Love at Christmas Inn Collection 1 Read online

  "The caroling."

  Delight rippled through Ari. Though why she should be glad she and Taylor shared a memory, she didn't know. "You attended the tree trimmings?"

  "Of course. Christmas wasn't Christmas without our trip to the inn. There was always a ten-foot tree and a decoration for every child tall enough to reach.”

  "I loved the carolers in their Dickens costumes. Sometimes my aunt would play piano for them."

  "And the cookies. They were the best."

  Some of her happiness faded at the mention of cookies. “I’ve planned a tree-trimming party for this year. But the cookies might not be the best. We're having a bit of trouble with the cook. Paulina thinks he might be sneaking a nip or two."

  Taylor nodded. "Things haven't been the same since old Ned retired."

  Another wave of sweet surprise swept through Ari. "You knew that? He was my family's employee and I never knew his name."

  He shrugged. "You didn't live here."

  She shook her head. "No. But my heart stayed here…and I think I've been looking for it ever since."

  A little surprised at her own admission, she turned. A smile played at Taylor’s lips and his green eyes fixed on her. She swore they almost sparkled. The effect was devastating. She could have stood all day just looking at him. But he shifted, clearly uncomfortably beneath her enraptured gaze.

  "The tree trimming evening wasn't complete without a trip to the gift shop."

  Apparently he wanted to put the conversation back on safe ground. Was it because he felt that same rush of pleasure she'd felt? Or because she'd disturbed him with her personal, intimate thoughts? Whatever the reason, she'd honor his wishes and turn back the page.

  "We always had the most spectacular things in the gift shop. My aunt and uncle traveled and she brought back wonderful treasures. I remember a snow globe with a dark winter night inside and stars on the top. Snow floated over Father Christmas walking in the forest. The globe was beautifully detailed but the most perfect part were the animals surrounding him. It reminded me of the clock."

  "Ahhh, the cuckoo clock.” Taylor tilted his head back and closed his eyes. “I’d stand in front of it waiting for the elves to come out of the workshop at the half-hour, hammering on their miniature toys as they marched to the other side and back into the workshop."

  "But the best part was the chiming on the hour when Father Christmas came out in his long white gown with gold trim and that golden bag of toys slung over his shoulder. I swear his eyes twinkled."

  "That clock is a beautiful piece of art. Once the renovations were well underway, I did repairs on it. Pieces of the wooden scrollwork had broken off. I glued them back on and gave the whole thing a new coat of oil. That's why it's covered. We won't unveil it until the construction dust disappears."

  Ari shook her head, amazed at how eyes that sparkled moments ago, grew even brighter when he talked about working with the clock. Obviously, he loved his work. She wondered if the heart of an artist beat in his "working man" body. But she didn't dare ask. She'd made him uncomfortable enough. Still, she couldn't resist a little teasing.

  "Why, Taylor Knox, I think you have more Christmas Inn fever than I do. You love this place."

  He chuckled. "These days, Christmas Inn is just a job. But there was definitely something special about the place back in the day."

  "Love, Taylor. That special thing was love. Peace and Christmas joy. Couples ready to take on life together. Happy families sharing summer fun and making memories. Love filled every corner of this place. I think that's why my ancestors chose the Christmas theme, to remind everyone that love conquers all, year round. It has no time limit.” She bowed her head. “My family was given the responsibility of maintaining that legacy. We…I lost it. But I'm going to get it back. I have to. It's who we are and what's most important.”

  He studied her. A play of emotions moved across his features. Wonder or maybe surprise? Did he still think of her as a pampered diva? She hoped not, but she understood if he doubted her sincerity. When a slight frown creased the space between his brows, her heart sank a little.

  “I’ll take a look at your chimes, but I can't guarantee it'll bring back the Christmas cheer.”

  Ari shook her head and resolve flooded through. “Nope. Only prayer can do that. But if you'll make the mechanics function, I'll do the talking to God.”

  He gave her another smile that was quickly squelched with a frown. “Don't get your hopes up. Those bells are pretty old.”

  With a curt nod, he turned and walked through the door leading to the tower steps.

  “Be careful. Like you said those steps are old.” He didn’t respond to her warning. Just waved. As the door closed behind him, she pulled out her phone and began to type out the supplies she would need. Window cleaner. Carpet shampoo A good wood polish. She’d have to ask Bertie about that or better yet, Taylor. He’d know the best to use. And paint. She couldn’t forget paint. That would probably be her most expensive item on the list. She didn’t want to spend a lot because she was saving the rest of her money for the bell repairs.

  Please God, don’t let them be too costly.

  With her list complete, she had one last task. She dialed her brother’s number. For the last five years, Ian had been on the west coast supervising their newest resort. They’d purchased an older bed and breakfast in a prime location, right on the beach just north of San Diego. A premier hotel, they’d chosen the spot with a Victorian theme in mind, antique furnishings, striped cabanas on the beach, bicycles built for two, and the modern amenities such as spas, tennis courts and salons. The venture had been wildly successful but it had kept Ian on the west coast.

  He’d also met his wife there. They had a one-year-old Ari hadn’t seen since he was born. Her fault totally. She knew Ian was tied down and couldn’t get away. But she’d been busy running wild and kept herself too occupied to notice the great big hole in her heart. When her brother’s voice rolled over the phone, hot tears blurred her gaze.

  “Ari, what a nice surprise. Thanks for calling. Are you still at Christmas Inn?”

  She cleared her voice to show no signs of her emotional response. “Yes.”

  “Dad says Aunt Lizzie is doing much better since you’ve arrived.”

  She cleared her throat again. “Well, I can’t take all the credit. Her procedure was very successful but yes, I think my presence has helped. She was so terribly depressed and run down…kind of like the inn. You should have seen it, Ian. It was awful. But it’s looking so much better now.”

  “It should. It’s costing us a small fortune.”

  “It’s worth every dime. It’s beautiful. Taylor…Knox Construction is doing an awesome job. The place is starting to sparkle and shine, like it’s old self. In fact, he’s looking at the bells now.”

  “Ari…we didn’t allot funds for the chapel. We simply couldn’t afford to…”

  “I know, I know. I’m taking care of it. I’ll pay for the repairs and I’m doing the cleaning myself.”

  “What do you mean you’ll pay? Where did you get the money?”

  “That’s not important. You don’t need to worry about that. I called because…”

  “Ariana, don’t try to put me off by changing the subject. Where did you get the money to pay for decorations and now the chapel repairs?”

  She didn’t want to answer him. She knew he wouldn’t approve but she couldn’t come up with a quick enough response.

  “Ari…”

  “All right. I pawned my jewelry and a few designer purses.”

  “You what?”

  “Don’t scold me, Ian. The bells aren’t working and the chapel is in a sad state. You know as well as I do that Christmas and weddings are the bread and butter of the inn. We absolutely had to have decorations and while folks are here for the holidays, I want them to see that the chapel is ready for business again. Not to mention the fact that some of the best worship services we ever attended as a family were in this chapel.
And that’s the real reason I called you. We no longer have a resident pastor and I want to have a Christmas Eve service in the chapel. I would like you to lead us.”

  Her comment brought on dead silence from the other end of the phone.

  “Ian? Are you there?”

  “I’m here.”

  She rushed to talk so he wouldn’t say no. “I know you had to give up your goal to become a minister.”

  “I didn’t give it up, Ari. I made a choice because I didn’t think I was truly called by the Lord. And it was the right choice. I love what I’m doing. But…”

  There was such a long pause after his last word, hope sprang to life inside her.

  “I do miss delving into the Word and sharing it.”

  She held her breath during another long, agonizing pause, until she couldn’t stand it anymore.

  “Please, Ian. Say you’ll do it. I think our family needs this. And I’m beginning to think other people need it, too. Christmas Inn is an important part of the community here at Hope Creek and well…maybe the reason the Lord didn’t call you to ministry is because He knew you had an important job with the inn.”

  Another long, silent pause.

  “Maybe you do too, little sister.”

  A ripple of success crept through Ari. “Maybe. I’ve got some ideas about that. Please, Ian. Talk to Jody and try to come.”

  “I don’t need to talk to Jody. I know she’d agree with me. We’ll be there.”

  A rush of pleasure brought tears to Ari’s eyes again. “Thank you, Ian. Thanks so much.”

  “No, thank you, Ari. I think you’re doing something important. And Ari, if you need help with the bell repairs, call me. I’ll take care of it.”

  “Really? Are you sure?”

  “Like you said. We need this.”

  “Thanks, Ian. I love you.”

  “Love you, too, squirt. See you soon.”

  A noise behind Ari told her Taylor had returned. She wiped the moisture from her eyes before turning to greet him.

  “Well, the mechanical parts of the bells are gone now. It’s all electronic.”

  Ari’s feelings of success dropped to the floor. “You mean the bells are electronic recordings?”

  “No, the bells are real. A mechanical arm hits the metal and makes the sound. But an electric timing device controls the arm. It looks like some of the wiring might be bad. It’ll need to be rewired and if the device itself has gone bad, it could get very pricey.”

  “Don’t worry. It’s covered.”

  Her assurance didn’t seem to make him happy. He stretched his neck and shifted his shoulders, like he was preparing to lift a heavy weight. Was she asking too much? Did Taylor have more burdens than he could handle? Was she adding to his pressure?

  He made a small face before looking straight at her with those heat-sinking green eyes that melted her insides. “I’ll do what I can while we’re still here but no promises—and come Christmas, Knox Construction is out of here. If the bells aren’t finished, that’s the best I’ll be able to do.”

  “Deal.” Ari held out her hand for a shake.

  Taylor gripped it. As his warm, calloused fingers wrapped around hers, it felt so right, so very, very perfect. The shock of it hit her senses. His touch felt like home.

  She stared at their clasped hands.

  She was in big trouble. What would happen with the bells would happen. Taylor would do the best he could and that was enough for Ari. In fact, what Taylor could do was becoming everything to her…and not just because she needed his help.

  Whatever burdens drove him would limit his time here, would even drive him away eventually. In the meantime she would joyfully accept his time…and anything else he chose to offer.

  Yep. She was in serious trouble.

  6

  Thanksgiving crept up on Ari.

  Hope Creek’s Senior Crafters had kept her busy running errands as they finished the last of the Christmas decorations. With the work she’d been doing on the chapel, time slipped away. Neither she nor Aunt Lizzie had made plans to travel for the holiday. Hope Creek’s normally mild winter had taken a turn to the stormy side and Aunt Lizzie didn’t need to be out and about in bad weather.

  Bertie was home too. Her sister Bea was in town to visit her daughter, Lydia, the newly installed IT specialist at the inn. So the five of them joined each other for Thanksgiving dinner at Christmas Inn.

  Dinner was supposed to be served at six o’clock. When it hadn’t been served by 6:30, Ari hurried into the kitchen to see if she could lend a hand.

  Things were a mess. The turkey was still raw. Cold potatoes and dressing waited next to burned veggies. Apparently no dessert had been planned. When Ari tried to get answers from the chef, David Lewiston, the distinct smell of alcohol drifted towards her. The man was beside himself and completely unable to make a decision.

  Ari suggested that he retire to his office and rest while she and Angie, his sous chef, took over the management of the meal. He was more than happy to comply. When she checked on him later, he was crashed on the floor, passed out. Fortunately, due to the renovations, few guests were in attendance and Ari was able to smooth over their frustration while Angie salvaged dinner. The pumpkin pudding she whipped up was to die for and helped to mollify the guests’ dissatisfaction.

  Paulina had taken time off to visit her parents for the holiday but come Monday morning, Ari intended to have a conversation with her regarding Chef Lewiston. She hoped the problems with their employee could be resolved but she doubted it.

  Ari had planned to wash the tall windows of the chapel the day after Thanksgiving, but now, staring out her aunt’s living room windows, she changed her mind. Dark, billowy clouds filled the sky and a cold, whistling wind whipped the trees. It was the perfect day to spend with two of her favorite people.

  Having decided to allow her sister Bea and niece Lydia some much needed mother-daughter time, Bertie had lit a fire in the huge fireplace. She now sat on the couch in front of it, flipping through a colorful craft magazine. Aunt Lizzie played a very somber Beethoven piece on her piano. As Ari turned from the window and Lizzie finished the piece, Bertie jumped up and tossed the magazine down.

  “That’s enough of that. Play something fun and fast.”

  Lizzy smiled and immediately launched into a piano version of the fifties hit Peggy Sue.

  Bertie clapped her hands in time to the music and did a fast two-step across the floor. “Now that’s more like it. Come on, Ari, let’s dance.”

  Before Ari could answer, Bertie grabbed her hand and pulled her away from the window.

  Laughing, Ari stumbled over her feet. “I don’t remember how.”

  “It’ll come back to you. When you were younger, we spent many a summer afternoon doing this while Lizzie played. Just follow me. Step, step, half step. Step, step, half step.”

  Bertie was a force. Ari found herself trying to match the older lady’s pace and keep up. Soon they were laughing and spinning around the room. Then Lizzie launched into Chantilly Lace. Bertie swung Ari in a circle and stepped back. But as their fingers should have linked, Bertie pulled free and Ari stumbled back…straight into strong arms. The scent of crisp pines and snow drifted over her.

  Taylor! She’d recognize that scent anywhere. They’d been bumping into each other more frequently since she’d asked his help with the decorations. A quick break in the dining room over coffee and rolls. Consultations over decorations and repairs to the bell tower. They’d met enough that she’d begun to recognize his aftershave.

  She spun around to face him.

  “What—what are you doing here?”

  “I had some work to finish and my granny asked me to make a delivery to Miz Bertie. So here I am. Someone left the door ajar. But the real question is, are we going to let this good music go to waste?”

  A warm, strong hand gripped hers. His arm went around her waist and he spun her across the floor. Ari was two-stepping and twirling with a perfect part
ner. Taylor had great rhythm and kept his steps small to match hers. They sailed across the floor and back again as Aunt Lizzie moved from one song right into another. Taylor spun her around and caught her. Then he crossed his arm behind her and walked beside her for a few steps before turning her back around with a spin. By the time he finished, she was stumbling over her feet, laughing and breathing so hard she had to stop.

  “Uncle. I cry uncle. You win.” Out of breath, she bent over.

  Aunt Lizzie finished the song with a flourish and both she and Bertie began to clap.

  “Where did you learn to dance like that, Taylor?” Lizzie asked.

  “Well, ma’am, I am a southern gentleman.” He let his Tennessee drawl spill out. “As well as the oldest brother of three sisters and the partner of choice in the practice sessions…at least until Bobby got tall enough to be a decent partner. Although, I suspect he purposely hunched down to look smaller for quite a while.”

  The older ladies laughed and Ari smiled with them. She loved how polite and solicitous he was. Must be his Southern manners…but more likely his own kind temperament. She also loved how smile lines creased his slightly tanned features. He had wonderful boyish looks, tamed by some rugged outdoor attributes. Skin tinted by the sun. Laugh lines. Calloused hands. Gentleman but all man.

  Basically perfect.

  But she knew that already. The difficult part for her was not noticing how wonderful he was.

  “I’m sorry I interrupted, Ladies. I best fetch my boxes for you, Miz Bertie, and I’ll get out of your hair.”

  “Don’t be silly. You aren’t in our hair. You’re welcome here any time.”

  “Still, I’ll get those boxes and get on with my work.”

  “I’ll help you carry them up.” Ari grabbed her jacket off the coat rack and hurried out the door behind him.

  The wind blew cold and steady as the inn’s entry doors slid wide. A few drops of chilly rain came with it.

  “Looks like we’re getting these boxes out of the back of my truck just in time.” Taylor jumped up on the fender and handed down two wide, wreath-sized boxes. He hefted three larger ones on top of each other and jumped down. The wind threatened to sweep Ari’s top box away. She grabbed it, laughing, and they both ran inside just as the rain started to fall in steady streams.