her heart heavy at the thought it was time to leave. The others appeared downcast, as well. It was like they’d all been caught up in this magical holiday spell, and none of them wanted the magic to end. But it had to, and Carol needed to get her family back to Virginia. She’d hoped Paul would kiss her again as he had on Christmas Eve, or even that he might take her hand as they sat with the others around the fire. But perhaps he’d thought better of making any sort of display in front of the children. Upon reflection, Carol had understood that had been the appropriate decision. What was the point in involving others in their fleeting Christmas flirtation and getting expectations and feelings all mixed up?

Zach and Velma stood in their antlered hats, hugging each of the others good-bye. For the first time in days, the snow had truly stopped and the clouds had opened up, revealing a bright blue sky. “We’re going to miss you guys,” Zach said, emotion catching in his throat.

“Yes,” Velma said, hugging her son. “It’s been really great, Pauly.”

“I couldn’t have thought of a nicer group to host for the holidays,” Paul told them all.

“You know you can count on us for next year,” Zach said.

Velma grinned slyly. “Only we’ll demand the honeymoon suite!”

Everyone laughed companionably.

Daniel nudged his father and whispered in his ear, “You’re not closing the inn?”

“I’ve not yet signed the papers,” he said mysteriously.

Daniel shot Amy a jubilant grin.

Ashley raced over, surprising Paul with a hug. “Thanks for the dog sledding!”

“My pleasure. Any time.”

Beth gave Paul a happy perusal, looking younger and prettier than ever. “It was awfully good seeing you again,” she said. “Almost like old times.”

“You haven’t changed a bit. Jack’s a lucky guy.”

“Thanks, Paul. I wish you the best.”

Carol turned toward Daniel. “Good luck at Brown. I know you’ll wow them all.”

He tucked his arm around Amy. “Thanks, Carol. Thanks a lot.”

Amy smiled sweetly. “You all have a safe flight.”

Ashley hugged the teens good-bye.

“See ya, short stuff,” Daniel said. “I’m glad you finally saw your Christmas moose.”

Ashley triumphantly looked around. “I told you guys I wasn’t fooling!”

There was an awkward beat as the rest of the group watched Paul and Carol interact. He so badly wanted to take her in his arms but couldn’t trust himself not to reveal his feelings for her if he did. She’d been all he’d thought about since she’d smashed into him, skiing down that hill. And when she’d melted in his arms in the kitchen, he hadn’t wanted to let her go. Seeing her beautiful brown eyes brim with tears during their sleigh ride had nearly broken his heart. He’d felt driven to fill her world with good times and take away that sadness. Then yesterday, when she’d looked like an angel beside him on the sled, her gaze filled with wonder, every expense he’d undertaken to ensure her happy smile had been totally worthwhile.

“It’s really hard to say good-bye,” he told her.

“I want to thank you,” she said softly. “Thank you for everything. You gave us a very happy Christmas.”

Unable to stop himself, he stepped forward and embraced her—for what his heart hoped wasn’t the last time. “So long, Carol,” he said, fighting the ache in his throat. “I hope that all your Christmases will be happy ones.”

As he stood at the top of the drive watching them pull away, Paul’s heart thumped in his chest. If letting her go was the right thing to do, then why did this feel so wrong? As his gaze trailed after the bright red SUV, he noted movement inside. Little Ashley turned slowly in the backseat, her sad dark eyes staring back up the hill.

That was all the encouragement he needed.

Paul broke into a sprint as Carol caught a view of him in her rearview mirror.

Brake lights beamed red as she brought the SUV to a stop.

Paul raced to the driver’s window, then stood there panting as she lowered the glass. “I couldn’t let you leave,” he said between breaths, “without asking you…something…important.”

She turned her questioning eyes on his.

“What are you doing for spring break?”

“Spring break?” she asked, surprised.

“Don’t you teachers have a week off in April or something?”

“Yeah, she does!” Ashley piped in from the back.

Will brought his hand to his chin and smiled.

“What I mean is,” Paul went on, “I’d really like to see you again.” He looked around the SUV. “I’d like to see all of you again.” He turned his eyes back on Carol’s. “And I don’t want to wait until next Christmas.”

Her face colored warmly. “I don’t either.”

“Is that a yes?”

“Why, Paul Love, are you asking us on a date?”

“Why, yes. Yes, I suppose I am.”

She shot him a bright, beautiful grin.

“I was hoping you were.”

Three years later, Carol and Paul stood kissing under the mistletoe in Maine.

“If you keep kissing me like that,” she said, catching her breath, “you might have to cart me upstairs—and into the Moose Room.”

“Good thing the kids are in bed,” he said with a sexy grin.

Carol stared into dancing dark eyes, thinking she couldn’t possibly love this man any more than she did. He’d help heal her heart and had brought her a beautiful, new, blended family. “I’m awfully glad Daniel’s coming home tomorrow. The kids will be happy to see him.”

Paul held her tightly up against him. “So will Amy.”

“It’s hard to believe that Will is heading to college soon.”

“I think he’s tough enough to handle it.”

“He’s going to leave lots of brokenhearted girls behind.”