Love Inspired December 2014 - Box Set 1 of 2: A Rancher for Christmas\Her Montana Christmas\An Amish Christmas Journey\Yuletide Baby (29 page)

She rode for a few paces and nodded. “Okay, I've got this.”

“That's good. Never think you've got this. Be confident, but always expect the unexpected.”

Expect the unexpected.
She was the unexpected and she'd sure caught him off guard. He'd expected her to take the money and run, not be tied down to two little girls she didn't know.

He hadn't expected her to be all-in the way she'd proven to be. She'd even made herself at home in Martin's Crossing.

But these weren't the thoughts he wanted to go over again. He needed to clear his head. He eased a look in her direction and shook his head. Yeah, he needed to get it together. Because he was thinking of kissing her again. That couldn't happen.

If he complicated their relationship this way, how would they manage to go on, raising the girls together? He hadn't thought of that before, because for two weeks he'd been trying to figure out how to manage being parents together.

He'd been trying to figure out how to trust her in their lives and trust that she wouldn't leave.

Now he had to face that they were in a situation that required them to be more than parents. They were in each other's lives. Day in, day out, counting on each other, turning to each other. It was a given that someday one, or both, of them would want to settle down, get married. To someone else.

But this relationship, allowing it to become a flirtation, or even casual dating, that would only end in disaster. Because if it ended, they would still have to face each other every day and still be the best parents they could be to the twins.

Kissing her again was the last thing he should be thinking about.

* * *

After the ride Breezy sat on the step to the tack room and watched as Jake unsaddled and brushed the horses. He'd insisted she should watch this time, and next time he'd let her help. So she watched, because who wouldn't want to watch a cowboy in faded jeans that fit just right brush a horse? She watched as he lifted hooves and cleaned them with a pick. She watched as he untied first one horse and then the other and led them to the gate.

“You're quiet,” he said when he returned. He reached for the jacket he'd left on a hook and tossed it to her. “It's getting cold.”

“Thank you. I was just thinking that I feel okay and I'll probably go back to Lawton's.”

“There's no reason you can't stay here,” he said, holding out a hand and helping her to her feet.

“I know, but my stuff is at Lawton's. And I can't run in fear.”

They walked out of the barn. He flipped off the lights as they left. He'd been right, the air was colder. The sky was steel-gray, no evidence of the setting sun. She shivered in the warmth of a jacket that smelled like Jake.

“You have to start calling it your place, Breezy,” he said quietly as they walked. The dog had joined them and it raced ahead, chasing something, then came back.

“Easier said than done.”

“Yeah, I know. I think we're both having a hard time taking possession. Of the twins, the house...” He paused.

She filled in the empty space. “Lawton and Elizabeth's life.”

He only nodded, his gaze faraway. An arm went around her waist, pulling her close to his side. “You don't think it's Joe, do you?”

She shook her head. “Too tall.”

“Good.”

They walked in silence and Breezy knew she was in trouble. She knew the comfort from his arm around her waist was trouble. It anchored her in a way that a plant, a nativity, an ornament only hinted at. It made her feel as if she had found a home, and it was in Jake Martin's arms.

That was when she knew that she really had to make her escape back to Lawton's.

Chapter Thirteen

B
reezy went home the next day, and life slipped back into an easy routine. During the day the girls were often with her, and in the evening they went back to the Circle M. Jake sometimes stayed around while they were with her. He would work outside and then they would eat dinner together in the evenings before he took the girls home.

Breezy poured through the recipes Marty had given her. She made casseroles, soups, breads and anything else she thought Jake and two little girls would eat. And they did.

Christmas was a little over a week away and she had shopped in town, finding gifts that she wrapped and put under the tree. She had shopped at the antique store and found small things to put around the house to make it feel like her home. A braided rug for the kitchen, a picture in her bedroom, a pretty clock for the living room.

She and Jake had developed an easy friendship. And wasn't that what they needed in order to raise two little girls? It should have been one of their first rules, to be friends. But their friendship could easily get blurred around the edges because, even as their friendship grew, Breezy remembered how it felt to be held by him. And every now and then when they stood too close or accidentally touched, she knew that he felt it, too. It was an indrawn breath, a moment of stillness, a certain connection when their eyes met.

But another rule seemed to be that they not mention that attraction for fear that it would undo their friendship.

On a cold Friday night they met in town for the annual Christmas block party. The stores were open late. Duke was serving hot drinks and pie. A few vendors had set up around the park, in tribute to their German ancestors selling handmade toys and crafts, brats and other treats. The Christmas lights were lit up and each building was decorated.

Breezy found Jake at a vendor buying bratwursts for him and fries for the girls. He had them in a stroller built for two. From several feet away she watched as he pulled off his gloves to pay for the food. He tested a fry before handing them to the girls.

He must have sensed that she was there because he nodded at her. She greeted the twins first. It was easier. It gave her heart time to calm down, to realize she wanted what she couldn't have. Hadn't she learned that it could only lead to a world of hurt?

She squatted in front of the stroller, kissing first Rosie and then Violet. “You girls look perfect tonight, like cotton candy.”

They were dressed in puffy pink coats, pink stocking caps and pink gloves. Their jeans were tucked into pink-and-brown boots.

“Candy!” Rosie shoved a fry in her mouth.

“Too big a bite, little girl.” Breezy opened her hand and Rosie gave her a look and kept chewing. “Okay, but small bites.”

Rosie took another fry and bit a small piece off the end. “Small bites.”

“Bites.” Violet giggled.

“Do you want a brat?” Jake asked.

She stood and turned to the vendor. He was looking past them at people starting to form a line. “Yes, that would be good.”

While they waited, she pushed the girls' stroller to the side, making room for the crowds that were starting to form. It surprised her, to see so many people in this little town. There were people admiring the lights, people walking in and out of shops.

Jake handed her the brat and then his gaze slid past her. She looked in the same direction, not sure what he saw. There were people. Few of them were familiar to her. She saw Joe walking in the crowd, talking to a member of the church. Farther in the distance she saw Brody walking with a young woman.

“I'm sorry. Can I leave the twins with you for a minute?”

Breezy shrugged as she finished a bite of brat. “Sure. Is something wrong?”

“Tyler Randall is here. He's the man in charge of Lawton's company. I'm surprised to see him here.”

“Go ahead. We'll wander around. I'm sure we'll find stuff we want.”

He grinned at that, then he leaned a little closer. For a second she thought he might kiss her. Instead he brushed his finger across her cheek. “Mustard.”

“Oh.” She managed a smile and then she watched as he walked away, her heart beating a million miles an hour.

After finishing her brat, she pushed the stroller down the sidewalk, admiring local arts and crafts. She stopped at a lighted tent filled with handmade wooden toys. A rocking horse caught her eye. Two rocking horses. They couldn't have just one or there would be fights.

As she admired the horses, Oregon entered the tent. The other woman joined her. “They're precious.”

“Yes, I think they would make perfect Christmas gifts for the twins.” She flipped the price tag and was surprised by a price much lower than she would have expected.

“How are things going?” Oregon asked as she looked at painted wall plaques.

“Good. I'm still learning but I think we're managing,” Breezy answered as she waved to the vendor and pointed to the two rocking horses.

“You'll always be learning. Lilly is almost twelve and I'm always one step ahead of her or two steps behind.”

“So you're telling me it doesn't get easier?”

Oregon shrugged “There are easier moments.”

“How's your shop doing?” Breezy listened to the man tell her the price of the horses and she pulled out her wallet. “Aren't you open tonight?”

“I am. I wanted to take a few minutes to browse so Joe is watching the shop.”

Breezy paid for the horses and asked the vendor to hold them for her until she could arrange free hands to carry them to her car. She and Oregon walked out of the shop together.

They were strolling toward a hot apple cider stand. Oregon stopped walking, her hand on Breezy's arm to bring her to a halt.

“What's up?” Breezy pulled the stroller back so she was closer to her friend. Oregon glanced around, her bottom lip between her teeth. “Oregon?”

“Someone bought my building.”

“They did what? Are they going to make you move out?”

“No, they bought it and signed the deed over to me,” Oregon explained.

“Who?” Breezy looked around to make sure they weren't attracting attention. Fortunately they'd found a somewhat quiet spot. In the distance a small group stood on a corner caroling. A car honked and someone laughed. But she and Oregon were alone.

“I'm not sure. A lawyer showed up the other day and told me the building had been bought and that I was the new owner. I'm not sure what to think.”

“I think you've been given a wonderful opportunity. Now you don't have to worry as much about the winter slowdown after Christmas.” Breezy knew that had been on Oregon's mind. She had some internet business from her website, but from what Oregon had told her, it wouldn't have been enough to cover expenses.

“Yes, a great opportunity. But who does something like that? Who gives a young mom a new van, a church a five-figure check and me a building?”

“Someone with a big heart and a lot of money?”

Oregon was looking at her, dark eyes suspicious. “Some people think it might be you.”

Breezy laughed. “It isn't me. Not that I don't consider myself bighearted, but I'm barely registering my new circumstances enough to allow myself to write a check for groceries.”

They started walking again, the hot cider luring them in.

“I'm really thankful,” Oregon said, her voice soft. “But I'm also suspicious.”

“Don't be. Whoever is doing this is obviously trying to help people at Christmastime. I think that's what Christmas is all about. I know that there were a lot of years when I wouldn't have had Christmas, period, if someone hadn't donated money.”

“It must have been tough,” Oregon said.

Tough. Yes, she guessed it had. It had been tough. And frightening at times.

“It was tough,” she agreed. “But it wasn't always bad. Maria usually found a way to get us a room, usually efficiency apartments. She made sure I studied. She would find school books at used book stores. She made sure I got my GED.”

They bought hot apple cider and headed for the light display. There were lights in the shape of the nativity, the wise men and a star that stood on a tower above the entire display. There were camels that seemed to move, shepherds in a field and angels singing.

If everything continued to go well she would live here for a long time. She would visit this park every Christmas, and shop in these same stores where people knew her name.

She stood listening to the carolers on the sidewalk in front of the church and she realized that most importantly she seemed to have found herself here in Martin's Crossing. She had found a home. A place to belong.

The star, dozens of feet up in the air, twinkled in the night as snow flurries drifted down. They were big flakes, the kind that didn't last long, but looked so beautiful as they fell.

The most important thing, she realized, was faith. Because in this town of traditions she had finally realized that God loved even her. She'd always wanted to believe, to have faith, but she'd wondered if God even knew she existed. Sometimes in life she had felt that invisible.

He not only knew she existed, but He cared.

The choir sang “Joy to the World.” Oregon sang along. Breezy joined her. The snow continued to fall and a crowd gathered with everyone singing together. Breezy looked around. Vendors had stepped out of their shops. The crowds had stopped walking.

The snow fell a little harder. Breezy pulled the top out on the stroller so that the twins were protected and found blankets to tuck around them.

This is how home felt. And she smiled.

* * *

Jake could hear the carolers but he couldn't get away to join Breezy and the twins. He studied Tyler Randall's face and wondered if he trusted the man.

“Anyway, Jake, things are going well. I'm hoping for a government contract on that new software.”

“Sounds good, Tyler. You've always known how to bring these deals together. If you need my help, let me know.”

“I think I've got it.”

He still didn't get what Tyler was doing in Martin's Crossing. The story Tyler told him was that he'd heard Lawton talk about this festival and he'd wanted to see it for himself. There were a lot of Christmas festivals he could have attended. Most were bigger. And definitely closer to Austin.

“Where's the heir apparent?” Tyler asked just as Jake was thinking to make his excuses and walk away.

“Heir apparent?”

“The senator's daughter.” Tyler grinned, even winked. Jake couldn't quite push down his dislike of the man.

“Tyler, I'm not sure what's going on with you, but she's Lawton's sister and she deserves respect.”

“Oh, so Lawton got his way?”

“What does that mean?”

“Lawton thought two lonely people deserved each other. I guess he hadn't planned on bringing you together this soon in this way.”

“He was my best friend, Tyler. And Elizabeth was my sister. We lost a big part of our family in that plane crash. I'm not sure I see the joke in all of this.”

“I think you're being overly sensitive,” Tyler pushed, still smiling.

Some people just didn't know when to quit.

“Tyler, you might want to remember that I own a portion of this company. That makes me your boss”

Tyler's hands went up in surrender. “Right, gotcha.”

“And now, if you don't mind, I have two little girls that I'm supposed to be spending time with.”

He walked away because that seemed the safest thing to do. He wasn't sure what would happen if Tyler said anything else that rubbed him the wrong way.

It took him a few minutes but he spotted Breezy and the twins. Snow had begun to fall and they were standing a short distance away from the carolers. They were silhouettes with the lights of the nativity behind them.

He paused to watch as Breezy leaned down, giving sips of her drink to the girls. She tucked their blankets a little closer. When she stood she looked over at him. He waved. She raised a gloved hand and said something to Violet and Rosie. The twins laughed and waved, but not really in his direction.

The music ended. He walked up to Breezy, greeting the twins first. “I'm sorry I got tied up.”

“Is everything okay?” Breezy asked as they started walking.

He wasn't sure. But he didn't want to ruin the moment with snow falling and lights twinkling around them.

“Do you want anything else?” he asked.

Breezy shook her head. “No, I just thought we'd walk along the path and look at lights. I take it you don't get a lot of snow here?”

“Very little. This is perfect, though. It isn't freezing cold and this won't amount to much.”

“It is perfect.”

They walked through the light display with the twins pointing and jabbering. By the time they reached the sidewalk and turned back toward Main Street, the girls were asleep and the crowds had thinned out.

Jake saw Joe walking down a sidewalk away from the shops. He wondered where the old guy went. He guessed everyone was wondering. As he considered what he should do, he saw Duke come out of the restaurant and call Joe over. Duke wouldn't let him sleep on the streets.

“I don't want you to stay at the house alone tonight,” Jake finally admitted as they got to her car. That had been on his mind since his meeting with Tyler. He just hadn't known how to bring it up.

“Why?”

He took the keys from her hand and opened her door. “Because I'm not sure why Tyler Randall is in town and I don't trust him.”

“Tyler?”

“The employee that I spoke to earlier.”

“Oh, right.” Breezy tossed her purse in her car. “I have to pull over to one of the vendors and get the rocking horses I bought the twins.”

He smiled at that. “They'll love to have those under the tree on Christmas morning.”

He watched her go somewhere, drifting on distant memories, he imagined.