9

 

The lights dimmed around the outer perimeter of the rink, and a hush fell across the crowd. The spectators, mostly family and close friends of family, all jammed into the bottom few rows of the stands closest to the center of the ice. Camera phones and video cameras pointed towards the arena.

Nerves exploded in Chaney’s belly and tingled along her arms, but her reaction wasn’t centered on her own performance. Today was the recital and afterwards the candlelight service at church. Then, Conner had invited them over to his house. What had possessed her to schedule a recital for Christmas Eve?

Crouching behind Annabelle, Chaney adjusted her niece’s ponytail. Satisfied, she turned Annabelle around with a gentle touch to her tiny shoulders. “You’re going to be awesome, sweetheart. Go out there and have fun with it.” She offered a reassuring smile, but Annabelle didn’t seem to need it.

“Let’s go, Justin.” Annabelle pivoted on her skates, hovering in front of the opening to the ice, her skate tapping out an impatient rhythm.

Little diva. Why was Chaney’s tummy all twittery? Annabelle had the right idea.

Maybe it had something to do with the handsome guy across from her, giving a similar pep talk to Justin, Annabelle’s four-year-old skating partner. Maybe? Who was she kidding? Definitely. No question.

Conner crouched, facing Chaney, his hands curled around Justin’s shoulders. As he whispered final instructions, Conner’s intense blue eyes honed in on the boy’s face.

Justin’s head bobbed up and down in agreement to whatever Conner said.

She never would have been able to prepare these kids properly without Conner’s help, but his being here was so much more than that, meant so much more to her. Working together, skating together. How could she ever go back to being their sole instructor when she enjoyed working side by side with him so much? It wouldn’t be the same.

“Ready?” Conner’s voice floated across the opening, jarring her back to the moment.

With arched brows, Chaney glanced at Annabelle for confirmation.

Annabelle’s only response was to dart out on the ice.

“I take that as a yes.” Conner chuckled, nudging Justin out after Annabelle.

Justin and Annabelle moved into position. The music cued, and the pair flowed into their routine.

Chaney stood up, her hands gripping the rail. An arm snaked around her shoulders, and she tore her gaze away from the pair on the ice to glance at Conner’s profile. Pride reflected from the soft lines fanning out from his eyes.

But it was more than pride. Something else…

She gave her head a little shake. She didn’t have time to examine it now. Not while her niece was performing her first recital. She cuddled close to his side, drawing strength from him, as the youngsters skated in harmony, only stumbling over one element.

Chaney barely breathed.

Finally, the music faded and the pair bowed.

Applause roared, and the entire mass in the stands bolted to their feet, cheering and whistling.

Conner’s arm lifted from her shoulders to clap, and then turned towards her, excitement beaming from his face.

Her hand covered her quivering mouth and tears welled up in her eyes. “They did it.”

He smiled, sweet and genuine. He held out his arms, and she fell right into his embrace, her tears dampening his shirt.

“Wow! They were fabulous!” Carole rushed over behind them, gripping two pink roses.

Chaney pulled away from Conner’s chest, running her hand against his sweater to blot out the moisture from her tears. He didn’t let her go, though, just snugged her tight against his side, his arm around her shoulders. Oh, that she could stay cradled next to his heart forever.

“You guys have worked wonders in such a short time.”

“God’s the miracle worker.” Conner’s head dipped sideways, his cobalt eyes gentle and sweet, before turning back to Carole. “But He definitely gifted Chaney with tremendous talent. Annabelle, too.”

“I did it, An Chaney!” Annabelle squealed and exited the ice, Justin right behind her.

Chaney spared a quick hug and congratulations to both children and nudged them towards Carole. It was time for the next two skaters.

They repeated the process five more times.

When the last fan emptied from the rink, Conner walked them to the door and pushed it open. A chilly Colorado wind swirled her hair against her cheek. She brushed it away.

“I’ll take the princess home. Maybe she can catch a short nap before the candlelight service,” Carole volunteered.

“No nap.” Annabelle whined, a frown puckering her face.

“Then again, maybe not. But we’ll give it a try, anyway,” Carole said, a firmness in her tone and lining her lips as she took Annabelle’s hand. Her face softened when she turned to Chaney. “No hurry.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Chaney felt heat rush up her neck. So much for her mother’s subtle matchmaking.

“You were awesome out there, sweetheart,” Conner said, and pressed a kiss to Annabelle’s head.

Her mother tugged Annabelle’s hand, and soon, was buckling the little girl into the car seat.

“That was an awfully big sigh. Glad it’s over?” Conner gripped her elbow, leading her across the parking lot towards her car.

No! No! No! Now that the recital was over, she probably wouldn’t be seeing as much of Conner. And nothing tied him to Evergreen Peak anymore.

“I couldn’t have done this without you, you know,” she said, ignoring his question, ignoring the sparks that tingled up and down her arm when he tugged her to a stop next to her car.

She dared a glance up, but that was a mistake because what she saw there just made her wish for more. For more days like this. For a future with him, and God willing, a sister or brother for Annabelle. For a forever.

Oh, God, he’s going to leave and break my heart again.