A Little Bit of Holiday Magic (10 page)

Leanne looked at Bill. “We could use help.”

He shook his head. “I’m all thumbs when it comes to gift wrapping.”

Grace recalled the present under his Christmas tree, a total mess of crinkled paper and too much tape. “This I can confirm.”

Everyone looked at her.

She bit her lip. “I, um, have seen his efforts.”

“She’s right,” Bill agreed. “I suck at wrapping.”

“We’ll give you a pass this time.” Leanne studied him. “I thought you’d be skiing, even though it’s probably a whiteout up there by now.”

He shrugged. “Had a few things to do.”

She raised a brow. “Your mom does everything for you.”

The woman’s tone made Bill sound like a mama’s boy. Grace felt a strong urge to come to his defense. “Bill took me to look at cars and trucks. Mine’s in the garage.”

The three women exchanged curious glances.

Uh-oh
. Grace had the feeling she’d shared too much.

Leanne waved her hand. “Make yourself useful, Paulson. Help Owen load the cases of wine for the reception.”

“Aye, aye, Captain.” He gave a mock salute. “I trust you’ll entertain Grace.”

“Hell, no,” Leanne said. “I’m going to put her to work.”

Honored to be included, she sat. “I’m happy to help.”

“Be back soon.” Bill walked toward the back of the shop.

Picking up a pair of scissors and a roll of wrapping paper, Grace felt his attention on her. She looked up.

He was glancing back over his shoulder. “Send someone to get me if you need anything.”

She nodded.

“So you’re staying with Bill?” Carly asked.

“Yes.” Grace cut wrapping paper to fit the favor box. “He’s been so kind. The answer to our prayers.”

A strange tension settled over the table, different from last night.

Zoe looked at Leanne, then back at Carly. “Bill’s a great guy.”

“He’d do anything to help anybody,” Carly agreed.

“True, but let’s cut to the chase. You’re new in town so we thought you should know.” Leanne gave Grace a sympathetic look. “Bill’s a player.”

Grace cut wrapping paper off one end of the box. She clutched the scissors too hard and the foil ripped. “I know.”

The other women looked at her with confused expressions.

“How do you know?” Leanne asked.

Grace didn’t understand why Bill’s friends were warning her about him, as if she was blind. Part of her was offended.

But another part appreciated their concern. She’d left behind a network of support at Fort Benning, aka the Wives Club. She taped the wrapping paper. “Bill told me he’s happy being single and doesn’t plan on settling down anytime soon. His mom said something about the number of women he brings home. I’ve always been good at math. It wasn’t difficult to add things together.”

“That’s good you figured it out.” Leanne rubbed her face. “Bill’s great with women. Just look at how well he treats his mom.”

Carly leaned toward Grace. “He’s a total catch. That’s part of the problem. Women want him.”

Zoe nodded. “But he backs off before any real commitment can happen.”

“He backs off before they’re dressed,” Leanne said.

Grace tied a white ribbon around the wrapped present, then she pulled the ends so tight the holly’s stem bent.

She reminded herself she shouldn’t be angry. These women were trying to help her, protect her heart, even if their methods were too blunt. “Just so you know, Bill has been a complete gentleman. When he had to examine me for injuries, he made me feel safe by making sure I knew exactly what he was doing. He treats my son like a little prince.”

Carly creased the ends of the wrapping paper. “Bill’s always been a sweetheart.”

“Except for the incident with Thad at the brewpub, I couldn’t ask for a more gracious host.” Grace tore off a piece of tape and handed it to Carly. “He invited me to spend Christmas in Hood Hamlet.”

“Nothing beats this town for the holidays,” Zoe said. “My family is flying in to celebrate with us.”

Leanne’s gaze didn’t soften as expected. Her milk-chocolate eyes darkened to the color of 86% cacao. “Have you agreed to spend Christmas here, Grace?”

“Yes, I have.”

Leanne tugged on one of her braids, her lips pressed tightly together.

That was when Grace knew. This was as much about protecting Bill’s heart as hers. “Are you trying to warn me about Bill, or make sure I don’t end up hurting him?”

A sheepish expression crossed Leanne’s face. “I’m sorry. It’s just that the Bill you’ve described isn’t typical. He’s my best friend, but the way he acts around you is...different.”

Zoe placed a finished package into a box. “My husband predicts that when Bill falls, he’ll fall hard.”

“And that would be the end of Paulson as we know him, according to
my
husband,” Carly added.

Grace’s insides twisted. She scooted back in her chair, disconcerted. “There’s not going to be any falling for anybody, trust me. Bill is great, but if you had to guess the type of woman he’d fall for I’m sure it would be a snow bunny.” Looking around the table, she saw the three women hiding their smiles. “As for me, I’m done with heroes. So we’re good. No worries about anyone getting crushed. He’s a friend, someone I’m happy I met. End of story.”

* * *

In the alley behind the shop, Bill handed a case of wine bottles to Christian’s cousin, Owen Slayter, who stood inside the delivery truck. Bill glanced at the back door of Welton Wines & Chocolates, wondering how Grace was doing.

He had no doubt his friends would make her feel welcome, but the women would be peppering her with questions. He didn’t want anyone saying something that hurt Grace, even unintentionally.

Maybe he shouldn’t have left her alone. But he didn’t want to leave Owen to deal with loading the wine on his own.

Bill picked up another box. “This is going to be some reception.”

“If you think there’s going to be a lot of wine, you’re right. But wait until you see the chocolates. My best creations yet.”

“Leanne loves chocolate.”

“Anything for my new cousin-in-law.” Owen took the box from Bill and stacked it with the others. “I hear you have a houseguest.”

“Two.”

“A kid doesn’t count.”

Bill pictured Liam’s hair standing straight up when he got out of bed. His impish grin when something intrigued him. His impromptu hugs, full of warmth when least expected. “This one does.”

“I didn’t know you liked kids.”

“I love kids.” Especially Liam.

“Riley Hansen said the mom is pretty.”

“She is, if you like fresh-faced, natural types.”

“My only type is someone new in Hood Hamlet. Other than the tourists and snow bunnies, it’s slim pickings.”

“There are a few available women you can date.”

“The key word is
few.
” Owen stared off into the distance. “Christian got lucky with Leanne.”

Christian might be younger, but he was strong enough to keep up with Leanne, on the mountain or off it. That was the kind of man she needed. “I’d agree with you there.”

“You’re the last of your crew who’s unattached. When are you going to find yourself a wife?” Owen asked with an almost straight face.

An image of Grace flashed in Bill’s mind. Not her smiling face, but a kiss-him-until-he-needs-a-cold-shower one.

“Who needs a wife when you can have an unlimited number of girlfriends?” He’d spoken those words before. This time they tasted sour. He didn’t want to analyze why. “Are you and Christian still looking for someone to do your books?”

“We are. Part-time. In the New Year.”

Bill thought about Grace. “I know someone with an accounting degree. Might be interested.”

“Have them call or stop by after Christmas.”

If she had a job here, she wouldn’t need to go to Astoria except to sightsee. “Have your best man speech ready?”

“It’s gonna go viral.” Owen placed another case in the truck. “We’re talking the sentimentality of a Hallmark card, humor of a stand-up comic and anecdotes of a bestselling memoir.”

“You haven’t started.”

“No. I have two more days. Plenty of time to come up with something.”

Bill’s cell phone buzzed. He pulled it out, then read the text. Adrenaline pulsed through him. “Mission call out.”

Swearing, Owen looked down at the leg he’d broken a little over a year ago. His injury had forced him and Christian to hunker down in a snow cave until OMSAR could reach them.

Bill tucked his phone in his pocket. “Sorry to leave you with all these boxes, but I have to go.”

“No worries. I’ve got this.” Owen’s gaze met his. “Stay safe.”

“Always.”

Inside the shop, Bill approached Grace and the others. The women were wrapping and smiling and chatting. More than three quarters of the boxes had been done. “You’ve been productive.”

“Grace wrapped over half of these,” Leanne said. “She’s amazing.”

“Yes, she is.” A warm sensation flowed through him. “We need to go. I have an hour to get my gear together and head to a briefing. Two climbers are lost.”

Grace stood, grabbing her purse. “I’m ready.”

“I didn’t hear a text come in.” Leanne fished her cell phone from her purse. “Yep. There’s a call out.”

Carly’s face paled, whiter than snow. She gripped the edge of the table. “You can’t go, Leanne.”

“Of course I’m going.” Leanne stood. “We need to put this stuff away.”

Carly’s lips trembled. Fear filled her eyes. “Bill...”

He knew exactly what Carly was thinking. Rather, who she was thinking about—her brother, Nick, and her fiancé, Iain. They’d died climbing two days before she was supposed to get married on Christmas Eve.

Bill touched Leanne’s shoulder. “Sit. Finish the favors.”

“Cut the crap, Paulson.” Flames flickered in her eyes. “I have to go.”

His gaze locked on hers. She wasn’t going to like this, but he didn’t care. “You may be the bride, but it’s not a hundred percent about you. Stay here with Carly and Zoe.”

A range of emotion flickered across Leanne’s face. She scowled.

No way in hell was she going up the mountain two days before her wedding. “What would Nick say?” Bill asked her.

Leanne’s eyes narrowed to slits. “Not fair.”

His gaze didn’t waver. He hated playing the Nick card, but she’d left him no choice. “I’m right.”

Leanne pursed her lips. “Who knows what the mission is?”

Bill wasn’t going to be swayed. “Doesn’t matter.”

“Christmas magic—”

“Didn’t save my brother or fiancé,” Carly interrupted with a firm voice. “I’m not superstitious, Leanne. But the timing is too similar. You do more than your share. Sit this one out.”

Zoe touched Carly’s hand. The two women had spent long hours, sometimes days, waiting for their husbands to return home from rescue missions. That bond was something Leanne wouldn’t understand, since she was always out with the unit.

But Grace got it. Understanding and compassion shone in the depths of her eyes. She placed her arm around Carly’s shoulder, proving what a special woman Grace Wilcox was, to comfort someone she’d just met.

Leanne didn’t say a word.

She didn’t have to.

Bill had been her best friend since they were nine. He knew that look as well as he knew his own reflection. She was not going to sit this mission out. The more they pushed her, the harder she would fight back.

Fine. Bill knew the one person who could talk sense into Leanne. Her fiancé wasn’t a member of OMSAR, but Christian was a climber, and protective of his future wife.

Bill ripped out his cell phone. “Let’s see what Christian has to say about this.”

Panic flashed in Leanne’s eyes. “You wouldn’t.”

Grace pressed her lips together, as if trying not to smile.

Bill tapped his phone. “Already calling.”

Leanne dived for the cell. She missed his hand by an inch.

“Too fast for you, Thomas.”

Her eyes grew steely. “Hang up. This isn’t a discussion I want to have with Christian. He indulges me enough with my OMSAR responsibilities. I...won’t go.”

Bill tapped his screen. “I’ll make sure you know what’s happening up there.”

Leanne cursed, sat and grabbed a favor box that needed to be wrapped.

“Looks like my work is done.” He motioned to Grace. “Let’s go.”

Carly squeezed Grace’s hand. “Thanks.”

Grace’s smile brightened her face, taking Bill’s breath away. “You’re welcome.”

“It was great getting to know you.” Zoe rubbed her lower back. “I hope we see you again before you leave town.”

Grace looked at each woman. “I’ll be heading out on the twenty-sixth.”

Unless she got a job here. And he would have a vacancy in one of his rental properties in January. This might work out.

She stepped toward him. “Ready?”

The mission briefing. Bill had forgotten. That had never happened before.

He followed her out the door, ignoring the jingling bell and the way her hair swayed.

Grace messed with his head. And even though he wanted her to stay in town, he’d better make sure she didn’t mess with his heart.

CHAPTER TEN

B
ACK
 
AT
B
ILL
’
S
 
house, Grace watched him check his pack in the living room. Her admiration for him had tripled as she’d watched him handle Leanne. His compassion for Carly, unspoken but visible, showed the caring, protective man he was.

Bill Paulson had a big heart where his friends were concerned. Too bad he wanted to have fun, not find someone to be with for the rest of his life. He preferred multiple women. Not that Grace wanted to be one—or his one and only, if he changed his mind about settling down.

She glanced out the living room window with a sense of foreboding.

Snow fell from the sky, lighter than on Sunday night and Monday morning, but she couldn’t imagine anyone going out in this kind of weather, let alone up a mountain.

No one but a hero.

Like Damon.

And Bill.

Her heart cracked, a mix of grief and anxiety spilling out. She pasted on a smile, something she’d perfected during video chats with her husband. “Almost ready?”

“Yes.”

He pulled a strap through a buckle. The sound of nylon against plastic ratcheted her concern.

“It didn’t take long.” Nerves threatened to get the best of her. She rubbed her thumb against her fingertips. She would have preferred to pace, but that might disturb Bill. “You’ve got this down to a science.”

“I’ve been doing mountain rescue since I was eighteen. It’s second nature. But I recheck my gear to make sure I’ve got everything.”

That was the most he’d said since leaving Leanne and her friends. Bill had been silent on the drive home, appearing preoccupied. When they’d arrived he’d said goodbye to his mom, put an exhausted Liam down for a nap, and then disappeared into the third bedroom, aka the gear room.

A deer outside the window snagged Grace’s attention. Big, fluffy snowflakes surrounded the animal. The scene was pretty, but the snow was heavier, falling faster than sixty seconds ago.

She shivered and moved closer to the fireplace. Heat from the flames didn’t take away the chill. She knew little about mountain rescue, but given the location and conditions, it sounded dangerous. “How long will the rescue take?”

“No idea, but I’m supposed to work tomorrow morning.” Bill unclipped a carabiner from one loop and hooked it on another. “Depending on how the mission goes, I might not be home until Saturday. If you need anything—”

“Your mother gave me her phone number.” Grace remembered the look of worry they’d exchanged before she’d left. On the way out the door, she’d told Grace to call her Susannah. “Your mom is going to stop by tomorrow. I’ll—we’ll—be fine.”

Grace was fine now. Except for the churning in her gut, the goose bumps on her skin, the fear in her heart. She crossed her arms over her chest and squeezed tight, but didn’t feel any better. She wouldn’t feel better until she knew Bill was safe.

He glanced her way. “Don’t let my mom get to you.”

“What?”

He stood. “You seem worried.”

“I am, but not about your mom.”
Oh, no
. Grace cringed. She hadn’t meant to let him know how she was feeling. Now wasn’t the time to ask where the snow shovel was or get his opinion on her truck. She would figure those things out herself. Bill had more important things on his mind. “I mean...”

“I know what you mean, Gracie.” He walked toward her, his tunnel vision focus gone. “Rescuer safety is the number one priority on any mission. No reason to worry.”

“You must think I’m being silly.”

He placed his hand on her shoulder. His gentle touch provided comfort and warmth, exactly what she needed. She fought the urge to lean closer to him.

Bill smiled. “Not silly. Sweet.”

Don’t go.

The words reverberated through her, so loudly she thought she’d spoken them.

But Bill remained smiling. Not his charming come-hither grin, or the you-know-you-want-me smile. This one was warm and sincere and affectionate. He’d looked this way at Liam, but never her. Not until now.

Grace liked that very much. She wanted to throw herself against his chest, have him wrap his strong arms around her and tell her everything would be okay.

What was going on?

Having a husband who’d deployed and trained for months at a time had taught her to be independent. Not always easy, especially as a newlywed and then a new mother, but she’d managed on her own. She’d had no choice after Damon died.

But to be feeling this way with Bill...

Her snow globe world tilted. Everything was shaken up. Turned upside down. Flooded by emotion and unshed tears.

Uh-oh. Maybe Grace had fallen for Bill a little. That would explain her worry, right?

He tapped his finger on her forehead. “Tell me what’s going on inside here.”

Heat rose to her cheeks. “Nothing.”

“Come on.”

“It’s just... Watching you get ready...” Grace chewed the inside of her lip. “I didn’t know when Damon was going into danger. I never knew how he prepared for a patrol or what he was thinking when he headed out. He never talked about the details, what he saw or what he did. And I couldn’t ask.”

“You can ask me anything. Anytime.”

She looked down. “I don’t want to distract you. I’m sorry if I have.”

“Hey, don’t be sorry. I asked about you because I wanted to know.”

“Damon rarely asked. If he did, he didn’t press when I wouldn’t answer.” She rubbed her neck, thinking about their long-distance conversations. She’d been thankful for each minute. “I never wanted him to be distracted. I wanted to make sure he came back. But he...didn’t.”

Bill cupped her face with his callused palm. He stroked her cheek with his thumb. “I’m coming back, Gracie.”

Her worry didn’t disappear, but his confidence eased some concerns. “You better.”

His hand was on her face, a half smile on his. “Trust me.”

Grace had trusted him more than she’d trusted anyone else in the past two and a half years. She swallowed. “I do.”

His gaze lingered on her, as intimate as a caress. He lowered his mouth and kissed her softly, a kiss full of affection and promise. He lowered his hand and stepped back. “I know you haven’t given me your decision, but I couldn’t help myself.”

She mustered every ounce of strength not to touch her lips. “Take care and stay safe.”

“Always.” His smile deepened. He kissed her forehead, then slung his pack onto his back. “See you soon, Gracie.”

He walked out. A few moments later, he backed his pickup out of the garage.

Touching her lips, Grace watched him drive away. The truck’s taillights grew smaller until they disappeared into the snow-filled air. An icky, helpless feeling threatened to swamp her. She rubbed her arms, trying to chase away another chill.

It’ll be okay, babe.

Grace sure hoped so, because everything felt wrong.

“Watch out for him, Damon. Please, watch out for him.”

* * *

Inside Wy’East Day Lodge, the air buzzed with anticipation. Bill sat with Rescue Team 2 leader Sean Hughes and unit members Jake Porter and Tim Moreno at one of the long, cafeteria-style tables. Following the briefing with Sheriff Deputy Will Townsend, the four had been assigned on a team together. Like old times. Like when they went looking for...

Nick and Iain.

Bill downed the rest of his coffee. The liquid tasted like lukewarm sludge. He’d rather have a cup of the French roast Grace had brewed this morning.

Grace.

The thought of her brought a smile to his face. He hoped she wasn’t still worrying about him.

I’m coming back, Gracie.

Damn straight he was. He had to make sure Liam got his white Christmas. Bill wanted to make sure Grace was...okay. And a few more kisses wouldn’t suck.

Sean Hughes held a printout with the weather report. “Any questions on what we’re doing?”

“Ride the snowcat, climb up, locate the two yahoos—I mean subjects—who failed to mark way points on their GPS going up to the summit, so now can’t find their way down in a whiteout, then bring them back,” Moreno said. “Pretty clear-cut to me.”

Bill gave Moreno a nod of approval. “You should be the one giving the briefings.”

Porter picked up his cup. “Seems like building some sort of shelter to block the wind would be prudent. Are we certain the two
subjects
haven’t moved?”

Sean glanced up from the weather report. “According to tweets, the subjects have not moved.”

“Tweets?” Bill stared, dumbfounded. “The dudes are on Twitter, talking about being lost in a whiteout and wasting their cell phone batteries?”

“Yes, but remember they’re stuck, not lost,” Sean corrected. “We have the GPS coordinates of their location.”

Moreno swore. “Too bad we can’t let the Twitterverse talk them down.”

“Not an option.” Hughes pressed his lips together, not even a hint of a smile peeking through. The snowboard mogul had his game face on during rescues, but he was a casual kind of guy, who liked nothing better than to kick back with Zoe. “All we need is for them to fall.”

Bill inhaled deeply. “Then it’s up to us.”

Porter nodded. “Let’s get them down so we can go home to our lovely ladies.”

An image of Grace, her hesitant smile and her concerned eyes, popped into Bill’s head. He couldn’t wait to get back home to her, show her everything was okay.

Moreno snickered. “Bill gets to go home to his mom.”

Bill grimaced. “You’re such a comic, Moreno.”

“With you around, it’s easy.”

Sean glanced at the clock on the wall. He grabbed his pack and helmet. “Time to catch our ride.”

Gathering his gear, Bill remembered how Grace had watched him get ready. Usually he had no problem pushing everything from his mind except the mission.

Not today.

He had always assumed his dad forgot about his family completely when he was away working. But maybe he’d thought about Bill and his mom back home.

Bill couldn’t stop thinking about Grace. Her sweet smile, her nurturing heart, her hot kisses. She’d been worried about him, not wanting to distract him, yet curious about what he was doing. An adorable contrast.

He followed the others out of the cafeteria. “Do you tell your wives about our missions?”

Sean glanced back. “Zoe’s an associate member, so she knows what we do. But she found some photos I’d taken of a body recovery....”

Porter made a face. “Not good.”

“I told her morning sickness made her throw up, not the pictures.” Hughes stopped by the door. The snowcat wasn’t there yet. “She didn’t buy it.”

“Smart woman,” Bill said.

Moreno toyed with his gloves. “I’d love to tell Rita what we do, but she doesn’t want to know anything except when I’ll be calling it quits.”

Bill shook his head. “Harsh.”

“Yeah,” Tim admitted. “But I love her. One of these days she’ll drop the hammer and force the issue. I’ll have to quit going out in the field, and plant myself at base operations.”

Bill’s mouth gaped. “Dude.”

“Hey, she’s my wife. Not much else I can do if she draws the line.”

Grace would be different. She’d been married to an Army Ranger, a job way more dangerous than anything Bill did with OMSAR or the fire department. She probably wouldn’t mind his mountain rescue work.

What the hell?

He did not need to be thinking about marriage.

It must be Leanne’s upcoming wedding on his mind.

“Carly knows what goes on,” Porter said. “She climbs, and grew up with OMSAR. If she wants to know specifics, I tell her. But usually she doesn’t ask.”

Bill double-checked the straps on his helmet. “Thanks.”

“Why do you want to know?” Sean asked.

Bill shrugged. “Something Grace said before I left.”

Jake’s forehead furrowed. “The woman who’s staying at your house?”

He nodded.

Sean let loose several four-letter words that would make a sailor blush. “If you’re taking advantage of a woman, a widow, stuck in a difficult situation—”

“Chill.” Bill raised his gloved hands. “We’re just...friends.”

Friends who’d shared some hot kisses, but no one here needed to know that detail.

Moreno made a noise that sounded like a half laugh, half snort. “I know what you do with your so-called friends.”

Sean’s jaw hardened. “Keep your pants zipped with this one.”

Bill laughed. “Interesting advice coming from a guy who left a trail of broken hearts until Zoe.”

Porter grabbed Sean’s pack and held him back. “Don’t even think about it.”

Hughes put his hands up. “You’re right. I was that kind of guy before.”

“Me, too,” Jake admitted. “But once you meet that special woman, you change.”

Hughes nodded. “You always say you don’t want to settle down, so why do you care?”

“I don’t care.” Bill shouldn’t have opened his big mouth. “Just making conversation.”

“Good. Your reputation is worse than ours was,” Moreno said. “Finding a woman to look past that won’t be easy.”

The snowcat lumbered toward the lodge.

Hughes opened the door. “Time to hit it, boys.”

The frigid conditions smacked Bill in the face. The weather would make for a long day. If they didn’t find the climbers, a longer night. But whether the two subjects were yahoos or just unlucky, they would be rescued the same as anyone else. OMSAR folks might joke or tease or argue, but that kept the mood lighter on crappy days like today.

The four of them crunched through the snow to where the snowcat rumbled, idling.

Bill loaded his gear, then climbed inside, followed by the others.

Sean Hughes squeezed in next to him. “Just giving you crap, Paulson. No hard feelings. But be careful. Women can be more beautiful and dangerous than a snow cornice.”

Bill accepted the apology with a nod, but couldn’t stop thinking about what his friends had said about his reputation. Regret was heavy and unexpected as the snowcat plodded up the mountain.

This was whacked. Bill shouldn’t care what Grace thought of him going through women so quickly. He needed to get his head on straight. He loved everything about mountain rescue and going out in the field.