John stood on a ladder, staring at a section of rotting wood. After three hours of pulling off the drywall in the living areas, they’d found more than the timber frames.
Shelley sighed. “That doesn’t look good.”
“It’s not as bad as it might have been.” John used the end of the pry bar to poke the wood above the worst area. “The wood’s still wet.”
“Is the black mold dangerous?”
“It can be. It would pay to leave your mask on.”
Shelley studied the rest of the wooden beam. “It doesn’t look as though there’s any other water damage.”
“Not in the living room, but don’t be surprised if we find something in the kitchen and bathroom. Old houses hide all kinds of secrets.” John climbed down the ladder and looked at the rest of the exposed timber framing. “This wall is coming out, so it’s not as big an issue as it could have been. But the water pipes and wiring are ancient.”
“Patrick and his team are replacing everything. We thought it would be a good idea considering we’re removing all the drywall.” Shelley pulled out her cell phone and took a photo of the wet timber. “I’ll send him a photo.”
John moved the ladder from the center of the room. Even though the exposed frames were still in place, removing the drywall gave them a better idea of what the open-plan living area would look like. “This will be a great living space.”
Shelley’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “It will be perfect. Do you want to look at the kitchen design?”
“You’ve organized an entire kitchen? How long have you been working on the plans?”
“Since the day I bought the houses.” Shelley opened a folder that was leaning against the fireplace. “The architect had a late cancelation, so she squeezed in my plans before Christmas. What do you think?”
With the new kitchen design in his hand, he stood in the area where it would be built. Opening the living area into one open-plan space created room for a large island. Behind that, a series of cabinets would give Shelley twice as much storage and a more practical layout.
“These are the cupboards and counter I’m having.” Shelley found a photo on her phone and showed John.
He was impressed. Patrick and his team would tear out the yellow and cream cabinets and replace them with glossy white cupboards and a large walk-in pantry. The red Formica counter would disappear and, in its place, a white and gray stone counter would tie the whole look together.
“I knew the houses had a lot of potential. But it wasn’t until I spoke to the architect that I realized how much I could do with the space.”
“Are you using the same design and materials for the other house?”
Shelley nodded. “We’ll get a better price if we buy things for both houses. The plans are identical, so it made sense to keep the remodel consistent.” Her gaze traveled to the far side of the room. “A dumpster is being delivered tomorrow morning. I’ll finish work early and load all the old drywall into it.”
John didn’t want to think about how much time it would take. “I’ll look at my diary and see if I can finish work a little earlier, too.”
“You don’t have to do that. Bailey said she’d give me a hand and Caleb and Steven are happy to help as long as I provide the pizza.”
“Are you saying that because you know how busy I am or because you don’t want me to help?”
Shelley took off her mask. “The official opening of three more tiny homes is happening soon. The Welcome Center’s food parcels are flying out the door, and Bailey said you’re having trouble accommodating everyone who needs somewhere to stay. I don’t want to add another job to your list.”
John looked into Shelley’s worried brown eyes. “I appreciate you looking after me, but I can help.”
Shelley started to say something, then stopped.
“It’s okay. You can tell me whatever’s on your mind.”
“I’m not sure I can.”
John frowned. “Why?”
“Because you might not like what I was going to say.”
It couldn’t be any worse than what he’d said to Shelley yesterday. “Go ahead. I’ll listen with an open mind and won’t take it personally.”
Shelley smiled.
That one simple act made him feel like he was walking on air.
“I was going to say that you don’t have to help everyone. If you burn yourself out, or have an accident because you’re tired, you won’t be able to do anything. Bailey, Steven, and Caleb are more than happy to help me tomorrow. There’ll be plenty of other times when I’ll need your awesome muscles and funny jokes.”
John took off his mask. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”
A soft blush appeared on Shelley’s cheeks. “It wasn’t flattery. Your muscles are pretty awesome.”
“I think you’re pretty awesome, too.” He desperately wanted to kiss Shelley, to tell her she meant more to him than anyone else in the world. But he didn’t want to push his luck.
Shelley stepped closer. “You think I’m awesome even though I’ve got teeny-tiny muscles and I’m covered in plaster dust?”
John swallowed deeply. “You’ll have bigger muscles by the time you’ve finished the houses. And the dust is easily fixed. A hot shower and—”
Shelley brushed her mouth against his.
Suddenly, the room felt hot and heavy, as if all the air had been sucked into a giant vortex of desire. John pulled Shelley close, kissing her like his life depended on it.
He wanted her to be The One. His one. The woman he would love like there were no tomorrows. The woman who would make his life complete.
With a soft groan, Shelley pulled her mouth away and leaned her head against his shoulder. “Sorry. Your incredible mouth distracted me.”
John rested his head against Shelley’s and smiled. “I like it when you’re distracted.”
Shelley looked through The Welcome Center’s kitchen window. “Look at all the people.”
Mabel peered over her shoulder. “Each time we finish a tiny home, the crowd gets larger. Can you see John?”
There were so many people walking toward the tiny home village, that it was hard to tell where he was. “He must be on the other side of the houses.” Shelley stepped away from the window and looked around the kitchen. “Are the baskets of muffins ready? I could take them to the houses.”
“That would be great.” Mabel took half a dozen muffins off a cooling rack and placed them inside the last basket. “Here you go. When you’re inside each house, make sure someone has dropped off the linens. With all the people coming and going, it’s easy to forget the basics.”
John walked into the kitchen and Shelley smiled. For someone who had been organizing the last-minute additions to the tiny homes, he looked remarkably calm. “How’s everything going?”
“We had a slight issue with one of the bunk beds, but Patrick got that sorted. I was just coming to get the muffins, but you beat me to it.”
“You could take one of the baskets, if you like. When does the official handover start?”
John checked his watch. “In fifteen minutes.”
Mabel shooed them out of the kitchen. “You’d better get a move on. No one wants to be outside in the cold for longer than they have to.”
John picked up the third basket and walked out of the kitchen with Shelley. “I’m glad you’re here for the opening ceremony.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because it feels incredible to see the happiness and gratitude on the faces of the people who are moving into the tiny homes. We’re witnessing something that’s life-changing for them.”
“What will you do when the village is completely finished?”
“Hopefully, by that stage, we’ll have secured the funding for the wraparound services we want to provide. Setting up the budgeting and counseling programs will take time. After that, I’m not sure what we’ll do.”
Shelley smiled. “I’m sure you’ll think of another equally incredible project.”
John laughed. “Maybe in a couple of years. Santa’s Secret Helpers and the fundraising committee will keep me busy for the next twelve months.”
“Did I tell you about Bailey’s latest idea?”
John groaned. “No. Can you tell me after the opening ceremony? I’m not sure I can handle her overactive imagination this early in the morning.”
“Okay. But it’s a great idea.”
“I’m sure it is.”
Just as they were about to leave The Welcome Center, Andy and Charlie rushed toward them.
“Pastor John!” Andy said excitedly. “Mom’s coming home for Christmas.”
“And she’s staying forever,” Charlie added. “And Mr. Jessop said we can all stay with him ’cos the center has lots of people who want to stay here.”
John knelt on the floor in front of the boys. “That’s wonderful. Your mom must be just as excited as you are.”
Andy nodded. “This will be the best Christmas ever.”
Gordon Jessop joined them in the foyer. “Good morning. It looks like the boys have told you their news.”
John smiled. “They have. They’re looking forward to staying with you.”
Gordon ruffled the boys’ hair. “I think Tabby has a lot to do with that. She misses the boys when they aren’t there.”
Shelley had a feeling that Mr. Jessop’s cat wasn’t the only one who missed them when they weren’t there. Mabel had said Gordon was a different person since the boys had been staying with him.
“We’d better get you to school,” Gordon said to the boys. “We’ve been here for longer than I thought we would.”
Andy held a bouquet of fresh herbs in his hand. “We made these for our teachers for Christmas.”
“And they smell real sweet,” Charlie said. “Do you want to sniff?”
Shelley lowered her head and smelled the herbs. “They smell delicious. Your teachers will love them.”
“That’s what we thought, too.” Charlie held Mr. Jessop’s hand. “Can we go now?”
“Lead the way, little man,” Gordon said. “I’ll be back in half an hour,” he said to John.
“That sounds great. Remember to join us for a cup of coffee in The Welcome Center. The opening ceremony should be finished by then.”
Shelley smiled as Mr. Jessop and the boys hurried outside. “You already knew about Andrea, didn’t you?”
John held open the door. “Andrea called me last night. Her doctor and counselor are happy for her to be treated as an outpatient. She’s arriving on Christmas Eve. Gordon spoke to me a few days ago about everyone staying at his house.”
“That was kind of him.”
“He has a good heart.”
Gordon wasn’t the only one with a good heart. John was keeping a careful eye on the boys. And that love and attention was making all the difference. Even though their mom wasn’t here, they were more confident than they’d been when they arrived. More settled in the town that was their home.
Shelley stepped outside and shivered. Mabel was right. It was freezing out here. But that didn’t stop the people who were helping to move the three new families into the village. Cushions, blankets, and small tables were being lifted into place, ready for the new tenants to enjoy.
“How long have these families been on the wait-list for a home?”
“More than a year.” When John saw the surprise on her face he nodded. “I know. It’s a long time.”
“Where have they been living?”
“Two of the families stayed with friends. The third family was boarding with someone from Sapphire Bay.”
Shelley knew how difficult it was to find somewhere to live. She was just grateful that Bailey was happy to share her house.
After they’d placed the muffins in each house, John checked his watch again. “We’d better start the opening ceremony.”
John spoke to the person in charge of the sound system. As soon as he announced the opening ceremony was about to start, everyone stopped what they were doing and gathered around the three houses.
When John stood in the center of the yard, a hushed silence fell across the tiny home village.
“It’s wonderful to be here today to celebrate the opening of the next three tiny homes. I’d like to thank everyone who volunteered their time and skills to build the houses. I’m always blown away by your enthusiasm and hard work. To the businesses who donated supplies—thank you. Your generosity is much appreciated. And for the families who have waited patiently for the opportunity to live in these homes, God bless. This is a new beginning for you and we hope you enjoy being part of the tiny home village family. So, without further ado, I’d like to officially open the next three tiny homes. Can the families step forward to receive their keys?”
The people who were already residents of the village formed a guard of honor. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder, they welcomed each family as they walked toward John and their homes. Everyone clapped and cheered when they received their keys.
Seeing the excitement and anticipation on the faces of the families brought tears to Shelley’s eyes.
She sighed when a little girl rushed up to John and raised her arms, wanting to be picked up. With a smile that would have melted most people’s hearts, John gathered the little girl close and turned toward a man and a woman who were a few feet away.
Bailey tapped her on the shoulder.
“What are you doing here?” Shelley asked her sister.
“I’ve just finished a counseling session at The Welcome Center.” She nodded toward John. “If you’re even remotely interested in having a long and happy life with John, I’d snap him up fast. There aren’t that many handsome, eligible men in Sapphire Bay.”
“You don’t snap someone up just because there’s a man shortage.”
“Why not?”
“Because,” Shelley reasoned, “this is the twenty-first century, not the middle ages. If you’re really concerned about the number of single men in Sapphire Bay, organize a barn dance or some kind of social event. I’m sure you’ll get a lot of people wanting to come. You could run it as a fundraiser.”
“That’s not a bad idea. Make sure you write it down and tell John.”
“Why am I getting the job of telling John the ideas?”
Bailey groaned. “It’s obvious, isn’t it? John is happy to listen to anyone, but especially you. He thinks you’re amazing.”
John chose that moment to look at them.
When his gaze rested on Shelley, the warmth in his eyes made her toes curl. Whatever happened, she wouldn’t forget this moment. It was a new beginning for the three families who had moved into the tiny home village, and a new beginning for her.
Later that night, Shelley sat in front of John’s fireplace, snuggled against his side. After a busy day, they’d enjoyed a quiet dinner together. With Christmas carols playing in the background and the lights on the tree glowing, she was more content than she’d been in a long time.
“Did I tell you that Patrick and his team will start remodeling my houses in mid-January?”
“That’s good. Are you planning any more demolition days?”
“Patrick’s happy for me to take the drywall off the living areas in the second house, but he doesn’t want me to touch anything else unless he’s there. He’s worried I’ll fall off the ladder or pull something out of the wall that I shouldn’t.”
“Thank goodness for that.”
Shelley looked up at John. “Not you, too?”
“What do you mean?”
“I can help remodel my houses as well as anyone else. All I need is a little more guidance.”
“And a better ladder and safer extension cords.”
“I didn’t know you needed a circuit breaker thingy on them.”
John sighed. “The circuit breaker thingy will save your life if you cut through the cord. And if you’re using a power tool when a water pipe bursts, you could be electrocuted.”
Shelley didn’t want to think about her water pipes. What a nightmare. After she’d sent the photos of the rotten wood to Patrick, he’d inspected the houses more closely. Not only did the internal pipes have to be replaced, but all the connections to the street needed a complete overhaul. They were still in the demolition phase, and her contingency fund was already in danger of going into overdraft.
The sparkly chandelier she’d seen in a store in Billings might have to stay there.
John rubbed her shoulder. “When do your mom and dad arrive?”
“In three days. Dad wanted to leave early on Christmas Eve to miss some of the other traffic on the road. Mom’s bringing everything she needs for Christmas lunch, including an enormous turkey. What about your family? What are they doing?”
“The same as your family, except we’re having a big dinner on Christmas Eve. Mom and Dad are already in Los Angeles and my sisters will be there by seven o’clock tonight.”
Tomorrow morning, John was driving to Kalispell, then catching a flight to Los Angeles. He was spending a few days with his family, before flying back to Montana.
“I’ll miss you while you’re away.”
John kissed the top of her head. “I’ll miss you too, but I won’t be gone for long.”
“What will the church do without you?”
“A pastor from Great Falls is visiting friends for the holidays. He’ll take the Christmas Day service and cover anything else that needs to be done. The volunteers at The Welcome Center have organized a big Christmas lunch for everyone at the tiny home village, and Gordon, Andrea, and the boys are helping them.”
Shelley sighed. “It sounds like everyone will have a lovely Christmas.”
John lifted his arm from around her shoulders and stood up. “Talking about Christmas… I’ve got something for you.”
“I thought you said no Christmas presents.”
“I lied.” Reaching under the Christmas tree, John pulled out a rectangular present. “I saw this and thought of you.”
Shelley jumped off the sofa and opened her backpack. “I have something for you, too.”
John’s eyebrows rose.
“What can I say? I’m a rule breaker, too.”
John took the present and laughed. “That must make us perfect for each other. Open yours first.”
Shelley sat on the sofa. “I’m impressed with your wrapping technique. You even added a bow.”
“I aim to please.” John sat beside her.
She opened the present and frowned. “A recipe book? Are you trying to tell me something?”
John grinned. “It’s time you learned how to cook more than cookies, muffins, and your mom’s favorite pasta dish. After Christmas, my gift to you is twenty cooking lessons.”
Shelley wasn’t sure that would be enough. “I think you’re overestimating my ability in the kitchen. I might need more lessons.”
“I’m a good teacher. If I can show teenagers who have never boiled eggs how to make coq au vin, I can teach you.”
“Okay. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Shelley looked at John’s present. “Your turn.”
He squeezed the slightly less well-wrapped present and grinned. “It’s squishy.”
Shelley sat forward. “I’m glad I didn’t make you any of my world-famous muffins.”
“They wouldn’t be quite so world-famous now,” John said with a grin. He opened one end of the present and peeked inside the paper. “A T-shirt?”
“Not just any T-shirt. The lady in the store said it’s guaranteed to make you run faster. I thought it might come in handy when you’re training for your half marathon.”
John pulled out the T-shirt and smiled at the quote on the front. “Mind Over Miles. I like it.”
Shelley reached into her backpack. “I bought these for you, too.”
John opened the Christmas bag and sighed. “Sometimes you’re so practical it’s scary.”
Shelley took that as a compliment. “Every runner needs anti-chafe balm, magnesium bath flakes, and anti-blister running socks.”
“Of course, they do. It’s a wonderful present.”
“I’m glad you like it. How’s the training going?”
“It will be better when I’m wearing my T-shirt and socks.”
Shelley frowned. “Does that mean it hasn’t been going well?”
“It’s hard to focus when it’s snowing outside and all Caleb wants to talk about is babies.” John held the T-shirt against his chest. “What do you think?”
“Amazing.” And she meant it. In more ways than one.
John leaned forward and kissed her. “Thank you. I’ll think of you when I’m running and tending to my chafing.”
Shelley laughed. “That’s more information than I need to know.”
John brushed a lock of hair off her face. “That’s good, because talking can be overrated.”
And he kissed Shelley so sweetly, that talking was the last thing on her mind, too.
Four days later, Shelley looked through the windshield as Bailey drove them to Sam and Caleb’s house. Christmas Day had always been special in the Jones household, and this year was no exception.
With a baby on the way and a wedding in seven weeks, their mom was so excited it was a wonder she could sleep at night.
Shelley thought about the last month and how her life had changed.
When she’d offered to help with The Santa Express train ride, she had no idea what would happen. At first, she thought John was crazy. Taking a train full of children around Flathead Lake in the middle of the winter was asking for trouble. But, with some careful planning and lots of volunteers, they’d done it.
Not only had they given the children and their parents a magical evening, they’d raised enough money to build another tiny home for a family desperately needing accommodation.
It felt good knowing she was making a difference. Before she moved to Sapphire Bay, none of her projects had ever given her the same rush of pride; the same excitement that came with changing people’s lives.
Bailey glanced across at Shelley. “What are you thinking about?”
“John. The fundraising we’re doing for the tiny home village. And how sometimes your life doesn’t turn out the way you thought it would.”
“That’s an impressive list for nine o’clock in the morning.”
Shelley sighed. “I’ve been thinking about them for a while.”
“A lot has happened since you arrived in Sapphire Bay.”
“Tell me about it. I thought I was coming to a sleepy little town.”
“I wondered why you didn’t move here sooner.”
Shelley stared at the passing scenery. “Do you ever get the feeling that your entire life has been leading up to this moment?”
Bailey smiled. “If you’d told me you were this excited about driving to Caleb and Sam’s house, we could have left sooner.”
“You know what I mean.”
“I do. I felt the same way after I moved here. I loved working in the Mayo Clinic. I had a corner office overlooking the parking lot. The coffee machine was only ten steps away from my office door, and I shared a personal assistant with a psychiatrist. I thought my life was perfect. Then I moved here and met Steven and Mila and, after that, none of those other things mattered.”
“Do you worry about not earning as much money as you used to?”
Bailey shook her head. “Not anymore. I have a confession, though. I tell my patients not to value themselves by the amount of money they earn. But, subconsciously, I did exactly that. To me, success meant living in a big apartment and eating nice meals at fancy restaurants. Now I think I’ve had a great day when my patients go home with a smile and Mr. Jessop leaves a basket of fresh vegetables on my desk. And you know what? I much prefer Mr. Jessop’s vegetables to a five-star meal in a restaurant.”
“Is there anything you miss about your old life?”
Bailey was silent for a moment. “My hairdresser. I’ve never found anyone who can cut hair as well as she could.”
Shelley’s eyebrows rose. “That’s it?”
“That’s it. Although it would be nice to earn a little more money to help pay for Steven’s house to be remodeled. What do you miss?”
Shelley thought about the things she used to enjoy about contract work. But now, it just seemed like a lonely life.
“It’s taking a long time,” Bailey said. “Just tell me one thing.”
“The money. But you’re right. Living in Sapphire Bay is so much cheaper than anywhere else.”
“Apart from when you want to buy a house,” Bailey said. “I still can’t believe you’re remodeling two houses. You used to go crazy if you chipped your nail polish.”
Shelley held up her short, unpolished nails and smiled. “I’ve really hit rock bottom, but I couldn’t be happier.”
Bailey turned right into Sam and Caleb’s driveway. “Keep those happy thoughts buzzing. I didn’t tell you that Aunt Maria, Aunt Rosa, and Uncle Jackson are here for Christmas, too.”
Shelley sighed. “You know what that means, don’t you?”
Bailey nodded. “Lots of advice and lots of food. I wonder if we could conjure up a small emergency at The Welcome Center?”
“We won’t need to,” Shelley told her sister. “If anyone asks a question you don’t want to answer, just talk about Caleb and Sam’s baby. That will keep Mom and her sisters happy for hours.”
“I like the way your mind works. You should have been a family therapist instead of an accountant.”
Shelley shook her head. “I couldn’t have done it. Working with numbers is much easier than helping people.”
“You’re underestimating yourself,” Bailey said as she parked outside Sam and Caleb’s garage. “You help a lot of people every day at The Welcome Center.”
Shelley smiled. She did. And what was even better, she enjoyed it.
From the moment Shelley and Bailey walked through the front door, there was a constant supply of hugs, laughter, and food.
When the conversation turned to Shelley’s life, her strategy of talking about Sam and Caleb’s baby worked for the first hour. But, after that, no one was fooled.
Her aunts asked all kinds of questions about John. She told them as much as she could about him and his family. She’d even tried side-tracking them with random questions of her own. But nothing worked.
Her sisters made an effort to talk about something else. Although Shelley suspected that they didn’t want their mom and aunts delving too deeply into their lives, either.
After Mila and Steven arrived, their conversation returned to safer subjects—if you counted Mila’s Christmas wish of having a baby brother or sister, safe.
At three o’clock, Bailey, Steven, and Mila drove into town to see some friends. Everyone else sat around the living room, reminiscing about previous Christmases when all of Rosa and Maria’s children had been with them, too.
“I have a wonderful idea,” Shelley’s mom said. “Sam told me about the Christmas tree at the end of Main Street. We should have a look at it.”
Shelley looked through the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Flathead Lake. “I don’t know, Mom. The weather doesn’t look that great.”
“Nonsense,” Elena exclaimed. “Ted will drive us into town and Caleb can bring Sam.”
“Why don’t we leave it until tomorrow? After we’ve seen the tree, I could take you to the tiny home village. It’s changed a lot since you last saw it.”
Shelley’s dad stood and stretched. “I vote for seeing the tree today. It will be nice to get some fresh air, even if it is cold.”
Aunt Rosa smiled at Shelley. “We could go for a walk around the lake if the snow stays away. I had a little too much dessert.”
Shelley looked at her sister and brother-in-law. It didn’t look as though they were too worried about going into town, either. “Okay. If everyone wants to go into town, that’s fine by me. But make sure you bring a good jacket. At this time of the afternoon, the wind can be bitter.”
Surprisingly, everyone grabbed their jackets and were standing beside their vehicles in record time. Her family must be more desperate than Shelley thought to get out of the house.
“We have Christmas music,” Elena said proudly. “It will help set the mood.”
Ted opened the passenger door of the SUV and waved his wife inside. “As long as you don’t play your favorite song more than twice, I’m happy.”
After everyone else had climbed into the vehicle, Ted said, “Your mom played Michael Bublé’s ‘White Christmas’ at least forty times on the way here.”
Shelley smiled. “Don’t worry, Dad. If I hear the opening notes, I’ll ask you to forward the playlist to the next song.”
Her dad hugged her. “That’s my girl.”
“Don’t get too excited. What if Mom doesn’t want to skip to the next song?”
“Then we’ll have to be creative,” he whispered. “The speakers might suddenly lose power.”
“Sneaky,” Shelley whispered.
“I’ve learned a thing or two after forty years of marriage.” He held open the car door and winked at Shelley. “Let’s go and see a Christmas tree.”
John glanced at his watch for the tenth time. “They’re late.” Early this morning, he’d left Los Angeles and flown back to Montana to surprise Shelley. Apart from Steven and Bailey, the only other people who knew he was here were Shelley’s parents.
Steven peered at the trucks driving up and down Main Street. “They won’t be long. Elena will make sure Shelley gets here.”
John hoped so. “Do you think I should text Elena to see where they are?”
“Give them ten more minutes. Ted might have underestimated the time it would take to get here.”
Pulling his ski cap lower, John shivered as the freezing air hit his face.
“Are you sure you don’t want a sign for the front of your jacket? Shelley might not recognize you.”
John rubbed the lower half of his face. For the last eight years, his beard had become more than an excuse not to shave. It was his mask, a new identity that helped him get through each day after he’d left the army.
When he used to look in a mirror, his beard reminded him that he wasn’t the naïve twenty-two-year-old who’d left Colorado to serve his country. He’d seen too much to ever be that person again.
But today, everything was different.
Last night, he told his family he was shaving off his beard. They knew the significance of what he was about to do and, God bless them, they’d supported him each step of the way.
If someone had watched what had happened in his parents’ bathroom, they might have thought they were crazy. With half his family squashed into the bathroom, and the other half in the hallway, he’d shaved off his beard, cried for what it had represented, and laughed at his dad’s awful jokes.
Afterward, his mom kept hugging him and his sisters looked sideways at him, puzzling over the different person sitting in the living room.
Steven nudged him. “Are you listening?”
He looked blankly at his friend. “Sorry. I was hundreds of miles away.”
“I could tell. You’d better come back to earth in a hurry. Shelley and her family have arrived.”
And just like that, John’s heart pounded, and he felt like he was going to be sick.
Shelley was the first person to climb out of her dad’s SUV. She wasn’t wrong about the weather. A cold wind was blowing directly off the lake, freezing everything in its icy grip.
“There’s a reason no one else is looking at the tree,” she told her family as another gust of wind had her reaching for her hat. “It’s too cold.”
“Plenty of vehicles are driving past, though,” Aunt Rosa said. “And I can see why. What a magnificent Christmas tree.”
Ted let out a low whistle. “How on earth did you get the tree inside a barn? It’s enormous.”
Shelley’s gaze lifted to the top of the tree. “It wasn’t easy. After a special hoist lifted it off the trailer, eight people carried it inside. It took nearly an hour to make sure it wouldn’t fall over.” She thought the tree would look smaller beside the lake but it didn’t. Whether it was the platform at its base, or the extra light at the top, everything about the tree was supersized and gorgeous.
Sam and Caleb joined them at the end of the street.
Shelley looked at Sam and frowned. “Should you be outside? It’s freezing.”
Sam sighed. “Not you, too. I’ve just had half an hour of Caleb saying the same thing. I’ll be fine.”
Uncle Jackson stood beside Sam. “Don’t worry. As long as Sam stays between Caleb and me, she won’t slip or slide anywhere.”
Aunt Rosa smiled. “You are a good man, Jackson.”
“I try, Rosa.”
With Sam being looked after, Shelley turned to the rest of her family. “Do you want to cross the street and have a closer look or are you happy to stand here for a few minutes?”
Elena pulled her jacket close and smiled. “I would like everyone to stand in front of the tree and take a family photo.”
Shelley’s eyebrows rose. “It’s almost pitch-black and snowing, Mom. I don’t think your cell phone camera will give you a very good photo.”
“We will do our best.” And without waiting for the rest of her family, Elena looked both ways before striding across the street.
Ted wrapped his hand around Shelley and Aunt Maria’s elbows. “It looks as though we’re following Elena.”
Reluctantly, Shelley went with her dad. This was the craziest thing they’d ever done. If they weren’t careful, someone would come down with a serious case of frostbite.
The only other person mad enough to be outside was a man standing on the far side of the tree. Shelley’s gaze skimmed over him before returning to her dad. “The Business Association used their own decorations. The decorations we had were a lot smaller.”
The red and gold baubles on the tree were the size of bowling balls. Shelley stepped closer, trying to figure out how they’d tied them to the branches. It was bad enough attaching the smaller decorations. These would be even more difficult if you took into consideration the wind, snow, and rain they’d have to withstand.
“Excuse me?”
Shelley glanced over her shoulder, smiled, then moved away from the man she’d seen earlier. He must have dropped something on the ground or left something behind.
“Shelley?”
She frowned. His voice sounded remarkably like…
She turned and stared. “John?”
“I think so, although it’s so cold that my brain feels as though it’s frozen.”
Her mouth dropped open. “You look…different.” With his ski cap pulled low and his beard completely gone, she hardly recognized him. “What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be in Los Angeles with your family.”
“I wanted to spend some of Christmas Day with you.” He pulled off his cap. “Better?”
She nodded and touched his face. Without his beard, John’s eyes looked twice as large and twice as blue. His jaw was more chiseled. And his lips. Shelley’s breath caught. He had a mouth that was made for kissing and whispering sweet nothings to her over bags of chocolate fudge.
“Look at your eyelashes,” she said with a sigh. “I never realized they were so long.”
“I guess they’re more noticeable now that I don’t have a lot of facial hair.”
Shelley dropped her hand to her side. He must think the cold air had gone to her brain as well. “Why did you shave off your beard?”
John pulled his hat back on and moved closer. “I don’t need to hide behind it anymore. I feel different, but the same. And…” He ran his hand around the back of his neck. “I’m not making much sense, am I?”
“I kind of understand. You’re like a butterfly who’s come out of his cocoon. You’ve changed on the inside and outside, but you’re still the same amazing John McDonald that I met outside The Welcome Center.”
His eyes looked less worried. “Keep talking.”
Shelley bit her bottom lip. “Can I do something else?”
John cleared his throat and looked over her shoulder. “Your family’s pretending they’re not looking at us. Whatever you want to do will have to be parent friendly.”
“This is definitely parent friendly,” she whispered as she pulled John close. Standing on tiptoes, she rubbed her cheek along his jaw. “Your skin is so soft.”
John’s gentle sigh stirred memories of the times they’d spent together, the times when neither of them felt like the person they used to be.
She placed little kisses along his skin and inhaled the subtle scent of his aftershave. “You smell incredible.”
“You can thank Dad for that. I borrowed some of his aftershave.”
While she was lost in the feel and smell of John, he’d pulled her close. Not wanting to waste a wonderful opportunity, she snuggled into his chest, wrapped her arms around his waist, and held onto the man who’d changed her life.
“Umm…Shelley?”
“Mmm?”
“Your family look like frozen Popsicles.”
She stepped back and looked over her shoulder. “Why are they waiting over there?” Suddenly, everything made sense. “They’re so lovely. They knew you were coming home for Christmas and wanted it to be a surprise. That’s so sweet. We should—”
“If you’re going to say, go and see them, we can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because I haven’t said what I want to say.”
Shelley frowned. “It’s because I’ve spent too long admiring your handsome face, isn’t it? Okay. I’ll focus on your eyes so that I’m not distracted. Tell me what you want to say, but be warned. If you’re breaking up with me, Dad, Caleb, and Uncle Jackson won’t be happy. Think Sicilian mafia, times three.”
“Your mom’s family is from Tivoli.”
“Sicily…Tivoli…they all have famous crime families.”
John pulled her into his arms and started laughing. “What am I going to do with you?”
Shelley smiled. “You could let me rub my face against yours? I like the feel of your skin touching mine.”
A blush washed across John’s cheeks. “You can touch my face as much as you like after we’re home. But, for now, I’ve got something to ask you.” He pulled a small box out of his pocket.
Shelley’s eyes widened. “If that’s a pair of earrings, you’d better tell me quick.”
“It’s not earrings.” John’s blue eyes shone with love, kindness, and all the things that were so good about him.
He opened the lid and Shelley gasped. Nestled on white satin was the prettiest diamond engagement ring she’d ever seen.
Slowly, John got down on one knee. With tears in his eyes, he said, “Shelley Jones, will you marry me?”
She took a deep breath. She loved John and knew he loved her, that he wanted to be part of her life. But she didn’t think he’d ask her to marry him. Not now. Not when they’d only known each other for a few weeks. “I don’t…I can’t…” Tears streamed down her face.
John looked worried. He stood and held her hands. “It’s okay. Take another deep breath.”
She tried, she really did. But each time she looked into John’s eyes, she cried.
He reached into his pocket and handed her a handkerchief.
“Thank you.”
“Do you feel better?”
Shelley took a shaky breath. “I do.”
His frown deepened. “If I asked you to marry me again, would you repeat those words?”
After she realized what John meant, she imagined being his wife. Of having a family and growing old together. It was everything she’d ever wanted and more.
John lowered his head until their foreheads were touching. “It’s okay if this is too soon. I can ask you to marry me again in six months, a year, or whenever you’re ready.”
Closing her eyes, Shelley felt the warmth of John’s body sheltering her from the weather, the intimacy and strength of the man who would always be the center of her world.
“Ask me again,” she whispered.
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
John sighed. “Shelley Jones. Will you marry me?”
“I will…I mean…I do.” She opened her eyes and smiled. “I love you.”
“I love you, too. I can’t imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else.”
She reached up and cradled John’s jaw in her hands. “Neither can I.”
When they kissed it was sweet and sexy and so addictive that Shelley kissed him again. With John by her side, there were no yesterdays and no todays, only a wonderful future to look forward to.
Claps and cheers rang out across the lake as her family hurried toward them.
Shelley sighed. With two engaged daughters and a baby on the way, she wouldn’t be surprised if her parents moved to Sapphire Bay.
She just hoped John knew what he was letting himself in for. Three Jones sisters were trouble, but their mom was even worse.
“How do you feel about a short engagement?” John whispered.
Shelley looked at him and smiled. “How short?”
“Three or four weeks?”
She wrapped her arms around him and smiled. “Now I know you’re the man of my dreams. That sounds perfect.”
THE END