Silver Thaw (32 page)

“You’ve met my family. We’re not fussy.”

“It’s different now! They’re going to be my in-laws. I don’t want to be the worst pie maker in the whole family.”

Jeb stared into the bowl. “You know how to make the fillings, right?”

She gave him a look that said he had to be dumber than dirt to have asked the question. “In order to reach the filling stage, what do you have to make first?”

Jeb felt as if he’d just stepped onto thin ice. “Um, I guess the dough.”

“Which has to be rolled out, and it all needs to stick together. And mine doesn’t.” She planted her gooey hands on her hips. “I never got to the filling.”

“Well,” Jeb replied, “I’ll do the dough. In the meanwhile, get online and find some filling recipes.”

“What kinds do your family like?”

“All kinds, but for Christmas we usually have pumpkin and apple.”

“Apple?”
Her eyes widened. “I’ve heard the filling’s difficult to thicken. Oh, my stars, it’s going to be a disaster.”

*   *   *

The disasters were cooling on racks at two o’clock that afternoon when the front doorbell rang. Jeb glanced at the monitor. Amanda checked the camera views sporadically, but she wasn’t diligent about it. He saw Barney standing on the porch holding a suitcase. Emma stood beside him, fussing with her coat and pushing at her hair.

“Who on earth can that be?” Amanda asked. “I didn’t order anything. Did you?” She started toward the front door to peer out the peephole. Jeb stepped over to the security console to disable the alarm. Biting back a smile, he yelled, “Who is it?”

The only response he got was a shriek from Amanda. Then he heard her wrestling with the new dead bolt. More shrieks followed. He moseyed in that direction, grinning when Chloe, who’d been package-snooping again, dashed from the living room into the entry hall.

“Momma?” Amanda’s voice rang with incredulity. “Momma!”

Jeb saw Barney step aside and switch the suitcase to his other hand as Amanda catapulted out onto the porch to hug her mother. “How did you get here? You said you couldn’t afford—” Breaking off in midsentence, Amanda looked at Barney. Then, pulling from her mother’s embrace, she turned to face Jeb, who approached the doorway with a wide grin plastered on his face. “You
didn’t
.”

“Merry Christmas, sweetheart. It was the best gift I could think to get you.”

Amanda let loose another squeal and threw her arms around her mom again. “I can’t
believe
it. You’re
real
. You’re
really
here? Oh, Momma.” She burst into tears, her shoulders jerking with sobs. “Oh, God, oh, God, I am so blessed!”

Chloe moved in to hug her grandmother’s hips. “Grammy!” the child cried. “Now I can see you for real!”

Emma untangled herself from Amanda’s embrace and bent to wrap her arms around her granddaughter. “You are so beautiful!” she said. “Far prettier than on a computer screen.”

When the initial excitement died down, Amanda raced back into the entry hall and catapulted into Jeb’s arms. “Thank you!
Thank
you! This is the best gift
ever
.”

Pivoting, he swung Amanda in a circle. When he drew to a stop, he bent to kiss her cheek and said, “Merry Christmas, honey.”

As Jeb released his fiancée, he saw Emma limping toward him. When she stepped in close for a hug, Jeb enfolded her in his arms, taking care not to squeeze too hard for fear of hurting her.

Tears slipped down her cheeks when she tipped her head back to smile at him. “You’ll never know how much it means to me to be here.”

Jeb’s first introduction to his future mother-in-law was as simple and wonderful as that. She was shorter than her daughter, but she so greatly resembled Amanda that he loved her on sight. He couldn’t believe she worked at an assisted-living center, cleaning apartments and common areas when her hip clearly pained her with every step. No matter how he circled it, that seemed flat-out wrong.

*   *   *

It turned out to be the most wonderful Christmas Eve in Amanda’s memory. Jeb seemed to like her mom and went out of his way to make her feel welcome in his home. He helped Amanda fix a simple but festive dinner, and in honor of the occasion, they dined at the formal table, using his fine china. Chloe was served apple juice
in her wine goblet while the adults sipped a nice Merlot from theirs.

When it came time for kitchen cleanup, Jeb insisted that Emma relax with Chloe in the living room by the tree while he returned to help Amanda do the dishes.

She was surprised when he said in a low voice, “I don’t want your mother to be climbing up and down those stairs. I think we should sleep in one of the guest rooms and let her have the master suite.”

Amanda had noticed how her mother limped, putting as little weight on her right hip as possible, but she’d never expected Jeb to give up his sleeping quarters to make Emma more comfortable.

As if he read her mind, Jeb said, “All the rooms upstairs have adjoining baths, and the one at the end of the hall has a king bed. We’ll be fine up there.”

Over the last two days, Amanda had moved much of her clothing and toiletries into the master suite, and all of Jeb’s stuff was in there. “I don’t mind doing that, but it’ll be a big inconvenience for you.”

“No, it won’t. I’ll grab a few changes of clothes and my shaving gear. Going up and down those stairs will be hard on her.”

Amanda nodded, and it was decided. When the kitchen was tidy, she helped Jeb collect their things, and then they hurried upstairs to get settled in the end bedroom. “I feel a little self-conscious about sleeping with you with my mom in the house.”

Jeb grinned. “We’re engaged. I think Emma will understand. Besides, after having you beside me for two nights, I’d be lost without you.” Mischief danced in his eyes. “If you get all prissy on me, I’ll move in with you, Chloe, Bozo, and Frosty.”

Amanda laughed. “And I’d end up sleeping on the floor. No, thanks. We’ll sleep in here, and Mom will just have to deal with it.”

Before they left the room, Jeb pulled her close for a long hug, whispering to her of an idea he had to make the future easier for Emma. Amanda’s heart caught when she heard his plan.

“Jeb, are you sure you want to do this?”

“I’m positive as long as you feel comfortable with it.”

Amanda framed his face between her hands. “I think it’s the most generous, wonderful idea
ever
, and I can’t wait to see her face when you tell her.”

*   *   *

They spent the remainder of the evening by the gorgeous spruce, aglow with multicolored lights and sparkling with decorations. Bozo and Frosty snuggled near the hearth, basking in the warmth that radiated from the burning logs. Jeb played holiday music at a low volume, and they visited long into the evening, Amanda and Emma catching up while Chloe admired all the presents.

“Grammy, there are presents for you, too,” Chloe said.

Emma smiled at Jeb. “Being here is the only Christmas gift that I need.”

Amanda studied the package in Chloe’s hands and realized it was the teacup and saucer she’d wrapped. She narrowed an eye at Jeb. He chuckled. “Another white lie, Mandy. I didn’t have it mailed because I knew your mom would be here.”

“White lies are okay at Christmas!” Chloe announced. “That’s so everyone can be surprised!”

Feeling happy in a way she hadn’t for years, Amanda announced, “Speaking of surprises, sweetness, it’s time for little girls to be in bed.”

“But, Mommy, I want to stay up until midnight so I can put Baby Jesus in the manger.”

Jeb saved the day by saying, “But then Santa can’t come until after midnight, and that’ll put him way behind on all his rounds. He has lots of boys and girls on his delivery list. So he wants little children in bed earlier.”

Chloe pouted her bottom lip. “But I wanted to put the baby in tonight.”

Jeb glanced at his watch. “It’s almost Christmas in New York, so I guess we can do it now.”

Jeb disappeared and was wearing the Glock on his hip when he returned. He went to the coat closet and dragged out Chloe’s snow boots and parka. After bundling her up against the cold, he put boots on Bozo and fetched the manger piece.

Chloe’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “I’ve never put Baby Jesus in his manger. Do I need to say a blessing?”

“We’ll sing him the happy birthday song,” Jeb told her.

Amanda knew the drill. The moment Jeb stepped outside, she closed the door behind them and reset the security system. Then she joined her mom at the living room window to watch man and child approach the life-size Nativity scene. Bozo circled the yard, exhibiting no sign that he sensed any danger, which eased Amanda’s mind. Even so, she hoped Jeb didn’t linger out there. As Chloe approached the manger with Baby Jesus in her arms, her small face glowed in the soft illumination of the icicle lights strung along the eaves.

“She’s so darling.” Emma sent Amanda a questioning look. “I’ve noticed that Jeb wore a gun outside, and you’re both extremely diligent about keeping the alarm turned on. Is there a reason for that?”

Amanda had avoided giving her mom all the details
about Mark’s break-in, so as not to worry her. “Mark is extremely dangerous, Mom. He was armed when he broke in last time, and if it hadn’t been for Bozo’s surprise intervention, he would have killed me. The divorce attorney Jeb hired says that violence by men like Mark can escalate as the hearing date approaches. That’s scheduled for the eleventh.”

Emma fixed a worried gaze on her daughter. “Do you think he can get in here again?”

“I think it’s unlikely, but it would be a mistake to underestimate him. That’s why we’re so careful to always keep the system armed. Last time, he watched for an opportunity and got inside in a matter of seconds.”

Emma rubbed her arms and shivered. Through the frosted glass, Amanda saw Jeb carrying Chloe back to the porch. She circled the tree to reach the hall and disarmed the system to let them back inside. After setting Chloe down, Jeb stepped over to the panel and hit Stay. Amanda took care of engaging the dead bolt.

Speaking of Mark’s break-in had depressed Amanda’s Christmas spirit, but Jeb helped her regain it as he assisted Chloe out of her jacket and boots. “You know what we almost forgot?”

“No, what?” Chloe asked.

“We haven’t put out cookies and milk for Santa. He’ll be up and down hundreds of chimneys tonight. At each stop, he needs a snack to keep his energy up.”

Concern filled Chloe’s expression. “But, Daddy Jeb, he can’t come down our chimney without landing in the fire!”

Jeb grinned. “I’ll put the fire out before I go to bed.” He glanced at the hearth and then at Amanda. “Can you help Chloe put together a high-calorie snack for Santa,
Mandy? I have it on good authority that his favorite cookie is chocolate chip.”

After Chloe had put a plate of cookies and a glass of milk on the hearth, Amanda led her upstairs for her customary bath and bedtime stories. When she reentered the living room later, Jeb and her mom were chatting like old friends.

Jeb glanced up. Every time his hazel gaze turned Amanda’s way, she felt as if she’d received a physical caress. “Is she sound asleep?”

“Out like a light.”

Jeb pushed to his feet. “Excuse me, Emma.” He rubbed his hands together. “Now I get to play Santa Claus. It’s my first time, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

“Me, too.” Amanda bent to kiss her mom’s cheek. “I’ve had so much fun buying for her this year and I have presents hidden all over the place.”

Emma smiled.

Jeb caught Amanda around the waist with one arm and twirled her in close for a deep kiss. When he drew his mouth from hers, she felt weak at the knees. “Merry Christmas, Mrs. Claus.”

Mrs. Claus felt herself blushing. “We aren’t standing under the mistletoe.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Claus don’t need mistletoe.”

Moments later as Jeb returned with the dollhouse, Emma gasped in delight. When he pushed the plug into an outlet, the older woman clasped her hands and leaned forward on the cushioned chair.

“I’ve never seen anything to equal this,” she said.

Amanda agreed. “It was gorgeous upstairs, but now, beneath the tree lights, it’s truly amazing. Chloe will be over the moon!”

“It does look great,” Jeb admitted with a wink at Amanda. “I had a lot of help.”

“Gingerbread and fairy tales,” Emma murmured. “It’s a fantasy house.”

Jeb stretched out on his belly to straighten the interior. Dishes had toppled during transport and furniture had shifted. Amanda joined him to help. Emma scooted an ottoman closer to watch them work.

When Amanda judged the house to be in perfect order, Jeb continued to fuss over this or that. “Jeb, it’s after midnight. Chloe will probably wake us up before dawn.”

“Get your mom settled in for the night and then go on up. I’ll be along soon.”

Amanda pushed erect. “Don’t stay up too long. You’ll be exhausted tomorrow.”

He flashed a smile. “It’s heck playing Santa Claus.”

Emma chimed in, “Surely after all your hard work, you’ll tell Chloe it’s from you so she can thank you properly.”

With a laugh, Jeb said, “She’ll realize we made it for her someday. For now, it’s more important that she believe in the magic of Christmas.”

*   *   *

Emma protested about taking Jeb’s bed, but while putting on fresh linens, Amanda convinced her that Jeb refused to have it any other way. Minutes later, when Amanda entered the upstairs bedroom she and Jeb would share during her mom’s stay, she felt lonely. She was about to go back downstairs when the door opened and she briefly saw his large body silhouetted against the hall light before the room became blanketed in shadows again.

He moved to where she stood beside the bed and held one hand above her head. “We’re legal now,” he whispered.

“Legal for what?”

“Kissing. I stole a piece of mistletoe from downstairs.”

Amanda giggled until his warm, hungry mouth claimed hers. Then she forgot everything but the man who held her in his arms. Later, as they lay naked with limbs intertwined, he whispered, “For a woman who once told me she detests sex, you seem to have developed a sudden taste for it.”