Jingle Bell Wedding: A Colorado Billionaires Christmas Story
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Blurb
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Regina's Books
Regina's Bio
JINGLE BELL WEDDING
A Colorado Billionaires Christmas Story
by
Regina Duke
Jingle Bell Wedding: A Colorado Billionaires Christmas Story
Copyright © 2015 Linda White
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from Regina Duke. www.reginaduke.com
This book is a work of fiction and all characters exist solely in the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Any references to places, events or locales are used in a fictitious manner.
Digital ISBN 978-0-9862903-7-4
Formatted by StevieDeInk StevieDeInk.com
Cover Design Copyright © 2015 StevieDeInk
Cover images © Romolo Tavani and Fotolia
Faith Bernard wants to start over by going home to Eagle’s Toe. George Washburn is thrilled to see her. Maybe now he can tell her how much he loved her in high school. Will Santa work his magic and give them the true love they are looking for? Find out in this heartwarming Christmas story from USA Today Bestselling Author Regina Duke.
CHAPTER ONE
Friday, December 18
Faith pushed her straight dark hair behind her ears and checked her makeup in the car mirror. She never needed mascara. Her voluptuous lashes drew everyone’s attention to her finest feature, her large brown eyes. Her nose was okay, and her teeth were excellent. She felt her mouth was too wide, but she kept that to herself. Besides, there were famous people with more mouth than they needed. At least she could usually keep hers shut when she had to.
Christmas music played nonstop on her car radio. The Beach Boys were dreaming of a white Christmas.
She blew air between her lips and made a rude noise. The snow had stopped at last, but it crunched beneath her tires as she turned up the narrow road marked on the map. She hoped she wasn’t lost. Maybe she should call Mrs. Garrison and ask to meet in town. But then, if she got the nanny job, she’d have to drive out here every day, so she might as well get used to it now. After ten minutes of moving at a snail’s pace, she stopped in front of the largest luxury home she’d ever seen.
“They called this a cabin,” she muttered. “I wonder what qualifies as a real house?” She worked her windshield wipers and dreaded turning off the car heater. She’d expected to see at least one vehicle parked in front, since her appointment was with Mrs. Garrison. But the place looked deserted.
Recently deserted. Through the front window, she could see that the Christmas tree lights were on and a vocal Doberman pinscher barked at her from inside, his breath making clouds on the glass. His deep bark was punctuated by a staccato yap, yap, yap from another, unseen, canine. But no one came to the door.
Maybe they were out back. None of these homes had been here when she went to high school in Eagle’s Toe. She had a vague memory of gym class outings, being bused out here to the meadows to learn how to cross-country ski. Those had been fun times. She wondered if her old friend Madlyn Lake was still in town. And what was that other girl’s name? The musical one. Valerie? Vicky! Vicky and Madz were best friends, and they’d always been kind to her. They made room for her at their lunch table and invited her to parties. How foolish of her to let those friendships lapse.
Foolish. Yes, that was the one word that summed up her entire life since leaving Eagle’s Toe to go to college in Reno. The University of Nevada campus was lovely, and the student body was big enough to get lost in and small enough to feel like you knew people. Too bad the gaming tables were only five blocks from campus, down Virginia Street.
The casinos attracted all kinds of people. Most were just ordinary folks on vacation. But some of them had evil intent. Some of them, in fact, were on the prowl for foolish young girls just like herself. Her mouth tightened in a grim line. How could she have let herself be drawn into that horrible situation? Looking back, she felt like she’d been literally preyed upon. Her freshman and sophomore years, the predator had been nothing more than a flash of ice blue eyes at a party here or there. During her junior year, he began showing up on campus. She thought he was a student. By the time she was a senior, he was everywhere she went. She’d thought him clever because he could deal cards and knew all the table games. He taught her to play poker in the dorm, and then, after she turned twenty-one, he took her downtown and taught her to play roulette.
She closed her eyes against the memory and forced herself to focus on the present. She had a chance to start over. No casinos here, no roulette tables, no slot machines. And hopefully no lying, cheating frauds wanting to use her as a shill and toss her away. She was glad she’d never let him sleep with her. He’d taken advantage of her in every other way, but on that she had held firm. She’d seen him parading around with other girls, and all her internal alarm systems had gone off at once. She didn’t want to be one of the mares in his stable. And she’d managed to avoid that fate, but because of him, she’d nearly ruined her life at the gaming tables.
She needed to live where there wasn’t gambling everywhere she looked. She needed a job in a wholesome atmosphere.
The luxury cabin looked plenty wholesome, as did the snow and the trees. She double-checked her outfit as she unfastened her seat belt. A thick cream sweater over a red turtleneck, black boot cut jeans, warm socks and hiking boots kept her warm against the weather. Casual, but hey, she was applying for a job taking care of a toddler. Kids were messy. She wanted to look ready to work. She opened her car door and got out, taking in a lungful of the icy winter air. It cut through her and seemed to scrape away all the bad feelings that haunted her. Yes, she needed to come back to Eagle’s Toe.
She draped her purse over her shoulder, closed the car door, and moved carefully to the front porch. The Doberman was now hysterical at the front window. She waved at him in greeting. “Hello, Big Teeth. I hope you don’t have a way out.” She cringed at the thought, then rang the doorbell.
The sound echoed through the big house. She peeked in the front window. There was a playpen near the Christmas tree, and there were toys strewn about, but no humans present. The Doberman ran over and retrieved one of the baby toys. Or maybe it was a dog toy. She couldn’t really tell. A tiny black chihuahua ran in circles around the big dog.
Now she was irritated. She’d come all the way out here and no one was home. The Garrisons were not making a very good impression on their future nanny.
If they hired her.
She’d just decided to leave them a note with her cell phone number and apologies for missing them—even though they were the ones who’d missed her—when she heard the sound of a vehicle crunching its way through the snow. She peered down the driveway. Yes, someone was coming. But she doubted that the Garrisons drove a restored 1972 Volkswagen Beetle.
The bright yellow bug scooted over the snow and parked next to her used Honda. A tall young man with broad shoulders, an eager smile, and a gorgeous head of wavy, light brown hair unfolded from behind the steering wheel. “Hello! Are you Faith?”
“Yes. Are you Mr. Garrison?�
� She knew he wasn’t the minute the question left her lips because she’d never met Thor Garrison, and this guy looked very familiar.
“Heck no. I’m George. George Washburn. Don’t you remember me from high school? I was on the basketball team.”
Faith inhaled sharply as the memories rushed back to her. George was a mega star back in high school. She and about twenty other girls had mad crushes on him. He looked different, but it was all good because his stick-figure teenage form now sported a man’s muscles that made him more handsome than ever. He wore a navy blue down jacket and jeans tucked into the tops of snow boots. Her expression brightened as she tried to keep those old squeals of teen desire under control. “Oh, now I remember you. I always thought you’d go pro. You were the best player on the team.”
George joined her on the porch. “Well, I was good enough to shine in high school,” he said humbly, “but not good enough to play with the big boys. And not tall enough either. I never thought I’d ever see the day when I wasn’t the tallest one in the room, but some of those pros? Over seven feet! Nope. I’m still here. Oh, I’m supposed to give you a message. Ashley Garrison’s new baby started coming this morning. She meant to call you, but she was so rattled, she left her phone on the kitchen counter. I’ve driven Ashley around quite a few times over the years. That’s why they called me to come out and let you know what’s going on. Anyway, the whole family is at the hospital, including little Odin and grandma Polly. They send their regrets and hope you can stay a few days until they’re able to interview you.”
Faith sagged with disappointment. “Oh great. Well, I guess there’s nothing I can do about that. At least now, with two babies at home, chances are they’ll need me even more.”
George’s brows met in the middle. “You’re looking for a nanny job? I thought you went to nursing school.”
Faith felt her cheeks burning. “Long story. Meanwhile….” She used her thumb to point back at the big window. “I’m just glad that dog doesn’t have a doggy door.”
George’s eyes widened in alarm. He grabbed Faith’s hand and pulled her toward the Volkswagen.
“What are you doing? Are you crazy?”
“Get in! Get in!”
A second later, Faith heard strong toenails scrabbling for purchase on the wooden deck as the Doberman rounded the corner at full speed.
CHAPTER TWO
George and Faith piled into the car as fast as they could. The two doors slammed in unison, just as the Doberman reached the VW, leaping onto the hood and scrambling onto the roof. He was barking loudly, and George could hear him slipping and struggling to keep his balance on the snow-slicked metal. The chihuahua yapped at them from the porch.
George raised his voice to make himself heard over the barking. “The second you said ‘doggy door’ he ran for it. He’s really friendly when Thor and Ashley are around.”
“That’s good to know. How long is he going to stay on the roof of the car? How will I get into my Honda?”
“With him standing guard, no one will hurt your car, I promise. But I don’t think now is a good time to retrieve it.”
Faith slumped in her seat. “That’s just great,” she said bitterly.
George took a moment to soak in her beauty while she was fuming at the dog. She had been so different from the other girls at school. She’d been quiet and reserved, but she came to every basketball game, and although he’d never had the courage to tell her, she was the reason he played so hard. He scrambled for an idea. “Hey, why don’t I take you into town and buy you lunch? And we can call the Garrisons…well, Thor. Ashley may not want to come to the phone right now.”
Faith bubbled with laughter. “Sorry. That just struck me funny. Her in the delivery room, trying to take a call.”
George grinned. “I made you laugh. That’s good. Where are you staying?”
“I was hoping to stay at the Cattleman’s Inn.”
“No problem.”
Bark, bark, bark. Two large Doberman paws appeared at the top of the windshield and started sliding downward.
George started the car. The Doberman was now balanced on the hood. The car radio was tuned to the Christmas station, and now the Beach Boys were alerting everyone that Santa Claus was coming to town. “Maybe if I back slowly away, he’ll jump off and go inside.”
Faith nodded. “Give it a try.”
George eased the car backward very slowly. At first, it looked like his plan would work. However, while the dog jumped off the hood, he didn’t go back inside. Instead, he planted himself on the welcome rug at the front door of the cabin. The chihuahua stood between his front paws and growled.
“I don’t think we’re fast enough to beat him to your car.”
“Me neither.”
“But at least we can drive away.” He looked to Faith for the go-ahead.
“All right. I just feel naked without my car. How will I get back out here? And what if the Inn is full?”
George backed halfway down the drive, then slowly turned the little car and headed toward town. “Don’t you remember? We had our senior prom at the Cattleman’s Inn because my aunt Alice Kate is married to Reese McAvoy, the owner.”
Faith’s brows rose. “That’s right. How could I forget that? Gosh, high school feels like a long time ago.”
“Yes, it does. Anyway, my aunt will make sure you get a room. As for your car, I’ll bring you back out to get it as soon as the Garrisons get home.” George focused on the road and asked nonchalantly, “So, what happened to nursing school?”
“I went.” Faith stared straight ahead. “I graduated.”
Silence.
George shot her a glance. “And?”
Her gaze dropped to her lap. She hesitated, then admitted softly, “I never passed the boards.”
George was surprised. “No way! You were a total brain in school. You probably just froze. That used to happen to me all the time. That’s why I work with my hands. When you take them again, you’ll ace them.”
Faith looked uncomfortable. “Maybe. I guess. Some day.”
George could tell she didn’t want to talk about it, so he let it drop. He tried a different topic. “Do you remember Madlyn Lake?”
Faith relaxed and smiled. “How could I forget? All that red hair and those black horn-rims? She was one of the nicest girls in school. Cute, too. Great fashion sense.”
“She’s getting married New Year’s Day.”
“No kidding! I’m surprised it took her this long. I mean, she has so much personality, I figured she’d be one of the first to get married.”
George silently congratulated himself on helping Faith relax. He hoped Brady Felton wouldn’t be too upset if he called and asked for a few hours off. Maybe the whole afternoon. He just couldn’t tear himself away from Faith. What if she left town, and he never saw her again?
Faith glared at the radio as another Beach Boy classic began to play. “Good grief, don’t they own any other music?”
George suppressed a grin. He picked up his cell, thumbed the screen, and when a male voice answered, George said, “Hey, Joel. Play something else, will you?”
Joel muttered something in response. George laughed and ended the call. He glanced sideways at Faith as the Beach Boys song ended abruptly and the dulcet tones of Connie Francis sang “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”
Faith clapped her hands together. “What the heck?”
George grinned.
Faith shook her head in wonder. “I forgot what it’s like to live in a small town. That was so cool. You know this Joel guy?”
George nodded. “He used to teach shop at the high school. Remember Mr. Barnhart?”
“Yes! Back then, I never knew teachers had first names.” She paused, then added, “Joking.”
“He’s retired now and has a show on the local station. He never plays any music less than thirty years old. He taught me a lot about cars. Not just the new ones. He’s the man who showed me how to rebuild my first Volkswagen.”<
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“Amazing.” Her voice grew sentimental. “Was I the only one dumb enough to think the pasture was greener elsewhere?”
“No, of course not. You weren’t dumb. You were breaking loose and starting a new life. That took courage.” He sped up a bit once they hit the highway.
“But you stayed?”
George shrugged. “Long boring family drama.” He flashed her a warm smile. “I’m saving it for lunch. Do you mind if I stop off at work and let the boss know I’m taking the afternoon off?”
“Gee, you can do that?”
George puffed up a bit. “He’s pretty easy going.” Plus, they had no big events to bus around and no major car repairs awaiting his attention. He didn’t think it would be a problem.
A few minutes later, he pulled the Volkswagen into the parking lot of Eagle’s Toe New and Used Cars and Agricultural Equipment Garage.
Faith stared open-mouthed at the huge sign on the side of the garage. Christmas bunting was hung from the metal roof, and multicolored bulbs blinked on and off in the weak winter daylight.
George’s heart sank. He should have called instead. Now she would know that he was nothing more than a mechanic. What could an educated woman like her ever see in a blue-collar guy like him? And he’d promised to tell her about his family over lunch. His emotions churned. After they had that conversation, she would probably decide to hitchhike back to her car.
CHAPTER THREE
Faith stared at the metal building. Her first reaction was one of dismay, but after a few long seconds, she felt a smile sneaking up on her. She really was home. She’d forgotten all about the huge garage and car rental shop with its rows of tractors in the side yard and two limousines parked under a roof extension to protect them from the worst of the weather. As a little girl, she had dared to ride her bicycle all the way out here to see a horse auction in the large back lot. She’d been grounded for a month, but it was worth it.
Her parents could never afford a horse. In fact, she was pretty sure they couldn’t afford a child. By the time they’d hit forty, they’d given up on having children because the doctor told her mother she was barren. Surprise! As the product of a geriatric pregnancy, Faith had grown up in a low-key, quiet, very settled household, where dinner conversations centered around retirement plans, not PTA raffles. When she went away to college, they sold their house and moved to Arizona. They’d had enough of winter in Eagle’s Toe.