Christmas Comes to Main Street (28 page)

“Oh, Nate.” Kara blinked, and a tear slipped down her cheek.

“But I can't imagine doing any of those things without you. You're the reason, Kara. You opened my eyes. You made me rethink my future.”

Kara closed her eyes as Nate reached up and brushed a tear from her cheek with the pad of his thumb. “You made me rethink my future, too.”

“What do you say we start with today, then?” Nate's hand dropped from her cheek to grip her hand. His fingers were warm and smooth and solid, and she clasped his hand tightly, never wanting to let it go again.

“It is Christmas, after all,” she said, smiling through her tears. “I can't think of a better day to start.”

“Me neither,” Nate said, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her in for a long, slow kiss. No mistletoe needed.

O
kay, I have to say, your gingerbread house was amazing, but this…” Nate whistled under his breath as he scanned the living room of Kathleen Madison's house, where it seemed half the town had gathered to see Anna and Mark tie the knot.

“I know,” Kara said, laughing. Either Kathleen had added more details since Anna made her big announcement or Kara had managed to overlook some of the beauty in her last visit, but now she couldn't stop staring at the heavy ivory velvet curtains that draped the floor-to-ceiling windows or the way the oversized silver candle holders on the mantel perfectly reflected the light. “I suppose we all came out on top this Christmas,” she said, reaching over to take his hand.

A little tingle of excitement ripped through her stomach. Maybe she was getting ahead of herself, or maybe she had finally discovered what all the hype was about, but she couldn't help it: Being here, in this beautiful house, with the dozens of flowers filling the air with soft fragrance and the gentle sounds of piano wafting over the crowd, she could almost dare to imagine her own wedding day. But for now, she was looking forward to dancing with Nate later during the reception and then sharing a nice quiet evening together.

“Isn't this exquisite?” Molly said, coming to take the chair next to Kara. “I just told Kathleen the good news. The magazine wants to run a piece on the wedding. So few couples are getting married in their childhood homes these days, and this… Well, this is very inspiring.”

“It is,” Kara agreed, thinking that she would opt for a small, sentimental event over a big country club extravaganza any day. But then, she and Molly had always been different when it came to those things.

She eyed her sister, who seemed swept up in the details of the planning, the candlelight and flowers that lined the ivory carpet rolled out for the aisle. Maybe she and her sister weren't so different anymore, after all.

Molly elbowed her sharply, but her eyes never left the front of the room. Kara had to smile to herself. Her sister may have changed a bit, but some things stayed the same. The girl loved a good wedding. And so, Kara thought, did she.

“It must be starting soon. Here comes Mark.”

Sure enough, Mark was striding to the front of the room, looking nervous and excited in his black tux, her brother Luke right beside him. Brett, she knew, would be walking their mother, Sharon, up the aisle. Since Mr. Madison was no longer with them, Henry had stepped in to escort Kathleen, who had done a fine job of hiding her nerves when Kara checked in on the girls before taking her seat, but she could see the tears in the woman's blue eyes, just waiting to spill.

The last of the Madison girls was getting married today, and next it would be Ivy and Brett's turn. And then… Kara eyed her sister. A few weeks ago, she might have said next it would be Molly's turn, but now, now she almost dared to think it could be her next.

Nate looked down and smiled at her as the music swelled and the procession began, and he squeezed her hand tightly, giving no sign of letting go. Kara watched with a knot in her throat as her aunt and cousin walked down the aisle, followed by Kathleen and Henry, and then Grace and Jane, both looking beautiful in soft gold-colored dresses, followed by sweet little Sophie, who was thrilled to be a flower girl. Again.

And then Anna. Her friend. Her mentor. The woman who had taught her how to bake, motivated her to follow her passion, and today, walking down the aisle of her childhood home to the only man she had ever loved, who inspired her to follow her heart.

“All my girls are married,” Kathleen said, fanning her eyes as she stood near the cake. Though Kara had offered to make one for the couple, Anna had insisted on doing it herself. Kara had to laugh: Her friend was a hard worker; that much couldn't be denied.

“And now the next chapter begins,” Rosemary said, clasping her hands together in excitement.

It was true. Grace and Luke were expecting a baby, and that meant that Rosemary and Kathleen would soon have a grandbaby to spoil terribly. Kara looked over at Jane, who shook her head to the waiter passing Champagne, and raised an eyebrow. Who knew, maybe there was more in store for the upcoming year than any of them knew just yet.

But looking around the room, at Anna in her simple but elegant ivory satin strapless A-line dress, and Mark, looking so proud, and Ivy and Brett huddled on one of the sofas, whispering into each other's ears, she couldn't help but think that all of their futures looked very bright indeed.

But none, perhaps, more than her own.

Across the room, Nate was making his way back to her, two Champagne flutes in hand. When he caught her eye, he winked. A subtle but intimate gesture that reminded her that even in this room of people, they were somehow connected, and that to him, she was set apart and special.

“Did your parents make it in safely?” she asked, thinking of the roads. It had snowed last night. Not much, but enough to give Anna's winter wedding a truly magical feeling.

“They did,” Nate confirmed. “My mom was overwhelmed by the decorations. I think she's going to be very happy here.”

“And your dad?” Kara almost hesitated to ask, but she had hope for the man, and she knew Nate did, too.

“He won't say it, but he's happy with the change. In typical form, he went right to work, chopping wood for the fire, inspecting the house for potential repairs. It's important to him that he feels needed. It was Maggie who figured that out. I think it's the only way she got him up here at all.”

“So that hernia she said she had was all a ruse then?” Kara pursed her lips and shook her head as she brought the Champagne glass to her mouth.

“Oh, completely. She had this all planned for months, I guess. It was all a ploy to get one of us up here for the Christmas holidays, sell us on taking over the house.”

Kara slipped her arm around his waist. “Well, lucky for me then that you came along first.”

He looked down at her, brushed a loose strand of hair from his forehead. “I'm the lucky one.”

He bent down to kiss her, but at that moment there was a clapping of hands, and everyone was asked to quiet down for the toast. Kara leaned back against Nate's chest as Luke and Brett each took turns poking jabs at Mark, once the town's biggest catch and self-confirmed bachelor, and Grace and Jane gave more sentimental, somewhat teary speeches sprinkled with fond childhood stories.

“So let me get this straight,” Nate said as Anna and Mark took the center of the room for their first dance as husband and wife. “Anna is married to your cousin and her sister is married to your brother.”

“That's right,” Kara said, nodding.

Nate laughed lowly, giving her a quizzical glance. “Tell me, is everyone in this town related to everyone else somehow?”

“No, but we're still like one big, happy family.” She looked up at the newest addition, giving him a soft kiss on the mouth as she set one hand on his chest. Pulling back, she looked into his eyes and smiled. “Welcome to Briar Creek.”

Mistletoe on Main Street

A Match Made on Main Street

Hope Springs on Main Street

Love Blooms on Main Street

“4 stars! Genuinely charming characters and the quaint town of Briar Creek are the highlights of Miles's latest. With warmth in her storytelling, Miles captures well the angst of Jane and the bitterness of Henry. Henry and Jane's romance is sweet, and the tender chemistry they share will appeal to readers. With an adorable little girl at its center, this story is delightfully engaging.”

—
RT Book Reviews

“With a charming cast of characters, the touching connection of family, and the lovely bloom of romance, this would be a sweet and worthy addition to your romance collection.”

—
USA Today
, “Happy Ever After” blog

“A warm, tender story overflowing with emotion. With strong, memorable characters and a delightful small town, this book will surely work its way into your heart. Olivia Miles weaves a beautiful story of healing and second chances.”

—RaeAnne Thayne,
New York Times
bestselling author

“Romantic, touching, and deep-sigh satisfying.”

—Emma Cane

“Sweet, fast-paced, entertaining… No couple deserved a second chance at love more than this pair.”

—Harlequin Junkie, 4 stars

“In the latest in her Briar Creek series, Miles brings us a book filled with crisp storytelling, amusing banter, and charming, endearing characters. The love between Mark and Anna is genuinely deep, and the tension between them is fiery. Miles's modern romance will lure readers in and keep them turning the pages.”

—
RT Book Reviews

“The passion and tension between Luke and Grace is equal parts tender and intense, and their journey back toward each other is a sweet and nostalgic one. With a down-home feel throughout, this story is sure to warm any reader's heart. A delightful read.”

—
RT Book Reviews

“Sweet, tender, and burgeoning with Christmas spirit and New England appeal, this engaging reunion tale sees one couple blissfully together, artfully setting the stage for the next book in the series.”

—
Library Journal

I
f there was one part of her job that wedding planner Kate Daniels struggled with most these days, it was the dress fitting. She used to enjoy these appointments, finding it a true perk to sit in a beautiful, sun-filled boutique, surrounded by breathtaking gowns made of satin, lace, or tulle. What wasn't to love other than the occasional meltdown of a bride who hadn't had much success with that crash diet, or the long, patience-testing afternoon spent with a bride who tried on every dress in the store—twice—and still couldn't make a decision? The wedding dress was the focal point of the entire ceremony, the object that flowers and lighting and even color schemes were built around, a symbol of hope and happiness and dreams that had finally come true.

Except not all dreams came true, Kate thought as she wrestled with the overstuffed silk pillow wedged behind her back. Her stomach roiled with bad memories, and she tried to stay focused on the reason she was here at all. Her best friend was getting married. She could have a good cry when she went home, and if recent history proved anything, she probably would. But right now she would hold herself together, show her support, and not let her own recent setback taint what was a very special moment.

“Do you need any help?” she called out. It would be easier to make herself useful, help with a zipper or buttons or a train. Anything would be better than sitting on this too-stiff velvet love seat, trying not to let her gaze drift too far to the left, where another bride was trying on the very dress Kate had chosen for herself not so long ago, her girlfriends fawning over her selection.

“I'm fine. I just… Well, let's see what you think.” Elizabeth stepped out from behind the dusty pink curtain of the dressing room wearing the classic ivory lace strapless ball gown she'd chosen months back when William first popped the question and she'd blissfully accepted, and despite the ache in her chest, Kate couldn't help but smile.

“You look stunning,” she whispered. She had known Elizabeth since they were five years old and had been there every step of the way that had led to this day. How many summer afternoons had been spent twirling in their mothers' lingerie, clutching dandelion bouquets, Elizabeth's reluctant brother Simon bribed into playing the groom, even though he always took off across the lawn before the vows were complete?

Elizabeth turned uncertainly in the gilded three-way mirror that anchored the small store. “I was planning on wearing my grandmother's pearls, but now I think a necklace might be too much.”

Kate nodded her head in agreement. “They're too formal for a beach ceremony. Besides, the gown speaks for itself.” And it did. Some lace gowns could be heavy or overly formal, but this one gave just enough of a nod to the bride's classic style while still feeling summery and light.

“I think you're right.” Elizabeth scrutinized herself in the mirror and released a nervous breath. “I just want everything to be perfect.”

Kate smiled tightly. Every bride said the same thing. She'd said it herself at one time.

“It
will
be perfect,” Kate said, standing up to fluff the back of the dress. “I'm seeing to it myself.”

“You know why I'm so nervous, don't you?” Elizabeth turned to face her properly, her eyes clouding over as her mouth thinned. “William's brother.”

Kate did her best to hide her smile. Every wedding she planned had some element of familial tension, and in this case, the source was rooted with the best man. Oh, she'd dealt with her share of unruly wedding party members—groomsmen who hit the bar a little too hard during the cocktail hour, bridesmaids throwing hissy fits over their ugly dresses, mothers-in-law showing up in white—and Alec Montgomery was no different, really. Though she hadn't met him, she knew enough about him to know that he'd show up and play the role as dutiful brother. He and William were close, after all. And society weddings didn't leave room for public outbursts or noticeable drama.

No, that was usually left behind the scenes, she thought, chuckling to herself when she considered all she heard and saw.

She checked the row of satin-covered buttons on the back of the dress, making sure none were loose. “You'll be so caught up in the excitement of the day, you won't even notice he's there,” Kate assured her, knowing this was true. People claimed they barely remembered their wedding day, that it was all a blur. That it was too surreal to capture. Too overwhelming in its emotion.

Kate released a soft sigh. Not that she would know.

“I'm still amazed he even agreed to come to town early for all the festivities, what with how glued to that office he is.” Elizabeth tutted as she took her veil from the sales associate and set it on her head. “At least I'll be so busy this week, I won't have to spend much time with him. But given how little he approves of William marrying me, or should I say, marrying into my average American family, I wouldn't put anything past him.”

If it were any other bride, she'd chalk it up to high emotions, but Elizabeth was levelheaded and not prone to exaggeration. Kate laughed nervously, wishing she could better disguise her growing alarm. There was no way that anything or anyone could upset this wedding. If that happened, Elizabeth wouldn't be the only one in tears on Saturday. Kate would be crying all the way to the unemployment line.

“Oh, he won't,” she said with a dismissive wave of her hand. “It will be the happiest day of your life. I promise.”

Elizabeth looked unconvinced. “If you say so.”

“I do say so.” If she had any control in it, at least one of them would have the wedding day that they deserved. Kate turned her friend's shoulders to face the mirror, admiring their reflection. “I still can't believe you're getting married,” she said, feeling that tug in her chest again.

“Me neither,” Elizabeth said, her tone laced with wonder. Kate recognized the sound of it—the disbelief that all your dreams could actually be coming true. That years of hoping and waiting were over. That you could be so lucky. That your entire future was decided, and bright.

It echoed the emotion Kate had felt once. She blinked quickly, then smoothed Elizabeth's veil, trying to not think about everything that had happened instead.

An hour later, Kate triumphantly scratched the final dress fitting from her to-do list and said goodbye to Elizabeth, waving cheerfully from her perch on the cobblestone steps outside the bridal salon. She held her smile until her friend was safely out of sight and then fell back against the wrought-iron railing with a frown. For months she had obsessed over every detail of this wedding—right down to spending an excruciating amount of time holding various invitation samples to the light to determine the closest shade of pink to the bridesmaid's gowns—but not everything, she knew, could be controlled. An inebriated guest, she could handle. A sniffling flower girl, sure. But a stubborn man who didn't support the wedding? He'd require a tight leash.

And that was why she, as best friend, maid of honor, and wedding planner extraordinaire, was going to personally greet him upon his arrival.

It was a warm June day, and the downtown streets of Misty Point were filled with tourists mingling around, browsing boutiques and antique shops and lining up at the ice cream parlor. Kate made a mental note to pick up a fresh paperback at the bookstore before heading home. These days they filled her spare time just fine—plenty of excitement but all the drama neatly resolved by the last page.

A wave of salty sea air accompanied her as she tapped along the cobblestone to the Beacon Inn. She'd personally seen to the out-of-town guest room reservations, and she knew the arrival times of the entire wedding party. She couldn't fight the satisfied smile that played at her lips when she reflected on her diligence. It was because of her attention to detail that she knew the best man was arriving from Boston this afternoon.
Take that, Alice
, she thought with a shiver of glee.

She knew what her boss thought of her these days. Incompetent. Frazzled. Alice Fielding had a comment for everything Kate did wrong lately, but never anything she did correctly. Not long ago, Kate was a rising star at Bride by Design, and she was determined to remind herself and her boss that she still had what it took to succeed in this business.

Everything was riding on this wedding being perfect.

The Beacon Inn was an icon in Misty Point and the perfect introduction to their quaint Rhode Island beach town. Kate was confident that guests traveling from all over the country would be impressed with the panoramic Atlantic views and the sweeping front porch dotted with white rocking chairs. Hotel guests relaxed on deck chairs and played croquet on lush green grass that stretched to the sea, where the waves silently lapped at the white sand. Seeing it now, Kate felt her heart swell with hope in place of nerves. This was going to be the most beautiful wedding she had ever planned. There was absolutely nothing to worry about.

Still… better safe than sorry. She pushed through the large front door and stepped into the expansive lobby, helping herself to a piece of saltwater taffy at the front desk. A quick conversation confirmed that Alec Montgomery had not yet checked in, and with a lingering glance around the room, Kate marched back out onto the veranda and settled into a rocking chair. It creaked beneath her on the sand-worn floorboards.

“Lemonade, miss?” a young waiter in crisp white inquired. Kate shook her head quickly. She wasn't here to enjoy the scenery or hotel perks. She was here to make sure everything was going to plan.

Kate checked her watch and bit down on her lip. She hadn't the faintest clue what Alec even looked like, only going off his brother's dark looks and the less-than-flattering stories she'd heard over time from Elizabeth. Still, she was sure she would recognize him when she saw him. She prided herself on her razor-sharp instinct, which rarely failed her.

Except that one time
.

Determined to stay focused, she scanned the new faces as they strolled up the stairs to the grand entrance. Bellhops carrying heavy luggage followed close behind. Frowning, she knit her brow and ruffled in her bag for her notebook. In large, loopy scroll she wrote Alec's name and propped it against her bare knees, feeling all at once silly and paranoid. What would she even say to him when he appeared? She laughed softly, realizing just how touchy she was being these days. She was probably overreacting. And so was Elizabeth. The man might not be the bride's greatest admirer, but the groom was his only brother, after all, and it wasn't like he was skipping the event.

“Excuse me?”

Kate jumped in her chair and lifted her chin to face the owner of the smooth, deep voice. Her pulse began a slow and steady drum as she stared at the man before her. With rich brown hair that curled ever so slightly, Alec was a good two inches taller than his brother, but there was little doubt to their relation.

“Alec Montgomery?” she asked quickly as she stood to meet him.

Alec's dark eyes crinkled with confusion as he scanned her face. The corners of his mouth curved upward into a surprisingly friendly smile that made Kate feel nothing short of ridiculous for being so wary of his motives. “I'm afraid you have me at an advantage. You are?”

Kate shook her head in apology and flashed an equally bright smile. Even with her in heels, he towered over her. “I'm Kate Daniels,” she said, realizing that probably wasn't enough explanation. “The wedding planner.”

“Ah yes. We exchanged a few emails about the bachelor party, if I recall.”

He gave her hand a firm, well-practiced shake. His palm was smooth but strong and Kate let the warmth of his touch spread through her fingertips. It was hot outside, and even the sea breeze did little to break the heat. She had the unnerving sensation that her hand was a little slick.

“So you're the wedding planner.” His gaze roved over her until she shifted on her feet uneasily. Elizabeth had said many things about this man, but never had she mentioned how cute he was…

“I didn't see you come in,” she said, feeling her cheeks flush as she tried to stay professional. Was it always this hard to keep eye contact with someone? He probably had a girlfriend. There was no reason a man like Alec would be single. So really, she was being silly.

“I didn't know someone would be waiting for me.” He pointed to the sign. “It's nice to know someone is thinking of me.” He winked as his lips curved into a broad smile.

Kate felt her defenses prickle. Was he
flirting
with her?

She cleared her throat, eager to get back to the reason for her visit. “I was passing by the hotel and I thought I'd stop by and see if you'd arrived. If the room suited you…” She trailed off with her excuse as she awkwardly thrust the makeshift sign into her tote. Really, she should have just bided her time, checked in occasionally at the front desk, and called up to his room. And she would have, if she didn't have another hundred things to accomplish in the span of a matter of days.

The paper crumpled under her awkward movement, and Kate had the uneasy feeling that Alec was watching it all. She pressed her lips together and forced herself to look up at him. Yep. There was a decided gleam in those deep-set eyes. She broke his stare, her eyes roaming over the black canvas backpack thrown over Alec's shoulder and down to the bulging briefcase at his feet. It was time to remember why she was here. “Have they already taken your luggage to your room?” she asked, tilting her head.

“Got everything I need right here.” Alec smiled as he patted his backpack, and Kate felt that little pinch between her eyebrows deepen.

“That's all?” She blinked rapidly.

Alec shrugged. “I travel light.”

“Hmm,” Kate murmured, trying to understand the implications of this scenario. There was no way he could have stuffed a suit into that bag. Much less a pair of shoes. The wedding attire would be taken care of, but what was he planning on wearing for the rehearsal dinner?