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Yours for Christmas

Step out of the winter chill and into the warmth of Fool’s Gold, California, the charming small-town setting for a new holiday novella from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery

Famous former NFL stars don’t date single working moms like Bailey Voss. She’ll allow herself to daydream about Kenny Scott’s muscles and killer smile, but wanting more would lead to post-holiday regret. Then Kenny volunteers to run a toy drive with Bailey, and she learns that he’s not just hot…he’s also generous, funny, nice. The whole package—tantalizingly out of reach.

The ache of past loss reminds Kenny why he needs to avoid getting too close to anyone. Especially to a gorgeous redhead and her adorable little girl. Mess it up, and he’d lose them both. Yet Kenny can only resist Bailey for so long. And as festive spirit spreads throughout the town, he’s all wrapped up in Bailey’s sweet, sexy kisses and determined to make this the first of many Christmases together…

YOURS FOR

CHRISTMAS

Susan Mallery

This is for Linda Elliott,

who said yes to the man of her dreams

Waymon (Ray), in 1961 on Christmas Eve.

Since his illness and death in 2008,

Linda has returned to comfort reading,

her first love, with a vengeance.

Contents

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER ONE

“MOM, EVEN THOUGH I know there’s no Santa, is it still okay to have a stocking?”

Bailey Voss smiled at her daughter. Being a single mom was often a challenge, but every now and then she thought maybe, just maybe, she was getting it right.

“Of course,” she told her seven-year-old. “Christmas is about being with the people we love and sharing our traditions. A stocking is a tradition.”

Chloe beamed. “When can we put out our stockings? And decorate the house?” Her bright, adorable girl paused. “When we move, right? Can we put up our Christmas tree the very first night?”

“We can,” Bailey promised, confident she was going to be exhausted after a long day of moving, but determined to make this the best Christmas ever for her little girl.

Chloe had already been through so much, most especially the loss of her dad over a year ago. But she was happy and thriving now. Bailey and her daughter had made a place for themselves in Fool’s Gold and they were less than a month from moving into what Bailey hoped was their forever home. Bailey had a great job she loved, Chloe had friends and was doing well in school. A wonderful holiday season was exactly how she planned to finish up her year.

Chloe walked to the calendar attached to the refrigerator and counted out the days.

“Seventeen days until Thanksgiving,” she said excitedly. “Then twelve more days until we move and get our tree and stockings.” She hurried over to her mother and hugged her. “It’s almost Christmas!”

Bailey held her tightly, then stroked her hair. “I’m proud of you, honey,” she said, trying to keep from sounding too emotional. “You’re working hard in school and you’re a big help to me.”

Her daughter looked up her. “I love you, Mom.”

“I love you, too, sweet girl.” She glanced at the clock on the stove and held in a shriek. “We are so late!”

Chloe laughed and pulled back, then ran out of the kitchen. “I’m ready. I just need my coat.”

Five minutes later the Voss women were walking briskly toward Chloe’s school. After dropping off her daughter, Bailey continued on toward city hall, where she worked as Mayor Marsha Tilson’s assistant.

Mayor Marsha was the longest-serving mayor in California. She ran her town with an impressive combination of carrot and stick. Bailey was pretty sure Mayor Marsha could twist the devil himself to her bidding. Today was no exception.

Only it wasn’t going to be the devil walking through the mayor’s office doors. Instead they would be visited by a tall, broad-shouldered man who got Bailey’s heart to fluttering in a way that really couldn’t be healthy.

“It’s just a crush,” Bailey told herself as she waited in line at Brew-haha for her morning latte, then realized that talking aloud in a crowd was a sure way to get her neighbors and friends to worrying about her. She pressed her lips together, then felt them curve into a smile as she thought about how being around Kenny Scott made her feel sixteen again.

She knew that having a crush was no big deal. It was a part of life. As long as she didn’t act on it, she would be fine. Because throwing herself at the muscular, former NFL player, and Super Bowl-winning receiver, would be foolish and possibly pathetic.

There was no way she was Kenny’s type. Not that she’d ever seen him with a woman, but still. He was gorgeous. Dark blond hair, big blue eyes. He was built like a superhero and strong. A gentle giant of a man. And speaking of big, his hands...

She held in another sigh, placed her order, waved at her friend Patience, who was manning the espresso machine, then moved to wait for her drink.

The truth was that famous former NFL stars didn’t date small-town single moms. Especially not those who were battling an extra twenty pounds. Bailey figured she was attractive enough. She’d been blessed with thick red hair and nice skin, but she wasn’t like those women in the gossip magazines. She was pretty much the same as everyone else in the normal world. She had a job, she worried about her daughter and much of the time her paycheck barely stretched to cover her bills. She wasn’t exactly a hunky-guy magnet.

But that was the beauty of a crush. She could look and dream all she wanted, for free. And if the man in question happened to be coming in for a meeting that very morning, then she was simply going to have more to sigh about later. Which made today a very good day.

* * *

AS KENNY SCOTT’S friend Jack had once admitted, going to see Mayor Marsha was a bit like visiting the great and powerful Wizard of Oz. But without the flying monkeys or the man manipulating things behind the curtain. Unfortunately for Kenny, Mayor Marsha came by her power the old-fashioned way, and not through smoke and mirrors. If it were the latter, she would be so much easier to refuse.

It wasn’t that he was afraid of the woman, he told himself as he walked toward city hall. It was that he didn’t like situations where he couldn’t say no. And with Mayor Marsha, no wasn’t a word people generally uttered.

He knew he could tell himself to be strong. That she was merely an old woman. But the truth was far more complex than that. Mayor Marsha knew things she shouldn’t, and no one could figure out how. Kenny assumed she had a network of accomplices who fed her tidbits of information. She put them all into some retired NSA computer program that predicted behavior or something. He shook his head as he climbed the steps to the main entrance. Maybe he should simply accept the prevailing wisdom that the mayor wasn’t of this earth. Or had precognition. Regardless, she had summoned him and here he was.

He took a flight of stairs to the second floor and walked down the wide hallway. A sign directed him to the mayor’s office.

He walked through the open doorway only to get hit by a three-hundred-pound cornerback. Okay, not really, but that was what it felt like. He came to a stop, unnoticed by the single occupant of the office foyer, and told himself that he was imagining the body blow. And the attraction.

He knew the curvy redhead sitting guard outside the mayor’s inner sanctum. He’d seen her dozens of times in town, had talked to her. He even knew her kid. But while seven-year-old Chloe was adorable and only a little dangerous, the same couldn’t be said for her mom. Bailey Voss was a walking, breathing temptation. She should come with a permanent warning sign and a quarantine zone. Because when he was within ten feet of her, his brain shut down and he became an idiot.

He couldn’t figure out what it was about her that got to him. She was tall and he liked tall, but it wasn’t like that was so unusual in and of itself. The long, wavy red hair was sexy, but survivable. He wanted to say it was her big green eyes. There was an innocence there, a trust, and that appealed to him.

Okay, fine. He would admit it. He was just as mentally simple as every other man on the planet. Sex was important and when he saw Bailey Voss all he could think about was getting her naked and having his way with her. He was pretty sure that three or four hundred times would do the trick.

Under any other circumstances, he would ask her out, wow her with his charm, get her into bed and get over her. Or fall crazy in love with her. He was open to either. Only that wasn’t going to happen. Not ever. She was a single mom and he didn’t date single moms. Not now, not in the future. Because single moms came with kids and while a guy could get over falling for a woman, kids ripped out your heart and took it with them when they left. There was no recovering from that.

He braced himself for the inevitable feeling of being all feet and no brain, then cleared his throat. Bailey looked up and smiled.

That was all it took. One sweet smile and he was a goner. He’d played in the NFL—shouldn’t he be better than this?

“Hi, Kenny,” she said. “You’re right on time.”

“I figured if I wasn’t, she’d unleash the dragons.”

Bailey’s smile turned into a little laugh. One of those soft, sweet sounds that made a man think about how he should have matching towels and maybe get something monogrammed. He’d read once that men might have conquered the West, but women had civilized it. Truer words, he thought glumly.

“The mayor said to bring you right in,” Bailey told him.

She rose and stepped out from behind the desk.

She was wearing a dress. Some gray tweedy fabric that probably had a name or was the latest style. He didn’t care about the color or the style. What he liked was how the dress followed the generous lines of her body. The style emphasized her breasts and her hips. She wore boots with sensible flat heels and still came up past his shoulder.

She moved closer and suddenly he could smell some girlie shampoo or soap. It made him think of Bailey in the shower, which was dangerous and fun at the same time.

She moved toward the closed double doors and he followed. She came to an unexpected stop and he nearly plowed into her. Before he could move back, she turned to face him.

Her green eyes were big and her lashes were long. Her full lips had some kind of gloss on them and he briefly wondered if it had a flavor. Because every now and then when he kissed a woman he got a twofer. A sweet, sexy mouth and a hint of piña colada. It was nice. Women were nice and Bailey was the nicest of them—

He grabbed his self-control with both hands and deliberately took a step toward safety. Early in his career a coach had told him that he had one job on the field. To catch the football and run it to the end zone. Nothing else mattered. The advice had served him well.

When it came to Bailey, he only had to remember one thing. She wasn’t for him. If he kept that in mind, he would be fine.

“I should have asked,” she said. “Did you want some coffee? We have a pot going.”

“I’m good.”

Something flashed in her eyes and her smile broadened. He wanted to ask what she was thinking, but before he could, she’d opened the door to the mayor’s office and led the way inside.

The space was large with a huge desk and big windows. There were three flags behind the mayor’s desk. The U.S. Flag, the California state flag and one that he guessed was the seal of Fool’s Gold.

Mayor Marsha was in her sixties with white hair. She wore suits or dresses and pearls. On the surface she wasn’t the least bit intimidating, but he’d seen grown men bow to her bidding and be unable to explain why.

Today she had on a red dress. She smiled welcomingly when he followed Bailey to her desk, then rose and shook his hand.

“Mr. Scott, thank you so much for seeing me.”

Uh-huh, like he believed he’d had a choice. “Kenny, please.”

She motioned for him to sit. Bailey took the chair next to his and Mayor Marsha settled back in her seat.

The older woman studied him for a moment before nodding. As if she’d just made a decision. Kenny briefly wondered how big a pain in his butt that decision was going to be.

“As you know,” she began, “we have various service projects for our FWM groves.”

“Sure.”

Fool’s Gold had its own version of scouting. Future Warriors of the Máa-zib. The Máa-zib tribe was the former indigenous tribe of the area. They had been a matriarchal society, so the FWM was for girls from age six to maybe ten. They progressed from Acorns in year one to Sprouts and so on until their final year when they were Mighty Oaks. The girls were in “groves” and there was a Grove Keeper.

Taryn, one of his business partners, was a co-leader of a grove with her husband, Angel. Chloe, Bailey’s daughter, was in their grove. Kenny had helped her and one of her friends learn knots this past spring.

“You know the Sprouts?” the mayor asked.

“Taryn’s grove? Sure.” He looked at Bailey, but she seemed as puzzled as he was.

“Is there a problem with the Sprouts?” she asked her boss. “Chloe hasn’t said anything.”

“All is well,” the mayor assured her. “However, there is a slight logistical problem. Each grove has a service project for the year. The Sprouts want to have a toy drive for the holidays. An admirable and ambitious project to be sure. But with Taryn and Angel traveling for the next month, they have no leader.”

“Taryn’s not traveling,” Kenny said. She would have said something to him and his partners. He’d just seen her yesterday at their staff meeting.

“She and Angel are going to Fiji for a month,” Mayor Marsha told him. “So the Sprouts will need someone to temporarily take over the grove. I immediately thought of you two.”

Kenny felt the walls closing in. No way. Not him. He couldn’t be responsible for a bunch of little girls. Even if he had the time, which he probably did, he didn’t want to get involved that way. It was too close. Too personal. Plus the mayor had said him and Bailey. He couldn’t work with her. Not up close. She was too sexy and desirable.

“I’d love to,” Bailey said quickly. She smiled at Kenny, then turned back to the mayor. “It’s a great idea. This is only Chloe’s second Christmas without her father. Last year was so hard on her. I was worried how she would handle the holidays. I think focusing on collecting toys for needy children will help her see the joy in the season.”

Kenny swore silently. Totally tempting and nice to boot. Wasn’t that his luck? How was he supposed to say no now? He would look like a jerk. Plus, he liked Chloe. He didn’t want her sad over Christmas. He believed in self-preservation but not in being a jerk.

“Excellent.” The mayor handed them each a folder. “Here are the approved collection sites. The girls will each need to decorate a bin and then the bins will need to be emptied regularly. The toy drive will start the Saturday after Thanksgiving. That gives you time to organize the decorating and placing of the bins. The toys will be delivered to Sacramento on the nineteenth of December. They’ll be distributed that weekend.”

She gave a few more instructions, then thanked them both for agreeing to help. It was only when Kenny found himself outside the office that he realized he’d never agreed at all. Not that he was going to mention that now.

He sat in the visitor’s chair at Bailey’s desk and opened his folder. The neatly printed sheets detailed everything that had to be done.

“I know where we can get a cargo trailer,” Bailey was saying. “Mayor Marsha had me make sure it was available but I didn’t know why until now.”

He was having trouble taking it all in, and sitting this close to Bailey didn’t help. Once again he could inhale the scent of something a little floral, a little girlie, and it didn’t make thinking any easier.

“A cargo trailer will take a lot of toys,” he said.

“The town will come through,” Bailey said confidently. “Okay, so I see where we pick up the empty bins. We’ll need to arrange to decorate them. If the drive starts the Saturday after Thanksgiving, we should decorate the Saturday before. Does that work for you?”

She looked up at him and he found himself getting lost in her big green eyes.

“I never said yes,” he told her, knowing he sounded like an idiot.

Her mouth twitched. “Don’t let that worry you. Mayor Marsha does that to people. Unless you want to go tell her no.”

“Not really.”

“I didn’t think so.” She lightly put her hand on his forearm. “It’ll be fun.”

Her fingers were long and slender and he could feel the heat through his shirt. There were a lot of words for spending the next month or so working with Bailey on the toy drive, but he wasn’t sure fun was going to be one of them. Torture was more likely.

“I, ah, have a big SUV,” he said after clearing his throat. “I can use it to empty the bins.”

“Great.” She pulled her arm back. “We’ll get a schedule together. Discuss it with the girls at the FWM meeting. They can sign up their parents to help with that, too.”

“There’s a meeting?” he asked.

She nodded. “We’re both going to have to be there. I know most of the girls because of Chloe, but they’ll have to meet you and we’ll discuss supplies for decorating.” Her glossy lips curved into another smile. “I can’t wait.”

“Me, either,” he lied, thinking it would have been so much easier to take on the flying monkeys.

* * *

KENNY WALKED INTO Taryn’s office and stalked over to her desk. “You have a lot to answer for,” he announced, doing his best to look intimidating.

Unfortunately for him, Taryn had spent the past few years dealing with three former NFL players and not much got to her. Instead of looking nervous or even guilty, she simply raised her eyebrows and waited.

“You and Angel are bailing,” he told her, his tone accusing. “On your Sprouts. There’s a toy drive and I got hauled in to the whole thing.”

“What are you talking about? How did you know about our trip? We just decided a couple of days ago to spend a month in Fiji. We haven’t told anyone yet.”

“Someone told Mayor Marsha. I just got back from a meeting with her. I’m going to be working with Bailey Voss on the toy drive. It’s not like I could say no.”

Taryn’s mouth twitched, but it wasn’t nearly as sexy as it had been on Bailey. Because he knew Taryn was laughing at him rather than with him.

“It’s not funny,” he grumbled.

“It kind of is.” She rose and walked around her desk toward him.

As usual she wore some fancy designer-suit thing and was barefoot. Because she wore stupid shoes that were too high to walk in all day. She put her hands on his chest and stared into his eyes.

“Thank you for helping my Sprouts with the toy drive.”

“You owe me.”

“I do. I don’t know how Mayor Marsha found out, but she did and you’re a really good guy for stepping in.”

He made a growling sound in his throat. No way she could mollify him with a few compliments. He was tougher than that.

She smiled. “Seriously. It means a lot to me. Those are my girls and I want them to have a good holiday.”

He shook off her touch and glowered. “I said I’d do it, okay? You don’t have to convince me.”

“No, but I would like it if you’d at least pretend it might be fun. Unless...” The humor fled her violet eyes and worry replaced it. “Oh, Kenny, I didn’t think. Is this going to be too hard for you? I can ask Jack or Sam.”

Kenny was sure their other two partners would agree. And while that would free up his time, he wasn’t one to walk away from something he’d already said he would do.

“I’m fine,” he told her. “Bailey has the details figured out. It’s the holidays, right? I can help kids who need toys.”

Taryn wasn’t fooled. She continued to study him. “I worry about you. You need somebody in your life.” She held up a hand to stop him from talking. “Not just friends, but someone special. Someone to fall in love with.”

“I’m fine.” The truth, he thought. He was completely fine. As for falling in love—well, he wanted that, too. But so far it hadn’t happened. He liked women but he hadn’t found the one. When he did...he would be all in. As long as she didn’t have kids. That was his only caveat. No single moms. No exceptions.

“I want you to be more than fine,” Taryn told him. “I want you to be happy.”

“I will be.”

One day, he thought longingly. Because there was someone for everyone. Even a guy like him.

CHAPTER TWO

THE FWM MEETINGS were a lot louder than Kenny would have guessed. He knew that there were only eight seven-year-old girls in the room, but it seemed like there were more. Of course all the girls had brought at least one parent. Adding the Grove Keepers along with him, that was a fair number of people in a smallish space.

He kept to the back of the room, careful not to make eye contact with the mothers. The dads he could handle. They would either want to talk about a game they remembered or try to prove that his having played pro ball didn’t mean anything. He could handle that, no problem.

The mothers made him more nervous. He didn’t mind the ones who said their sons wanted to play. It was the women who looked at him the way a hungry cat watches a goldfish that made him glance longingly toward the exit. He’d been propositioned plenty of times. For some people, a wedding ring was an accessory, not a commitment. He didn’t feel that way.

While he was good at shutting down the lady in question, there was always the risk of hurt feelings. Or a husband feeling he had something to prove. Kenny wasn’t in the mood for either. Better to avoid the problem completely.

He kept his attention on Angel and Taryn, who ran the meeting like the experts they were. When he felt the need to look at something more appealing, he let his gaze drift over to Bailey. Now a proposition from her would be most welcome. Then he remembered Chloe and knew he was totally screwed.

Angel, a tall dark-haired man with gray eyes and an air of danger about him, explained about the toy drive. The Sprouts didn’t seem to care that their Grove Keeper was a former special ops guy with a scar on his neck like someone had tried to slit his throat. Kenny would guess that day hadn’t ended well for the other guy.

Taryn stood by her husband and smiled. “You all know Bailey—Chloe’s mom. She’s going to be helping with the toy drive service project. But it’s a big job, so we have someone else joining the grove for the next few weeks. My friend Kenny Scott.”

Kenny waved from his place by the wall. A few of the girls waved back. He saw Chloe looking at him and he winked at her. She giggled.

Maybe he was looking at this all wrong, he told himself. Sure, he had his rules for his dating life, but this wasn’t that. He could help the girls with their service project, enjoy the holiday season and walk away without worrying that he’d gotten too involved. That made it a win-win for everyone.

He acknowledged that at some point he was going to have to deal with the fact that holding himself apart from nearly everyone wasn’t the best idea. But not a psychological hurdle he had to deal with today.

Taryn explained how the bins would have to be decorated and when that would happen. She also pointed to the sign-up sheets on the wall.

“Parents, this is where you come in. We’re going to need all the bins emptied every day. Then either Kenny or Bailey will meet you at the trailer so the presents can be secured. Any questions?”

Taryn and Angel fielded the questions. A couple of the parents walked over to the sign-up sheets and wrote their names. Kenny wondered if it was too early for him to duck out. Before he could decide, Bailey walked toward him.

Today she had on a fluffy sweater and tight jeans. Both made his mouth go dry. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail and she wasn’t wearing any makeup. She looked great.

She bit her lower lip as she glanced at him. “Um, I’d like to ask you something,” she murmured. “If you have a second.”

Did she want to come to his place for the night? Because his answer to that was a big, fat yes. But somehow he doubted that was what she was thinking.

She drew in a breath. “Okay, so I’m buying a house. It’s so strange to think I can afford it and some nights I worry that I can’t.” She paused and shook her head. “Sorry. The rambling wasn’t supposed to be part of the question.”

“No problem. Congratulations on the house.”

“Thanks. It’s my first. The inspection is tomorrow.”

She tucked her hands into her jeans’ back pockets, which made her chest stick out more. He held in a groan. Seriously, she was killing him.

“I, ah, don’t know what happens at a house inspection. Or what I’m supposed to ask. I was going to go by myself, but now I’m worried I’ll miss something important. Would you mind coming with me?”

It took him a second to stop looking at her body long enough to realize there was a question in all the words.

“Sure,” he told her. “I’m happy to be there.”

She relaxed. Unfortunately that meant she pulled her hands out of her pockets, but nothing lasted forever.

“Really? That would be so great.”

“Tell me when and where and I’ll be there.”

She rattled off a time and address. He entered both into his phone’s calendar.

“It won’t be difficult,” he told her. “The inspector’s on your side. He or she wants you to know what you’re buying.”

“That’s what my agent told me, but it’s still a little scary. I’ll feel better having you along.”

One of the mothers claimed Bailey’s attention. Kenny stood in the back of the room feeling as if he could take on a whole defensive line by himself. Yup, he was the man.

* * *

BAILEY SPENT HER morning alternating between worrying about why on earth she’d asked Kenny Scott to join her for her house inspection and being incredibly grateful that he was going to be along. There was just something about being around him that made her feel...safe. As if he knew what he was doing. A ridiculous assumption, she reminded herself. The man was a former professional football player. Why would he know anything about houses?

But ask him she had and she was grateful he’d agreed to join her. Despite the fact that her late husband had been deployed during their marriage and gone for nearly two years, there were still some things she found hard to do alone.

The house was in an older part of Fool’s Gold. The neighborhood was well-established, with a nice mix of residents. Young families were buying homes and refurbishing, while older couples still lived in the places where their kids had grown up.

Bailey’s house-to-be was two stories with a large front porch. There was a small yard in front and a big one in back, a detached garage and an unfinished basement.

While the one and a half bathrooms hadn’t been remodeled in a while, the roof was new and the kitchen’s appliances were younger than her daughter. All pluses. Bailey figured she and Chloe could live with the oversized tub and two-tone pink tile in the bathrooms a lot easier than they could handle a leaky roof.

Bailey had loved the house from the moment she’d stepped foot inside of it. It wasn’t huge. There were only two bedrooms upstairs and a bonus area that Chloe could use as a playroom. Downstairs there was a tiny office for Bailey, a decent-size living room and the eat-in kitchen. There were lots of windows, big trees in the backyard and beautiful hardwood floors throughout.

What had most appealed, aside from the reasonable price, was the sense of rightness she felt when she’d first seen it. Despite the fact that the house was empty, she’d been able to see herself and Chloe living here for a long time. There had been other contenders—larger homes that were a little newer. But with all that space and shininess came a heftier mortgage. Today was her day of reckoning, when she found out if her home, barely in escrow, would pass its inspection.

She heard the rumble of a powerful engine and turned to see Kenny pulling up in front of the house. He drove a large Mercedes SUV. She was sure it cost about half of what her house did, but then he could afford it.

It must be nice not to have to clip coupons and save for things like winter tires and unexpected repair bills. In her next life, she thought with a smile. She would remember to be rich.

Kenny got out of his SUV and started toward her. The sun had been playing peek-a-boo with some clouds, but obviously shared her fascination with the man. It slipped into view and cast warm, golden light on the object of its affection. Kenny’s hair gleamed, his smile was easy and Bailey felt her heart give a little jump of appreciation.

Even if he didn’t know anything about construction or houses or the difference between a screwdriver and a wrench, he would be a nice distraction if she started to freak out, she reminded herself.

“Nice house,” Kenny said as he approached.

“Thanks.” She waited until he stopped in front of her. “So, do you know anything about houses?”

He grinned. “Regretting your impulsive request I be here?”

“Not at all. Just wondering if my assumptions are correct.”

“That because I’m a guy, I know something about electricity and plumbing?”

“Um, yeah. That would be it.”

He put his arm around her and turned her toward the house. “I am more than a pretty face. Growing up I helped my dad with all kinds of projects. I can lay tile, replace a light fixture and repair most plumbing leaks.”

“Good to know.”

The words sounded so normal, she thought. But on the inside, there was quivering and shrieking. Mostly because of how close she was to Kenny and how warm his arm was around her body. He made her feel small and delicate. Like an ordinary woman, as opposed to the widow and single mom she’d been for the past couple of years.

Before she could do much more than breathe in the scent of him and indulge in a little PG-13 make-out fantasy, a small pickup drove into her driveway. Bailey recognized the name of the inspector her real estate agent had suggested. All thoughts of Kenny fled as the enormity of what she was doing crashed in on her.

“I want it to be perfect,” she admitted in a whisper.

“Be willing to settle for sound,” Kenny advised. “Everything else is a bonus.”

Good advice, she thought as she walked over to meet her inspector.

Paul Jennings was a man in his fifties. He was pleasant, but seemed more interested in the house than making small talk. He had a large rolling toolbox with him and began the inspection by walking around the outside of the house.

“We start from the ground up,” Mr. Jennings told her. “Foundation to roof. I’ll tell you what I find as I go, then get you a written report via email by this time tomorrow. But before I leave, you’ll already know everything I’ve found.”

“I appreciate that,” she told him.

“Then let’s get started.”

Three hours later Bailey knew more about the house she wanted to buy than she’d ever known about any other building in her life. Even better, she was comfortable with her decision. There were a couple of small problems. The chimney needed to be cleaned before she and Chloe could use it, there were three electrical outlets that didn’t work and the faucet that connected the water to the washer had lost its turny thing.

A small list of easy repairs, she thought as the older man drove away. There hadn’t been any roof leaks, the basement was dry and the furnace put out plenty of heat. Even better was the series of stickers on the side of it, showing that it had been serviced regularly.

“Feeling better?” Kenny asked as they stepped back inside.

She nodded. “Thank you so much. You were great.”

He had been. He’d let her take the lead, but had stayed close by and asked plenty of sensible questions. He’d insisted she go into the attic herself to see into the deep corners so she understood about the insulation and venting. Because of him she now knew where the water and gas shutoffs were.

“As soon as I get the inspection report, I’ll contact my real estate agent,” she said. “We’ll get a list to the seller.”

“Don’t forget about the chimney cleaning,” he told her.

“I won’t.” She glanced at the big fireplace. “I’m going to have to read an article on how to build a fire. There’s a special way, right? With twigs and regular wood?”

Kenny sighed. “It’s kindling and I’ll show you.”

“You know how to build a fire?”

“I’m a man of many talents.”

His voice was teasing and maybe a little sexy. While Bailey appreciated the thrill of her crush, right now practical Kenny was even more appealing.

“I’d like you to teach me,” she told him. “I wonder if the local hardware store has classes on basic home repairs. I don’t want to be one of those women who has a house and doesn’t know how to do anything. I should be able to learn, right?”

“It’s not hard. There are a couple of really good books on the subject. I’ll get one for you.” He winked. “Along with a set of pink tools.”

She laughed. “I’d love pink tools. One of my favorite mystery books has a heroine with pink tools.” They wandered into the kitchen. Mr. Jennings had checked all the appliances along with the drains. “My expertise is more cosmetic. I can patch and paint with the best of them, but anything behind the walls makes me nervous.”

“What do you want to do before you move in?” he asked.

“The usual. Clean, paint.” She set her large tote bag on the counter and pulled out a folder. “Chloe and I have been picking out paint colors.” She fanned the squares onto the counter. “Usually I’m a big believer in painting a sample on the wall, but the seller probably wouldn’t like that. I’ve talked to a few friends and they’re open to a couple of days of helping me out. The plan is to close on Thursday, then start the intensive patching and sanding on Friday. We’ll be painting by Saturday. The move will be Tuesday.”

“A well-oiled machine.”

“I hope. You know what can happen when you make plans.” She pointed to the pale lavender sample. “That’s the one Chloe wants for her room. I think it will be really pretty.”

“She’s getting the room with the dormer windows?” he asked.

“Right, with the little built-in desk between them. I thinking a good sanding will work wonders.”

“You’re right. The wood is pine. Then a nice clear finish, maybe cover it with a thick piece of glass.”

She smiled up at him. “That’s what I was thinking,” she admitted. “I want to get her a new bedroom set. She’s always had hand-me-downs. I’ve been saving and I’ve picked out a couple that would be great for her. I’m torn between letting her in on what I have planned and keeping it a secret.”

“Let her be surprised. She’ll like whatever you get.”

“You think?” she asked eagerly. “I want her to love the house. We’ve always lived in apartments. Will and I never had the money for a down payment. I wouldn’t have it now except there’s a special program that grants money to people who wouldn’t otherwise qualify. Mayor Marsha helped me apply and wrote a recommendation.”

She told herself Kenny couldn’t possibly be interested in her personal finances, but she couldn’t seem to stop talking. “I know it’s a great opportunity. I’ve always wanted to own a house. Nothing fancy, just our own home.” A place to be safe, she thought wistfully.

“Makes sense,” he told her. “I’m glad you’re getting this place. Let me know if you want a guy’s opinion on the furniture.”

“You’d go with me?”

“Sure. Sounds like fun.”

He was being nice. Nice was much more dangerous than handsome, she thought. Nice was real. Nice could make her want more than a crush.

Not possible, she told herself firmly. For all she knew, she was Kenny’s good deed for the season. She had to remember that she was a not the kind of woman a famous former jock, who was also wealthy and successful in his business life, would be interested in. He probably dated supermodels or actresses. Or both.

“Should I warn you that seven-year-old girls generally adore all things princess?” she asked teasingly as they walked toward the front door.

“I would expect no less.”

CHAPTER THREE

WITH TARYN OUT of town for a month, the responsibility of running the offices of Score fell to Kenny. He didn’t mind picking up the slack. While the day-to-day minutia wasn’t his favorite, he could handle it on a short-term basis. Sam’s department took care of the cash flow and payroll and the vacations were already scheduled so Kenny figured he was in for an easy time.

He looked over the master calendar for their clients. There weren’t any big presentations due in December and all the advertising had already been scheduled. The company would be closed from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving until the Sunday after, then for couple of weekdays before Christmas and New Year’s. Easy duty, he thought, clicking on the partners’ private calendar.

He saw Taryn was out for her honeymoon with Angel. She would miss Thanksgiving but be back before Christmas. Jack and Larissa were heading to Los Angeles for Thanksgiving, to be with Larissa’s family. He frowned as he realized Sam would also be out of town in late November. He and Dellina were going to Lake Tahoe with Dellina’s two sisters and their husbands. Which left Kenny on his own for the holiday.

He leaned back in his chair. His own family was mostly back east. His mom worked for the State Department and was in D.C. His sisters were in New York. He could easily go to either place and be welcome, but wasn’t enthused about the idea. For Christmas they were all flying to Bali. Exotic locations were a family tradition. But for once, he was saying no. He wanted to stick around Fool’s Gold. See the snow and the festivals. Plus he had his responsibilities with the toy drive.

His cell phone rang and he glanced at the screen. Speaking of responsibilities, he thought as Bailey’s name came up.

“Hey.”

“Hi. It’s Bailey. The collection bins have been delivered. I’ve confirmed all the supplies we’re going to need and wondered if you wouldn’t mind picking them up.”

“Not at all. Where are the bins?”

“The convention center. They have some space that isn’t being used, so I parked them there. It will be easy access for our decorating and plenty of parking. We’re at the north entrance. There are signs.” She also told him where to pick up the supplies for sprucing the bins.

“I’m writing it down,” he told her as he typed the information into his calendar. “We’re delivering the decorated containers the Friday after Thanksgiving?”

“That’s the plan. Oh, are you around? I didn’t think to ask if you’d be traveling.”

“I’m not.”

There was a pause, as if she were thinking. “Okay. Great. Because I thought you might be with family. Or, you know, a girlfriend.”

He leaned back in his chair and grinned. A not very subtle attempt to extract information. “There’s no girlfriend. And I’m staying in town for the holiday.”

“Good,” she said. The single word was followed by a quick intake of air. As if she was concerned he would think the “good” referred to his single state.

“I, ah, meant I appreciate your help. With the bins and all. I don’t think I could have fit them in my car or carried them into the different stores. And with Sam and Jack both out of town, I’m not sure who I would have asked....” She paused again. “Kenny, all your friends are going to be gone. Where are you having Thanksgiving dinner?”

The previous topic had been a whole lot more interesting to him. Was it possible he made Bailey nervous? Better and better, he thought, before turning to her question.

“I don’t have any plans.”

“You can’t be alone,” she told him. “You’re welcome to join Chloe and me. We’re planning to go to the parade and then have a pretty traditional dinner. Nothing fancy.”

He wasn’t interested in fancy. It was highly overrated. He thought about the beautiful redhead and her adorable daughter and realized the invitation was something he could put on his list to be thankful for.

“I’d like that a lot,” he told her.

“Really? I mean good. The parade is at noon. We’ll be walking over about eleven-thirty, if you want to join us. Or after.”

He smiled. “I’ll be there at eleven-thirty. I’ll bring pie.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I want to. I’m looking forward to the day.”

“Me, too.”

* * *

THE FOOL’S GOLD convention center was an older building that lacked much in the way of architectural detail. But it served its purpose and right now that was way more important to Bailey than anything in the way of visual interest.

She had eight Sprouts, eight collection bins, plenty in the way of paint, markers, glitter and glue, and milling adults to corral.

The bins themselves were round, about four feet tall and wide enough to take a tricycle. The outsides were a stiff cardboard. Clean but not very holiday-like. That was going to change.

“Big crowd,” Kenny said as he walked up to her. “I thought we’d get a few parents, but that was it. There have to be at least thirty people here.”

“I put the word out,” she said, trying to appear both pleasant and casual without giving away how her body had gone into hyperalert. He was so tall, she thought dreamily. So handsome. So nice.

The latter was the most dangerous. Because while his physical appeal was exciting, that kind of a crush wouldn’t last. If he’d been a jerk or arrogant or the least bit annoying, she could have dismissed his blue eyes or easy smile. But the niceness was the real problem. The more she got to know Kenny, the more she liked him. He’d been incredibly helpful during the inspection and now he was here to help the Sprouts with their bins. If the man rescued a kitten from a tree, she was going to be a goner.

“People just showed up?” he asked.

“You sound surprised. You’re here.”

He gave her that slow smile of his. “I had no choice. Mayor Marsha terrifies me.”

“I doubt that.” She glanced at her watch. “Time to get serious. You want to take charge or should I?”

The smile widened. “I like a woman in charge. Go for it.”

Bailey told herself not to read too much into his teasing comment as she walked to the front of the large conference room she’d chosen for the decorating.

“Good morning,” she said loudly.

The conversation stilled as everyone turned toward her.

“Thanks so much for coming. Our goal this morning is to decorate our collection bins for the toy drive. There’s one bin for each Sprout. We’d like the bins to reflect the individual Sprout’s personality and family traditions for the holidays.”

She went on to explain about the supplies and then broke everyone into groups. There was a mad rush for paint, glue and glitter. Gideon, a local late night DJ, strolled in with a portable music system.

“Mind if I set up?” he asked.

“I’d love it,” she told him.

Kenny walked up to her. “So what am I supposed to do?” he asked. “I don’t know anything about decorating a collection bin.”

“It’s okay. We’re just here to supervise. Make sure no one goes wild with the glue sticks. Or you can help Chloe.”

She pointed to the small group around her daughter. Madeline, who worked at the town’s bridal boutique, had offered to be Chloe’s substitute mom for the day. Bailey had been concerned that if she was supposed to be running the event, she wouldn’t be able to help Chloe very much. She’d gratefully accepted the offer of help.

Kenny looked around the large open space, then nodded toward Chloe. “I’ll be over there.”

“Hiding out?” she asked, her voice teasing.

“You know it.”

She watched him go. He was a good guy, she thought wistfully. Before she could allow her thoughts to drift to more places they shouldn’t, music filled the room. Gideon had brought a collection of upbeat holiday carols that soon had everyone singing while they worked.

Bailey walked to each of the Sprouts. Allison and her family and friends had come prepared with beautiful printouts of Russian nesting dolls.

“We’re going to decorate the background, then glue on the pictures of the dolls,” Allison told her. “We’ll put clear varnish over the top.”

“I like it,” Bailey said.

She noticed Allison’s mom had on a pretty beaded bracelet. For a second she thought it was an adult version of the bracelets the Sprouts wore—one with beads they earned for various projects.

Allison’s mom saw her studying the piece and held out her wrist. “Isn’t it wonderful? The beads represent all the colors of cancer awareness.” She smiled at her husband. “It was a gift for my birthday.”

The man in question smiled back. “You’d been hinting you wanted it for weeks. Don’t give me too much credit.”

They laughed together.

Bailey nodded and moved to the next group. But before she got there, she glanced back at the couple who had paused for a quick hug.

Their intimacy, their obvious love for each other, gave her a funny feeling in her stomach. Longing, she decided. She wanted what they had. She wanted to fall in love and stay in love for the rest of her life.

If any of her friends knew that was what she secretly longed for, they would be surprised. After all, she’d been married. Happily—or so it had appeared on the outside. But not in her heart, she thought. Will had been a terrific guy...just not for her.

Theirs hadn’t been a bad marriage. Just not special. Maybe they’d married too young. Maybe they’d grown apart because of his frequent deployments. There could be a thousand reasons. Her only hope was that he’d never figured out that she wasn’t happy.

* * *

THANKSGIVING MORNING DAWNED clear and cold. Bailey was up early—in part to prepare the turkey and stuffing, but mostly because she couldn’t sleep.

She was going to spend the entire day with Kenny. The realization made her feel like she was sixteen again and had a mad crush on... She stopped applying her mascara so she could laugh without poking herself in the eye. Because the cliché that had come to mind was a mad crush on the football captain. And she would bet that Kenny had been just that. He was the kind of guy who would take charge of the team and lead them to the championship.

Not that she would have been there to see it, she reminded herself as she leaned into the mirror and continued applying her makeup. She would have been working as many hours as she could manage. There hadn’t been time for things like football games.

It wasn’t going to be like that for Chloe, she told herself. Chloe was growing up in a community where she connected with people. Bailey wanted her daughter to feel safe and strong. Like she could do anything.

Bailey’s grandmother had been willing to take in her only granddaughter when her own daughter had skipped town. The older woman had been loving but firm. The message was clear. Bailey was expected to take care of herself starting the day she turned eighteen. To that end, Bailey had put aside her dreams of a college education and had instead focused on after-school jobs and learned to be an adult as early as possible. It wasn’t until years later that she’d saved enough to go to community college.

She supposed the lessons had served her well. While she’d had to adjust when Will died, she’d known that even if she didn’t always feel capable, she had the skill set to survive.

She put away her makeup and tidied the small bathroom. It was the only one in the apartment and they were going to have company. She paused to take in the pink-and-gold plastic shower curtain, the princess-printed towels Chloe loved and the turkey-shaped liquid soap dispenser on the small vanity. Probably not anything a man like Kenny was used to.

She walked into her bedroom and dressed. While the thought of getting all fancy and sexy for their visitor was fun, it simply wasn’t going to happen. For one thing, she wasn’t the sexy type. For another, she didn’t actually own anything that fit that category. She was a single mom who worked for the mayor. Her clothes were either casual or for business. There wasn’t room for much else in her life. She didn’t date, so there was no LBD in the back of her closet.

She did have on a nice pair of dark wash jeans and a deep brown sweater with flecks of gold and green in the weave. The cotton blend was just thick enough to be warm but not so heavy as to add bulk. She thought maybe the colors were good for her complexion and brought out the green in her eyes. Of course while she was cooking she would be wearing an apron with a turkey on it. Not exactly a pattern designed to bring a man to his knees.

Bailey stepped in front of her dresser and started to take out the hot rollers. She was determined to have pretty waves in her hair. It was the best she could do. Not that Kenny would notice anything more than the fact that they were friends and he liked her kid. She was clear on that. Any crushes went strictly one way. But that was fine because her giddiness was enough for two.

The rest of the morning passed in a blur. Chloe got up and ate her breakfast while Bailey got the stuffing together. The scent of sautéing onions and celery filled the small kitchen. The turkey was already out of the refrigerator and in the roasting pan.

She’d made the sweet potato casserole the night before. It only had to be reheated, which would happen after the turkey had come out of the oven and was resting. The potatoes were peeled and sitting in water. She’d prepared the broccoli for the steamer. All that was left was for her to make her famous cheese biscuits and she would do that after the parade. They only took twenty minutes, which meant they would share space with the sweet potato casserole.

She would make gravy while Kenny carved and, with luck, they would sit down to a perfect dinner. Or just a good one, she thought happily. Because perfect was seriously overrated.

She’d already set the table, as well. The centerpiece was a sterling silver bowl with a candle in it. While they weren’t going to decorate for Christmas until after the move, she’d put her favorite gingerbread-men cookie jar on the old sideboard she’d picked up at a garage sale when they’d first moved to town.

“I don’t remember the parade from last year,” Chloe told her as she carried her cereal bowl to the sink.

“We went.”

Although they hadn’t stayed long. Chloe had said she wasn’t feeling well and Bailey had brought her home. She’d known that what was bothering her daughter had little to do with a virus and everything to do with the loss of her father.

Chloe had come a long way, Bailey thought gratefully. She would always miss her dad, but she’d remembered how to be happy again. She had friends, she loved school and she was thriving. No mother could ask for more.

“I’m really excited to see it again,” Chloe told her. “We’re going to meet up with my friends, right? I told you where that was?”

Bailey smiled. “Yes, you did. About fourteen times. I know the exact corner where we’re all watching the parade.”

Because the Sprouts were going to view the festivities together. Bailey had a feeling there were going to be several speculative glances when the other mothers caught sight of Kenny.

Their guest arrived right on time. Bailey did her best to quell the butterflies practicing a two-step in her tummy. She drew in a breath for strength and maybe courage while Chloe raced across the carpet, yelling, “I’ll get it! I’ll get it!”

Her seven-year-old flung open the front door and beamed at Kenny. “You came! We’re going to the parade and the turkey’s in the oven and it’s going to be delicious. You get to carve, which means you’re going to make the slices for us.”

Kenny stepped into the living room. He was tall and broad and the living room seemed smaller than usual with him in it. Bailey had the sense of being all thumbs and feet as she tried to smile and greet him.

“Right on time,” she said with a smile.

“I heard there’s a parade.”

“At noon,” Chloe said.

He wore a leather jacket and a scarf around his neck. In one hand he had a bottle of white wine and in the other, the promised pie. Only she didn’t recognize the color of the box. She’d assumed he would go to Ambrosia Bakery, but their boxes were white with silver stripes.

He held up the wine. “This should go in the refrigerator.”

“Sure.” She motioned to the kitchen.

He walked in that direction and she followed. Once there she took the wine from him and fit it into her small refrigerator. He set the pie on the counter.

“Where did you get that?” she asked. “Is there somewhere new in town?”

He raised both eyebrows. “I’m wounded. You’re assuming I bought it.”

He shrugged out of his coat as he spoke. Underneath he wore a blue sweater the same color as his eyes. A white shirt peeked out from underneath. He had on jeans and boots. He was big and masculine and being this close to him made her thighs a little trembly.

She forced her attention back to his words. “You baked a pie?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Not possible.”

“It is. I’ll have you know I’m an expert pie-maker.”

Kenny? Ruggedly handsome, football star Kenny? “When did you learn?”

“When I was a kid. We were in Sweden and had a housekeeper who made the best pies. Her crust was a family recipe.” He shrugged. “I was her favorite and for my ninth birthday she taught me how to make it. Once you have that down, the rest of the pie is easy.”

Chloe scooted close to him and grinned. “I can earn a cooking bead when I’m a Sapling. Can you teach me?”

“Sure thing, munchkin.”

He ruffled Chloe’s hair.

The combination of the pet name and the affectionate gesture was nearly as bone-melty as the man’s big hands, Bailey thought, aware that being around Kenny was like playing with fire. Exciting and ultimately dangerous. But it was just one day, right? And a holiday. Didn’t everyone deserve a little something special on Thanksgiving?

CHAPTER FOUR

“WE HAVE A specific corner,” Bailey told Kenny as they walked along with everyone else heading toward the center of town and the parade. Chloe had already spotted Layla and her mom and run ahead. “On Sixth between Frank and Katie Lanes.”

“Okay,” he said easily. “Why?”

“We’re meeting the other Sprouts there. Chloe wants to watch the parade with her friends.”

He nodded. “She’s a bright, outgoing girl. I would guess she’s popular.”

Bailey stared at him.

“What?” he asked. “What did I say?”

“Nothing,” she said, turning away, fighting unexpected tears.

“Bailey.”

Kenny pulled her onto a driveway and stared at her. “Are you crying?”

She shook her head and sniffed. “No,” she said firmly as she looked at him. “You’re right. She’s popular. She has sleepovers nearly every weekend and friends coming by and parties...” She stared at him, hoping her crush would distract her from her emotions, but for once Kenny was simply a friend.

“When Will died, she was devastated. She’d been counting the days until he got home. She’d been so excited to learn to read and write because she wanted to keep a diary for her dad. It was a list of things to tell him. What had happened to her in her day. Every night I helped her write a sentence or two so she could share it with him. Only he never came back.”

She remembered the shock for both of them. The pain. And for her, the guilt.

“She started not doing as well in school. She was quiet and had nightmares. I was so scared for her. I took her to a child psychologist, who said she would come out of it, but I wasn’t sure.” She felt her eyes fill with tears again, and she tried to blink them away.

“Then I heard about the FWM. I signed up Chloe and she became an Acorn.” She brushed the moisture from her cheek. “She blossomed and now my best girl is back. I’m so grateful.”

Kenny cleared his throat. “I’m glad,” he said, and then pulled her close.

The embrace was unexpected and warm and comforting and just a little exciting. Bailey let herself lean against him for a second. He was a lot taller than her and he held her easily. He smelled good, too, she thought. Now if only he would confess his undying lust for her, the moment would be complete.

But he didn’t and soon they were walking toward the parade route again.

Chloe found her friends and Bailey greeted the other parents. She introduced Kenny and did her best to avoid the questioning looks. At the bin-decorating party, Kenny had explained he was filling in for Taryn. No one had thought they were together. And they weren’t, Bailey reminded herself. He was just a friend coming over for Thanksgiving.

Fortunately the parade started before anyone could pull her aside and ask about things she couldn’t answer. The first entry was a banner carried by two high school kids from the marching band. The annual Fool’s Gold Thanksgiving parade had begun.

Mayor Marsha rode by in an old convertible, followed by several smaller versions of the famous balloons from the Macy’s parade.

“Chloe’s going to watch the repeat of that later,” Bailey told Kenny. “Just so you’re prepared.”

“I look forward to it.”

All the right words, she thought with a sigh. No doubt he had plenty of practice.

The marching band came next, loudly playing their version of “Jingle Bells.” Farther up the street came murmurs. Bailey grinned at Kenny.

“It’s Priscilla,” she said happily, remembering the only part of the parade that had made Chloe smile last year. “She’s an elephant. She’ll be dressed as Santa.”

He looked over her head, then frowned. “How do they do that?”

“I heard the costume was in sections and held together with Velcro.”

He looked over the crowd and shook his head. “Well, I’ll be da—” He glanced at the Sprouts crowding around and pointing. “I’ll be, ah...”

“Let it go,” she told him. “There’s no good substitute.”

He smiled at her. “You got that right.” He turned back to Priscilla. “Not something you see every day.”

“No. I heard that she has several custom blankets to keep her warm. The local knitters made them for her.”

“Gotta love the town. Did you know about the camel?”

“There’s a camel?” Chloe asked eagerly and tried to see.

Kenny picked her up as if she weighed nothing. Her daughter pointed and laughed.

“Mom, look! There’s Reno the pony and a camel. They’re dressed as elves.”

Bailey waited until that part of the parade came into view. Sure enough Priscilla had her elf friends with her, along with wagons from Castle Ranch.

“I’ve never seen a camel dressed as an elf,” she said, shaking her head.

A couple of fire trucks—all decked out for the holidays—were next. There were small trees and lots of stars, including several Jewish stars.

An hour later, the parade had ended and the three of them made their way back to the apartment. The smell of turkey greeted them as they entered the living room. Chloe carefully hung up her coat before heading to the TV to find the replay of the Macy’s parade. Kenny helped Bailey out of hers.

Was it her imagination or did his hands linger on her shoulders? She knew the answer, of course, but a girl could dream. And when the man in question was as good as this one, she supposed dreaming was inevitable.

* * *

THE FINAL PREPARATIONS for dinner went as smoothly as Bailey could have hoped. Kenny wasn’t just a guy who knew how to make a pie, he was also an expert turkey carver. His skill made her wonder about the other women in his life—both who they were and the actual number of them.

The cheese biscuits and sweet potato casserole went into the oven at the same time. She stirred the gravy while Kenny poured wine for the two of them and sparkling apple cider for Chloe.

The table was big enough to seat six. Bailey put Kenny at the end. She sat on his right while Chloe was across from her on his left. Their place settings were surrounded by bowls and platters and steaming stacks of delicious food.

When they’d taken their places, Kenny surprised her by reaching for her hand and Chloe’s, then saying grace.

When they’d filled their plates, she turned to him. “You really learned how to bake pies in Sweden?”

“I did.” He passed Chloe the stuffing. “My mom worked for the State Department. We lived all around the world until I was twelve.”

“Did you miss your friends?” Chloe asked.

“I made new friends.”

Her eyes widened. “Was it hard?”

“Sometimes. Especially if I had to learn a new language. But I was used to it.” He looked at Bailey. “We moved back to the States when I was twelve. My parents wanted to settle in one place so my sisters and I could have continuity.”

“How many sisters?” she asked.

“Three. I’m in the middle.”

That must have been nice, she thought. She would have liked siblings. And for Chloe to have had at least one brother or sister. Although the odds of that were getting more unlikely by the year.

“I’d like a sister,” Chloe said. “I guess a brother would be okay, too. Daddy always told me...” Her voice trailed off as she stared at her plate.

“What, honey?” Bailey asked gently.

Chloe raised her gaze. “He said that no matter how many other kids you had, that I would always be his best girl. Because I was first.” She worried her lower lip. “I feel sad because I don’t remember him so much.”

Bailey reached across the table and touched her daughter’s hand. Before she could figure out what to say, Kenny spoke.

“It sounds like he really loved you.”

Chloe nodded.

“And you loved him.”

Another nod.

“Isn’t that the most important part? Knowing you loved each other?” He reached for the sweet potatoes.

Chloe looked to her for confirmation. Bailey nodded.

“He lives on in your heart. All the people we love do.”

“For always?” Chloe asked.

“For always,” Bailey promised.

* * *

AFTER THEY FINISHED DINNER, Bailey kept waiting for Kenny to leave. But he stuck with them through the second half of the football game and Chloe’s movie pick of the evening, The Muppet Christmas Carol. About eight-thirty, her daughter finally wound down from the excitement and zonked out on the sofa. Bailey tried not to let her heart get all twisty when Kenny carried Chloe to bed.

But there was something magical about a big, strong guy carrying a little girl. So it wasn’t completely her fault that she was both breathless and hopeful when they returned to the living room.

He was going to leave, she told herself. It was time for him to go. They were only friends, so she would be very, very foolish to expect anything other than a handshake. And while she didn’t expect more, she was willing to admit she wanted more.

But instead of leaving, Kenny returned to the sofa. Bailey settled on the opposite end and faced him.

“Your pie was delicious,” she said into the silence.

“Thanks. The whole meal was great. Thanks for inviting me.”

“We had fun. You’re good with Chloe.”

Instead of smiling, he stared past her, as if seeing something she couldn’t. “I like kids.”

“Do you have any?” she asked, realizing how little she knew about his past. She really had to spend some quality time on the internet, using Google to do some research on him.

“No,” he said firmly. “I did.”

She stared at him. “Oh, no. What happened? I’m sorry.”

He looked at her. “No one died. It wasn’t like that.”

She didn’t understand. If no one had died... She waited, not sure what to ask, or if she should. His expression was tight—both pained and angry, she thought.

“High school was easy,” he said with a shrug, his gaze once again looking past her. “I liked girls and they liked me. I was in and out of what I called love every couple of weeks.”

“Sounds like fun.”

He glanced at her and smiled. “Yeah. Fun is a good word for it.” The smile faded. “In college, I got a little more serious. The girlfriends lasted months instead of weeks. But no one stuck. Natalie was one of them. We dated for a few weeks. It was great and then it ended. When I ran into her the following spring, it was obvious that she was pregnant.”

Bailey stiffened. She hadn’t seen that coming.

“She’d never tried to get in touch with me, which pissed me off,” he continued. “I could count as well as the next guy. She was about five months along. The kid was mine. I proposed and she refused. She said she didn’t want to get married that way. So we moved in together.”

He shifted a little, then looked at Bailey. “I’d been drafted at that point. I was excited about graduating and starting my NFL career. I didn’t take as much time with Natalie as I should have. I wasn’t home much. I didn’t run around with other women, but there were a lot of things to do.”

She nodded, not sure what he wanted to hear. Or where the story was going.

“The baby—a boy—was born while I was playing. Natalie didn’t call to tell me she was in labor. I rushed home as soon as I found out, but Natalie wasn’t all that eager to keep me at home, so I went back to work. Time passed. We still weren’t married, but we had James and that was enough for me.”

He drew in a breath. “I spent all my free time with him. He was a great kid. Smart and loving. I was so damned proud. Things with Natalie were up and down, but I figured that’s what happened when you were in a serious relationship. When James was three, everything changed.”

She looked at him, wanting desperately to hear and almost afraid of what he was going to tell her.

“How?” she asked softly.

“I got hurt. My first serious injury. I missed five games. While I was recovering, Natalie came to me. She said that the reason she’d never wanted to marry me was that she was in love with another man. A married man. He kept promising to leave his wife for her and he finally did. Natalie was leaving me to go be with him.”

His expression turned fierce. “It wasn’t good news, but I was okay with that. We definitely weren’t in love then. I told her I wanted custody of James. That’s when she said he wasn’t mine. The other guy was the father.”

Bailey sucked in a breath. “Was she telling the truth?”

“Yeah. That’s the hell of it. I got an attorney and we arranged for a DNA test. But when it came back...I had no legal claim on him. She took him and walked out and I never saw him again.”

Bailey wanted to go to him, to hold him and offer comfort. Only there wasn’t anything she could say.

She tried to imagine what it would be like if she lost Chloe. But even thinking it was possible was too painful to consider.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“Me, too. The thing is, you’re great and I like you a lot.”

An unexpected statement that should have thrilled her. Except for the single word at the end.

But.

He didn’t have to say it. She heard it loud and clear. She was the woman with a kid who wasn’t his. Kenny had been burned that way once before. He wasn’t going to risk it again.

“I understand,” she told him, feeling disappointed and more than a little hurt. “It makes perfect sense.”

“I wanted you to know why,” he said.

She stood. “And now I do. Thank you. Chloe and I had a great time today.”

“I did, too.”

He rose and there was an awkward moment as they both stared at each other. He gave her a half smile and reached for his coat.

Bailey held open the front door, briskly wished him good-night, then shut it behind him. When she was alone, she leaned against the door and told herself it was for the better.

Only she didn’t feel better. She felt a little sick to her stomach. Because she thought maybe what he’d been saying was that under other circumstances, he might have been interested in her. That he might have thought she was his type. And knowing that made not having any chance at him just a little more difficult to take.

CHAPTER FIVE

ONE OF THE advantages of living in Fool’s Gold was that no matter what horrible thing might be happening in your personal life, there was also something in town to serve as a distraction.

Despite having not slept much the night before, Bailey greeted the morning with as much optimism as she could muster. For one thing, she had a great life. She had her daughter, friends and a job she loved, and in less than two weeks, she would be moving into her first ever, very own home. It was enough, she told herself firmly. She didn’t need a man—not even one as tempting as Kenny.

She and Chloe had breakfast, then she dropped her daughter off at a friend’s house, where she would spend the day. For her part, Bailey was going to head into town. All the stores would be decorating for the holidays and that was fun to watch. There was also a new store opening, and she was meeting Isabel there. Tomorrow, she and Chloe would go look at all the store windows and stay for the town’s tree lighting.

Back at her place, she made quick work of cleaning the kitchen, then dove into her closet. She wanted to clear out as many things as possible before the move. She and Chloe had already done her daughter’s room. Chloe had given up a couple of boxes of toys to be donated. Clothes that were too small would also go to charity.

When Bailey’s cell phone rang, she was trying to decide if she was ever going to lose the twenty pounds necessary for her to get back into several pairs of jeans she owned or if she should simply donate them.

“Hello?” she said without glancing at the display.

“Hey.”

All it took was a single word spoken by a specific man. Her slightly fake good mood shattered and the jeans dropped to the carpet. She sank onto the bed.

“Kenny.”

A thousand emotions struggled to find room inside. She thought of the child he’d lost and how she would never have guessed he suffered such a tragedy. She thought of the way his smile made her toes curl and how knowing he was a great guy made her crush just a little harder to get over.

“I’ve got all the bins in place,” he said.

It took her a second to mentally switch gears. Right, the toy drive. That was still their responsibility.

“Thank you. There’s a schedule for collection. You have that, right?”

“Yeah. I know my days.”

“The parents helping do, too. I appreciate your help with all this.”

“We’re in it together.”

The truth, but when said in his low, sexy voice... Well, she wanted it to mean a lot more than it did.

“We’re still on for Sunday?” he asked.

He’d offered to take her to Sacramento to look at bedroom furniture for Chloe. She needed to get her order placed and thought the Black Friday craziness would be over by then. Only after last night, she’d assumed she would be on her own.

“You don’t mind?”

“I’d like to go with you,” he told her. “We’re friends, Bailey. I don’t want that to change.”

Friends was better than nothing, she told herself. Friends was the mature response to their situation. Friends was enough. Although that last one might be stretching the truth a tiny bit.

“Thank you,” she said. “I’d love the input. Chloe’s going out to Castle Ranch for riding lessons with several of her friends, so the timing is perfect.”

“I’ll pick you up at noon.”

“I’ll be ready.”

“See you then. ’Bye.”

He hung up and she did the same.

This was good, she told herself. She and Chloe would go to church and be back in time for an early lunch before her daughter headed out on her own adventure. Bailey and Kenny would go to Sacramento and buy furniture. It would be nice. Pleasant. Friends hanging out together. Nothing more. No matter how much she wanted a little “more” in her life.

* * *

DIAMONDS AND PURLS, a yarn and bead shop close to Brew-haha, had been open all of two hours and was already packed. Bailey sipped her cup of complimentary hot cocoa as she studied the bins filled with what seemed like hundreds of types of yarn. There were different weights and textures, dozens of colors. Yarn that was impossibly soft and yarn that glittered.

On the other side of the store were the beads. Millions of beads, she thought with a grin. Inventory in this place would be complicated.

“I love it,” Isabel said, coming up next to her and linking arms. “Doesn’t this place make you want to be creative?”

Bailey smiled at her friend. “Are you saying you’re going to take a class?”

The tall blonde shook her head. “No. I’m going to think about taking a class. There’s a difference.”

“A big one,” Bailey told her. “Chloe and I already talked about taking a beginner’s knitting class together.”

Isabel tried not to look horrified. “I’m sure it will be fun.”

Noelle Boylan, owner of The Christmas Attic, joined them. She, too, was a pretty blonde. Her usually slim physique had a little more curve to it these days, along with a definite baby bump.

“Great store,” she said, then sipped her hot chocolate. “I miss coffee. And wine.”

“How are you feeling?” Bailey asked.

“Better. Almost four months to the day, like you said.”

Noelle had spent the first three months of her pregnancy feeling nauseous. Bailey had gone through the same thing. By the fourth month, everything calmed down.

Noelle grinned. “Gabriel is going crazy, though. I think it’s harder for him because he’s a doctor. He has just enough training to make him totally freak out every single day.”

“But it’s nice, right?” Isabel said, eyeing Noelle’s stomach. “Having him hover.”

“Most of the time. Except when I want to smother him with a pillow.”

They laughed. Bailey joined in, even though her feelings were bittersweet. She’d spent much of her pregnancy alone. Will had been deployed. He’d arrived back in time for the birth, but hadn’t been with her through her pregnancy. He hadn’t seen her as she’d gotten bigger or felt the baby move for the first time.

Thinking about the past made her wonder if things would have been different if he’d been home more. Or would they still have grown apart?

It was a question she could never answer, she reminded herself. Will was gone and she and Chloe were making a life without him.

“The decorating is starting,” Noelle said. “For the town’s window display contest.”

“You’ve had your plan figured out for weeks,” Isabel teased. “What’s the big deal about winning this year?”

Noelle’s gaze intensified. “Seriously? You have to ask? If I’m entering, I’m entering to win.”

“There’s the spirit of Christmas,” Isabel teased.

Noelle ignored her and turned to Bailey. “One of the windows is going to be a fantasy winter wonderland, but with a twist. All the decorations are funny and quirky. Like a pickle dressed up as Santa.”

“Chloe and I can’t wait to see it.”

“Good.” She glanced around the store. “I want to go introduce myself to the owner. Her name is Lora, right?”

Bailey nodded. “Yes. I’ve met her a couple of times and she’s really nice. I’m so glad she and her family moved to Fool’s Gold.”

Isabel sighed. “You’re an annoyingly pleasant person, Bailey Voss.”

Bailey grinned. “Why, thank you.”

* * *

KENNY DROPPED OFF the toys and carefully secured the lock on the trailer. Each of the collection bins he’d visited had been overflowing. He had a feeling the trailer would be full long before their deadline. From what he could see, the people in Fool’s Gold had a way of coming through for a cause.

He drove to Bailey’s apartment and walked upstairs to her unit. Anticipation burned hot inside, but he ignored the sensation. He’d deliberately made his position clear with her. As much out of self-defense as because it was the right thing to do. Even though he found Bailey funny, sweet and sexy, he couldn’t take the chance. Not now, not ever.

She opened her door, her coat in her hand.

“You’re right on time,” she said with a smile. “It must be all that sports training. Having to be at practice or games when they said.”

He nodded because the punch to his gut made it impossible to speak.

There should have been nothing amazing about her. She wore jeans and a green sweater that matched her eyes. She had on some makeup and her hair tumbled past her shoulders in loose curls. Nice but not mind-shattering.

Except she was. The curves alone would drive a stronger man to his knees and Kenny was willing to admit that when it came to Bailey he was as weak as a kitten. Then there was the smile that tugged at the corners of her mouth. A mouth he wanted to cover with his own, explore, tease, nibble and lick. He wanted to taste her, hold her, strip her naked and—

He sucked in a breath and steered his wayward mind back to reality. Naked wasn’t going to happen. Bailey was his friend. He should think of her as someone like a grandmother. A lovely woman and nothing more.

“The bins were full,” he said as they went down the stairs. “At this rate, it’s not going to take long to fill up the trailer.”

“I’m glad. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to activate the phone tree and make an appeal.”

He held open the passenger side door for her. “There’s a phone tree?”

She grinned. “Really? You have to ask?”

She was standing close enough that he could breathe in a sweet scent. A little floral with a hint of vanilla. He would bet her skin was soft and warm and for a second he allowed himself to wonder if she was quiet when she made love or if she moaned. Because he liked it best when a woman moaned.

“By the way, Chloe doesn’t know,” she told him.

He blinked, trying to find his way back to the conversation.

“About the furniture?” he asked, the pieces falling into place.

She nodded and slid onto the seat. “I told her we were shopping for furniture, but she thinks we’re getting a new coffee table. I want it to be a surprise.”

He closed her door and walked around to his side. “I won’t say anything,” he promised as he settled next to her.

They headed out of town and got onto the freeway toward Sacramento. There was a sign on the side of the road announcing the opening of the Lucky Lady Casino seasonal ice-skating rink.

“We should do that,” Bailey said. “I mean Chloe and me. Go ice skating. I haven’t in years. Not since I was a teenager. Do you think I’ll remember how?”

“Sure. I skate. I’ll take the two of you, if you’d like. I can catch you if you fall.”

Bailey glanced at him, then away. “I wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself,” she murmured.

“Not possible. I’m athletic.”

She laughed. “I’ve heard that somewhere. You used to play sports of some kind?”

“Very funny.”

She grinned. “I can be.” The smile faded. “Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m nervous about buying furniture. I know this is going to sound crazy, but I’ve never bought this kind of stuff before. Not new, I mean. I’ve always had hand-me-downs or something from the thrift store. When Will and I were first married, we didn’t have any money. And later, we moved around a lot. When Chloe came along, plenty of friends had cribs and changing tables.”

“How did you and Will meet?” he asked.

She glanced at him. “In high school. He was a little nerdy and funny and crazy about me. We were friends more than boyfriend-girlfriend. I was focused on saving enough money to go to college.”

“Was that your dream?”

She nodded. “I grew up in small town in Ohio. My mom took off when I was a baby and my grandmother raised me. She was a good woman, but she’d been through some tough times. I knew from an early age that I was expected to be on my own when I turned eighteen.”

He couldn’t imagine that. He knew that if he told his parents he wanted to move back now, they would welcome him with open arms. Not that it was ever going to happen.

“I had a couple of jobs all through high school. I figured I’d work for two years, save enough to get through community college. Will always told me I could do it. He had a different path. He wanted to join the army.”

“A different way out.”

“Exactly.” She shifted in her seat. “The night we graduated, Will proposed. I was stunned. I said no and he left for boot camp. A couple of weeks later, I realized I had stronger feelings for him than I thought. I drove down to where he was and we talked for a long time. By the end of the weekend, we were engaged. After we got married, I went to community college and worked and he was deployed.”

“Then Chloe came along.”

She smiled. “Yeah. She was a surprise, but a good one.”

“Did you get your degree?”

“Not completely. I have my AA, but not my bachelor’s. My plan is to start taking night classes next fall. Chloe will be a little older and we’ll be settled in our house.”

“You’ll get there,” he said. “You have a plan.”

She laughed. “Yes, it’s all about having the right plan. I’ve learned that over the years. Partly I want to do for myself, but also for Chloe. I want her to see me working hard and succeeding. I think it’s a good lesson for her.”

Everything about Bailey was a good lesson for her daughter, he thought. She was impressive, how she’d kept it all together. He supposed that was one of the reasons he liked her so much.

They drove into Sacramento and found the furniture store. As they walked inside, Bailey pulled a small notebook out of her bag.

“I did some online looking,” she told him. “I thought it would make this go faster. I didn’t want to be overwhelmed by choices.”

“It’s kids’ furniture. How many choices could there be?”

Her expression turned pitying. “And here I thought you were a man of the world.”

He held open the door. “I am.”

“We’ll see.”

Fifteen minutes later, he had to admit he was in over his head. There was a whole floor of kids’ furniture. Fortunately they could avoid the section for babies, but still. There was plenty from which to choose.

One entire corner was devoted to princess beds. Some had canopies and others had scrollwork on the head and footboards. There was white furniture and gilded furniture and padded chairs in the shape of high-heeled shoes.

Bailey stared at all the fantasy setups, with gauzy bedding and fluffy pillows. “I so want to get her this,” she murmured. “But it’s silly. I need to find something she can use until she goes to college. In a few years, she’ll hate her princess bed.”

Kenny wanted to tell her to go for it, but he knew that wasn’t practical. Bailey worked for the city. It wasn’t as if she was going to suddenly double her salary in the next few years, and furniture cost money.

“Bedding isn’t that expensive,” he said. “What about getting a more sensible setup, then buying a fun princess comforter. That wouldn’t cost much to replace in a couple of years.”

She nodded slowly. “I could do that. Add some pillows.” She smiled at him. “How do you know about bedding making a difference in a room?”

“I have sisters and a mom.”

“They’ll be so pleased to know some of what they said got through.”

Her gentle teasing made him want to pull her close. It made him want to kiss her and maybe buy whatever she thought Chloe would like...his treat. Instead he stuffed his hands into his pockets and jerked his head toward the rest of the floor.

“Let’s go be practical.”

A little while later, they stood in front of what looked to be the perfect compromise.

“Are you sure?” Bailey asked, then nibbled on her bottom lip.

“Positive.” Kenny pushed a few more buttons on his phone, then turned the screen toward her. “Look. There are all kinds of hardware available.” He pointed to a bright daisy knob. “These are eight dollars apiece but you only need seven or eight of them. You could change them out if you needed to.”

She nodded slowly, as if working through the problem. “I like the natural a lot. It’s a pretty color and a nice, neutral backdrop for her room. She wants it painted lavender.”

The bedroom set was both whimsical and practical, he thought, studying the design. A unique bunk-bed set. The bottom was a full-sized bed with a small night table tucked next to it. On the left side were stairs leading to a twin upper bunk that went across the top of the full, so the beds formed a T. The best part was the storage. Each stair was a drawer and there was a big drawer under the full-sized mattress.

“It’s more than I had planned to spend,” she murmured. “But with the free financing for a year, I could make it work. I just think this one is perfect.”

He moved next to her and put his hand on her arm. For a second he allowed himself to get lost in the feel of her warm skin. Then he shook off the guy moment and focused on the problem at hand.

“Don’t shoot the messenger,” he began. “Taryn wants to get you a housewarming present and she put me in charge.”

Bailey stared at him. “I don’t know if I should laugh or be afraid.”

“That was my reaction, too. I know she would really like to get Chloe a great princess bedding set. Like that one we saw by the stairs.”

They’d seen it on the way in. It was all ruffles and lace, done in various shades of pink, blue or purple. There were matching pillows and a great lamp.

Bailey surprised him by turning away. “Did Taryn really say that?” she asked, before holding up her hand. “Never mind. I know the answer. She is so nice to me.”

She turned back and he saw tears in her eyes.

She drew in a breath. “If it was for me, I would have told her no, but for Chloe, I accept. I’m going to get this one. She’ll love it and it will last her through college and she can have friends over.”

He couldn’t help himself. He put his arm around her and drew her close. “You’re a good mom, Bailey.”

“I think I’m like most moms out there. We love our kids and want the best for them.”

For a second, she leaned into him. He felt the weight of her body and wanted to pull her even closer. He wanted... Well, he was clear on that and how he couldn’t risk it. Not just for himself, but for Bailey, too. She was the kind of woman a man got serious about, and he knew the danger of that.

“Let’s go talk to the sales guy,” he said, steering her in that direction. “While you’re filling out the paperwork, I’m going to check online for some princess-worthy drawer pulls.”

CHAPTER SIX

KENNY WAVED JACK into the office. His business partner sat down and waited until Kenny hung up the phone.

“You make your calls?” he asked.

Jack nodded. “They mostly don’t care. For some reason they think you can do as good a job. Idiots.”

“You’d be happier if they were threatening to leave the company?” Kenny asked with a grin.

“You know it.”

Jack was leaving Score at the end of the year. Although he’d been a founding partner with Taryn, he’d been offered a coaching job at Cal U Fool’s Gold. And not just any coaching job. He was going to start the football program, from the ground up. A challenging project, but one Jack would see to the end. Kenny was confident the Cal UFG Warriors would have a winning season within three years of their first game.

In the meantime, Jack was contacting all their clients and letting them know he was moving on. Kenny followed up to assure them that he was committed to staying with Score. So far no one had minded about the change.

“It’s going to be strange not to be here anymore,” Jack told him. “But I’m excited about what’s ahead of me.”

“Let me know if you need any help.”

“You want to coach?”

“No,” Kenny said with a laugh. “But I’m happy to listen and offer advice.”

“Sam said the same thing,” Jack admitted. “You’re good men.”

Kenny held up a hand. “You’re not going to turn into a woman, are you? And start talking about your feelings?”

“No. Sam and Dellina and Larissa and I are thinking of going up to Henri’s for a fancy dinner.” Jack rolled his eyes. “Larissa says they decorate the whole resort and she wants to see it. Dellina agrees. Sam and I are going along because we love our women. You two want to join us?”

Kenny frowned at his friend. You two? As in...

“You and Bailey,” Jack clarified. “Before she left, Taryn mentioned the two of you were working on the toy drive together. She’s fun, right?” He shook his head. “Or is it a problem because of Chloe?”

Because Jack knew about Kenny’s past and how he avoided single mothers.

“We’re friends,” Kenny said. “I could ask her if she’d like to go.”

“It’s up to you. You could fly in one of your models. Of course the dinner would be wasted. Doesn’t it bother you how they only fake eat? No actual food passes their lips.”

“Just because you’re engaged to a regular woman now, don’t pretend you didn’t date models in your day.”

Jack’s smile turned smug. “I dated everyone in my day. I’ve matured and I know better now. I have the best woman on the planet and I’m going to do everything in my power to make her happy for the rest of her life. That and win a national football championship.”

“As long as you have your priorities,” Kenny said. “I’ll talk to Bailey and let you know what she says.”

“Good.”

Jack rose and left.

Kenny tried to return his attention to his computer, but what he saw instead of the screen was Bailey. He would like to take her to the dinner. As long as they were both clear on the rules.

* * *

BAILEY WATCHED KENNY carefully tighten her daughter’s skates. There was something so sweet and sexy about a big guy helping a little girl, she thought. Those large hands and those little skates. Not that this was anything but friends getting together, she reminded herself. Kenny was a good guy. Good enough to warn her that he wasn’t interested in her romantically.

For a brief moment, she allowed herself to fantasize about telling him she didn’t need the romance. That an hour or two in his bed was all the holiday cheer she needed. But as fun as that sounded, she knew it was completely unrealistic. She’d only been with one man in her life. And that was her husband...after the wedding. She was old-fashioned.

As much as she might miss the things a man could do to her body, she couldn’t do those things lightly. She might not have to be married the second time around, but she knew she would have to be in love. And falling for Kenny would be an emotional disaster.

So she would simply enjoy the sight of him kneeling on the ice while Chloe tried to stand on the slippery surface, all the while balanced on a blade.

Her daughter hung on to his hands as she got her balance. Bailey finished with her own skates and stood. She wobbled a bit, then found her center of gravity and moved toward Chloe.

Her daughter stared at her. “Mommy, you can skate!”

“Sort of. It’s been a while, but it’s coming back.”

She moved to Chloe’s side and held out her hand. “Let’s try moving. It’s easier than standing still.”

Kenny stood. He, of course, had no problem skating. He moved with a grace and sureness that she admired. At the same time she wondered what it must have been like to be so physically gifted. Not that she would ever know.

He was on Chloe’s other side. Her daughter took his hand and together the three of them started across the ice.

The rink had been set up at the far end of the resort’s parking lot. There was a canvas structure with sides that could be rolled up when the weather was cold enough—like tonight. The temperature had to be in the twenties. They could see their breath and the stars overhead. So far it had been cold, but they hadn’t gotten snow.

“Try bending your knees a little,” Kenny was saying. “It’ll help you balance. If you start to fall, don’t wave your arms. Get closer to the ground. Lowering your center of gravity will help keep you balanced.”

When they both stared at him, he shrugged. “I used to have Rollerblades. I can’t help it. I’m good at stuff like this.”

Chloe pulled free of their hands. “I want to try it on my own.”

She moved her legs and skated a little away from them. She was surprisingly steady. Either Kenny’s athletic prowess was rubbing off, or Chloe had inherited her skill from Will.

The three of them made a few turns around the rink. There were other families out, along with teenagers on dates and younger kids in groups. Chloe caught sight of a couple of her friends and asked if she could skate with them.

“Sure,” Bailey told her. “Just don’t leave the rink.”

“I won’t,” Chloe called over her shoulder as she hurried away.

Kenny sighed heavily. “They grow up so fast.”

Bailey laughed. “They do.”

He tucked her arm into the crook of his arm, which meant they were skating close together. She told herself to go with the moment and not read too much into his actions. He was, after all, basically a nice man.

“I have confirmation on the bedroom set delivery,” she said. “It’s the Monday before the move.”

“That’s good. So she’ll have it for her first night in the new house.”

Bailey nodded. She still couldn’t believe her good fortune—being able to buy her very own house. Whatever else happened to her in her life, she would always have that accomplishment.

“There’s going to be a dinner,” Kenny said abruptly. “With Jack and Larissa and Sam and Dellina.” He looked at her. “I’d like to take you. It’s at Henri’s.”

Bailey stopped and looked at him. Henri’s was a fancy restaurant, at a very nice hotel up on the mountain. Something hot and hopeful bubbled to life inside of her.

“If we could go as friends,” he added carefully.

The bubbles all popped. She forced herself not to let her disappointment show.

She should be grateful, she told herself sternly. Kenny had told her he had issues with her being a single mom and they made sense. He wasn’t playing games or trying to trick her or being anything but friendly, open and honest.

“Dinner sounds like fun,” she said. “I don’t have a thing to wear, but I’ll figure it out.”

“I have a spare jersey.” He winked. “It’ll be really big on you but with a belt and some accessories...”

She swatted at his arm. “Thanks, but no. And for the record, a belt is an accessory.”

“Really? I thought it was just a belt.”

They stared at each other for a second. Tension crackled between them—at least on her side. She doubted he noticed. Although if he did, maybe he would kiss her. Because while she wasn’t up to casual sex, a kiss could be nice. It had been a long time between kisses.

Worried he could read her mind, she quickly turned away. Too quickly, it turned out, as her foot slid out from under her.

She instinctively raised her arms as she tried to find her balance. Kenny reached for her but she was too far away. She staggered a couple of steps, started to fall, then felt a pain in the side of her ankle as she went down.

Her first thought was that the ice was both cold and hard. Her second was that she looked like an idiot. Ankle concerns came in a distant third.

Kenny knelt next to her. “Are you okay? What hurts? Your wrist? Your hip?”

She tried to figure out how to stand without falling again. “I’m okay. I lost my balance.” Probably not in an elegant way, either. She shifted to put her weight on her skates, only to gasp as searing heat ripped through her left ankle. Okay, that wasn’t good at all.

Kenny reached for her foot. “You hurt yourself.”

“Just a little.”

“You winced.”

“I’m wimpy.”

He had her skate off in five seconds and then removed her sock. The skin around her ankle bone seemed a little puffy, but it was a small price to pay for the feel of those strong, large hands touching her.

Kenny had her move her toes, then her whole foot. The sharp pain had faded to something fairly dull.

“I’m pretty sure I can stand,” she said, reaching for her sock.

“Let’s get you to a bench and take it from there.”

He put the sock back on her foot, then stood and reached for her. She shrank away.

“What are you doing?”

“Helping you to your feet.”

She was tall and carrying an extra twenty-five pounds. “I’m okay. I’ll just crawl over.” The bench wasn’t that far away. “I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”

He scowled at her. “I can bench-press over three hundred pounds. I can get you to your feet.”

His tone said he’d been insulted. This probably wasn’t the time to explain she didn’t doubt his strength—that she was more concerned about her own personal bulk. Either way, the ice was really cold and she could see Chloe skating toward them.

“Okay,” she said quietly. “I appreciate the help.”

He bent down and actually picked her up. Like she was as light as a rag doll. Then the man carried her to the bench.

It all happened so fast, she didn’t know what to think. Once second she was on ice, the next she was perched on the bench.

Chloe hurried over. “Mom, what happened?”

“I fell. I’m fine.”

“She sprained her ankle,” Kenny said. “I want you checked out. We’re going to the hospital. They’ll take an X-ray, just to be sure.” He pulled Chloe close. “Don’t worry, kid. I’ll be with both you every step of the way.”

* * *

ONE X-RAY, a car ride and second trip in Kenny’s arms as he carried her up to her apartment later, Bailey found herself relaxing on her bed. The E.R. doctor had confirmed a mild sprain. Bailey was to take it easy for a couple of days. She had crutches, a compression bandage and instructions to use ice and an anti-inflammatory. The doctor had assured her she wouldn’t need the crutches more than a day or two. He’d also been impressed by Kenny’s skill in wrapping the compression bandage. No doubt the former NFL player had a lot of practice.

Kenny and Chloe disappeared into the kitchen only to return a few minutes later with a tray of hot chocolate and several cookies on a plate.

“We need a snack,” Kenny told her.

Chloe climbed up next to her mother while Kenny sat in the chair by Bailey’s small corner desk. He dwarfed the furniture, which should have looked silly but for some reason she found comforting.

Bailey accepted the mug of hot chocolate and wondered at the improbability of the situation. She’d thought about getting Kenny into her bedroom and it had happened. But somehow this was not the scenario she’d fantasized about.

“Are you feeling okay?” Chloe asked anxiously.

“Honey, I’m fine.” Bailey stroked her daughter’s hair. “I fell and I feel foolish. My ankle will be a lot better by tomorrow.”

“You have to use crutches.”

“Not for long. People get hurt and then they get better.”

Chloe nodded, but didn’t look convinced. Bailey was sure it was harder for her than for most kids. She’d already lost her father—she wouldn’t want to see her mother as vulnerable.

“I’m staying,” Kenny announced.

Bailey blinked at him. “Excuse me?”

“I’m going to sleep on the couch.”

A thrilling thought, but no. “That’s not necessary. I’m mobile.”

“What if you need to get down the stairs in the middle of the night? Your apartment is on the second floor and there’s no elevator. I’m staying.” He shrugged. “You can’t say no. You’re not in a position to throw me out. You can barely walk.” He winked at Chloe. “I can’t see your mom putting me on her shoulder and hauling me down the stairs, can you?”

Chloe giggled.

“So it’s agreed.”

Bailey opened her mouth, then closed it. Unexpected tears burned in her eyes and she knew if she spoke, she would lose control. The last thing she wanted was her daughter to see her cry.

It was Kenny, she thought, smiling and hoping neither of them noticed the sheen of moisture. Actually it was his actions. He was taking care of her and it had been so very long since she’d had a shoulder—however temporary—to lean on.

* * *

WHILE THE SOFA looked comfortable enough, Kenny knew it was going to be a long night. Although he had a nice pillow and plenty of blankets, there was no way he came close to fitting. Even if he didn’t have his feet hanging off the end, he was still not going to get any rest. Mostly because where he wanted to be was in Bailey’s bed, not her living room.

No way, he reminded himself. There were dozens of reasons—the most important of which was in the smaller, second bedroom. Chloe. A bright, sweet kid whom he adored. But at the end of the day, he wasn’t going to start to care about her only to lose her. Only a fool would expect a different outcome.

He punched the pillow a couple of times and closed his eyes. He’d nearly fallen asleep when he heard footsteps in the hallway. They were light and hesitant.

He saw up and turned on the light. Chloe stepped into view.

She had on a long flannel nightgown with pink flowers on it. Her bright red hair was pulled back in a braid and her eyes were huge. As he watched, a single tear slipped down her cheek.

He’d gone home to pick up sweats and a T-shirt to sleep in. He pushed aside the blankets and patted the sofa next to him. She crossed to him, but instead of settling beside him she threw herself at him and began to cry.

Bailey had been emotional earlier, he thought as he instinctively wrapped his arms round Chloe’s skinny body and held her close. A reaction to the accident, but still. Females and tears were a tough combination.

Not knowing what else to do, he let her cry for a few minutes. He rubbed her back and murmured reassuringly. Finally she raised her head and looked at him.

“I had a bad dream about my dad.”

“What was the dream?”

“He was lost and I couldn’t find him.”

He brushed he tears from her cheeks. “Yeah, that’s a bad one. It woke you up, huh?”

She nodded and sniffed.

“Can you keep real quiet for a minute?” he asked.

She nodded.

He picked her up and carried her into her mother’s bedroom. Bailey lay asleep on her bed. Kenny returned to the living room and sat on the sofa with her on his lap.

“You see she’s okay, right?”

Chloe nodded.

He smiled at her. “You’ve had a lot to deal with, munchkin. Moving to a strange town, then losing your dad. You’re about to move into a new house. And while the new house is going to be wonderful, it’s still a change. And sometimes change is upsetting. Even a good one. We like our routines.”

She watched him, her big green eyes focused on his face.

“When your mom fell, you were scared.”

Chloe nodded.

“You know she’s okay, right? That it’s just a sprain and she’s not in danger.” What he wanted to say was Bailey wasn’t going to die, but he didn’t know if that was too much. “Normally you’d be okay with it, but right now it’s harder.”

Another nod, this one a little slower. Some of the worry faded from her eyes. “It’s like when I’m tired and I get cranky when I wouldn’t usually?”

“Yeah. Just like that. There’s a lot going on and then you saw your mom hurt. It scared you. It would scare anyone. I think that’s probably why you had the dream about your dad.”

He touched her nose. “You know your dad loves you. He’s always going to love you. Just because he’s not here, doesn’t mean the love goes away. It’s like the blue sky. Just because you’re not looking doesn’t mean it’s suddenly purple or green.”

She smiled. “Because he’s my forever dad?”

Soft, sweet words that hit him in the gut. Longing so fierce and intense that it stole his breath caught him in a vise grip and didn’t let go.

Because that was what he’d wanted with James and what he still wanted. He was one of those traditional guys who had always assumed he would get married and have kids. Not special dreams, but his all the same.

The problem was after Natalie, he’d been reluctant to trust again. There had been girlfriends, but none of them had truly touched his heart. In fact the first woman to get his attention in that way happened to be the mother of the little girl sitting on his knee.

Chloe slid to the floor and yawned. “Thanks, Kenny. I feel better. I’m going back to bed.”

“I’ll walk you.”

He got her settled, kissed her on the forehead, then retreated to the sofa. But he didn’t bother lying down. He knew he wouldn’t sleep. Not when everything he wanted was so damned close, and yet completely out of reach.

CHAPTER SEVEN

BAILEY WIGGLED INTO her Spanx camisole and smoothed it into place. Tonight was the triple-date dinner at Henri’s with Kenny. Not that they were dating. They were friends joining two other couples, one of whom was married, while the other was engaged. No big deal.

Except thinking about that over and over didn’t seem to be getting the message to the butterflies currently practicing their Nutcracker ballet in her stomach.

She’d been lucky with her sprain. The following morning she hadn’t needed her crutches at all. The swelling had gone down quickly and by the second day, there wasn’t much pain. She’d been careful to wear flats for the week so she could save her ankle for tonight.

She pulled her holiday sweater over her head. It was black with stylized bows knit into the pattern. All of the bows were white, except for one red one. She had her faux diamond-stud earrings she’d purchased on sale and a pair of too-high sexy black heels she’d gotten at a clothing exchange.

Bailey studied her reflection in the mirror. She’d done her best with her makeup. Her hair was good—long and thick with a curly wave. She thought she looked nice. But what would Kenny think?

She’d given up on the just-friends thing. She had a crush on him and all the sensible talk in the world wasn’t going to change that. The truth was they would be seeing a lot of each other over the holidays. She would enjoy every minute of that. But come the first of the year, she was going on a Kenny diet. She had a feeling that giving him up was going to be a lot harder than giving up carbs, which happened to be the second of her resolutions for January.

She didn’t have a choice. Not only had he made his feelings extremely clear, but she’d also actually taken the time to do an online search of him the previous night. The results had not been easy to see. While there weren’t many pictures of Kenny with the woman he’d thought of as the mother of his child, there were more than enough of him with beautiful, talented, sexy, thin women. Models and actresses. A couple of athletes and a woman who had founded a successful nonprofit while still in her teens.

If one ignored the beautiful and successful part, he didn’t seem to have a physical type. There were blondes, brunettes and a smattering of redheads. Some were short, some were tall. But not one of them had been curvy. Or plump. Or fighting an extra twenty pounds. There also hadn’t been any executive assistants or schoolteachers or hairstylists. In a word, Kenny didn’t seem to favor normal when it came to the women in his life.

Which made the need to get over him even stronger.

She got her coat and her least sensible handbag, which was still a pretty utilitarian black shoulder bag, and walked into the living room. Chloe was staying with her friend Allison for the night, saving Bailey the cost of a babysitter.

Right on time she heard steps on the stairs, then a knock at her door. She opened it to find Kenny standing there, looking way too good to be legal.

He had on a long camel-colored coat and a dark suit. He looked as if he’d showered and shaved. He smiled at her and stepped into her apartment.

“You look great,” he said by way of greeting.

“You, too.” She frowned as she noticed there were melting white flakes on his shoulders. “Is it snowing?”

He grinned. “Just started. Don’t worry. I have all-wheel drive.”

Because they were heading up the mountain. What if they got snowed in?

She allowed herself exactly four seconds to imagine herself and Kenny in a hotel room, with a fireplace and a very big bed. Then she gathered her “I’m a mother and I have to be sensible” thoughts and ignored the tempting, naughty ones.

The light snowfall became steadier as they headed for the restaurant. Near the resort, they passed a plow already doing its thing. So much for being snowed in, she thought with only a little regret.

The Gold Rush Ski Lodge and Resort had been decorated for the holidays. The bright lights were visible from the road. Kenny turned onto the property, then followed the signs to the valet.

The Christmas cheer continued inside the main building. There were several trees set up in the lobby, with garland around all the doorways. Carols played from hidden speakers and several of the staff sported festive Santa hats.

“It’s this way,” Kenny said, pointing to a long hallway.

She started in that direction. He put his hand on the small of her back. Even through her coat she felt the warmth and strength of his hand.

He was just being a gentleman, she told herself. She shouldn’t read anything into his actions.

Only a few more weeks, she reminded herself. She would see Kenny regularly through the toy drive and then he would be gone from her life. She would allow herself to be hopeful and even wistful through the holidays, right up until the New Year. Then she would return to her happy, busy, sensible self.

Henri’s was a five-star restaurant. Bailey wasn’t sure what, exactly, that meant, beyond the food being good. And probably expensive. She’s never eaten there before. In fact, she hadn’t spent any time up at the resort, except when she’d helped Dellina with a Score party there over the summer.

She had to admit the quiet elegance was very nice. A hostess took their coats, then showed them back to their table. Jack and Larissa and Sam and Dellina were standing next to it, talking.

The four of them turned and greeted her and Kenny. Jack and Sam surprised her by kissing her on the cheek. Her friends hugged her. They were all seated and a server appeared with a bottle of champagne and six glasses.

“There’s a lot to celebrate,” Jack said, his gaze locked firmly on Larissa, his fiancée.

“I’ll second that,” Sam added.

They toasted the holiday season. Bailey sipped her bubbly drink and tried not to stare at the bottle of Dom Pérignon—a champagne she’d only ever read about in books or seen in movies.

Kenny leaned close. “You eat red meat, don’t you?”

“Of course.”

“How do you like your steak?”

“Medium rare.”

He grinned. “You get more amazing every time I’m with you. Want to split the chateaubriand for two?”

She’d seen it on the menu. It was a holiday special and cost more than her electric and cable bills combined.

“I’ve never had it before. I’m sure it will be great. Thank you.”

“You’re going to love it,” he promised.

They sipped champagne and talked about what was happening around town. Dellina was busy with several holiday parties.

“January second, we’re out of here,” Sam said, taking his wife’s hand in his and kissing her knuckles.

Bailey knew they were heading off to Australia and New Zealand for a three-week belated honeymoon.

“I’ll be back in time to finalize everything for your wedding,” Dellina told Larissa.

Larissa, a pretty blonde with an easy smile, shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. I have the dress and we’re all set for the venue.”

Kenny nodded approvingly. “You’re smart,” he told Jack. “No way you’ll forget your anniversary.”

Because Jack and Larissa were getting married on Valentine’s Day. It fell on a Saturday next February.

“Chloe’s excited,” Bailey said. “She’s never been a flower girl before. She loves her dress.”

The event was going to be an evening affair, here at the resort. Jack had already arranged for rooms for the entire wedding party, including Bailey and Chloe. Bailey was determined that she would be over Kenny by then. Maybe she would even be dating someone.

Although right now, that seemed impossible to imagine. Who could be nicer or sweeter or more fun to be with? Oh, those first few Kenny-diet days were going to be ugly, she thought. But not something she had to worry about now.

The server reappeared and they placed their orders. Jack talked about his new job at Cal U Fool’s Gold and Kenny mentioned a few clients. Talk turned to holiday happenings in town.

“We’re doing incredibly well on the toy drive,” Bailey said. “We’re going to fill up our trailer for sure.”

“Let me know if you need anything extra,” Sam said.

“Me, too,” Jack told her. “Take advantage of us.”

“He means financially,” Kenny said, glaring at his friend.

“I knew that,” Bailey told him. “I will be in touch if we fall short on anything.”

Their salads and soups appeared. Bailey had chosen the crab bisque. It came in a beautiful gold-rimmed bowl. There was a little tower of crab in the middle of an empty bowl. The server set it in front of her, then poured steaming bisque into the plate, followed by a drizzle of truffle oil. The combination of smells made her stomach rumble.

Conversation continued. Dellina asked about Bailey’s house and she admitted to being nervous about all the work she had to do between closing and moving. Sam entertained them with stories about his bawdy parents and how they were pressuring him to get Dellina pregnant.

Partway through the meal, Kenny draped his arm across the back of Bailey’s chair. She felt enveloped by his warmth and wanted to lean in. But when his fingertips lightly rested on her shoulder, she allowed herself to pretend, if just for that minute, that they were a couple.

* * *

“WHY DO WOMEN go to the bathroom in packs?” Kenny asked as they drove back to town. It was after eleven and the temperature was in the low twenties. But the snow had stopped and the road was plowed.

Bailey laughed. “I don’t know. It’s just a thing we do. I guess we want to talk without you guys around.”

“I figured. While the three of you were off doing your thing, Jack, Sam and I had our own conversation. What are you doing about the move?”

“I have the name of a company I was going to use. Why?”

“We’ll take care of it. You don’t have a lot of stuff. I’ll rent a truck for the morning of the ninth. You’ll only need to pack up the breakables. We’ll take care of the rest of it.”

She stared at him. “I can’t let you do that.”

“Technically I don’t think you could stop me. I’m bigger than you.” He reached across the console and squeezed her hand. “You have plenty going on, Bailey. Think of it as a holiday surprise.”

The unexpected gesture floored her. If she didn’t have to pay for movers, that would mean an extra four or five hundred dollars in her pocket.

“Thank you,” she murmured. “I really appreciate the help.”

“It’s what friends do.” He withdrew his hand.

They drove through town and parked in front of her building.

“You don’t have to walk me up,” she told him.

“No way. I was raised to walk a lady to her door.”

He came around the side of his SUV and helped her out, then followed her up to the front door. Bailey braced herself for what was going to be an awkward moment. Because they weren’t on a date. There wouldn’t be any kissing. So what was she supposed to do? Shake his hand?

They reached the door and she got out her key. For a second she thought about offering coffee. Only it was late and he might think she was hoping for more than coffee, which she was, but it was probably for the best if that information wasn’t confirmed.

“Thank you for tonight,” she said when she’d opened the door. “For the dinner and the offer to move our stuff.”

“You’re welcome.”

She stared into his face. He was a good-looking guy, but that was the least of it, she thought with a little sigh. His actions were turning out to be even more impressive.

“Good night,” he said and started to turn away.

“’Night.”

But before she could step into her apartment, he spun back, put his hands on her shoulders, bent down and kissed her.

The soft, warm contact of his mouth on hers caught her by surprise. She didn’t know what to do, so she stayed where she was. A second passed, then another. His lips moved against her—lightly, sweetly. She leaned in a little.

Deep inside she felt wanting and hunger. Fire burned hot and bright. But there was more than that. There was a sense of rightness, of belonging. As if she’d been waiting for this moment, for this man, all her life.

He drew back. “Good night, Bailey.”

She nodded and watched him go down the stairs. Then she went into her apartment and closed the door.

* * *

KENNY WENT OVER the account information. He had a couple of client meetings in January. And a list of new clients he wanted to start wooing. That was the part he liked best. Meeting with a client for the first time and blowing them away.

He could usually get a meeting. That came from having a recognizable name. But people who didn’t know him often assumed he was just a dumb jock. They didn’t expect much, which gave him an advantage. One he wasn’t above using.

His phone buzzed.

“Yes?”

“You have a visitor, Kenny,” the receptionist said. “Her name is Chloe.”

He smiled. “Send her back.”

He got up and walked into the hallway. His smile widened when he saw her. She had on a coat and scarf, with a backpack over her shoulders. Long red hair hung down below her hood.

“Kenny!” She flew toward him and hugged him. “It’s snowing again. Isn’t that the best? We’re going to have snow for Christmas.”

“I know. Pretty cool.” He showed her into his office.

It took a couple of seconds for her to drop her backpack on the floor, then shrug out of her coat. He saw the reindeer barrettes in her hair and felt a distinct tugging in the center of his chest. Chloe was a sweet kid and she got to him.

“How about a cup of coffee?” he asked, keeping his voice serious.

Chloe giggled. “I’m seven. I don’t drink coffee.”

“Right. Good point. Let’s go get a hot chocolate.”

Her green eyes widened. “You have hot chocolate at your office?”

“Sure. We have one of those coffeemakers with the pods. It’ll do anything.”

They walked into the break room. He showed Chloe how to use the Keurig brewer. She watched as her drink poured into a mug. There was a plate of cookies on the table. While his coffee brewed, they each picked a cookie, then took them and their drinks back to his office.

She sat on one side of his desk, while he took the other.

She blew on her drink before tasting it, then she smiled. “This is really good.”

“I’m glad. So what’s up?”

“I want to make a jewelry box for my mom,” she told him. “For Christmas.” She dug some sheets out of her backpack. It showed how to decoupage a box and then seal it. “I’ve saved money for the box and I have lots of pictures to put on it. But my friend Allison’s mom said I’ll need help to get it finished. Can you help me?”

Self-preservation meant saying no. Chloe’s big green eyes told him that wasn’t going to happen. He was in dangerous territory, but that couldn’t be helped.

“Sure thing. We can go get the supplies now, if you want. Then work on it over the next few days.”

She smiled. “Thank you. I also need to get my mom some presents for her stocking.” She shrugged. “I know there’s no Santa, but stockings are important. She doesn’t have one. Just me. Don’t you think my mom should have a stocking?”

“I do. Have you thought about what to put in it?”

“It’s supposed to be fun stuff. Candy and little toys. Maybe a lip gloss.” She pulled several crumbled dollar bills out of her pocket. “Is this going to be enough?”

She might as well have reached into his chest and pulled out his still-beating heart, he thought as he stared at what looked like three dollars and change. Kids were tough—and the best part of life.

“Yeah,” he told her, trying to keep any emotion out of his voice. “That’s plenty.”

Because he would pay for whatever Chloe wanted to get. Not just for the girl herself, but for her mom, who’d done a great job with her daughter.

* * *

“THANK YOU,” BAILEY SAID, telling herself it would be bad to start sobbing. Her real estate agent had been incredibly supportive. Breaking down in tears, however happy, would only frighten the woman.

Her agent smiled at her. “Merry Christmas, Bailey. You’re a homeowner.”

Bailey nodded and walked out of the office. She clutched her house key tightly in her hand. It had really, really happened. She officially, legally and every other l-y word she couldn’t think of right now, owned the house. It was hers. Escrow had closed.

Outside the sky was clear and the sun shining. There were holiday decorations everywhere. She wanted to stop everyone she passed and tell them the good news. She owned her own home!

But rather than frighten her fellow citizens, she walked toward through town and up toward her new neighborhood. She wanted to see the house for just a few minutes before she went to pick up Chloe from school.

Five minutes later she stood on the sidewalk and told herself to keep breathing. That this was really happening.

She stared at the house she’d bought and felt a rush of gratitude. Moving to Fool’s Gold had changed everything, she thought happily. She had a great job, friends and a future. The mayor had given her the rest of the day off, along with Monday and Tuesday so she and Chloe could get moved and settled before the holidays. A few friends were coming by over the weekend to help her paint. Chloe’s bedroom furniture would be delivered on Monday. What more could she ask for?

Right then, a familiar dark SUV pulled into her driveway. Her already thundering heart kicked it up a couple of speeds as Kenny climbed out.

“Congratulations,” he said. “You did it.”

“How did you know I’d closed?”

“Your real estate agent called me. I asked her to.”

Bailey tried to summon some indignation, but just couldn’t. “So much for her working for me.”

He flashed her a grin. “She thought I was charming.”

“I’ll bet.”

He moved to the rear of his vehicle and popped the hatch. Inside were gallons of paint, tarps and brushes, along with bags filled with cleaning supplies, Spackle and sandpaper.

She sighed. “You picked up my hardware store order for me? Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Come on. You can help me carry it inside.”

She took a few shopping bags while he grabbed three paint cans in each hand. She followed him to the front door and tried not to let her gaze linger on his butt. Although she had to admit it was a pretty impressive butt. Kenny looked great in a suit, but in jeans and a leather jacket, the man was devastating.

He bumped his shoulder against the front door.

“Oh, let me unlock that,” Bailey told him.

“Not necessary.”

The door swung open. Before she could figure out how that was possible, she saw over a dozen women waiting in her new living room. Larissa and Isabel stood together, with Dellina right behind them. Noelle and Patience, Heidi, Annabelle and Charlie, the Hendrix triplets, Consuelo, and even Mayor Marsha was there. They were all dressed in jeans and sweatshirts.

“Surprise!” they yelled.

Bailey blinked. “I don’t understand.”

Isabel hugged her. “We’re here to help. We’re going to clean and sand and paint and put down shelf paper. By Sunday night, your house is going to be ready for you to move in.”

Larissa laughed. “Don’t look so surprised. We love you. We were planning on helping when Kenny talked to me about it. The two of us arranged everything.”

“I’m on lunch duty,” Noelle said, patting her stomach. “I can’t do paint, what with being pregnant. But I’m happy to run errands.”

Bailey looked at all her friends and felt their affection wash over her. Turning to Kenny was a different story. She was afraid of what he might see in her eyes if she looked at him just now.

“I don’t know how to thank all of you,” she said honestly.

“Child, we’re your family now,” Mayor Marsha told her. “All right, everyone, let’s get to work.”

By the time Bailey had collected Chloe from school, her house was controlled chaos. Charlie Stryker, a firefighter in town, had taken control of the work parties. The bathrooms and kitchens were being scrubbed from top to bottom. Kenny had been joined by Jack and Sam. They were hard at work, prepping the walls.

“I want to complain about the traditional division of labor,” Charlie said when Bailey walked in with her daughter, “but the guys are doing good work. So I won’t.”

Bailey listened to the happy conversations from every corner of the house and knew that she would treasure this memory always. As for the man who had made it happen...well, that was a problem for later.

CHAPTER EIGHT

THE DAY BEFORE the move, Bailey packed up her kitchen. At least the breakable items. Pots, pans and flatware she simply placed loose in boxes. She wasn’t going to move across the country—just a few blocks away.

The weekend had been a lot of work, but so much had been accomplished. The house was clean and painted. Chloe’s bedroom was a beautiful lavender color, with the doors, windows and trim all done in white. Bailey had picked a soft blue-gray for her bedroom, and a muted sage-green for the rest of the house.

She straightened, putting her hand at the small of her back. There were aches and pains from all she’d been doing, but it was worth it. Right after lunch she was meeting the delivery guys at the new house. They would deliver and put together Chloe’s bedroom furniture. Tomorrow was the move and then she and her daughter would be in their new home.

She pulled the step stool over to the cabinet above the refrigerator, then climbed up. There were only a few serving pieces up there—ones she used for special occasions, like Christmas dinner.

As she lowered the items to the counter, she smiled. There was a crystal bowl she used every year. It had be a wedding gift from her grandmother. The bowl had been in the family for nearly a hundred years. While she loved that bowl, for some reason, Will had loved it even more. Her smile faded as she remembered how hard last Christmas had been and how she hadn’t bothered to get down the fancy serving pieces. She just hadn’t been able to face them.

Now she touched the bowl and remembered all the good times they’d had as a family. She might not have been madly in love with Will before he died, but she would always remember how he’d been a good husband and father.

She picked up the crystal bowl to wrap it and saw there was an envelope tucked inside. Her name was on the front, in Will’s handwriting.

She started to shake. After picking up the envelope, she walked over to the kitchen table and sat down. She opened the envelope and found a Christmas card inside. She opened it.

Bailey, I’m putting this where I know you’ll find it on Christmas Eve. I’m heading out tomorrow and I won’t be back for six months. I’m sorry to be away from you and Chloe, especially at the holiday. Know that I’ll always love you both, so much.

Her eyes filled with tears. She hadn’t found it on Christmas Eve, she thought sadly. Hadn’t known he left it. Now, looking back, she wondered if having his card would have made last Christmas easier or more difficult.

She turned the card over in her hand, then got up and took it into her bedroom. She had a box of Will’s things she was saving for her daughter. When Chloe was a little older, they would go through them together.

She placed the card inside and closed the box. Then she got back to her packing.

* * *

KENNY WAITED BY the elementary school. He was a couple of minutes early, with his SUV in line with all the parents picking up their children. In Fool’s Gold most kids walked home from school, so he was surprised at the number of drivers. Then he noticed all the sports equipment and stickers for things like dance and drama and figured the kids being picked up were heading to an activity.

He was there for Chloe. Bailey was finishing up the last of her packing before the move tomorrow, so he’d scheduled his stocking shopping trip with Chloe for that afternoon. Bailey had been grateful to have more time to get work done and had tried to give him money to pay for the stocking contents, but he’d refused. He wanted to be a part of their Christmas morning, however remotely.

The doors to the school opened and the first children appeared. He got out of his SUV and stood by the passenger’s side so Chloe could spot him easily. He watched as groups of girls and boys walked together, talking and laughing. A few headed for the cars, but the rest kept going toward home.

He’d wanted this, he admitted to himself. Hell, he thought he’d had it with James. He’d imagined what it would be like to take his son to his first day of school. He’d had big dreams for that kid.

Of course he’d wanted him to be a football star and get the girl, but mostly he’d wanted to watch him grow up and have a good life and be happy. While he still wanted that to happen, he would never be a part of James’s life.

As the sea of children continued to move around him, he let himself feel the emptiness that was always there. The pain of what he’d lost—what couldn’t be recovered. In a way it was worse than if James had died, because he knew the boy was out there. Growing up without him. Connecting with the man who was his biological father.

Kenny knew that James had been young enough to forget him. By now he was only a distant memory. Eventually he would be lost completely. Natalie wasn’t going to ever tell her son what she’d done. No one shared stories that made them look bad.

Which left him alone. He knew he should move on. Find someone else. Start a family. And he would. It was just there hadn’t been anyone who sparked his interest. Not until Bailey—which left him totally screwed.

“Kenny!”

He looked up and saw Chloe waving frantically. She hugged her friend goodbye, then ran toward him. She was small and skinny and completely adorable. As she got close, she dropped her backpack and launched herself at him. He caught her and held her close.

“You’re here!” she said, hugging him tight. “I knew you would be. I was so excited that I had trouble paying attention and my teacher had to give me a yellow card.”

She leaned back enough to look into his eyes. “That’s only one card away from red and if you get three red cards, your parents are called in. My mom would die if I got red cards.”

“Have you ever?”

“No. I like school and I like following the rules. But today was hard.”

He lowered her to the ground. She picked up her backpack and grinned again. “We’re going to go shopping!”

“I know.”

He opened the back door for her and she climbed in. When her seat belt was secure, he walked around to the driver’s side and got in. While he wasn’t going to announce it with as much enthusiasm, he had to admit, he was a little stoked about their afternoon, too.

“I have a list,” Chloe told him. “I want to get a special Christmas ornament from The Christmas Attic and gloves. We saw them in Aunt Isabel’s store last week and Mom really liked them. But she said because of the house, she wasn’t going to get them.” In the rearview mirror, he watched as Chloe’s expressive face turned serious. “Buying a house is a big responsibility. We’re going to be careful with our money so we can afford it. I’m helping. I’m practicing turning off the lights when I leave the room, so we’re not wasting electricity.”

“That’s very thoughtful of you.”

“Mom and me are a team. Being in a family means taking care of each other.” She bit her lower lip. “I think it was easier when my dad was with us. Because they could take care of each other.” She glanced at her lap, then back at him. “Do you think my mom is pretty?”

A question with an implication he should have seen coming, he thought, pulling out onto the road.

“I do.”

“She says you’re not her boyfriend. That you’re just friends.”

“That’s true.”

“What’s the difference? Is it kissing? Because you don’t kiss my mom and Uncle Ford kisses Aunt Isabel all the time.”

“Some of it is the kissing,” he said, ignoring the memory of the incredible kiss he and Bailey had shared. She’d about brought him to his knees with a chaste kiss. He didn’t want to think about what would happen if things got hotter. Not that they would, because he wasn’t going there.

He tried a not-so-subtle distraction by asking which of the stores she wanted to go to first. Lucky for him, it worked.

They went to The Christmas Attic. He’d never been inside before and despite the name, he wasn’t expecting quite so much...Christmas. There were trees and ornaments, stuffed animals, decorations and Christmas music playing.

“I know what I want,” Chloe said as she took his hand.

“Good because this place scares me.”

She giggled. “It’s okay. You’re safe with me.”

The trees were all done with different colors and styles. He paused by one done in primary colors with Máa-zib tribal ornaments. Chloe made a beeline for one that was decorated in silver and red, and plucked a quirky ornament from one branch, an elephant on rockers.

“This one,” she told him.

He took it from her and they went to pay. The tall blonde at the cash register wrapped it in tissue.

“I wondered if you’d be back,” she said to Chloe. “You’ve been eyeing this one for a while.”

Chloe nodded. “You won’t tell her, will you?”

“Of course not.” The woman looked at him. “Hi. We met at the painting party. I’m Noelle.”

“I remember. Hi.”

Her brows rose. “Helping Chloe with her shopping?”

The question wasn’t a problem. It was the speculative tone that had him shifting his weight. “Uh, yeah.” He passed over a twenty.

“Nice.”

He held in a groan. There were parts of this shopping expedition he hadn’t thought through.

She handed him his change, gave the bag containing the ornament to Chloe and wished them a merry Christmas.

Their next stop was Isabel’s store. Fortunately she was too busy to speculate. She rang up the leather-glove purchase with only a harried smile. Kenny took that bag, then guided Chloe outside.

“What’s next?” he asked.

“Candy.” Chloe smiled. “You have to have candy in your stocking. There’s a store by Morgan’s Books that sells fudge. My friend Allison said they have Christmas candy in little bags. That would be nice.”

“Sounds good.” Kenny glanced at the other stores in the square. One in particular caught his eye. “Chloe, can I put something in your mom’s stocking?”

“Sure. What?”

He pointed to the sign that read Jenel’s Gems, and said, “Let’s find out.”

Like every other business in town, Jenel’s Gems was decorated for the holidays. There were twinkle lights and a Christmas tree in the corner. The inside of the glass display cases had shiny ornaments scattered around.

Jenel, a pretty blonde with an easy smile, approached. “Hello. How can I help you?”

“We’re buying something for my mom,” Chloe told her.

“How nice,” Jenel said. She turned to Kenny. “What kind of jewelry does your wife like?”

Kenny froze. “She’s, ah, not my wife. We’re friends. I was thinking of maybe a...” His gaze fell on one of the cases. “A necklace.”

“Of course.” Jenel moved behind the counter. “We have a large selection. Why don’t you look them over and tell me what appeals to you.”

Chloe joined him. Together they studied the circles and hearts. There was a silver snowflake, but Kenny didn’t think Bailey would wear that.

“I like that one,” Chloe said, pointing to a stylized heart that was hanging a little on its side.

Jenel pulled it out and put it on a velvet tray. “This is sterling silver. An eighteen-inch chain. It comes in different sizes, and different materials.”

He studied it. “I like it better than the hearts that are straight,” he said.

“Me, too,” Chloe told him. “It’s happier that way.”

“What else have you got like this?” he asked Jenel.

“Let me show you.”

She brought out similar hearts in yellow gold. One had a few little diamonds on one side. The last one she showed them was the same heart covered in pavé diamonds, on a platinum chain.

“Look!” Chloe said, pointing to the heart. “It’s sparkling in the light. That’s so pretty.”

“I agree.” He looked at Jenel. “We’ll take that one.”

“Of course. Would you like me to gift-wrap it?”

“Please.”

Chloe clapped her hands together. “My mom is going to love that. I can’t wait to see her open it.”

“You won’t say anything, though, right?”

She pressed her lips together and made an X on her chest. “I promise.”

“Good. Are there any presents under the tree?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” she said. “I’ll go look.”

As soon as Chloe was out of earshot, he turned to Jenel. “I’d like that small silver heart, too,” he said quietly.

Jenel nodded. “For the little girl?”

He nodded.

“I have the perfect chain. When she outgrows it, we can exchange it for a longer one.”

“Good. I’ll pay for these now and pick them up later.” He didn’t want Chloe to see the second box.

After he’d signed the credit card slip, he walked over to Chloe. On the way, he saw the display of diamond engagement rings. For a second, he wanted to stop and look. He wanted to dream about possibilities. Because Chloe wasn’t the only Voss female tugging at his heartstrings.

Only he wouldn’t give in. Wouldn’t think about what could be. He was successful in life because he learned from his mistakes. And lesson one was not to repeat them.

* * *

BAILEY STOOD ON the walkway in front of her apartment, prepared to give thanks to whomever had arranged for perfect weather on her moving day. The sun was out, the temperatures had climbed to nearly fifty and there wasn’t any wind. She couldn’t have asked for more.

At some point she was going to have to pause and be grateful. Which she would...just as soon as she managed to recover from the shock of her moving crew.

As promised, Kenny had come through with a rental truck and a few friends to help. But somewhere along the way, the few friends had turned into something so much more.

Sam and Jack were there, along with all the guys from the bodyguard school. In addition, there were Dellina’s brothers-in-law, two of the three Stryker brothers, Tucker Janack, Josh Golden and Raoul Moreno. She thought it was very possible there were more men milling around her place than she had boxes.

Kenny climbed halfway up the staircase, then turned back to the crowd. “All right, here’s how we’re going to do it. We’ll empty from front to back here and load from back to front at the new place. If you pick up a lamp or a table, remember where it came from. You’ll be responsible for getting it in the right place. Chloe’s furniture is being dropped off at the donation center. She has a new set waiting in her new house. Everything else is going with us.” He paused. “Oh, and if you break it, you’re buying a new one.”

Jack glanced at Bailey and winked. “Want me to drop the TV?”

“Only if you want to buy me a new flat-screen,” she teased.

“The Super Bowl is coming. You’ll need a big TV for that.”

She laughed. There was no point in mentioning that football wasn’t a sport that especially interested her. Except when it came to Kenny, she thought. Of course, when it came to Kenny, many things interested her. Which was all fine and good, but she had a move to focus on.

Kenny led the way up into her apartment. Faster than she would have thought possible, it was empty and the truck was loaded. He drove it to her new place while everyone else walked over. As the truck pulled into the driveway, Bailey saw it was barely ten-thirty in the morning. At this rate, she was going to be moved in today with no problem.

Getting everything into her house went just as quickly. She stood in the hallway by the stairs and directed the guys. Kenny was upstairs and occasionally yelled down questions.

Around eleven-thirty Dellina and her two sisters showed up with lunch. There were sandwiches and soda, along with brownies and cookies. Bailey had arranged the lunch a few days ago and had called that morning to up the order when she’d seen how much help she was going to have. Given how much the guys were doing for her, it was the least she could offer. By twelve-thirty, the men were gone and Bailey faced the daunting task of unpacking.

“We’re not leaving,” Dellina told her, as she put sandwich wrappings into a large trash bag.

“That’s right,” Fayrene, her sister, added. “We’re going to help you unpack.”

Bailey shook her head. “I don’t want to keep you. I really appreciate the offer, but I can do it.”

She would be up all night, but she would get it done.

“Don’t be silly,” Dellina said. “We’ll go room by room. We’ll pull stuff out of boxes and you tell us where to put it. We’ll be finished before Chloe’s out of school.”

Dellina turned out to be right. With four of them unloading boxes and Bailey directing them on where to put things, they got dishes into the cupboards and food into the pantry. When the kitchen was done, the rest of the house was easy. She’d spent the previous afternoon driving over carloads of their hanging clothes, so that was already in place. Their few DVDs were lined up in the entertainment unit. Chloe’s stuffed animals were in place up on the shelf Kenny had installed over the weekend and the cleaning supplies were placed neatly on the shelves in the laundry room.

At two-forty-five Bailey hugged her friends goodbye and walked toward Chloe’s school. She was tired and happy and still in shock over how the day had gone. Yes, her feet hurt and her back hurt and there were a thousand things to do, but she and Chloe had their forever home and nothing was ever going to be better than that.

Chloe raced out of school and ran up to her. “Did it happen? Are we in our new house?”

“We are. I’m very excited.”

“Me, too!”

They walked back to the house. Chloe told her about school and how all her friends wanted to come over.

“We’ll have a party,” Bailey promised, thinking how great it was going to be. With Chloe’s new bedroom set, sleepovers would be easy.

They rounded the corner and she saw Kenny’s SUV parked in her driveway. Her chest got tight, her heart raced and the rest of her sighed in anticipation. She didn’t know why he’d stopped by, but that was okay. Seeing him was its own reward.

But as she got closer to the house, she saw he wasn’t alone. He sat on their front porch, with a large, fresh-cut Christmas tree leaning against the railing. Chloe shrieked and ran up to stare.

“Our tree,” she said reverently. “You remembered!”

Bailey followed at a more normal pace, but she was shouting on the inside. “You got us a tree.”

“You promised Chloe one as soon as you got the house. I figured you might be too busy today, so I picked up this one. I hope you like it.”

Like it? She loved it. And...well, maybe him as well.

She wasn’t sure. Her feelings were still all over the place and she didn’t want to assign a name to something so wonderful and happy. There was also the complication of Kenny not wanting to get involved with her. But all that was for later.

He stood and held out both his hands. “Come on. Let’s take the tour. Then we’ll get the tree set up. If you’re nice to me, I’ll help with the lights.” He glanced at Bailey. “I thought we could order in pizza. You won’t want to cook tonight.”

“Thank you,” she said. Simple words that didn’t come close to expressing her gratitude for all he’d done for her.

She put her hand in his and he squeezed her fingers. Chloe danced on his other side.

“I want to see,” she squealed. “I want to see everything.”

CHAPTER NINE

BAILEY HELD HER hands palm-up. “I honestly don’t know how this happened,” she told Isabel. “It’s not like he asked me. It was just sort of expected.”

Isabel laughed. “As long as you’re going.”

“I don’t have anything to wear.” Dinner with Kenny’s business partners was one thing, but the Score Christmas party was something else. For starters, several clients had been invited. She didn’t know what to say to a man who owned a company that rented out private jets to rich people. Or a couple that owned a worldwide rum brand.

But Kenny had mentioned the party a couple of times and she’d finally realized that she was his date. Not that they were dating. Or kissing. There hadn’t been a single kiss since that one. This despite the fact that she saw Kenny nearly every day. She tried to tell herself the man had extraordinary control, only she was afraid the truth was much less flattering. He really was just friends with her.

Either way, she was going to the Score Christmas party, which was going to be an elegant affair up at the resort. Dellina had dropped hints about the decorations for the ballroom and what the guests would be eating. The invitation had stated black tie very clearly. And as Bailey didn’t own a tux, she was forced to find a dress.

Which was where her visit to Isabel’s store had come in.

“I have you covered,” Isabel promised.

Bailey nodded, trying to telling herself everything would work out. Only she didn’t see how she could afford a nice dress, along with the accessories. It wasn’t like she was buying something for work, where she could justify the cost knowing she would wear it weekly for the next two years.

Isabel went into the back room of her store, then returned with a long dress. Bailey felt her breath catch as she stared at the stunning gown.

It was simple—a black lining with gold beading. The neck was round and not too low, the cap sleeves added interest at the shoulder.

Isabel handed her the dress and pushed her toward the changing rooms. “Try it on.”

Bailey did as she requested. She noticed there was no price tag, which made her nervous. But she stepped into the dress and pulled it up. The long zipper closed more easily than she expected. As she was on the bridal side of the store, there were no mirrors in the dressing room, so she had to go out to see how she looked.

Isabel smiled when she saw her. “I knew it. Try on these.”

“These” were a pair of simple black pumps with killer four-inch heels. Bailey managed to step into them and stand without hurting herself. She stepped up to the bridal mirror and glanced at her reflection.

“Wow.”

“I know, right?” Isabel stepped up behind her. “The fit is incredible. You look like a movie star.”

Bailey thought maybe her friend was exaggerating, but she would accept the compliment. The gold beading added a warmth to her skin that made it glow. The color was perfect with her red hair. The dress itself hugged her curves, but in the best way possible. She looked like a redheaded Kim Kardashian.

“I love it,” she admitted. “But how much is it?”

Isabel wrinkled her nose. “Don’t get mad, but it’s not one of mine. It’s a rental. I found the site online and had them overnight the dress to me.” She handed Bailey the invoice. “Considering the retail value of the dress, it’s a bargain.”

Bailey had to agree. She could rent the dress for the week for less than a hundred dollars. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. The shoes are Taryn’s. She also sent over a bag and some jewelry.” Isabel grinned. “Because she loves you.”

“I love her back.” Bailey glanced at the high heels. “I should have recognized them as being from her collection.”

She stepped down and they opened the box that had arrived from Taryn that morning. Inside was a Judith Lieber black-and-gold clutch and a pair of diamond-stud earrings.

“I don’t want to know what those cost,” Isabel murmured.

“Me, either.” Bailey told herself she wasn’t going to cry. “When did she get back from her trip?”

“Yesterday.”

And Taryn had done this for her today. “I’m going to have to give her a kidney or something to say thank you.”

Isabel hugged her. “It will make her happy to see you looking like a princess.”

“I think I’d rather be a sex goddess.”

“That, too.”

* * *

BAILEY DIDN’T KNOW where to look first. The ballroom had been decorated in white. White trees, white twinkle lights, white flowers on white tablecloths. There were perfect red accents—a red ribbon running down the center of each table. A single red rose at every other place setting. Formally dressed serving staff circulated with glasses of champagne. She was out of her element, but prepared to have the time of her life.

Having an incredibly handsome man at her side certainly helped, she thought. Kenny had shown up on time, looking movie-star gorgeous in a tailored tux. But what really got her heart beating fast was the look on his face when he saw her. The moment of appreciation and raw desire had gone a long way in upping her confidence quotient.

Now, as they circulated through the party, he kept his hand on the small of her back. When they stopped to talk to clients, he kept his hand possessively on her hip. She told herself not to read too much into his actions, but she couldn’t help the little ripples of excitement that zipped through her.

The guy who owned the jet company turned out to be pretty nice. His wife, a stay-at-home mom, used her phone to show off pictures of their kids.

“I see Taryn,” Bailey told Kenny a few minutes later. “I need to talk to her for a second.”

“Don’t go far.”

“I won’t.” Later there was supposed to be dancing. Bailey hoped Kenny planned to dance the night away with her. Who wouldn’t want that in her future?

She excused herself and crossed the room toward her friend. Taryn had on a black, strapless, fitted evening gown that sparkled and dazzled nearly as much as the woman herself. Her hair was long and straight, her makeup dramatic. Large diamonds gleamed from her ears and around her wrists. She looked exotic, wanton and powerful.

Bailey gave herself a second to admire the view, then approached her friend. Taryn saw her and hurried over.

“You look fantastic,” Taryn said. “My God, every guy in the place is going to want to haul you off and have his way with you.”

“Oh, please,” Bailey said. “As if. You look amazing.”

Taryn dismissed the compliment with a flick of her wrist. “This old thing? We just got back two days ago. I didn’t have time to shop. Not that anyone here has seen the dress, but still.”

Bailey laughed. Obviously her month away hadn’t changed Taryn at all. It was good to know that some things were consistent. “Thank you for my accessories.” She held up the bag and pointed to the earrings. “You’re very sweet to me.”

“Don’t say that out loud,” Taryn told her, glancing around as she spoke. “You think I want people to know I’m nice?”

Bailey grinned. “Sorry. I won’t say anything. How are you? How was your trip?”

“Wonderful. Romantic. Angel is a god—not that I want him to know.” She took Bailey by the arm and led her to an alcove in the corner. “I need to talk to you.”

Gone was the teasing and sassy attitude. Taryn’s eyes were wide and filled with an emotion Bailey didn’t recognize. On anyone else she would have said it was fear.

“What’s wrong?”

Taryn drew in a breath. “I think, I mean I’m pretty sure...” She swallowed. “I’m pregnant.”

Bailey laughed. “That’s wonderful. You scared me. Aren’t you happy?”

“Happy? No. Terrified. I’m not like you. I’m not sweet or giving or huggy. I want to be a good mom, but what if I screw up? What if my kid doesn’t like me?” Tears filled her eyes. “You don’t understand. I had horrible parents. I don’t know how to do this.”

Bailey wrapped her arms around her friend. “You’ll be fine. Trust me. You have everything you need inside of you. You’re warm and caring. I’m wearing the shoes that prove it. You know how to love. That’s all children want. To be loved. You’ll provide a stable home and lots of attention. It’s going to be fine.”

Taryn stepped back. “I’m not convinced. Can you teach me how to be more like you?”

Bailey held in more laughter. “Sure. We can start right away so you’re ready.”

“Okay. Thank you. I’m not going to tell anyone else until I’m in my fourth month. Just to be sure everything is okay. But I wanted to tell you.” She sniffed. “Do you think they make couture maternity clothes?”

Bailey laughed. “I’m sure of it.”

* * *

PART OF GROWING up with a parent in the State Department and living overseas meant learning to adjust to different cultures and traditions. Kenny had gotten good at adapting when necessary. It was a skill that had served him well on the football field and in life. But no matter how he smiled and talked with his business partners, his friends and clients, he couldn’t shake the sensation of something not being right.

Maybe it was the tux. He would rather be in jeans. Maybe it was the party itself—too many people having too much fun. Only he liked parties and he enjoyed the holidays and hell, wearing a tux now and then wasn’t a big deal. So why did he keep feeling as if his collar was too tight and that he should be scanning the room for exits?

The most obvious reason was standing about two feet away, laughing at something Jack had said. In a word—Bailey. She looked stunning in her black-and-gold evening gown. Sexy and beautiful and more temptation than any man should have to resist.

The problem wasn’t that he wanted her. He could accept the longing, the heated blood, the need to pull her into a dark corner and kiss her until neither of them could breathe. That was fine. Desire was easy. Familiar. Comfortable. No, what had him unable to relax was more complicated and a lot more terrifying.

It was that he liked her. He liked hanging out with her. He liked listening to her talk and the sound of her laughter. He liked how she painted a room and baked cookies and took care of her daughter. He liked how he felt when he was around her. He liked that she made him feel protective. He wanted to take care of her, to be with her. He wanted to be a part of her and her daughter’s lives, and that was where it all went sideways for him.

The battle of what he wanted and what he knew was safe wasn’t easy. Telling himself that she wasn’t his ex didn’t help the situation. Because in the end, he could still lose her. That was bad enough, but to also lose Chloe—he didn’t think he could survive the loss of both of them.

Still, when she walked up to him, he couldn’t help leading her onto the dance floor.

She fit into his arms perfectly. With her heels, she was taller than usual, so her body nestled against his. Her smile called to him, as did her beautiful eyes. How was he supposed to resist her? How was he supposed to save himself?

After the holidays, he told himself. Then he would back off. Because while there was some danger, it wasn’t as if he was in love with her. Not yet, at least.

* * *

“WHAT DO YOU THINK?” Bailey asked as she walked around the dining room table. It was old—probably from the 1920s. A beautiful dark wood with just enough carving to make it interesting. There were six matching chairs, also in good condition. The cushions needed recovering but she knew how to do that. The best part of the set was the buffet. There was a big scratch on one side, which was probably the reason the set hadn’t sold yet. But in Bailey’s dining room, the buffet would slide into an alcove. With only six inches of clearance on either side, no one would see the scratch.

Chloe studied the pieces. “It’s really nice, Mom. I like the way it shines. Could I help pick out the fabric for the chairs?”

“Of course. We’ll get new cushions and then cover them ourselves.”

“You’re going to teach me how?”

She pulled her daughter close. “I will. It’s going to be a great weekend project.”

Her old table still worked, but it was lost in their new dining room. Plus, she’d always wanted a buffet. She already had a pretty vase she could set on it.

She knew the four-hundred-dollar price tag was a bargain. This set was made of solid wood. It would last another couple hundred years. There had been a sign out front offering delivery in town for only twenty-five dollars. She had the money from what she’d saved on the move.

Chloe squeezed her hand. “It’s okay, Mom. We have a nice house now.”

Bailey smiled at her daughter. “You’re right. The new house deserves a beautiful dining room. Let’s get it.”

They went and found the lady managing the sale. She put a Sold tag on the furniture and arranged for delivery. Bailey and Chloe wandered around a little more.

The old farmhouse was filled with plenty of furniture, along with dishes, paintings and other household goods. Bailey lingered over a box of old records. Kenny liked oldies, she thought. And she’d yet to find a Christmas present for him. What did you get the man who not only had everything, but also had the ability to buy it again and again?

She flipped through the albums, not sure what he liked. She saw an album by the Doors. There was something scribbled on the front of it. She pulled out the album and carried it to the window.

“Really?” Bailey asked in a whisper as she studied what turned out to be a signature. She was pretty sure it was Jim Morrison. Was he the lead singer of the Doors? Hadn’t he died young or something?

Her working knowledge of music from the 1960s was sketchy at best, but as the album was priced at five dollars, she was willing to take a chance. She could call Gideon, the owner of Fool’s Gold’s radio stations and an oldies fan himself, and ask him if this was something Kenny would like.

“Mom, look!”

Chloe held up an old-fashioned Christmas ornament. It was of a football player. He was holding the ball in his arms.

“It reminds me of Kenny,” her daughter said. “Let’s get it for the tree.”

“Sure,” Bailey said automatically, doing her best to remain calm on the outside. But on the inside, alarms went off. Because until this very second, she’d only been worried about her own heart, when it came to Kenny. She hadn’t thought that Chloe could be falling for him, as well.

Panic set in, and with it a fierce need to protect her daughter. Because Kenny had made it clear he wasn’t interested in forever and anything less would devastate Chloe. She’d already lost her father—she didn’t need the pain of losing someone else nearly as wonderful.

“Mom?”

Bailey forced a smile. “It’s adorable and yes, we need it on our tree.”

How to fix this, she wondered. A problem she would wrestle with when she got home, she promised herself. Because she had to keep Chloe safe.

They paid for the dining set, the album and the ornament, then they started toward her car. She’d just reached it when her cell phone rang. She glanced at the screen and saw Kenny’s name. For a second, she thought about not answering, but that was neither helpful nor mature.

“Hi,” she said, telling herself to ignore the now-familiar quivering that accompanied either seeing him in person her hearing his voice.

“Bailey, I don’t know what to say. They’re gone.”

His voice was thick with tension and disbelief. The quivering disappeared and worry took its place.

“What’s gone? What’s going on?”

“The toys. I emptied the barrels this morning and drove out to load them in the trailer. The lock is broken and the trailer’s empty. All the toys are gone.”

CHAPTER TEN

IT DIDN’T TAKE long for word to spread and people to start showing up at the empty trailer. A couple of women Kenny didn’t know stood talking on their cell phones. A few of Bailey’s friends he recognized but couldn’t name were standing together looking stunned.

Kenny stayed by his SUV. He could see inside the large empty space. There was nothing left. Not even part of a carton or some torn packaging. Whoever had taken the toys had done a thorough job.

He knew this kind of thing happened all the time. People stole from food banks and took deliveries off neighbors’ porches. But he hadn’t realized it could happen here. In Fool’s Gold. Things were supposed to be better here. There wasn’t a lot of crime. From what he’d heard, people barely locked their doors at night. It was that kind of place.

Only not anymore. And if someone could steal toys meant for disadvantaged children, then other bad things could happen. People could get sick and die. Pets could be lost. And green-eyed redheads could decide they didn’t want to have anything to do with him. Bailey could walk away and take Chloe with her, and he would be left with nothing. His heart stolen, just like the toys.

Mayor Marsha arrived in a small red car. She got out and walked over to him.

“It has to be someone from out of town,” she said by way of greeting. “I refuse to believe that a person I know would do this to the Sprouts. Those girls are going to be heartbroken.”

Something he hadn’t thought of, he realized. What would Chloe and her friends think when they found out what had happened? They’d worked hard on their project. They’d decorated the bins and had spent time asking for donations.

“Then there’s the matter of the children in Sacramento,” the mayor continued. “We have to make sure they have a good Christmas.”

Bailey arrived. Chloe was with her, the seven-year-old’s eyes filled with tears.

“Are they really all gone?” she asked as she rushed up to him.

“Afraid so.”

Chloe turned to her mother. “Mommy, I don’t understand.”

“Me, either.” Bailey put an arm around her. Together they stared into the empty trailer.

“It was nearly full,” Bailey murmured. “People were so generous.”

She looked devastated. He wanted to go to her and hold her tight. He wanted to make things right. Which meant he was in deeper than he’d realized and he’d better retreat while he still could.

“I’ll write a check,” he said.

Bailey and the mayor stared at him.

He motioned to the empty trailer. “I’ll write a check to cover everything taken. We can go buy more presents.”

“I don’t think that’s necessary,” Mayor Marsha said. “I think the town can fix this problem.”

“I agree.” Bailey smiled at him. “But thank you for being generous.”

He wasn’t. Didn’t she see that? He was trying to buy his way out of a difficult situation. Because he could. Because he couldn’t risk giving anything else.

“Let me know if you change your mind,” he mumbled and returned to his SUV.

“Kenny, wait.” Bailey hurried after him. “We have a lot to do to make this right.”

He shook his head. “Angel and Taryn are back in town. It’s their project. Let them fix it.”

He didn’t turn around. He didn’t want to see the shock on her face or the hurt in her eyes. He didn’t want the proof that he’d hurt her. Even though he knew he had.

* * *

AS BAILEY HAD EXPECTED, the town rallied. The trailer was moved into an empty warehouse with locked doors and an impressive security system. The police department offered to patrol the area regularly. Once word went out, presents started pouring in. The bins filled up so quickly, Bailey arranged times for people to go directly to the warehouse with their donations. During those collection times, one of the guys from the bodyguard school was on hand as extra security. Not that there had been a problem.

Bailey took the last of the packages that Denise Hendrix had dropped off and walked to the large trailer. Angel, on duty with her today, carried it inside.

Chloe studied all the toys in place and smiled. “We’re going to do it, Mom. We’re going to fill the trailer again.”

“I know we are.”

Her daughter leaned against her. “I’m glad people are helping.”

Angel jumped down from the trailer, then squatted in front of Chloe. “What do you think about the people who stole the presents?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” Chloe admitted. “I guess they’re bad. They stole at Christmas. They stole toys.”

“I agree.” He stared into her eyes. “There are always going to be bad people. But the thing to remember is that most of us aren’t like that.” He pointed to the toys. “How many families have donated toys?”

“A lot.”

“Right. And maybe two or three people stole them. There’s more of us than them. Good people can make it right, if you give them a chance. Remember that. Everyone who loves you and your friends came through when you needed help. But more important, people in this town who have never met you wanted to help.”

“Because they’re nice?”

“Yeah.” He stood.

Bailey listened to him explain what had happened with a clarity that made her grateful. She and Chloe had had several conversations on the topic, but she had a feeling this one had been the one to get through.

Her daughter took her hand. “I’m glad we’re helping those kids in Sacramento and I’m really glad we have such a nice town.”

“Me, too.”

Angel walked to the trailer and swung the doors shut. “All right. You two can head out. I’ll lock the doors and arm the alarm.”

“Thanks.”

She led Chloe to their car. There were only a couple more days until the toy delivery, but she wasn’t worried. They would make it. Then it would be Christmas and the start of a New Year.

Usually she enjoyed the holidays. Since having Chloe, they’d become nearly magical. She’d had high hopes for this season, at least until three days ago. Because ever since the toys had been stolen, Kenny had disappeared.

He hadn’t called her or stopped by. They hadn’t spoken. She hadn’t even caught sight of him in town. Taryn hadn’t said anything, so Bailey knew that he hadn’t been in an accident or gotten sick, but he had disappeared.

She wanted to tell herself that there were a thousand explanations. The problem was, she couldn’t think of a single one that explained why he hadn’t been in touch with her. If only to say he was busy. Or driving to Bora Bora.

It wasn’t that he’d left her to deal with the toy drive on her own. It was that she’d missed him. In the past few weeks, she’d grown used to seeing Kenny every day. She liked talking to him and simply being in his company. Her feelings for him had grown to the point where he was part of her world. Letting that go was going to be difficult.

Ignoring her own bruised heart, there was also Chloe to worry about. So far her daughter hadn’t mentioned Kenny, but it was only a matter of time until the questions started. And Bailey had no idea how she was going to answer them.

* * *

TARYN TOOK A sip from her Score mug and shuddered. Kenny looked back at the Keurig in the break room. The used pod was still in place. He raised his eyebrows.

“Hot chocolate? You?”

She sighed. “I know. But it’s the season, right?”

“You drink coffee. Or water.”

“Now I drink hot chocolate.” She grimaced. “Or not.”

He studied his business partner. Something was different, he thought, but he wasn’t sure what. Taryn was wearing one of her stylish suits with stitching and darts and whatever made it contour to the shape of her body. She was barefoot, as per usual. Her ridiculous high heels looked good, but she only wore them walking into or out of the office. During the day she was barefoot.

She looked happy, he thought. But there was something in her eyes. Maybe a secret? Not that he was going to ask. Right now he was a big believer in everyone keeping their thoughts to themselves.

She set down her mug and walked to the bowl of fruit on the counter. She picked up an apple, washed it, then took a bite.

“So what’s new with you?” she asked when she’d chewed and swallowed. “How’s it coming with the toys? I heard the town has responded as you’d expect from this ridiculously nice place. Toys are pouring in by the bucketful.”

The one thing he didn’t want to talk about. No—the toys were symptomatic. Bailey was the real subject he wanted to avoid. Yet he wanted to hear how she was. It was less than a week until Christmas. Was she settled in her house? Was Chloe excited about her presents? What were their traditions? And how was he going to make it through without being with the two of them?

“Kenny?”

He saw Taryn frowning at him. “What?”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“That’s a complete guy response. Talk to me like a human being. What’s going on? Are you feeling all right?”

“Sure. Never better.”

She didn’t look convinced. “You didn’t answer me about the toy drive.”

“You seem to have all the answers.”

She dumped her mug into the sink and quickly rinsed it, then picked up her half-eaten apple, grabbed him by the hand and dragged him into her office. When they got there, she bumped the door closed with her hip and positioned herself in front of him.

“What?” she demanded. “You’re not getting out of here until you tell me what’s going on. And don’t think I won’t beat it out of you.”

“Nothing’s going on. I don’t know what’s happening with the toy drive because I’m not doing it anymore.”

“Why not? I thought you were helping Bailey?”

“You and Angel are back. Why don’t you take it over?”

“Bailey said she wanted to finish it with the Sprouts. I thought you felt that way, too.”

He paced to her window, then turned back to her. “It’s stupid. The whole thing. I said I’d write a check. We could have just bought the toys.”

“Now you sound like Jack did six months ago. Money doesn’t always solve the problem. Besides, people like to give. They like to be a part of the solution. What’s wrong with you? Is it your family? If you want to go with them to Bali, you know we’ll be fine here.”

“It’s not that.”

“Then what?”

She asked the question gently. While Taryn was all about the threats, in her heart, she was a marshmallow. She took care of all of them—she had from the very beginning. Taryn was the glue that held Score together.

She walked up behind him and put her hand on his arm. “Kenny,” she said softly. “Tell me.”

He continued to stare out window. “I can’t do it. I can’t. When I lost James...” He swallowed. “I loved him and it was like he died. Only worse, because I knew he was around and I couldn’t be with him anymore.”

She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around him. He pulled her against him and hung on.

“I could have sued for visitation,” he continued, remembering long talks with his lawyer. “I had a good case. But what was the point? He was three. He would forget me. What would happen when he was six or eight? I would just be some guy he had to spend time with. It’s not like I was his real dad.”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“Me, too. I can’t go through that again, Taryn. I can’t love some kid only to lose her. When those toys were stolen, it changed everything. I’d started thinking that bad stuff couldn’t happen here. Stupid, huh?”

“No. There’s something about this damn town. It makes you crazy. Worse, it makes you hope.”

“You’ve got Angel. You can relax.”

“I know, but I want you to be happy, too.” She looked up at him. “Bailey isn’t anything like Natalie. She would never deceive you. She’d never hurt you.”

He stared into her violet-blue eyes. “I agree she’s a better person, but she’s also still a mother. Chloe comes first and if things went south, I’d lose both of them.”

“So that means you’re not even going to try?”

“I won’t take the chance.”

She shifted so she was standing in front of him—both her hands on his chest. “Kenny, you would run into a three-hundred-pound defensive end without blinking.”

He shrugged. “That’s just physical pain. The body heals. The heart’s not such a sure thing.”

“I agree there’s a risk, but the reward could be everything you’ve ever wanted. Don’t you want to be the one person Bailey can depend on? Don’t you want to be with her always? Don’t you want to watch Chloe grow up into a beautiful young woman and walk her down the aisle, then hold her babies one day?”

It was like she’d stabbed him with a knife. He could see that as clearly as if it was happening right in front of him. Bailey and Chloe and the third generation of redheaded Voss women.

He allowed himself to dream for just a second, then he shook his head and physically stepped back. “I can’t.”

“You won’t. There’s a difference.”

“Not a big enough one to matter.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

BAILEY, TARYN AND the Sprouts stood on the sidewalk by the shelter in Sacramento. All eight girls were solemn as the director thanked them for their help.

“So many of the families we work with don’t have enough money to buy Christmas presents,” she was saying. “They’re struggling to keep food on the tables and lights on in the house. This Christmas, when you are with your families and opening your presents, I hope you’ll stop to think about what a good thing you’ve done. Thank you, girls.”

Chloe reached for Bailey’s hand. Several of the girls were wiping away tears.

Behind them, volunteers unloaded the toys that had been collected. Taryn sniffed.

“All this emotion,” she grumbled. “It’s just so...” She looked at her Sprouts and smiled. “I’m proud of all of you. You didn’t let one person ruin something special.”

Allison sighed. “It’s like a Christmas miracle. We delivered toys to needy children. My mom wants us to have this for our project next year.”

“We’ll talk it with the Grove council,” Taryn promised. “Okay, let’s head back to Fool’s Gold. Rumor has it, there’s going to be a celebration at Brew-haha.”

Several of the girls cheered. Chloe released Bailey’s hand and walked with her friends. Taryn fell into step with Bailey as they walked toward their cars.

“I hate all this stupid happiness,” Taryn muttered.

Bailey grinned. “You need to get over that. Happiness is part of the tradition. It’s good for you.”

“No, it’s not. Worse, I’m fighting hormones. I cried over a commercial last night. It was horrifying.”

“There’s so much more to come.”

Bailey knew that Taryn was holding off on telling people about her pregnancy and couldn’t wait for the news to come out.

“The toy thing was good,” Taryn admitted. “Needy kids and all that.” She paused. “You want to talk about it?”

There was no need to ask what the “it” was. Or who.

“There’s not much to say,” Bailey told her.

“Are you okay?”

“No. But I’m faking it as best I can.” She lowered her voice. “I miss him.”

“He misses you. It’s just...he has some baggage.”

“I know about Natalie. He told me. So in my head, I understand why he’s cautious. But it still hurts to have him gone.”

Taryn got to her car and unlocked it. Bailey did the same. The girls climbed in and began fastening their seat belts. When all the doors were closed, Taryn looked at her.

“Have you told him how you feel? I can’t promise it will make a difference, but it might.” She shrugged. “I’m assuming you’re serious about him. If all you want is something short-term and hot, then tell him that, too. I’m sure he would be interested. Kenny’s a good guy. We all want him to be happy. It would be great if he could be happy with you.”

Bailey nodded and got in her car. On the drive back to Fool’s Gold, she thought about what Taryn had suggested. While Bailey knew that Kenny was afraid of getting involved with her, she’d never considered that he might not know how she felt. She’d never hinted that her liking had turned into something else.

Would that change things? Would he be willing to take a chance if he knew she loved him? There was only one way to find out. Unfortunately it meant laying her heart on the line.

For the next hour Bailey tried to figure out what to do. In between Christmas carols sung loudly with the Sprouts, she considered her options.

When they reached Brew-haha, several of the parents were waiting. The girls ran inside and shared what had happened at the shelter. Patience, the owner, had hot chocolate and cookies waiting for them. Bailey took Taryn aside.

“I want to go talk to Kenny,” she whispered. “This is going to go on for at least an hour. Do you mind if I duck out for a bit?”

“Go,” Taryn urged her. “I’ll stay with Chloe. If you’re not back by the time this wraps up, I’ll take her to Noelle’s store. It’s always fun to watch the shoppers the Saturday before Christmas.”

Bailey hugged her friend. “You’re the best.”

“I know. It’s a burden, but one I’ve learned to live with.” Taryn gave her a little push. “Go!”

Bailey did as instructed. She told Chloe she was going to run an errand, then ducked out of the store and hurried toward Kenny’s house. It had snowed a couple of days ago, then warmed up enough for the streets and sidewalks to clear. The few snowmen in the yards were melting. But the weather was supposed to cool down again at the beginning of the week and it looked like they might have a white Christmas after all.

Bailey still wasn’t sure exactly what she was going to say when she got to Kenny’s place, but she rang the bell anyway. She tried not to be intimidated by the large house.

It took him nearly a minute to answer. When he did, she saw the shadows under his eyes.

He didn’t speak and neither did she. She took in the old L.A. Stallions sweatshirt and worn jeans. He looked like he hadn’t shaved or slept, for that matter. Was it possible he was missing her as much as she was missing him?

“I need to speak to you,” she said at last.

He stepped aside to let her in.

She walked into the foyer of the big, two-story house. She could see a living room and part of a dining room, but that was all. Not that the house mattered. It was just that now she was here, she was nervous. And scared. But she was also determined.

He shoved his hands into his front pockets and waited.

She’d been hoping for a little encouragement, but apparently that wasn’t happening. He still hadn’t spoken. Was he too polite to simply tell her to get out?

She drew in a breath. “I want to say something. It may not make a difference, but maybe it will. When I’m done, I’m going to leave. I don’t want you to say anything. That should be easy, seeing as you’re not talking now.”

She paused to see if that comment would spur him to action. It did not.

“Okay, then,” she murmured. “Here goes. Like I said, I don’t want you to respond. I would ask that you think about what I am about to say. I want you to consider it and live with it and then come to a conclusion.”

She suddenly realized she hadn’t thought this through at all. How was he supposed to tell her no, in a way that wouldn’t crush her soul? Or be heard in front of the whole town or something?

“If I don’t hear back from you by, um, New Year’s, I’ll know that you’re not interested. Or that you don’t agree. Or whatever.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

The words, quietly spoken, caused the nerves in her stomach to start doing laps.

“I know. I’m getting to that. You need to not talk again, okay?”

He nodded.

She laced her fingers together and twisted them around. Was she a fool for thinking he could care about her? Were they too different? Was he too much the athletic superstar? She was just a single mom with a kid. And there was the weight thing. Did he think she was fat?

She told herself to get out of her head and into the moment. She loved this man. If she wanted to have a chance with him, she had to tell him that.

“I don’t know exactly what happened,” she began. “Why you disappeared. I know it has something to do with Chloe and me. Maybe you’re thinking you’ve gotten too close. That if you care, you could be hurt. If you do care, then that’s true. But it’s also true that you could hurt us, too.”

She paused to gather her thoughts. She wasn’t sure how to convince him, but not trying was no longer an option.

“I want to say that I loved Will desperately until he died, but that’s not true. We were drifting apart when he was killed. I don’t know if it was because he was gone so much or if we simply grew up and apart. But whatever my feelings, Will was a good man and I want his daughter to know that about him.”

She found herself staring at the center of Kenny’s chest and forced her chin up until she was looking into his eyes. She couldn’t read anything there, but that was okay. She was going to get through this.

“You’re right—I am a package deal. You’ll never be Chloe’s biological father and the possibility exists that if something happened between you and I, then you would be at risk of losing another child you’d come to care about. I know that has to be really scary. I want to tell you I know how you feel, but we both know I don’t. I can’t. But here’s what I do know. I know that you’re a wonderful person. You’re caring and gentle and funny and kind. You are the kind of person others admire. You make my heart beat faster whenever you’re around and you make me feel safe.”

Heat burned on her cheeks, but she kept talking anyway. So what if she was embarrassed? She had to tell him the truth—they both deserved that.

“I’m not like the models and actresses you’ve dated. I get that. I’m just a regular kind of person who lives in a small town. Nothing flashy. Nothing special. But I know what it’s like to be alone and I know what it’s like to want to belong.”

Now for the hard part, she thought, wishing she was just a little more confident in his response.

“Kenny, I’ve fallen in love with you. I’m pretty sure Chloe has as well. I want us to be together. I want to be the love of your life. I want...” She shrugged. “I want a lot of things. More kids. A dog. But mostly I want you. And I’m hoping you want me back.”

She reached out to touch him, then dropped her hand to her side. The man hadn’t said a word. Sure, she’d told him not to, but did he have to pick this moment to listen? She couldn’t tell what he was thinking, but worried it couldn’t possibly be good.

“That was all I had to say,” she whispered, returning her gaze to the center of his chest. “Please think about it. If you’re not interested, then you don’t have to do anything. If I don’t hear from you by New Year’s, I’ll get the message.”

She looked into his blue eyes again. “I hope whatever happens, we can stay friends. And if it’s not me, then I really hope you find someone you can give your heart to. I want you to be happy, no matter what.”

She turned to the door, then spun back. “Merry Christmas,” she said, and then she left.

* * *

KENNY SAT ALONE in the dark. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve. For everyone in town it was a magical time. The presents were bought, the dinners planned, and there was the promise of snow tomorrow night. What could be better?

He hadn’t been out of his house in days, hadn’t seen anyone. The weekend had made that easy and the Score offices were closed today through Christmas. It gave him time. The question was, what was he going to do with it?

Bailey had laid it all on the line when she’d come over on Saturday. She’d bared herself, heart and soul. All she’d asked was that he think about what she said. And he had. Endlessly.

She said she loved him. Those words—how he wanted them to be true. He wanted all she had to offer. Her and Chloe and more babies and a dog. Yeah, it was a perfect picture. But was it real?

Could he trust her? That was what it came down to. Was he willing to try again, to love, knowing he could lose it all? Chloe would never be his. If the worst happened, he would lose her, too.

But the alternative was not to have her at all. It was to not try. To give up before he’d begun and that wasn’t who he had ever been.

What was safe battled with what he needed as much as he needed air. The pain of not having wrestled with the potential of losing. The hours passed from night to dawn and he was no closer to an answer. But maybe that was because he’d always known how this was going to end.

* * *

“THAT WAS THE BEST!” Chloe crowed as they walked home, hand-in-hand, in the lightly falling snow. “The show and the day.”

“I agree. It was magical.”

Bailey walked next to her daughter as they made their way home from the annual performance of the Dance of the Winter King, followed by evening services at church. It was snowing, but not too cold. Or maybe they were warmed by the season itself.

Her daughter smiled up at her. “This was the greatest Christmas Eve ever!”

“Wow. Thank you. What was your favorite part?”

“I don’t know. All of it. I loved the live nativity.”

“Me, too.”

Bailey smiled as she remembered the eccentric animals filling the manger next to the Baby Jesus. There had been goats, an elephant, a pony and a camel, all compliments of the Castle Ranch. This year there had also been the unusual addition of a small service dog, Cece. Her holiday sweater had kept her poodle-self warm, and she’d been up for snuggles and kisses. The rest of the manger animals had preferred to simply have their pictures taken.

Afterward, she and Chloe had wandered through downtown, taking in all the decorations. Carolers had gone from store to store. Most of the businesses had stayed open to offer cookies and hot chocolate to singers and residents alike.

After dinner, Bailey and Chloe had gone to see the Dance of the Winter King, a seasonal production with great music and dancing. Chloe had loved it all. Bailey had enjoyed it, too, but she’d also been aware that Kenny wasn’t with them.

She hadn’t heard from him since she’d announced she was in love with him, and then had left his house. While she’d known that she might not get him to change his mind, she’d been hopeful. Okay, more than hopeful, she thought wistfully. She’d imagined him striding into her office at city hall and sweeping her into his arms, à la that old movie An Officer and a Gentleman. Or simply walking up to her somewhere in town and saying that while he couldn’t love her today, he thought he might be able to eventually.

In her more sensible moments, she reminded herself that the obvious answer was he wasn’t interested. She imagined a politely worded note of “thanks, but no thanks.” Despite the fact that she’d said he didn’t have to respond, she’d never seriously considered there would be nothing.

She reminded herself there was still a week to go. A week in which she could dream and hope. But come January first, she was going to go on those two diets she’d promised herself. One for the extra weight and the other for Kenny. She would figure out how to deal with both. And she was determined to be successful.

Chloe leaned into her and yawned. “Is Kenny coming over tomorrow?”

“I don’t know.”

Because Bailey hadn’t said anything to Chloe yet. When her daughter asked, she said he was busy with the holidays. If there was even the slightest chance of it working out, then better for her daughter not to suffer needlessly.

“He has to. We have presents for him under the tree. And you have something from him in your stocking.”

“Do I?”

She’d forgotten about that. What had he gotten her? And if he walked out of their lives forever, should she return it?

They turned the corner and started up their street. Snow continued to fall. Neighbors walking home from the church service waved to each other. Calls of “Merry Christmas” filled the night.

“I love our new house,” Chloe said sleepily. “And my bedroom, and my bed.”

“I’m glad. I love it all, too.”

Chloe looked up at her and smiled. “I love you, Mommy.”

“I love you back, sweetie.”

They walked to their house and started up the driveway. On the porch, something moved. Bailey stared, not sure what—

Kenny rose and took a couple of steps toward them. It was dark and the porch light was behind him so she couldn’t see his face.

A thousand questions crowded into her brain. Why was he here? Was it good news or bad news? Surely he wouldn’t break her heart on Christmas Eve, would he?

He looked good, she thought, greedily taking in everything about him. If felt as if she hadn’t seen him in years, instead of days. He had on a long, heavy coat. Snow clung to his head and his shoulders. He held a Santa hat in one hand.

“Kenny!”

Chloe broke free and raced toward him. He caught her and lifted her up into his arms. Chloe hung on so tightly, Bailey wondered if she would ever let go.

“We went to the live nativity and there was a poodle in the manger! Then we saw the Dance of the Winter King, which was so great. And then we went to church and now you’re here. We’ve missed you. You’re coming over for Christmas, aren’t you? Mom wasn’t sure, but you have presents.”

Kenny kissed her cheek, then lowered her to the ground. He stepped toward Bailey.

She stayed where she was. Snow fell all around them. She was probably freezing, but she couldn’t feel a thing except for the hope rising inside of her. The world was still, except for the beating of her frantic, hungry heart.

“You were right,” he said quietly, staring into her eyes. “About all of it. I am afraid of what I could lose. How could I go on without you or Chloe around?”

She wasn’t sure if she was supposed to answer, so she simply waited. Chloe came and stood next to her, but was also silent.

He turned the Santa hat around in his hands. “I don’t bring much to the table. I’m kind of beat up from playing football. My knees are bad and my track record with relationships isn’t much better.”

She wasn’t sure how those two thoughts related, but she was happy to keep listening. Because to her, it didn’t sound like he was saying goodbye.

“The thing is,” he continued, staring directly into her eyes, “I’m in love with you.” He dropped his gaze to Chloe. “With both of you. And I need to ask you something.”

Ask what? To date her? To have dinner with her? To—

He returned his attention to her. “Bailey Voss, will you marry me?”

Bailey felt all the air rush out of her lungs. Chloe shrieked and began jumping up and down.

Kenny raised one shoulder. “There’s a lot we have to work through, I know. Details about where we’ll live and family stuff and—”

“Yes,” Bailey said as she stepped into his embrace and kissed him. “Yes.”

She held out one hand and Chloe joined them. Kenny wrapped his arm around the little girl, as well. They stood in the snow and hung on to each other.

Later, they went inside. It was all a blur to Bailey. The actual movement and the removing of coats. Somehow they were piled together on the sofa, Bailey on one side of Kenny, Chloe on the other. The tree lights were on and there was a fire in the fireplace.

“This is nice,” he said.

She laughed. “Yes, it is.”

He glanced at Chloe. “Someone needs to get to bed so that Santa can deliver presents.”

Chloe smiled. “There is no Santa, but I’ll go to bed anyway. I’m tired.” She wrinkled her nose. “You two want to have some grown-up time.”

Bailey thought about the magic that was Kenny’s kisses and knew that grown-up time would very much be welcome.

She walked her daughter upstairs and helped her get ready. When Chloe was tucked in bed, Kenny joined them. He sat on the edge of the mattress and stroked Chloe’s cheek.

“Will is always going to be your forever dad,” he said quietly. “I’m going to stand in for him, but I’m not taking his place.”

Chloe sat up and hugged him. “You’re going to be my forever dad, too. Okay?”

Kenny held her and nodded. He kissed her forehead. She lay back down and was asleep before they had left the room.

Back downstairs, Kenny drew Bailey into his embrace and kissed her.

“I love you,” he told her.

“I love you, too.” She tilted her head. “What brought you to your senses?”

One corner of his mouth turned up. “I tried to live without you. I couldn’t last two days. Whatever happens, it’s worth it.”

She touched his cheek. “Kenny, I want to spend my life with you. I’m yours. I’m hoping that you’ll consider adopting Chloe, so she’s yours, too. Not just in your heart, but in the eyes of the law, too.”

He stared at her. “You’d do that?”

“Of course. I love you. Not just for Christmas, but for always.”

He kissed her, then drew a small box out of his jeans pocket and handed it to her. She opened it and saw a sparkling diamond solitaire winking back at her. The beauty of the ring took her breath away, but the wonder of knowing this amazing man loved her was a feeling she wanted to hang on to forever.

“I love you, Bailey,” he whispered. “Merry Christmas.”

He slipped the ring on her finger and lowered his mouth to hers. Somewhere in the distance, bells began to chime. Christmas Day had arrived.

* * * * *

About the Author

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery has won the hearts of millions of readers around the world with books described as “immensely entertaining, intensely emotional” (RT Book Reviews), “hilarious” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram) and “heartwarming” (Publishers Weekly). One major retailer recently described her as “the queen of romantic fiction.” While she deeply appreciates the accolades of critics and booksellers, Mallery is even more honored by the enthusiasm of her readers and the word of mouth that catapults her toward the top of the bestseller lists time and again.

Mallery lives in not-so-sunny Seattle with her husband and a toy poodle who makes her laugh every day and who’s not even a little bit impressed by her growing fame. Visit Susan online at www.susanmallery.com.

“There’s a little fun, a little sizzle, and a whole lot of homespun charm.”

—Publishers Weekly on Summer Nights

If you loved Christmas on Fourth Street by New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery, be sure to check out these other great stories in the charming Fool’s Gold series, available now in ebook format!

Until We Touch

Before We Kiss

When We Met

Three Little Words

Two of a Kind

Just One Kiss

“Halfway There” (ebook novella)

A Fool’s Gold Christmas

All Summer Long

Summer Nights

Summer Days

“Almost Summer” (ebook novella)

“Only Us” (ebook novella)

Only His

Only Yours

Only Mine

Summer Brides (anthology)

“Sister of the Bride” (ebook novella)

Finding Perfect

Almost Perfect

Chasing Perfect

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Looking for more? With more than a hundred ebooks available, you can enjoy dozens of other memorable titles from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery, including her Blackberry Island trilogy, Barefoot Season, Three Sisters and Evening Stars!

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ISBN-13: 9781459256477

Yours for Christmas

Copyright 2014 by Susan Macias Redmond

All rights reserved. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher, Harlequin Enterprises Limited, 225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada M3B 3K9.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

® and ™ are trademarks of the publisher. Trademarks indicated with ® are registered are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office and in other countries.

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Мэллери Сьюзен Yours for Christmas