Christmas In Icicle Creek: Home For The Holidays Read online

  After the meal was completed, Cory began clearing the table.

  “Can I help?” Tristan asked.

  Sampson whined from underneath the table.

  “He needs out,” Noelle said.

  “I’ll take him,” Tristan volunteered.

  Noelle found Sampson’s leash and tennis ball before the two of them walked Sampson into the gathering dusk of the evening.

  Taking in the view of the mountains against the purpling sky, Tristan made a broad gesture with his arms, including the house. “This is all sooo …”

  “Wonderful?” Noelle asked.

  Tristan nodded.

  “It is. Isn’t it?” Noelle said. “After I left home and heard some of the stories from classmates, and then later some workmates, about how some families live with so much dysfunction and even trauma, I began to realize just how blessed I am.”

  Sampson pulled at the end of his leash and gave a little whine.

  “Oh no, you don’t.” Noelle began to pull Sampson in. “No free time for you.”

  “Do you know where he got out of the yard?” Tristan asked.

  “Oh, yeah. I was with him, but I just couldn’t catch him.” Noelle led Tristan and Sampson to the place in the fence where the pup had wiggled underneath the fence.

  Tristan knelt down. “He’s a lot bigger now, and it looks as if it’s been fixed.”

  “Yeah, but I just can’t quite let him go yet.”

  After Sampson took care of his business, Noelle and Tristan played with the pup while Sampson trailed a long leash, just in case Noelle felt the need to catch him.

  Tristan accepted all of it. The simple cheer of playing with a puppy and having Noelle by his side brought him immeasurable bliss. He held dear the sounds from the kitchen that floated over the backyard as Noelle’s family worked in cleaning the kitchen while lights from the house spilled out onto the backyard. He savored every moment.

  After Sampson became breathless, Tristan sat on the back steps and pulled the puppy into his lap. Sampson spread out over Tristan’s legs and panted heavily from his play. His hot little body warmed Tristan on the cool evening. “I never told you this, but the day I brought him home to you, I wanted to ask for visitation rights.”

  Noelle laughed as she scooched next to Tristan. “Was that behind your decision to ask me out on a date?”

  Tristan put his arm around Noelle and pulled her closer, soaking in the warmth from Noelle’s lithe body and the cheer from their conversation. How he delighted in her company! “Maybe. I guess you’ll never know now, will you?”

  “You and my little brother are a matched pair,” Noelle said as she grinned up at him.

  Sampson wiggled out of Tristan’s lap, and the game was on. Noelle and Tristan followed the puppy into the yard and took turns throwing the tennis ball for Sampson to retrieve.

  Once darkness fell, Noelle brought Sampson close and put him on a command to sit and stay.

  With Sampson under control, Tristan turned Noelle to face him. He rubbed his thumb across her cheek while cupping her chin in her hand. Bending down, he pulled her close for a lingering kiss with the taste of honey-butter still lingering. He reveled in the warm sense of his hand on the back of her neck while she pressed her lips to his. Her willingness to pull him close and explore their kiss offered him ease in his own desire for her. Every close moment, every sweet breath pulled him closer into her orbit. “I think you may have just converted me to eat more butter.” Tristan grazed his lips against her cheek.

  “I’m always willing to share,” Noelle whispered.

  Sampson barked and pulled at his leash, breaking Noelle and Tristan apart and off-balance. They landed on the ground in a heap. Sampson jumped on both of them. They both came to a sitting position and began brushing themselves off while Sampson wiggled around them.

  “Are you sure you want to be a part of this crazy family?” Noelle asked.

  Delight filled Tristan. “I can’t think of anything I’d like more.” He helped Noelle into a standing position. “And there’s something I’d like to ask you.”

  “Sure.”

  “I’d like for you to meet my mom. Can I pick you up at the inn tomorrow, after you’re finished with your shift? We can come pick up Sampson, if you’d like. Mom’s already met him.”

  Noelle reached up and gently caressed Tristan’s cheek. Her touch left a pleasant trail on Tristan’s skin as he enfolded Noelle in a tender embrace and touched his lips to hers. Breaking from her, he waited for her answer.

  “I’d be honored,” Noelle replied.

  Chapter 15

  Noelle hurried from the front desk of the Fox Hollow Inn and made her way to the office. Fresh anxiety quivered through her as she fussed with her hair in the mirror before deciding to pin it up in a twist. Several tendrils escaped her efforts, framing her face in auburn strands that still shined in the lamplight. She wore her favorite royal-blue sweater with a pair of khaki pants, but now she wondered if she should change.

  Sian came into the office.

  “I should’ve gone home before meeting Tristan,” Noelle said. “I need to freshen up.”

  “Oh, my flower,” Sian laughed. “First of all, no one your age needs to freshen up, and you are beautiful, always.” She gave Noelle quick hug.

  “Thanks.” Noelle returned Sian’s embrace.

  “You sound nervous about meeting his mother.”

  “I am! It didn’t occur to me until about five minutes ago.”

  “She will love you,” Sian stated.

  Noelle sucked in her breath while giving Sian a hopeful look.

  The bell at the door gave off its sound, letting both women know someone had arrived.

  Sian peeked around the corner. “It’s your prince.”

  “I love your romance,” Noelle tossed over her shoulder as she walked into the front lobby.

  The fire crackled in the fireplace, and Noelle watched Tristan with eager apprehension as he warmed himself by the flame. He turned and smiled. That was enough to calm Noelle’s jitters.

  “It’s stopped snowing before anything stuck to the road, but it’s cold out there.” Tristan shivered. “Are you ready to go? We can go get Sampson and head out to my place. Mom’s got dinner cooking. I hope you like Mexican.”

  “I love Mexican.”

  “Great. With Fernando and Rosina living on the property, we eat a lot of Mexican.”

  “Sounds good.” Noelle turned to Sian. “I’ll see you soon.” She scrunched her shoulders and gave her an excited grin.

  “You kids have a wonderful time.” Sian waved them off.

  After picking up Sampson, Noelle and Tristan drove the six miles to Burke’s Orchards. The pup was in a playful mood, and he kept trying to crawl from the back seat into Noelle’s lap.

  “He probably thinks you’re in his seat,” Tristan said. “That’s where he sat when I brought him home.”

  Finally, Noelle gave in and allowed Sampson to sit in her lap. The puppy let out a happy sigh as he settled for the remainder of the drive.

  Daylight was beginning to fade as Tristan brought the truck to a stop in his drive. Low clouds billowed over the mountaintops and threw off light from the town. But as Noelle stepped out of the truck with Tristan’s help, she could make out the acres of orchards with their now bare branches reaching toward one another and the sky. Icicle Creek cut through the property. It ran inky black but made no sound.

  The barn was freshly painted red and the house white with green trim. It looked like a typical farmhouse and charmed Noelle immediately.

  “This is so beautiful,” she whispered.

  Tristan stood by her side. “I’m glad you like it.”

  “I love it,” she said breathlessly.

  Sampson whined in the truck, and Noelle hurried to help him. She grabbed the leash as Sampson hopped out and immediately began sniffing the ground.

  “Let me show you the barn,” Tristan offered.

  Noelle reached for Trista
n’s hand as she followed him to the barn. The aroma of hay and horses greeted her while Sampson sniffed his surroundings as if he was coming home. Everything was clean and stored in its proper place. Hay was stacked to the ceiling, and in spite of the chill in the air, the barn offered a cozy feel.

  “And that’s Alley-Cat.” Tristan pointed to the tabby sitting on the bale of hay where she could not be reached. She hissed at Sampson, who barked in return as he tried to climb the hay bales.

  Noelle gave Sampson’s leash a sharp pull. “She doesn’t like you much, so we’ll save the introduction for another day.”

  Tristan laughed. “There’s a promise you might not be able to keep, if Alley-Cat has anything to say about it. C’mon, let me introduce you to my mom.”

  Walking through the back door into the kitchen, Noelle was immediately greeted by the heavy scent of cumin, chilis, and other spices, making her mouth water. “Oh my goodness. That smells delicious.”

  His mother walked in from the other room. “I thought I heard you come in.” She walked toward Noelle and held out both of her hands. “I’m so happy to finally have the chance to get to know you,” she said.

  Noelle handed Sampson’s leash to Tristan as she greeted his mother.

  “I’m Carolyn,” Tristan’s mother said as she encased Noelle’s hands in her own.

  Immediately, a warm regard filled Noelle. She liked the older woman’s warm blue eyes and sincere greeting. All of Noelle’s earlier distress over this meeting melted away in the warm and inviting kitchen. But there was more. Something familiar …

  Sampson’s tail began to wag as he pawed Carolyn for a greeting.

  Carolyn bent down and ran her hands along Sampson’s face. “We’ve met before, little one.”

  The puppy’s eyes grew dreamy at Carolyn’s touch.

  “I think we’ve met before, too. Haven’t we?” Noelle asked.

  Carolyn stood and took Noelle’s free hand in hers. “Yes. I stop by the inn to see Sian every now and then. She and I have been friends for years.”

  The memory slipped into place. “Of course!”

  Carolyn smiled at Noelle. “I must tell you, Sian and George adore you.”

  Cozy relaxation overcame Noelle as she reached in to hug Carolyn. “I’ve seen you in the inn several times. It was your idea for Tristan to work at the Fox Hollow, wasn’t it?”

  “Yes, dear. It was. And it’s turned out better than I could’ve hoped.”

  Any little residue of concern over meeting Tristan’s mother dissipated from Noelle.

  Tristan’s mother spoke. “Tristan, why don’t you show Noelle the rest of the house while I finish up? Dinner should be ready in about ten minutes. Sampson can stay with me.”

  Tristan ushered Noelle throughout the rest of the house, and Noelle took it all in. Two living spaces and a large dining room were in the front of the house. From the living room, a wide hallway led to two bedrooms, each with their own baths. Everything was updated and decorated as if ready to receive guests.

  “My parents remodeled the home just six months before Dad died.”

  “They’ve got great taste.” Noelle’s thoughts were spinning as she took in the house. This home would be the cutest inn! Everything was updated, and with a few minor changes it would easily receive guests.

  She quelled those thoughts. This wasn’t her home, and she really didn’t know Tristan well enough to go blabbing on about turning his home into a bed and breakfast. Still, her excitement would not dissipate. Everything about her education had prepared her to create a welcoming and warm place for guests, and Tristan’s farmhouse checked many of the boxes.

  During dinner, it was difficult to keep her ideas to herself, but she changed her focus to learning more about Tristan’s mother. “How long have you known Sian?” she asked.

  “Since they moved here about fifteen years ago. The apples they offer their guests come from us. That’s how we met, but afterward, the four of us—Tristan’s father and I and George and Sian—became close.” Carolyn became thoughtful. “They were some of the few friends who stuck around after Tristan’s dad died.”

  Noelle looked down as a wave of grief overcame her. “That must’ve been so hard.”

  “It’s hard for everyone,” Carolyn said quietly. “And some folks just didn’t know how to handle it, so they disappear. But George and Sian remained close. We’re a pretty tight bunch now.”

  “They’re wonderful people,” Noelle murmured. She had always admired Sian and George, but now, she appreciated them even more for the continued love and support they offered Tristan and his mother. They were precious friends.

  “How long have you worked for them?” Carolyn asked.

  “About ten months now.”

  “Tristan tells me you worked in Hawaii before coming home.”

  Something in Noelle retracted at the idea of talking about Hawaii. “Yes, and George and Sian hired me on the spot. I’m thankful for them. They feel like family.”

  After dinner, Noelle helped Carolyn in the kitchen while Tristan took Sampson out to the barn to finish the chores. When he came back, the dishes were clean and Sampson began running around the kitchen in a fit of puppy zoomies.

  “I need to take him home before we wear out our welcome,” Noelle stated as she put on her jacket and snapped on Sampson’s leash before making her way to the door.

  Carolyn laughed. “Puppies are always a handful, but I’m sure Alley-Cat would put him in his place. In fact, she’s probably dying for the opportunity.”

  Tristan shook his head. “So far, she wants nothing to do with him.”

  “Well, that’s going to have to change, because I hope we see a lot more of you, Noelle. I want you to know that you, your pup, or any combination of those you want to bring with you are welcome here.”

  Noelle warmed at the gracious invitation as she reached to embrace Carolyn. “Thank you.” She broke from Carolyn and gazed at Tristan. “You’ve made me feel right at home, so with that invitation, you’ll definitely be seeing more of me.”

  With a final goodbye, Noelle and Tristan made their way to the truck with Sampson.

  On the drive back to Noelle’s home, Sampson was quietly tucked in the back of the truck while Tristan reached across the bench seat and offered his hand to Noelle. She squeezed his fingers and gave him a sweet smile, finding simple delight in the way his fingers traced the palm of her hand.

  “It was nice to meet your mom,” she murmured quietly.

  “I’m glad you came to the house, and she’s right. We hope you’ll spend a lot of time there.”

  “It’s nice to be included,” Noelle said. “Kendall …”

  “Kendall. Is he the Hawaiian complication?”

  Noelle looked down, surprised at how quickly Tristan jumped on the opportunity to talk about him. She withdrew her hand and nodded as her earlier happiness retreated. “I’m sorry. I really shouldn’t be bringing him up, especially with you.”

  “It’s okay,” Tristan said. “After all, you know all about Courtney.”

  “True.”

  “And I want to know all about you.” He paused. “So, tell me about Kendall. What happened?”

  Noelle hesitated as she debated about what to say as the old haunting sadness crept up like the tide. “He didn’t appreciate my family.” She made a sweeping gesture toward the darkened mountains and the lights of Icicle Creek that huddled against the base of the Cascade Range. “He didn’t appreciate any of this.”

  “Which means he couldn’t fully appreciate you,” Tristan said.

  Noelle turned and looked at him as Tristan’s words penetrated her soul. Tristan understood! “Yes. That’s it, exactly. I hadn’t thought of it quite like that, but you’re right.”

  Tristan stopped the car in front of Noelle’s home but kept the engine running and the heat on. Pushing the console up, he reached for Noelle. “Come here,” he said.

  Noelle moved toward Tristan and sighed as he enfolded her in his arms
. She placed her cheek against his warm flannel shirt and found sweet ease as she listened to the beat of his steady heart while breathing in his familiar scent of spiced apples. For several minutes they sat together in their embrace.

  Finally, Tristan asked, “What attracted you to Kendall?”

  Noelle moved away from Tristan’s arms as she cautiously unlocked the vault in her heart that held Kendall’s memories. “He was smooth, but he was also generous and attentive.”

  “Tell me about that.”

  Noelle hesitated for a brief moment. But her desire to talk overcame her reticence. Long pent-up thoughts around her and Kendall’s eighteen-month relationship poured from her. Words tumbled out around the angst that followed her home and how his presence in her life fused with her dream to see the world. She loved Hawaii but missed Icicle Creek. Something Kendall could never understand. “Do you think it’s possible to love two places at the same time?”

  “I do,” Tristan replied. “This beautiful earth is meant to inspire love in all of its glory.”

  “I think so, too,” Noelle concurred. “I love Hawaii. I think about it all the time, and I miss the warm shores, fresh food, and perfect weather. But when I’m there, I miss these mountains, the regularity of the seasons, and snow at Christmas time. I miss … home.”

  Tristan pulled her close, and she settled beside him with her hand on his leg.

  “Yeah. I bet Christmas is kind of a letdown there,” Tristan said.

  “In some ways, it doesn’t feel real. You hear all the Christmas ads and the hotel plays carols and songs. But the whole Santa thing seems silly. Whenever I see him on TV, all I can think of is how hot he must be all tucked up in that suit.”

  Tristan laughed.

  Noelle gave him a sideways smile as she continued. “And don’t even think about getting a Christmas tree. No one can afford a real Christmas tree, except hotels. The Four Seasons buys a huge tree, and they decorate the whole hotel. It’s beautiful. But … it’s not home. I miss the tree-lighting ceremony here in Icicle Creek. I miss my family and the ritual of tree decorating and cookie baking. I also miss all the lights here in town that are illuminated by the snow. I miss how festive everyone is, and how the stores and businesses all come together to create …” She searched for the right words.