Page 16 of Christmas at Valentine Inn
I wasn’t sure I believed her. “Regardless, Patrick is not my person.” I wouldn’t mention the sucker punch I felt when I said that out loud. But there was also a sense of victory in the words. I would admit to holding out some hope, maybe even wishing the inn magically brought us back together for a second chance—or at least to help me brave confronting my long-ago feelings for him. But his appearance only validated my cowardice. Maybe I had done the right thing. But if that were true, why was I still alone?
“We’ll see.” She kicked up her heels like Doris Day and walked off.
I didn’t bother disagreeing with her. Not because I didn’t, but because I was too exhausted.
Charlotte hustled to the ballroom while I moseyed on over. Four more weeks and I could sleep, I kept telling myself.
I walked into the ballroom and couldn’t help but smile. My winter wonderland in an enchanted forest theme was coming together nicely. It made me feel a little merry and bright to see most of the Christmas trees aglow. The glitter of the chandelier only added to the enchanted feel of it. And there was something about the scent of freshly cut pine; it smelled like hope. Wasn’t that what the season was truly about? Not that it filled me with any romantic notions. But maybe it gave me a sliver of faith that next year would bring greater happiness.
“Aunt Iz.” Jameson ran my way and wrapped his arms around my middle. I held on to him with all I had, running my hand over his curly hair I adored. He would never know how much he healed my heart. I knew the ache to have a child of my own would never go away, but he put a big patch on that hurt. From the day he was born, I knew we would be the best of friends—trouble buddies, even. Oh, I had some plans for us. Plans I knew Charlotte wouldn’t approve of, but as his aunt, that was my prerogative.
“Hey, kiddo. Are you ready to slide?”
“Yep! I’m going to beat you tonight.”
“You think so?” I knew so because I always let him slide farther than me even though I could kick his little booty any night.
“Yeah!” he shouted before running off to where Charlotte and Drake stood near the tallest of the trees. A soft glow surrounded them, making them appear almost heavenly.
I envied the way Drake so tenderly looked at Charlotte when he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. For so long I thought it was just a lustful thing they had going on, but I had been proven wrong. Such love existed between them. I was happy for them—truly I was.
“Let’s do this!” Jameson was ever exuberant. I hoped he always kept his zest for life.
I shimmied my boots off and tossed them to the side. I had learned wool socks were the best for maximum slideage. I was pretty sure that wasn’t a word, but it sounded good. The added benefit was they managed to keep my otherwise frozen feet toasty this time of year.
I joined the happy couple and their son near the galley entrance of the ballroom. It would allow us to get a running start as we slid toward the horseshoe-shaped stained-glass window that adorned the front. The ballroom was once upon a time a church. The inn had been added on years later. We rented out the ballroom for weddings, receptions, and community gatherings. However, we were not currently booking rentals due to our own event, since I needed all the time I could get to prepare.
Charlotte gave me a crooked grin before she shouted, “On your mark, get set, go!”
We all ran several feet before we let momentum take over and slid across the floor. Charlotte grabbed Drake and held him back, while Jameson did his best to push me out of the way. Laughter rang through the ballroom. We usually had guests come and watch us. Sometimes they even joined in. I think Drake intimidated most people, so tonight we didn’t have any spectators. Well ... at least not at first.
On our third and final run, Patrick and his children strode through the door carrying several pieces of designer luggage between them. Their presence startled me enough that I forgot to stop myself from sliding. I almost beat Jameson before I came to my senses and picked my favorite kid up instead.
“No fair.” Jameson wriggled in my arms.
I kissed his smooth cheeks a hundred times until he giggled.
From the corner of my eye, I could see that Patrick, Bridgette, and Rory had stopped to watch us.
Charlotte rushed over to the family. “Do you want to join us? We could do a few more runs and then have a dance party afterward.” Oh, she was remarkably evil. Though, she did love to invite any guests who wanted to join in. That was just her. But I knew she had ulterior motives this time.
I did my best to ignore Patrick. Instead, I spun Jameson around before setting him down. “Help me pick out the music.”
Drake had stayed back, eyeing the situation carefully. There was no doubt he understood who Patrick was. Charlotte didn’t keep things from him—you know, except his child, but that was ancient history now.
“Are you okay?” he asked in hushed tones as I walked by.
The man always surprised me. Or maybe if I just gave in and acknowledged he was a good guy, I would quit being surprised. “I’ll survive.” I grinned.
He gave me an appreciative nod.
“By the way,” I said conspiratorially. “You have a big fan over there. Rory, the boy, probably idolizes you. He would love to meet you.”
Drake gave me his famous dampened smile. “I’ll go introduce myself.”
“While you’re there, try to keep your fiancée in check,” I pleaded.
“You know better than anyone that when Charlotte wants something, she’ll stop at nothing.”
