Becca paced back and forth beside the row of tables in the Gold Nugget, too jittery to sit.
Clyde had told her in no uncertain terms to stay here and definitely to not go searching in her car and get snowbound. Apparently, he still thought of her as an impetuous high school kid. She suspected he also wanted to keep his passenger seat available in case Alec, or anyone else, needed to be transported.
She stopped in front of the laptop Tula had set up and checked the highway conditions website. Again. The conditions on the passes showed the same condition as fifteen minutes ago: Closed. “How often do they update this page, anyway?”
“No idea.” Her friend laid her cutlery roll in a tray and pulled out a chair. “Why was Alec driving on East Camp Road?”
Becca explained about Trixie chasing the deer that had been foraging in the inn’s yard. “This is all my fault.”
Tula gave her a disgusted look. “How is your dog running off your fault?”
“If I hadn’t come to Angels Glen, none of this would have happened.” Becca sank into a chair and reached for a paper napkin and cutlery. She might as well be useful.
“All of what?”
Becca tore a strip off the napkin. “I let Alec go off on a fool’s errand and get caught in the avalanche. He might not even be alive.” She bit her trembling lip.
“We don’t know if anyone got buried. Not yet, anyway. We have to wait for news.” Tula propped her chin in her hand, frowning. “When was the last time you talked to him?”
Too long ago. “I don’t know. Six hours ago. I walked here to see if your dad could call him.” She pulled another piece off her napkin. “He tried calling Alec. That’s when you came in.”
Tula twirled a strand of her hair. “You called Alec for help when your dog ran off?”
“He was already at the inn. We waited out the storm together.”
Tula arched her eyebrows. “It snowed for two days. That’s a long time. What happened?”
Becca added another strip to the building pile. “What do you mean?”
The room filled with a mouth-watering aroma. “I’m heating up a snack. Be right back.” Tula left the dining area and returned with a plate full of pizza rolls and two plates.
“Alec was in the store with you, too.” Tula handed her a plate and reached for one of the appetizers.
“Yeah. We’re friends now.” Becca studied the savory cheese and pepperoni bites. She hadn’t eaten since…she couldn’t remember.
Tula lifted the food plate, and Becca shook her head. “There’s nothing wrong with sitting out the storm together. What is your point?”
“I saw the way you looked at him.” Tula chewed a bite, her expression blissful.
“How was I looking at him?” Becca studied the snack, wishing she felt hungry.
“As if he made the world. What’s that famous movie line…two lonely souls…?”
“As you pointed out, Alec has a dog.” Becca crossed her arms. Tula could spin a fairytale romance where none existed—at least not now, not yet. Maybe not ever if Alec didn’t come back in one piece. “He’s not alone.”
“I also pointed out that Alec has a dog because he’s lonely. Like you. Why else would you come to Angels Glen with only your pet for company?”
Honestly! “You can be alone without being lonely.” Becca placed a pizza roll on her plate. “And anyway, being lonely isn’t a good reason to fall in love.”
Tula’s eyes grew round. “You’re in love?”
“Maybe.” Becca shrugged. “I don’t know how Alec feels.” He’d been ready to call a helicopter to fly her home, but that didn’t mean he loved her. Except only Alec could have murmured those words last night.
“He’s had a crush on you since high school.”
Tula’s words were almost the same as Rob’s. How had everyone but her seen that? “But—”
Tula held up a hand to forestall her answer. “He doesn’t need a reason to fall in love. Nobody does. It happens when the time is right.”
“We were never a couple. You know that.” Why was she protesting so much?
She knew the reason without having to think too hard. She’d thought she’d been in love with her ex-boyfriend and being wrong again about something so important would have been devastating.
“Then it’s about time you two got together.” Tula chewed another bite and swallowed. “Has he kissed you yet?”
Oh yeah. Becca shrugged. “A few times.”
“Did you kiss him back?”
“A few times.” Becca laughed and then, mortified, stood and stalked to the front windows. How could she laugh at anything when Alec might be lying frozen to death under an avalanche?
She stared out at the dark, as bereft as when she’d had to confess to her father and brother about the embezzling.
Tula appeared at her side. “You were never the type to go around kissing guys only because they kissed you first. You always had principles. What happened?”
“Nothing.” Becca waved in a dismissive gesture. “I don’t know.”
“What don’t you know?” Tula mimicked her.
“I didn’t tell you this before. Because…”
“It’s painful,” Tula supplied.
“Very. Last year…” Becca took a big breath and filled her friend in about the embezzling boyfriend.
Tula’s eyebrows rose high enough to hit her bangs. “Are you saying you were in love with that jerk?”
“I thought so.” Becca drew a circle in the condensation on the window. “But I obviously wasn’t a good judge of character.”
“Okay. But where’s the problem?” Tula regarded her as if she were crazy. “You know Alec. I can vouch for him. My dad can vouch for him.”
“So can my own brother.”
She’d always thought being in love meant having someone to share homey comforts with, like decorating a Christmas tree, cleaning up afterwards, shoveling snow. She’d done none of those with her ex-boyfriend, but all of them with Alec.
Tula grabbed the paper plate with the snacks from the table behind her. “You should eat something.”
“I want to check the road conditions website again.” She grabbed one of the appetizers and strode to the laptop. Ten or fifteen minutes later, the latest conditions for the roads in their area refreshed. Seconds later, headlights swept across the front of the historic saloon.
“Someone’s back.” Becca hurried to the windows. “It’s only one truck. Doesn’t look like Alec’s either.” Her chest squeezed. “That can’t be good.”
“How do you know?” Tula hit the switch for the outdoor lights. “Wait until we get the news.”
Frank Thompson stepped down from the parked truck, and Tula held the front door open. Behind Frank, another pickup’s beams swung in front of the Nugget. This one had a dented passenger door.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she ran outside.
The instant Alec stepped down, she leaped into his arms. He held her close, then lowered her to her feet and kissed her.
“I’m so sorry I was mean to you,” Becca blurted, “and emotional. I’d just been talking to my brother on the phone the minute before, and I was remembering how stupid I’d been with the jerk who stole money from us. I thought I knew you.” She sniffed. “Then I discovered you had a fortune and have had all along, I got scared that I didn’t really know you at all. Will you forgive me? Please?”
Alec tipped up her chin. “Are you crying?”
She swiped at her tears. “You were gone so long. I thought when they found you, you’d be dead.”
“I found your puppy.” He stood back so she could see inside the truck cab.
Trixie whimpered and crawled out from under a blanket in the passenger seat.
“She knows she’s been bad, but I’m so glad you found her.” Becca scooped her puppy into her arms, blanket and all, and kept her voice cheerful for her pup. “You had an adventure, didn’t you?”
“We both did,” Alec murmured.
“Let’s go in where it’s warm.” Becca led the way to the Nugget, where Tula held open the door.
Alec stamped his feet on the inside mat to dislodge snow, and they joined Frank Thompson warming his hands at the stove.
Becca set her dog on the floor near the heat and wrapped her arms around Alec’s waist. “Clyde tried to call you but couldn’t get an answer. Why not?”
“I lost the darned thing. Not sure where. I had my old snowshoes on, but with Trixie’s weight, I still stumbled around. The phone could have fallen out of my pocket anywhere.” Alec clasped the older man’s shoulder. “I told you before, Frank, but I was really glad to see you. I’m assuming Clyde is the one who sent the posse.”
“Sure did.” Tula handed him and Frank mugs of hot coffee. “We were all worried you might have been caught in the avalanche.”
“It was a close call.” Alec grimaced. “I was driving back with Trixie when I saw movement in the snow fields above. I reversed the heck out of there, and the heavy snow wall barely missed my bumper.”
Clyde burst through the door, his face red, his mouth going ninety-to-nothing. “We were lucky. The avalanche only covered a stretch of two hundred yards or so. Between the three of us with plows, we cleared that out quick.” He glanced at the clock behind the old bar and slapped his hands together. “It’s Christmas Eve. See you all at the carol sing.”
* * *
At home, Alec pulled a new shirt over his thermal tee, still pondering Becca’s apology. Her earlier abrupt dismissal had shocked him. He realized now that he should have followed his instincts from the first day. He hadn’t wanted to betray her brother’s confidence in him, but he’d also been a coward, refusing to face up to his own feelings.
At least now, he could share those with Becca and let the chips fall where they would.
The cup of coffee Tula had handed him started the job of warming him. A hot shower finished thawing him out. He could use some food, but the potluck supper would have plenty of good eats. He laced his boots, grabbed his down vest and pocketed what he needed from his toolbox before taking the lasagna from his refrigerator. After dropping off his contribution at the community center where supper would be served, he drove on to the Clan MacDonald inn, his gut doing a skittish dance.
Trixie barked inside as soon as Alec stepped onto the front porch. Becca opened the door, and the lights around the decorated entrance glowed in her blond hair. His breath stalled. Her cheeks glowed rosy enough to match the bulky red sweater she wore over a red turtleneck. She looked lovelier than ever, but she stared at him as if seeing him for the first time. “Yeah, it’s me,” he said. “Alec.”
“Alec.” She smiled. “You look nice.”
Alec patted Trixie and Brandy and then lifted his arms to show off his elbows. “Look, Ma, no holes.”
She laughed, and his own mouth curved in response. He helped her into his shearling jacket, inhaling the heady scent of her perfume. She reached up to trap his hand. “I hope you don’t mind if I keep wearing your jacket.”
A thrill zinged through him that she wanted to, but he hid his reaction with a simple nod. “Not a problem.”
“I’ve already got the candles.” She handed him one and stuffed the other into a pocket.
“Thanks. Buying the candles totally slipped my mind.”
“I can imagine how that could have happened. I want to show you something.” She led him and the dogs into the kitchen.
“Trixie, go to your bed.” Becca pointed to a pillow swaddled in dry towels in the corner. Her puppy slunk over and curled up, lifting hopeful, dark eyes. Becca pointed. “Stay.”
“Look at that, she’s obeying.” Alec accompanied Becca through the den.
“I’m still planning to enroll her in obedience rehab.” She locked the front door, and at the bottom of the steps, he steered her toward the sidewalk. She glanced at his truck. “We’re walking?”
“There won’t be any place to park at the gazebo, and I’m frankly not interested in sitting in my truck any longer. It still smells like wet dog.” He took her hand.
“You said it, not me.”
He laughed and swung their mittened hands. They joined their neighbors headed to the park, all of them bundled against the cold. They turned onto the main commercial street with gift shops and an old-timey general store, all open for Christmas Eve and aglow with lights. Alec steered her away from a couple exiting a shop. “What happened after I left to look for Trixie? Did you get your father and brother straightened out?”
She nodded. “I worked with my assistant on some reports that should solidify the chain’s credibility. It turned out to be easier than either of us thought. But then after you got lost, I worried we’d need a helicopter to find you.”
Was that so? Alec shook his head. “I did not get lost. I knew where I was.”
“But you said you had to put on snowshoes to get to Trixie. That means you had to leave the road. You could have fallen in so deep you couldn’t get out. Like I did.” She peered at him, her frown dissolving into a smile. “I’m glad you weren’t lost, of course.”
He needed to know more. “Is that because I’m human or because you have another problem?”
“I don’t have any ulterior motives. I just…” She shrugged. In the light from the shops, he couldn’t miss the uncertainty on her pretty face, which gave him hope.
“When I was driving down here, Rob called and mentioned I’d probably run into you. At that time, I only remembered how much I used to dislike you.”
“Oh yeah.” He swung their clasped hands. “I definitely got that impression.”
“You were always quick on the uptake, but I have to tell you something.” She stopped walking, reaching up to rub the old scar on her cheek. “When I arrived in Angels Glen, my costly misjudgment with my assistant made me second guess everything, especially any relationship. But when I made those stupid mistakes with the chimney and the tree, you wouldn’t let me feel guilty. You helped me get back to believing in myself.”
“Glad to help.” Alec’s hope strengthened that Becca could come to see him simply as a man—a man capable of love.
“I’d like to continue to see you.” She lifted her brows, uncertainty in her blue eyes. “If you want.”
The chill lingering deep inside him since he’d left to find Trixie seeped away. In its place, a sweet fire glowed. “Even though I live in Angels Glen and work as a fly-fishing guide?”
“There are advantages to life here. It’s quiet and quaint, a refuge from the hectic city, and not too far for me to visit regularly. You do come up to the Bay Area sometimes, though. Right?”
“I do.” He tugged her around the corner and onto the quiet street leading to the bridge.
“Aren’t we going to the carol singing?” She looked back at the people on the main street.
“Yup, but I want to show you something first.” He squeezed her hand. “Trust me?”
* * *
“Sure,” Becca said, shocked at how easy the word came out now when only a few days ago she’s been determined not to ever count on another handsome rogue. Alec was much more than a pretty face or a man who knew how to be charming. Deep inside, trusting Alec felt exactly right. And maybe she’d always known that.
“When you came to town, I was basically hibernating.” He guided her along, matching her pace. “Going through the motions, occasionally fixing software glitches for my old company, helping my sister.”
“And everyone’s plumbing problems.”
“Only if they asked sweetly.” Alec’s gaze caught hers. “Since I had to crawl under the house to look at yours, I should have first demanded a kiss.”
“You mean another one?” she asked.
“Yeah.” He flashed a cocky grin and stepped aside to let a couple climbing uphill pass. “I was a Scrooge, you know.”
“You couldn’t understand why I wanted a tree.”
He tucked a lock of her hair back from her cheek. “I was remembering my own Christmases and the difficulties I had with my father. Your excitement made me see the holiday differently, and I’m determined to put away those old resentments.”
“Does that mean you’re as excited about the carol sing as I am?”
“We’re here, aren’t we?” He pulled off his gloves.
The sound of the river tumbling furiously over its rocky bed grew louder. “Looks to me like we’re heading to the old bridge instead.”
“Just for a short side trip.” Alec stepped onto the span and pulled a padlock from his pocket.
“What are you doing?” she asked, though the sparklers going off inside her knew all about the bridge tradition.
Alec smiled. “I got the impression you like me now.”
“I do, but—” She rubbed a finger over a shiny lock hanging from the bridge beside her. Had the happy couple they’d passed attached this one minutes ago?
Alec handed her the padlock. “I think I’m falling for you, Rebecca MacDonald.”
“I’ve been doing some of that, too, and I think we should make things official.” She fastened the bolt through the chain, snapped the padlock together, and threw the key into the water rushing beneath them.
Alec pulled her close. “I want to be with you, Becca. Every day, if possible.”
“Same.” She slid her hands up his shoulders and pressed her mouth to his. When she would have retreated, he wouldn’t let go and deepened the kiss. Finally, he released her. “You do have a helicopter on speed dial if you have the urge to come visit me.”
“Right.” He laughed and pecked her cheek. “Come on, let’s go sing.”
Back on the main drag with the hurrying crowd, Tula sidled up beside them. “This is like old times. Remember how we used to sled on the streets on Christmas Eve?”
“It’s better than old times,” Becca said.
“Oh, really?”
Alec squeezed Becca’s hand tighter. “Yes.”
“About time,” Tula said.
“Actually, it’s probably perfect timing,” Becca answered. Being snowed in together had given her time to figure out her true feelings and the confidence to trust them.
The sight of the lighted tree in the gazebo drew a gasp from Becca. Excitement fizzed along her nerves. The carol sing in Angels Glen tonight would be a new experience, but Christmas, no matter where she celebrated, always filled her with hope. And she had lots to hope for tonight.
They slipped into the back of the crowd next to her neighbors, Frank Thompson and his wife. “I’m so glad to meet you.” Mrs. Thompson clasped Becca’s hand in hers. “You must come by the house tomorrow. We’ll have eggnog and cookies all day.”
“That sounds wonderful.” Becca smiled. “Thank you.”
Everyone she’d met had immediately included her as if she were the lost prodigal daughter, which maybe she was.
“Who needs a carol song sheet?” Mrs. Nettles’s voice boomed out over the sounds of shuffling and whispering.
“I’ll get us one.” Alec disappeared toward the front.
Tula peered around the Thompsons at her and scuttled over. “I saw you two come out of Bridge Street. Does that mean what I think it means?”
Naturally, Tula hadn’t missed that. “Alec added a lock for us.”
“No way. For real?” Tula bounced on her toes.
“Yeah, your matchmaking paid off.”
“I had nothing to do with me, Becca. It’s fate. Everyone knew you two would get together—as soon as you came to your senses. I’ll see you at the supper later.” Tula dashed back to stand between her dad and boyfriend.
Alec reappeared and exchanged the song sheet for the drip shield she’d forgotten to give him. He tipped his candle’s wick toward Mrs. Thompson’s burning taper.
Becca lit hers off his. “This is the best Christmas Eve ever, Alec. Thank you for making me realize I needed to stay.”
The gentleman in front of her turned. “Shh. We’re starting.”
Mrs. Nettles walked up the steps to the decorated tree. “First will be ‘Silent Night.’ On a count of three. One. Two—”
“Silent night,” twenty or so voices sang on cue. Immediately, many more joined in: “Holy night.”
Becca leaned against Alec’s strong shoulder, lifting her face to the clear, star-spangled night above Angels Glen. “All is calm. All is bright.”
* * *
THANK YOU
for reading Becca and Alec’s Christmas story.
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Be sure to look for Delsora Lowe’s Holiday Hitchhiker and Luanna Stewart’s If You Believe in Love, other romances in the trilogy Christmas in Angels Glen.