A Christmas Homecoming (20 page)

“Lovely.”

She smiled. “I agree.”

“No. I meant you.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you. In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I really like you, and I think you’re beautiful.” Forget his mother and brother. She needed to know how he felt.

“It’s the makeover.”

“No. You were beautiful before that. Your sweet spirit shines through in everything you say and do, only adding to the beauty already there. I would really like to take you out sometime.” He’d sort things out with his family later.

“On a date?” Her voice squeaked.

His heart hammered. Had he read her wrong? “Yes. Preferably someplace warm.”

She chuckled. “Like coffee?”

“That sounds perfect. Your friend lives in Sunriver, right?”

She nodded.

“We could get coffee after her shower tomorrow if you don’t already have plans.”

“Umm . . . Sure. I’d like that. How about we meet at
Brewed Awakenings
at four o’clock?”

He couldn’t help the smile that tugged at his lips. “I’ll see you then.”

Chapter Fifteen

Bailey fidgeted in her seat and glanced toward the window as Nicole opened a slinky nightie from Sarah. If only she wasn’t the kind of person who liked to save the wrapping paper. At this rate they’d be here all day! The family room was filled with so many of Nicole’s friends from work and church that several ladies sat on the floor.

Sarah leaned close, keeping her voice low. “What’s going on? You seem nervous or something.”

“I’m fine, but this is taking a long time, and I have a date.” The silver car was back. It’d followed her to Nicole’s but kept going. She was officially freaked out. There was no way the same car would coincidentally be behind her so often. In fact, she was pretty certain she’d spotted it at the school yesterday too. She needed to tell someone. Nicole’s fiancé was a cop, but with their wedding so close, she hated to bother them. Maybe she could talk to Spencer about it.

Sarah raised a brow. “You can cut out early if you need to.”

“We’ll see.” She liked Stephen a lot. But confusion wracked her brain. He seemed to return her feelings, yet she had the impression from Mona that her sons, namely John, since he had been the only single one around for the past couple of years, were off limits.

Her stomach knotted. Maybe she’d accepted Stephen’s invitation too hastily. She loved her job, especially now that she was in charge. Would a date with Stephen ruin that? Then again, it was only coffee.

Nicole finally opened the last gift and passed the long, white robe around for everyone to admire. “This was so much fun. Thank you! You’re all the best.”

A few minutes later, guests began to stand and gather their belongings. Within thirty minutes, Sarah’s place was empty of everyone but the three of them.

“Thank you for throwing the shower.”

“You’re welcome,” Bailey and Sarah said in unison.

Bailey checked her watch. Three-thirty. If they hurried and finished the cleaning, she’d make it. “Can I help you carry stuff to your car?”

“Yes. I could use an extra set of arms. That was a great turnout. I never expected so many people to actually show up.”

Sarah nodded. “Clearly you’re loved.”

Nicole shook her head as if she couldn’t believe it and wiped away a tear.

“What’s this about?” Bailey asked.

“Before I came to Sunriver, the only person in my life who truly cared about me was my grandmother. My friends stopped coming around, and I suspect they never noticed I’d moved away.”

“Why?” Bailey couldn’t imagine how this lovely person might have ever been alone in the world.

“I used to be a workaholic with little time for anyone or anything other than caring for my grandmother or work. My students, lesson plans, and Grams were my life.”

“Well, considering she had cancer it makes sense that you’d focus your energy on her,” Sarah said.

“I know, but I’d shut out everyone else even before that. And now I feel so blessed to have friends again. I
never
imagined my life could be so full after that dark time. This place and the people I’ve met here have really changed me. I’m a much different person than I was when I first came to Sunriver. And I’m very thankful.”

Bailey had never seen her friend so serious. “I’m glad. And I’m happy I met the new you.” She flashed a teasing grin. “But, I have a date, and I don’t want to be late, so let’s get a move on.”

“A date?” Nicole’s face lit. “Tell us more.”

“It’s only coffee.”

“Who with?” Sarah asked.

“Stephen.”

Nicole grasped her forearm. “You’re kidding. When did this happen?”

“Last night. It’s not a big deal.”

“I thought you liked him. His niece and nephew sure think highly of you.”

Her heart warmed at Nicole’s words. “Thanks, and I feel the same about them and their uncle, but I’m not sure dating him is a good idea.”

“Why not?” Sarah asked.

“Mona once told me her sons were off limits.”

“But Mona’s not in charge anymore. Right?” Nicole asked.

“True.” She moved toward the door. “I have to go. If you want help, Nicole, unlock your car, and I’ll drop off a load on my way to my car.”

Nicole clicked the toggle on her key ring. “It’s open. Thanks, and don’t worry about Mona today. Just have fun.”

Bailey nodded and grasped a bag filled with gifts on her way out the door.

Stephen sat at a large table in a small alcove. Talk about homey, and it would give them a little privacy. He was right on time but would wait to order until Bailey arrived. He let his gaze wander over the people in the room. One woman wore a candy cane striped Christmas sweater with bells tacked onto little green ribbons—talk about brave. She had a Christmas balloon bouquet on the chair beside her, which reminded him of Bailey’s secret admirer.

She hadn’t said much about him lately. Had he stopped sending cards and flowers? The whole thing troubled him. It wasn’t like she had much of a social life, so who would be sending her things? The only person he could come up with was Spencer, but something about that didn’t set right. Bailey said they weren’t close. Maybe Spencer had other ideas?

He’d once thought he needed to walk a tightrope between being her boss and developing their friendship, but somewhere along the way, his feelings had shifted and he no longer cared for balance, especially if it meant opening the way for some other guy to date her.

The large glass door opened, and Bailey rushed inside. She looked around the dining area. Her face brightened when she spotted him. She waved and strolled over. “I hope you weren’t waiting long.”

“Only a few minutes.”

Her pale pink sweater complimented her flushed checks. “Have you ordered?”

He shook his head. “I was waiting.” He shrugged off his coat and placed it on a seat to save their spot. “After you.” He motioned for her to precede him to the counter then placed their orders—two peppermint mochas. A few minutes later they carried their coffees back to the table. “How was the shower?”

“A huge success.” Her smile lit her eyes as she took a sip. She placed the cup on the table. “So much so, I was afraid I’d have to cancel or be super late, but everyone cleared out fast. Sarah’s house was packed with ladies.”

“You could have held the shower at my mom’s house.”

Her mouth opened slightly before she clamped it shut and shook her head. “It never crossed my mind. Plus, we weren’t expecting such a great turnout. A third of the women there didn’t RSVP.”

“Ouch. That must have been difficult.”

“It was fine, but several people were sitting on the floor.”

He chuckled. It served them right for being rude. However, he didn’t care to talk about the shower. What he really wanted was to get to know Bailey outside of the job and find out if she had discovered the identity of her secret admirer. “I was thinking about your admirer while I was waiting for you. Has he come forward yet?”

She shot him a confused look. “Umm. No. Not exactly. What makes you ask?”

“Curious.” The topic made her noticeably uncomfortable. He didn’t want to ruin their date. “What do you do for fun?”

“Good question. Your mother has had me on a short leash for the past couple of years. Let me think.” She sipped her mocha and stared out the window. Her face lit. “I love being outdoors. Nature inspires me.”

“Me too.” Didn’t she do anything for fun? He already knew she couldn’t ice skate or ski. “I enjoy many outdoor activities. Snow skiing, water skiing, kayaking, snowshoeing, rafting. You name it, I’ve done it.”

“Rock climbing?”

“No. I haven’t tried that yet.” Although the famous Smith Rock wasn’t far from there.

“So you plan to?”

“Probably not. I prefer to keep my feet on the ground.”

She chuckled. “There’s something we have in common. I also enjoy water sports, but it’s been a long while since I’ve had time for any. I suppose I spend my free time chatting with friends or reading.”

He could see that being the case. It was clear her friends were important to her, and in the very short time he was home, his mom gave Bailey very little time to herself. He only hoped Mom paid her well for all the hours she demanded. That was something he still needed to look into.

“Oh! I know. I like to shop. Granted, I mostly do so for work, but it gives me such a thrill to find the perfect light fixture or countertop or whatever. I think it’s the challenge of the hunt that’s so fun.”

“So you’re not a window shopper?”

She wrinkled her nose. “I’ve been known to, but it’s not my favorite. I need a reason to be in the store. Mindless shopping is a waste of time, although I have found a few great buys when I’ve been window shopping.”

Interesting. She was as driven as he was, but in her own way. No wonder she fit in so well with his family. He definitely needed to speak with his mother soon. He quizzed Bailey about herself and learned several things, including that she was an only child and that she grew up in Salem. She didn’t fit the only child mold—at least not perfectly.

“What about you?” Bailey asked.

“I’m an open book. What don’t you already know?”

She laughed. “If I knew that, then I wouldn’t have to ask the question.”

“First and foremost, I love the Lord. I saw you at church last Sunday.”

She nodded with the hint of a smile.

“My family is important to me. I love living in the country. I’ve wanted to be an architect since I was in middle school. I went to France to study the architecture and to work, but most of all to escape the memories here.”

“But you’re back now,” she said softly.

He nodded. “I’m ready to move forward and stop running from the past. It will always be there, but I must move on. Rebecca would have wanted that for me. She would have liked you.”

Bailey’s eyes widened. “Why do you say that? From what I hear, we’re complete opposites.”

“In many ways you are, but she was as devoted to my mother as you are, and she cared as deeply about people as you do.” He shrugged. “I think you would have gotten along well.”

She nodded, evidently unsure what to think. Maybe he’d show mercy and give her a break from the subject. He nodded toward the exit. “You ready to go?”

“Yes.” She grabbed her paper cup and stood. “This was fun.”

“Yes. It was enlightening.” He tossed his cup in the receptacle and held the door for her. “I’m headed to Bend to visit my mom. Maybe I’ll see you later.”

She nodded. “Say hi for me.”

“Sure.” They walked to the parking lot then parted company. He did not look forward to the conversation with his mother, but it was necessary.

Chapter Sixteen

Stephen rapped softly on his mother’s door at the hospital and waited a moment before entering.

“Stephen, come in and sit.” Her coloring looked slightly better since he last visited.

He pulled the chair closer to her bed and eased into it. “I talked with your doctor, and he says you get to go home tomorrow.” He’d put off finding a companion for her, but she would absolutely need care. Worry settled over him, but regardless of his concern he’d do his best to take care of her. “The doctor said no stairs, so I’ll make up the guestroom for you in my house.”