Noelle's Golden Christmas Page 12

  *****

  Dancing with her dad was one of the few consistently happy memories from the yearly company Christmas parties, and tonight was no exception. A smile stole across her face as he swept her around the room with grace and finesse. The waltz ended all too soon, but as the music changed to a country song, he transitioned into a two-step without missing a beat.

  As she caught her breath, her father winked. “I do believe you’re losing your stamina. Perhaps you should start working out.”

  “Not everyone has time to exercise every day like you, Dad.”

  “Ha! Apparently some people don’t have time to exercise at all.”

  “It’s ski season now… I’ll get plenty of exercise.”

  His left eye twitched and he cleared his throat. Oh no… he’s going to ask me something awkward. That eye always twitches when he’s uncomfortable about something.

  “Speaking of skiing,” he said, wearing a totally unconvincing casual smile. “We’ve got the cabin booked at Breckenridge for the first week of January, as usual. I wondered if you might be bringing a boyfriend this year.”

  “I already told you I’m not dating anyone, Dad.”

  He wrinkled his nose. “Yes, but a little bird told me there might be something going on between you and David. Or maybe you prefer James.”

  Noelle felt the blood rushing into her face. “Who told you that?”

  His silent, but smug, smile reminded her of the phrase she’d learned from her ninety-year-old patient, Mrs. Anders: “He looks like the cat that swallowed the canary.”

  Her blood pressure rose higher each second he held his silence, unflinching under the weight of her glare, but he stopped their motion when a hand appeared on his shoulder.

  “Excuse me, Mr. Holiday. Do you mind if I cut in?”

  “Not at all, James. You kids have fun.” Her father couldn’t have looked more pleased as he handed Noelle off, escaping into the crowd with a jolly cackle of laughter.

  Oblivious to their tension, James grinned as he took over leading her in the two-step. “Wow, you look great tonight. I’m glad you’re feeling better.”

  “Thanks,” she answered in a tight voice, still fuming at her meddling dad.

  “I wanted to dance with you earlier, but I had to wait for a country song. I don’t do all those fancy dance moves.”

  “Right.”

  A crease appeared between his eyebrows. “Are you okay? Are you feeling bad again?”

  “No, I’m just a little irritated with my dad right now. I really don’t like it when he interferes in my personal life.”

  “Oh… so he told you about that, huh?” James twisted his mouth as his face turned red. “I promise, that’s not why I wanted to date you.”

  A tight knot formed in the pit of her stomach. She had no idea what James was referring to, but it didn’t sound good.

  “I don’t know what to believe,” she said, throwing out what she hoped was a large enough net to catch the truth.

  “I’m not lying. I don’t even think it was intentional on your father’s part.”

  “I’m quite certain it was intentional on his part,” she stated, still confused.

  “When your father first mentioned you to Doc and I, he was kind of joking. You know… I’ve got a single daughter your age… blah, blah, blah.”

  So David was in on it, too. Good to know. Her blood boiled, the resultant steam turning her head into a pressure pot. “And later? What did my dad say then?”

  “He asked questions, like any other father would. But I’m sure that really had nothing to do with his decisions, even though he joked about it. He’s about the most ethical man I’ve ever encountered.” James grinned, pulling her a little closer to whisper in her ear. “Anyway, I don’t kiss and tell.”

  So her father had been encouraging both brothers to date her. It was nothing he hadn’t done in the past, but it still infuriated her. She tried to smile, but could only manage a stiff grimace.

  “That’s good to know.” She kept her tone light and airy, hiding her wrath. At least she thought she’d hidden it.

  “I see that little wrinkle between your eyes.” James bent his head down, forcing her to look at him. “Please don’t be mad.”

  “What was I then? Some little contest between you and your brother?”

  “You can’t get upset about that, Noelle. Doc and I can’t help being competitive.”

  No sooner had James spoken, than Noelle spotted David, standing by the wall, his glower following their progress around the dance floor.

  “I’ve already conceded the win to Doc, anyway.” The statement jerked her attention back to James.

  “What did he win?” Her mind flew, trying to decipher his cryptic words.

  “You, of course.”

  “What?”

  “You don’t have to hide it—I know you’ve been seeing him.”

  “He can’t win me. I’m not some prize to be awarded to the best contestant.”

  “We’re arguing semantics here. We were both trying to date you, and he outplayed me.”

  “David and I are only friends, James.” In fact, I can’t even be friends with him any more… not since I had to give Abby back. Plus, he’s getting ready to break off whatever relationship we have.

  James’ shoulders lifted and dropped in a gesture that said he wasn’t convinced. “I was ticked off at David, but then I kind of met someone at Bible study.”

  “Really?” Distracted by this new revelation, Noelle made no effort to hide her curiosity. “You met a girl at your Bible study?”

  James’ cheeks actually turned red, and Noelle bit her lip to keep from smiling. She’d never witnessed James embarrassed by anything. Maybe this was serious.

  “It’s your friend,” he said. “Shara.”

  “Shara?” Remembering his earlier words about Shara not being long-term dating material, Noelle felt her defensive claws emerging. “Listen. I don’t want you hurting her—”

  “I’m not. I won’t.” His jaw tightened. “It’s not like that at all. I misjudged her before, when I said that stuff about her.” His throat moved as he swallowed, obviously struggling for words. “We went out for coffee and discovered we have a lot in common. We’re both trying to figure out this faith thing, and we’re taking it slow.”

  “Slow?” With James and Shara, slow could be the difference between light speed and supersonic.

  As his mouth curved up on one side, he averted his eyes. “We haven’t even kissed yet, but I like her.”

  “Oh.” Again, she fought to keep her lips from smiling.

  “You can’t tell Doc anything about this, though. He’s sure to give me a hard time about it.” So sincere was the pleading look in his eyes, her misgivings melted away. Maybe he could be good for Shara after all.

  “No worries. I may never speak to David again.”

  “Why?” He squinted. “Did you two have a fight?”

  She turned her head to the spot David had occupied a few moments before, but he was nowhere to be seen.

  “Let’s just say I don’t think our relationship is going to last.” Again, scanning the crowd in search of David, she spied her sister sitting near the dance floor’s edge, waving at her.

  “Hey, James. My sister’s trying to get my attention. Do you mind if I go see what the problem is?”

  Though his mouth drooped, he nodded assent. “I’ll be waiting by the drink table when you’re done. Promise you’ll come back?”

  “Sure, I’ll come find you,” she said, wondering if she could somehow avoid both Christian brothers for the remainder of the evening.

  As she drew close to Lisa, she realized her sister’s features were tense and pinched. Dropping into an adjacent chair, Noelle leaned in close. “What’s wrong?”

  “Noelle, I’m so glad you’re here. I’m not feeling well, and I can’t find Reece.”

  “Do you need to lie down?” Panic stabbed her as Noelle noticed both of Lisa’s hands were on her
stomach. “Lisa! Is it the baby?”

  Lisa’s mouth pressed into a grimace. “It’s probably just something I ate at lunch, but I need to go to the restroom and maybe lie down for a bit. If I go upstairs, can I trust you to find Reece and send him up to me?”

  “Of course I will. Can you make it up there by yourself?”

  Lisa nodded, with a shaky smile. “No worries. I can walk up the stairs just fine. I’ll rest for a while and be back down in time for dinner.”

  During her search for Reece, David cornered her coming out of the library.

  “There you are. I’ve been looking everywhere. It’s really important that we talk, Noelle.”

  He sounded sincere, but the thought of her father begging him to date her made Noelle see red. “Right now I’m looking for my brother-in-law to tell him my sister’s not feeling well.” Hopefully she sounded worried enough to cover up the anger in her voice.

  “I think I saw him on the back patio with some of the other employees in our division.”

  Unfortunately, rather than allowing her to escape him, David led the way, giving her a gratuitous view of his back. How could a back, modestly covered in a crisp white dress shirt, be so… so… so whatever it was that made her wish she could see his muscles without that shirt on? Surely he walked in front of her on purpose, completely aware of the deleterious effect his broad shoulders had on her psyche.

  Noelle clung to this thought, her righteous indignation growing at his undeniable selfishness, until he looked back at her with anxiety-ridden eyes, saying, “I hope Lisa’s okay. I can tell you’re truly upset about it, but I’m praying for her right now.”

  Seriously? For once, couldn’t he be a jerk? Just long enough for her to decide she couldn’t possibly love him?

  Her hastily erected wall of sticks and straw crumpled to the ground. “Thanks, David. I appreciate it. I really do.” Her voice must have quivered a bit, because he slowed long enough for her to come alongside and wrapped his comforting arm around her shoulders.

  As promised, David located Reece on the patio, whispering in his ear. Reece’s face paled as he abandoned the group, rushing into the house without an explanation. Curious eyes turned to Noelle, who struggled for an excuse that wouldn’t reveal the closely guarded secret of Lisa’s early term pregnancy.

  “Lisa’s having a bout of vertigo,” David announced to the onlookers. “It’s nothing serious.”

  Nods and “Ohs” indicated their acceptance of David’s words, and he guided Noelle back in from the cold, never withdrawing his arm.

  “Finally,” he muttered, as he weaved them through the crowd. She accompanied him without further protest, admittedly a tiny bit interested in the nature of this crucial “talk.”

  Finding an unoccupied alcove, they sat together on an ornate antique bench. Clearing his throat, his mouth opened and closed without producing a word. For once, his usual confidence was missing in action.

  “Uhmm… Noelle.” His throat appeared to convulse as he swallowed. “For the longest time, I’ve been searching for someone I could share my heart with… someone with the same priorities and beliefs… someone who understands the meaning of putting the Lord in the center of your life.”

  His serious words sent her heart pattering like a frightened bird. Perspiration broke out on her palms as her eyes scanned the crowded ballroom, looking for a chance to escape. This can’t possibly end well.

  Gentle fingers touched her chin, turning her face until he could gaze into her eyes, trapping her as securely as a vise.

  “I need you to know about something that happened.” His pleading eyes matched the tenor of his voice. “I’m afraid you might take it the wrong way if you don’t hear it from me.”

  She thought of James’ revelation about David’s fiancée and her tragic death, wondering if he planned to explain his painful history. Should she tell him she already knew?

  The squeal of microphone feedback interrupted their intimate dialogue. “Good evening!” Her father’s voice boomed across the ballroom, and the crowd, which had swelled to over two hundred, including employees, spouses and guests, turned their attention toward the stage. As the music stopped and the crowd quieted, her father began his traditional Merry Christmas speech.

  David frowned, whispering in her ear. “I’m not finished. Will this take very long?”

  Having forgotten this was David’s first year with her father’s company, she hastily explained, “Five or ten minutes, max. He always announces the Christmas bonuses, business expansions, etc., etc. Supposedly, he has some big revelation to make tonight.”

  David’s eyes grew wide, and he stood, tugging at her hand. “Come on.” His coarse whisper sounded desperate. “I need to explain something.”

  “James Christian!” her father’s voice bellowed. “David Christian! I want both of you to join me up here.”

  David stiffened, dropping her hand and squeezing his eyes shut as his frantic expression transformed, millimeter by millimeter, to one of quiet resignation, and he trudged to the stage as one who’d been told to walk the plank.

  Her father lined the brothers up on either side of him, with a hand on each shoulder. “Now, James has been with us for almost a year, and David, or Doc, as some of you know him, has only been at the company for a few months. But these men have earned my respect of late, taking up a complicated task that required a lot of time and work outside of regular office hours. It was a trial of sorts, and they’ve passed with flying colors. In addition, Reece Starkey can’t say enough about these two. And so, I’m proud to announce that James Christian and David Christian will be heading up two brand new divisions at Holiday, Inc.”

  The employees clapped and cheered, a few whistles piercing the air.

  Her father clapped the brothers on their backs. “And since no one can keep a secret around here…” He winked at the crowd before tossing his head back with merry laughter. “You’ll be glad to know there’s already a waiting list of employees vying to join your teams. Congratulations, and welcome to the Holiday family!”

  David, who wore a pasty smile during the entire monologue, dared to turn his gaze toward Noelle. When his hollow eyes met hers, the truth sank like an anchor in her stomach.

  Of course. Why, after twenty-nine years, would two incredibly hot and hunky men be attracted to her at the same time? Her meddlesome father made a practice of using his power and charisma to get his way in every endeavor. Well, not this time, Dad. I’ve never accepted your charity before, and I’m not about to start now.

  Surprised to find herself dry-eyed, Noelle rose to her feet. Moving like a zombie, she turned and walked toward the front gallery. Only the burning sensation in her chest and the trembling in her limbs betrayed the disastrous state of her emotions.

  “Noelle, wait!” David caught her arm, twisting her to face him, his lying blue eyes attempting to snare her with their deadly bait. “It’s not what you think.”

  Her reply came out of wooden lips. “It doesn’t matter what I think now. You got your promotion, so I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t bother me any more.”

  “Please, don’t do this.” His voice cracked, and an actual tear trickled down his cheek.

  Wow, he’s quite an actor. No wonder he fooled me. I’ve got to get away from him before I fall to pieces. He can never know how much he hurt me.

  She stared at the hand that gripped her arm until he released her. Without another word, she whirled away, desperate to get outside where she could breathe.

  “Noelle!” Her brother-in-law’s panicked cry stopped her in her tracks. Reece stood on the stairway landing, supporting Lisa with one arm. “We have to get to the hospital. Lisa’s cramping!”

  One look at Lisa’s tear-streaked face, and Noelle forced her pain to the side. Lisa needs me now. I can hurt another time.

  ∞ 10 ∞

  THOUGH UNCOMFORTABLE IN HER floor-length satin gown, Noelle paced the floor in the crowded emergency waiting room, the click of her heel
s on the floor echoing as she wove her way around legs and purses and crying children.

  “What’s taking so long?” she lamented, flopping into a chair beside her father, her earlier anger with his meddling pushed to the back burner for the present.

  “You may as well calm down. You won’t do Lisa any good by getting upset.” He pushed his reading glasses further up his nose, flipping the pages of a dog-eared magazine.

  “How can you read at a time like this? Anyway that magazine must be teeming with germs. Ewww!”

  “Noelle, everything’s under control. Gavin’s hosting the party, and Lisa’s with the doctors.”

  “What if—”

  Her father’s palm appeared in front of her face, cutting her off. “It doesn’t do any good to worry about it.” His gentle smile took the sting from his words. “Remember the verse we had framed on the kitchen wall? ‘Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.’”

  Noelle rolled her eyes. “I remember… Philippians, right? It’s not like I don’t already know I’m not supposed to worry, but it’s easier for some people than others.”

  “Like Jesus said in Matthew, ‘Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?’” He gave a decisive nod, the matter obviously being settled in his mind, and returned his attention to the magazine article about repurposing empty milk cartons.

  “Yes, but this is all my fault.”

  “This?” He looked up with an expression of incredulity, his hand making a sweeping motion as he glanced toward the double doors where Lisa and Reece had disappeared an hour ago. “You’re somehow responsible for your sister possibly losing the baby?”

  “Yes, it’s my fault.” A sob burst from her lips and she buried her head in her father’s chest as he wrapped his arms around her shaking shoulders, patting her back as he had when she was a small child.

  “Shhhh! Calm down and tell me what you’re talking about.”