Love at Christmas Inn Collection 1 Read online

  “Please tell Missy she can go home. I’ll be happy to rearrange the tree and space the decorations a little better.”

  Taylor barely even registered Ari’s kind offer. His emotions were all out of whack watching her hand on Bobby’s arm. He looked up just in time to see Bobby meeting his gaze, and his brother’s smug expression…a look that solidified Taylor’s suspicions. How ridiculous to be jealous of his own brother—especially when Bobby was purposely angling for a reaction.

  Well, it wasn’t going to work. “No. I’ll be happy to run our grandmother home. We’ll enjoy a little time together. Besides, Missy loves doing this kind of thing. I’ll leave right now.”

  She nodded and he ignored her crestfallen look.

  “While I have you, Ari.” His brother pitched his tone so Taylor would hear. “I wanted to ask if you’d like to take a ride tomorrow after church.”

  Ari paused for a long while. Taylor gritted his teeth even tighter, if that was possible. Bobby was trying to prove a point—what point Taylor wasn’t sure—but it didn’t matter. He wasn’t going to give this brother the rise he was looking for.

  “You know, I think that would be great. I need a break.”

  “Great. I’ll give you a call later.”

  “I’d better not keep Granny waiting. Goodnight, Ari.”

  She nodded and smiled, but it was a faint-hearted effort that hurt Taylor almost as much as the squeeze she gave Bobby’s arm. “See you tomorrow, Bobby, and thanks for the offer.”

  “See you tomorrow.”

  The brothers walked away, side by side.

  “It isn’t going to work, you know.” Taylor didn’t like his own gruff tone.

  “What?”

  Taylor didn’t answer.

  Another self-satisfied expression slipped over Bobby’s features. “If you’re not going to take advantage of a lovely lady’s company, I sure will.”

  Taylor shook his head. “My future lies at the end of a road. Nothing’s going to stop me from finding it. You and everyone else better get used to the idea.”

  Bobby didn’t reply, mainly because they’d reached the spot where Granny was seated. Taylor helped her to her feet while Bobby fetched her coat. Their ninety-two-year-old grandmother was still spry, but they both held her arms as they entered the cold night air—cold enough to make certain spots on the driveway slick. Once Granny was settled in the front seat of Taylor’s truck with the heater blasting, Bobby slammed the door and waved them off.

  Relieved, Taylor headed down the drive and on their way. He couldn’t get the hurt look on Ari’s face out of his mind. Still, the best thing for both of them would be for him to stay out of sight and sound of Miss Ariana Christmas.

  Not that she’d be too far out of sight if she and Bobby hooked up. He didn't like how that wrinkle mussed his carefully laid out future. Bobby was just trying to spark something, trying to force a jealous reaction…some response from Taylor. But his brother’s efforts weren’t going to succeed.

  Halfway home, Granny said, “You're awfully quiet. Does it have something to do with that lovely little girl from the Christmas family?”

  “Granny, not you, too.” Taylor shook his head and sighed. “You said the key word, the Christmas family. Ariana is out of my league.”

  “What nonsense. The Christmas family is the salt of the earth, just like us. Because the Lord saw fit to give them financial success doesn’t make them better than us. I’m surprised you’d even suggest it.”

  “Obviously you haven't heard the stories about her.”

  Granny made a great effort of turning in her seat. “Don’t be smart. Of course I’ve heard them. Since when do the Knoxs listen to ‘stories’? We judge a person by their heart and I’m telling you right now, that girl’s got a good heart.”

  He deserved the sting of her scolding. “Yes, ma’am. You may be right. But there’s no future for us.”

  “Why not? Because of that grand adventure you’re planning? You need to stop being foolish, Taylor, and start listening to your own heart.”

  “I am listening, Granny. My heart’s been searching for something for a long time. It's time I found it.”

  “That’s not your heart leading you away. That’s the Knox wanderlust. We’ve all got it. That’s what drove our family west all those years ago.”

  He glanced her way for a moment before directing his gaze back to the road. “Yes, and we helped settle this land. Are you saying that wanderlust is a bad thing?”

  Her tone softened. “No, not bad. But it’s easy to confuse wanderlust with what your heart really needs. Make sure you don’t do that.”

  8

  “Hi Dad,”

  “Ari, I’m so glad we finally reached you. Mom and I were worried. I was able to reach Paulina once the storm started but not you.”

  The rain that started the night of the tree-trimming party had continued off and on for weeks, finally leading to a full-blown snowstorm complete with road closures and power outages. Cell phone service had even been disrupted, but a momentary clearing in the storm allowed reception.

  “My phone’s not the best.” Ari was quick to reassure her dad. “So let’s talk fast. They say this is just the calm before the next wave. Another snowstorm is scheduled to hit soon and it’s supposed to be worse than the last one. They’re already talking about stopping flights and more road closures. I’m glad you called right now. It may be your last chance for a while. Paulina and her staff have been wonderful. They had the inn’s generators going so we had heat and lights even though public electricity flickered a couple of times. She’s taken care of all the guest concern and situation. Paulina’s really a great employee, Dad. Like I told you a while ago, she deserves a commendation.”

  “Funny. She said the same thing about you.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, she said you’ve kept the guests busy with activities…board games, group charades. And she told me the tree-trimming party was a grand success. She says you should have carte blanche to plan activities not only at Christmas Inn, but at our other resorts as well. Your mother and I are very proud of you, Ari. We knew you could do it.”

  She laughed. “I wish you had clued me in. I had no idea.”

  “I didn’t know event planning would be your strength. I just knew you had a good purpose ahead of you.”

  Ari’s thoughts automatically shot to a handsome, caramel-haired man with color-changing eyes. “Yes, I think I’ve found my purpose.”

  And my heart’s content. Too bad he’s leaving first chance he gets.

  “It sounds like we have a lot to discuss when your mother and I arrive. We can’t wait to see you.”

  “Me too. Let’s just hope this storm doesn’t prevent you from coming for Christmas.”

  Her father’s chuckle rumbled over the phone. “Not likely. I grew up in Hope Creek, remember? We might get a nasty storm like this once every five or ten years, but when the snow stops falling, it starts to melt. Just stay warm until then.”

  “Thanks, Dad. I plan on it.”

  Ari clicked off and stared out her bedroom window. The snow slanted across her view, completely blocking any sight of the grounds. This storm might have caused problems for Paulina and some of the guests but for Ari, it was a Godsend. The Lord had answered her prayers. Being snowed in gave her more time with Taylor.

  For all intents and purposes, the remodeling of the inn was complete. All that remained was gathering the stamps of approval from a few inspectors on some minor work. Taylor and his crew had completed their contract not only on time, but ahead of schedule. Still…he had not packed his bags and left. To date, he showed no signs of leaving and once the storm hit, he’d jumped into all the activities with abandon.

  He and Ari had shared several games of checkers and a heated contest of Scrabble. Ari was ahead seven to his six games and she intended to keep her lead. Taylor seemed just as determined to beat her and applied his efforts every time they were together…which was a lot.


  Ari took that as a good sign. Taylor’s reluctance to leave the inn gave her hope. The opportunities to spend time together also confirmed that Taylor enjoyed her company as much as she enjoyed his. Even though he never said it out loud, she knew it was true.

  He’d been the first to issue the game challenge and while they played, they talked. He shared stories of growing up in a large family as the oldest sibling. He described how he’d taken over the business so his father could concentrate on his cancer treatments. Taylor loved the work, building was a joy, but someday he wanted to focus on wood crafting. Creating perfect designs, and one-of-a-kind furniture for Knox Construction. That was his dream…and one day he wanted to build his own home.

  In turn, Ari told him how different her life had been, growing up in penthouses and hotel suites. Mainly those stays were in California and New York. But her family’d also spent several years in London where she attended a school for the children of American diplomats. Even though she didn’t like talking about her travels—she wanted no reminders of Taylor’s impending trip—he enjoyed those stories the most. And she loved to look at him while she shared them. Those fine little lines would appear at the corners of his eyes. His gaze would flash with pleasure and it was always fix on hers.

  Perhaps that’s what she liked most, the way he looked at her. Honest, open, so up front and completely without artifice. Her life for the last few years had been full of games, everyone putting up a false front to hide what was beneath. Ari didn’t have to do that with Taylor. For the first time in a long time, she could be herself and surprisingly, she liked who she was.

  Even if Taylor bought a motorcycle and rode out of her life, she would be forever thankful to him for allowing her to be the real her. It was a lovely gift and he needed to know how much it meant to her.

  Grabbing her heavy parka with the fake fur-lined hood, she hurried downstairs. Voices drifted up from the lobby, along with the laughter of Chrissy Sheridan, the six-year-old daughter of one of the guests. She was a delight and had added tremendously to all of Ari’s efforts to keep the guests entertained. Other guests were scattered around the room, playing board games or chatting. Taylor lounged near the blazing fireplace, reading a paper. He glanced up, almost as if he’d been looking for Ari, and smiled before he rose and came toward her.

  “Good morning.”

  She gestured toward the snow swirling outside the windows that overlooked the deck. “Well, some people might not call this a good morning.”

  “I know. I just saw some poor traveler check in. He said the roads were simply too bad to negotiate.”

  “Oh, that’s too bad. I’m glad we had room for him. What about you? Don’t you have something you need to do?”

  “Nope. I’m happy to stay off the roads.”

  “Not even Christmas shopping? With such a big family? I can’t believe you don’t have some last-minute presents to buy.”

  “We draw names, and since I’m only one, I buy for only one…and that gift was purchased a long time ago. I drew Bobby’s name this year so I bought him an upgraded helmet and travel backpack for his motorcycle. Now that the contract is completed—well mostly, completed—I’m enjoying a much needed mini vacation.”

  “Oh.” A vacation. So he hadn’t stayed because of her. Ari tried not to let her disappointment show. To keep her face averted, she hooked her coat over the back of a chair. “Sounds like you’ve got everything in hand.”

  “Everything but our Scrabble challenge. You’re one up on me and that can’t happen. Are you ready for another go at it?”

  Ari smiled, she couldn’t help herself. His enthusiasm broke through a few layers of disappointment. “Sure. If you think you’re ready to lose again.”

  Taylor’s grin completely blew away any lingering bad feelings. That happy face lit up her world.

  “Not this time. I have a plan.” He winked and Ari laughed. She just couldn’t stop enjoying everything about him.

  “How about you fetch the game box and I’ll get you a cup of hot chocolate. Extra whipped crème, right?”

  He knows how I like my hot chocolate. How can he not know how I feel? Am I still hiding my true feelings? Aren’t they written all over my face?

  She watched him walk away. When he glanced back, she turned quickly and moved toward the shelf where the games were stored.

  Don’t ruin the time left to you, Ari. Just enjoy the moment.

  The pep talk helped. By the time they settled in across from each other, Ari was ready to give Taylor a challenge. They played hard and fast for the next hour, laughing and teasing. When Taylor finally gained the upper hand and won, Ari clapped for him.

  “Ready for another?” He was already gathering Scrabble tiles.

  She shook her head. “How about we leave it at a tie? Even Steven.”

  He nodded slowly. “I like that idea.”

  Now, Ari. Now is the time to tell him. As he pushed the box to the side of the table, she laid her hand over his. Strong, calloused, warm…but tense. A wrinkle appeared between his eyebrows. The beginning of a frown. He stretched his neck slightly and shifted his shoulders.

  Ari chuckled. “You don’t need to do that.”

  “What?”

  “Move your shoulders like you’re preparing to lift a heavy weight.”

  “I did that?”

  “You always do it when you’re feeling a little stressed.”

  He sat back in his chair and his hand slid free from hers. A slightly stunned expression replaced the frown.

  Yes, we both know each other better than you thought.

  She slid her own hand back and clasped it in her lap. “I just want to thank you, Taylor. You’ve given me a precious gift and I don’t think you even realize it.”

  The frown was back. “What kind of gift?”

  She smiled. “Myself.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “I know what you and Paulina thought of me when I first came here.” He started to protest but she raised a hand. “Don’t worry. I don’t blame you. I’m surprised you didn’t both throw me out of that meeting and dust off your hands. I might have. At least the old me would have.”

  She swallowed. “You never judged me or made me feel bad. You just let me…find myself.”

  “I didn’t do anything special.”

  “I know. You were just yourself. But that’s the point. You were kind and forgiving and I think that gave me the courage to be kind to myself. I felt free to try new things, to step out and do what I felt was right. If you hadn’t been so accepting and encouraging, I might not have discovered how much I love helping others and bringing folks together.”

  “You’re giving me too much credit. You’re the one who did all the work.”

  “Maybe that’s true. But I wouldn’t have dared to try if you hadn’t been so accepting. So, you helped me find my future and I thank you for that.”

  He shook his head. “But I didn’t fix your bells. I know how much that meant to you. I tried. I did everything possible. The wiring has been replaced. The new timer I ordered is perfectly functional. There’s just no mechanical reason those bells still won’t work.”

  “Maybe the reason hasn’t anything to do mechanics. Maybe it was always about love. We forgot that. But I’m going to spend the next few months bringing love back into this old place. I’ll talk to my father about more renovations to the chapel and I’m going to run some specials and ads. I’m bringing weddings back to the inn. Maybe then the bells will return.”

  He gave a little shake of his head. “You have a lot more faith than I do. We live in a jaded age. Weddings don’t necessarily mean love these days. People get married for a lot of different reasons and some of them have nothing to do with love.”

  Ari agreed. “And a lot of people fall in love but don’t get married.”

  She dared not meet Taylor’s gaze and the quiet moment turned into two…three long minutes.

  When he didn’t speak and the silence
became awkward, she ran her tongue over dried lips and pasted a bright smile. “Booking weddings is the only way I know how to start. So weddings it is.”

  “I’m sorry to interrupt.” Paulina’s quiet voice was actually a welcome intrusion. “Chef David didn’t show up for work today. He had planned to finish out the week but his family staged an intervention yesterday. He agreed to go to rehab and they went to visit the facility in the hills. Now they’re stranded. I told them not to worry. Angie is doing a good job of covering, but she’s way behind. Lunch will be late and I don’t even know what we’ll do about dinner.”

  Ari grasped her hand. “Don’t worry. We’ll figure it out.”

  “Thanks. I’m getting a little frazzled.”

  “Go, calm down. Tell Angie to take the time she needs. We’ll make it work.”

  Ari looked around. Outside, the pelting snow had eased to gentle flakes. She hurried to the window with Taylor trailing behind. The wind had stopped almost completely and the sun poked through a hole in the dark clouds. An inviting blanket of sparkling snow covered the grounds.

  “I’ve got an idea.”

  Taylor winked. “I figured. Go for it.”

  Turning to face the crowd, she held up her hands. “Hey everyone, how about a little time outside before the next wave hits? Let’s have a snowman contest. Aunt Lizzie and Bertie will be the judges.”

  Enthusiastic applause broke out and Ari divided them into teams. “All right. We’ll meet on the grounds beyond the deck in fifteen minutes. Everyone go to your rooms and gather your supplies.”

  She faced Taylor. “How about you?”

  “Another competition? You know it. I’ll grab my coat.”

  He hurried toward the elevator. Ari punched in her aunt’s phone number. Lizzie and Bertie agreed to bundle up and meet them outside to choose the best snowman.

  Ari hurried out. While she waited, she drew lines in the snow, boundaries for the territories. Then she waited for others to join her.

  When the noisy, excited group stood outside, she was thankful for her idea. The pent-up crowd needed this physical release. Taking a deep breath, she laid out the rules. “No taking snow from anywhere except in your section. No stealing of ideas and you have thirty minutes to finish. On your marks. Get set. Go.”