Seaside Christmas Page 17

  "A huge head. Move."

  "Why don't you just let her go before you break her heart?" Julian asked, his lip curling. "You know you're going to. It's just a matter of time."

  "She told you she don't want nothing to do with you. Stay away before I'm forced to rearrange your face."

  "Did you forget my uncle's a judge?"

  "And that would be a conflict of interest," Cruz said. "If I beat the crap out of you, we wouldn't be placed in his courtroom."

  "No," Julian sneered, "but he has connections. Influence."

  "So does my lawyer cousin. Just get outta my face."

  Julian stepped closer, only inches from Cruz. "No." He stared Cruz down.

  Cruz grabbed Julian's coat and squeezed, tightening the collar around his neck. "This is my last polite request."

  "Oh, no." Julian's eyes widened, but then they narrowed and his fist slammed into Cruz's cheek.

  Cruz's vision clouded with fury and then he cracked his knuckles. He grabbed onto Julian's shoulders, digging his fingers as deeply as he could. Pulse racing, he shoved Julian against the Lexus next to him. "Leave us alone before I'm forced to send you to the hospital. I don't want to, but I will if you keep this up."

  Julian shoved him, but Cruz held onto the jacket and pulled him closer. He held up a fist to Julian's eye.

  "Go ahead and hit me."

  "You really wanna spend Christmas in a cast?" Cruz seethed, his nostrils flaring.

  "Might not be so bad. I'd definitely score some sympathy points from Talia. Might not look so good for you, though."

  "She wants nothing to do with you." Cruz focused on his breathing. As good as it would feel to pummel the jerk, he needed to take the higher road.

  Julian's eyes narrowed and then he stepped back, straightening his coat where Cruz had clutched it. "Come on. Hit me. I can take you."

  Now the little punk was just toying with him. He really thought this was the way to Talia's heart. Cruz clenched his fists. "You don't even know what you're asking. I'm capable of a lot more damage than you think."

  "More than Gabe Dice?" Julian stepped forward. "I heard he never fully recovered."

  "If you know how bad I can hurt you," Cruz growled, "why are you still here?"

  "Because you don't deserve Talia."

  "What makes you think you do?"

  Walk away, Cruz. He's not worth it. His feet wouldn't comply.

  "It's pretty obvious."

  "Funny. I can't see a damn thing."

  Julian took another step, and was now close enough that Cruz could smell his cologne. "Do you speak like that in Talia's presence? I never would."

  Cruz grabbed his jacket and raised his fist, stopping only an inch from his nose. "Get outta here."

  "Just hit me."

  "Don't tempt me."

  "Are you scared?" Julian taunted.

  "Of you?" Cruz grabbed his other shoulder and shoved him. Julian stumbled over some snow, but didn't fall.

  "Now you've done it." Julian ran at Cruz, and struck him in the jaw.

  His teeth knocked against each other with a sickening crack. Cruz saw red. He grabbed Julian and threw him to the ground, ready to tear him apart. Then Talia's face flashed in his mind. She was not worth losing over that deadbeat.

  A searing pain shot through his heart at the thought of it. More than pain—fear. An emotion he had little experience with. The last time he'd felt it had been when Sophia was sick. He'd hidden from her as much as the feeling itself. And he'd let her down. Missed out on the last few months of her life.

  Cruz wouldn't let fear leave him with more regrets. No. He would do right by Talia, and that meant first walking away from this fight. Then second, it meant doing everything in his power to continue winning her over. He'd show her, and everyone else, that he was a better man than anyone thought.

  She was worth it. He couldn't fail her.

  He turned from Julian and walked away.

  "You better not break her heart, or you'll be the one in the hospital," Julian called.

  Cruz turned in time to see Julian storm around to the other side of the car and get in. He started it and the Lexus pulled into the street, spraying snow on Cruz.

  He raised his fist and shook it toward the car, letting loose a string of profanities as the car drove out of sight. He turned around and stared at a tree, tempted to punch a hole through it.

  Cruz took a deep breath. He wouldn't let that jerk get to him. Not when he had an invitation to watch one of his favorite movies with the woman he loved.

  Twenty Six

  Cruz shook his leg, removing snow from his pants before ringing the doorbell. A moment later, the door opened and Allen smiled.

  "Glad to see you could make it." He stared at Cruz's cheek. "Everything okay?"

  "Yeah." Cruz reached up and felt the spot where Julian had hit him. It was tender, and probably red, since Allen had noticed. "Just bumped into something worthless."

  The pastor nodded, but the expression on his face left Cruz wondering if he knew Cruz had been hit. "Come on in." Allen stepped aside.

  Cruz went in, scanning the living room. "Is Talia still getting ready?"

  Allen closed the door. "We ran out of milk, and she really wanted some to go with the cookies."

  The air smelled of gingerbread. "I don't think nothing's going to be open in town. She might be disappointed."

  "Not her. She'll drive forty minutes away if she has to."

  Cruz chuckled. A woman after his own heart.

  "I'm going to check on the cookies. This recipe always seems to be ready before the directions say."

  "They smell delicious." Cruz's mouth watered. He followed Allen into the kitchen.

  "Have a seat." The pastor patted the table.

  He sat and played with the fringes of a placemat while Allen checked the cookies. He felt a lot more at ease than the first time he'd been in the room. He remembered bantering with Talia, and especially that skirt drove him nuts. One side of his mouth curled up as recalled his previous discomfort.

  "Looks like they're done. We'll just let them cool off while we wait for Talia. Want something to drink?"

  "I'll wait for the milk," Cruz said. "Between the cocoa earlier and my mom's cider, I'm set for a while."

  Allen laughed. "I can imagine." He poured some hot water into a cup and then opened a package of instant hot chocolate. He sat across from Cruz as he stirred and then took a sip.

  "So, how's your shop coming along?"

  Cruz leaned back. "Not bad, considering. Like you guys, there's a lot of dust and old stuff to go through before I can really get anything organized. I'm almost there, though."

  "Good, good. Well, if you need any help just holler. With everything you've done for us, we definitely owe you."

  He shrugged. "Just glad I could help."

  "You and Talia seem to be getting serious."

  "Come again?" Cruz's heart picked up speed.

  Allen sipped his drink again. "Where do you see it headed?"

  The blood drained from Cruz's face and his stomach churned acid. He wasn't usually intimidated by anyone, but suddenly, the kindly pastor sitting across from him, sipping from a mug with World's Best Dad scrawled on the side, was the scariest man alive.

  Cruz took a deep breath. "I, uh…"

  Allen set the mug down. "Am I making you nervous?"

  "Well, I… Yeah, actually." Cruz's stomach tightened even more.

  "Son, don't be. I'm glad to see you two together. I've never seen Talia happier, and especially since her mom died. There's a light in her eyes now that I haven't seen in a while, and it's thanks to you."

  Cruz blinked a couple times, surprised. He stared at Allen, who smiled.

  "I just want to pick your brain a little, and whatever you say, it'll stay between the two of us."

  "Okay." Cruz took a deep breath. Never once had a girl's dad asked him anything remotely close to this.

  He studied the pastor, who had picked up his mug agai
n and was sipping cocoa. Allen didn't seem put off by Cruz—the least likely person alive to date a preacher's kid. Absentmindedly, he rubbed one of the tattoos on his arm, almost as an outward sign of his thoughts.

  "Can I go to the bathroom?" Cruz blurted out.

  Allen smiled. "You don't have to ask."

  Cruz got up from the table and hurried to the bathroom. What did Allen expect him to say? Or was he really just curious to hear Cruz's thoughts?

  He stared at his reflection as he washed his hands. His skin was pale, and the irony of the entire situation didn't escape him. Years earlier, he and his friends had had so little respect for the other pastor in town that they'd egged the building. Of course, that could have had more to do with Julian—he couldn't remember anymore—but it wouldn't have surprised him.

  Cruz splashed some water on his face and gazed into his own eyes. He wasn't sure what the future held, but one thing he did know—he loved Talia fiercely, and he would do anything for her. He could tell Allen that in all honesty, and maybe that'd be enough to satisfy his curiosity.

  But what if that wasn't enough? What if he wanted more? Cruz took a deep breath and dried his face with the hand towel hanging next to him. Did he see himself marrying her?

  He opened the door and went back to the kitchen table.

  "Feeling better?" Allen asked.

  "Much." Cruz sat down. "To answer your question, I don't know what the future holds for us, but what I do know is that I care about Talia more than anyone else. I would do anything for her. She's a really special person."

  "That she is." Allen nodded, setting his cup down.

  "I know I don't seem like…" Cruz searched for the right word. "Like I would be good for her, but I want to be. She makes me want to be a better man."

  Allen smiled. "That's the vibe I got from you, but I just wanted to hear it from you."

  A crazy thought came to Cruz. "Sir, I—"

  "Call me Allen. How many times—?"

  "Just this once," Cruz promised. "Sir, do I have your permission to ask her to marry me?"

  His eyes widened. Obviously Cruz had surprised him. Allen leaned forward, holding Cruz's gaze. "Is that something you're thinking about?"

  "Well, I don't have anything set in stone, but I want to have your permission. It just seems like the right thing to do first. Before I plan anything."

  Allen glanced behind Cruz. "And you love her?"

  Cruz nodded. "And I promise to treat her good all the time. I swear."

  A smile spread across Allen's face. "You have my blessing. I can't imagine anyone else making my Talia happier."

  "Thank you." Cruz finally relaxed for the first time since setting foot in the kitchen.

  A squeal sounded behind him. Cruz spun around to see Talia standing in the doorway, her eyes wide and a big smile on her face.

  Cruz scrambled out of the chair. "How long have you been listening?"

  "Long enough." She threw herself into Cruz's arms. "I didn't realize you two were having a serious conversation when I came in, and I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but when I heard what you were saying… I couldn't help myself."

  His face heated up, stinging where Julian had struck him.

  She stared into his eyes. "Cruz, you've stormed into my life with a gusto like I've never seen. At first, I didn't know what to do with you. I think I was a little afraid of… our differences. The passion that was in your eyes from the first time we met. But now I couldn't imagine my life without you." She paused. "And I don't want to."

  He squeezed her, pulling her into a tighter embrace. "Me, neither."

  "And I know you don't have any plans to ask me yet, and it seems kind of crazy since we haven't known each other all that long, but rest assured I'll say yes. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and I can't tell you what it means to me that you asked Dad first."

  Cruz glanced over at Allen, who was smiling at them. "It just seemed like the right thing to do." He turned back to Talia. "I know I don't talk as good as some people, and I definitely don't have much experience with church stuff, but I'll do my best to love you every day, and I'll go to every service with you."

  "Oh, Cruz." Her eyes shone. She stared at him for a moment before pressing her lips over his.

  His eyes widened, glancing over at the pastor, half-expecting lightning bolts to shoot from his fists. Allen smiled and turned to the cookies sitting on the stove.

  Cruz moved his attention back to Talia, returning the kiss, still holding her tightly. He pulled back, not entirely comfortable kissing her in the same room as her dad, though he said he'd be happy to let Cruz marry his daughter.

  "I know that wasn't a proposal," she said, "but you couldn't have made me happier. Oh, and I love you, too."

  Cruz's heart swelled within his chest and he pressed his mouth on hers, not caring who was in the room.

  "Are we ready for cookies and milk?" Allen asked.

  Stepping back, Cruz nodded. "And Elf. It's been a while since I've seen that movie, and I can't wait to see it again. I'm definitely in the mood to laugh."

  Talia rubbed the sore spot on his face. "Are you okay? What happened?"

  "It was nothing. Really."

  "Doesn't look like it to me." She pressed on it, making him wince. "See?"

  "I needed to defend your honor."

  Her mouth gaped open.

  "Julian?" Allen asked.

  "Yeah. How'd you know?"

  "I've seen the way he looks at both of you." Allen handed Talia the platter of cookies and grabbed a carton of milk from a bag on the floor that Cruz hadn't noticed. "I hope you didn't hurt him."

  Talia gasped. "Did you?"

  Cruz shook his head. "I didn't hit back. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to. But I didn't."

  "You're truly amazing," Talia said, looking at him again like he was a hero.

  It warmed Cruz from the inside out, and he was glad he'd restrained himself. Having Talia look at him like that made it more than worth it.

  She kissed his sore spot and then headed into the living room. He caught up and took the platter from her. "I'll carry those." He set them on the coffee table while Allen set down the glasses of milk.

  They got comfortable on the couch and Cruz put an arm around Talia. Allen sat on the other side of her and smiled at both of them. As Cruz watched the movie with them, laughing and eating cookies, he realized that he felt just as much at home with them as he had with his own family—though it was much smaller and quieter than he was used to. It was nice.

  When the movie was over, Cruz figured it was time to head back home. He stood and stretched.

  "I sanded the wood disc," Allen said.

  Cruz tried to remember what disc he meant.

  "From the Christmas tree," Talia said.

  "Oh, right. Sorry."

  "It's ready to be decorated," Allen said. "If you have time, you're welcome to stay and we can get it done tonight."

  "Sure. I ain't got nowhere to be." And going back home would likely be extra quiet with Zachary not living there anymore.

  "Perfect." Allen left the room.

  Talia took his hand. "It's getting late. Don't feel obligated."

  He squeezed her hand and then rubbed his thumb over her knuckles, gazing into her beautiful eyes. "I don't."

  They stared into each other's eyes until Allen returned. "Are we ready to paint?"

  Cruz turned back to him. "Let's have at it."

  "I'll get the paints." Talia released his hand and bounced out of the room.

  Allen held up the now-smooth disc. "Can you picture an image?"

  He could easily see holly leaves around the edges, but wasn't sure what would go in the middle. "What do you usually do?"

  "That's not what I asked, but it varies each year. They were a lot more rudimentary when Talia was younger, but as she got older, they've become more complex."

  Cruz nodded, trying to see what would look nice in the middle. Perhaps they could fit in Allen and Tali
a's hands and decorate those.

  "What's wrong?" Talia asked, suddenly standing next to him with an armful of paint supplies.

  "That's his thinking face," Allen said.

  He had a thinking face? Cruz ran his finger across the edge. "I could draw some holly around here, and then if we angle your hands just so"—he held his own hands up to it—"then it would be a perfect fit."

  "What about yours?" Talia asked.

  "Well, I… It's really about you two. My contribution is the leaves."

  Allen shook his head. "With as much as you've done for us, you certainly belong on there. If you didn't, we wouldn't have asked you to be a part of the process."

  "Are you sure?"

  "Don't be so modest," Allen said. "Of course."

  "He's not being humble," Talia said. "He's being stubborn." She gave him a playful shove, her eyes shining.

  Allen laughed. "Then you two will be good for each other."

  "Hey!" Talia exclaimed.

  Cruz laughed.

  Twenty Seven

  Talia held up the dried Christmas tree disc. It was perfect, and she couldn't wait to show Cruz. But first, her dad. She went into the kitchen and held it up in front of him.

  "Did you see it?" she asked.

  He set down his coffee. "I saw it last night when we decorated it."

  "I know, but look at now. It's even better dry."

  He picked up a piece of bacon and ate it, studying the artwork. "Cruz really is talented. The ivy looks like it could jump right off."

  "The holly," Talia corrected. "I know. It's amazing."

  "We should ask him if he'd be willing to do a few more of these. We could sell them for our upcoming fundraiser."

  Talia's eyes lit up. "Oh, that's a great idea. I bet people would pay a lot for these. Maybe even more for personalized ones."

  "We should ask him first."

  "I will." Talia sat down and scarfed down some toast. "Thanks, Dad." She grabbed the disc and headed out to her car.

  Cruz would be thrilled to see how well it turned out. Not only the way the leaves came out, but also the hands. He'd shown them a technique with the paint that made the hands almost look three-dimensional. She hadn't been so sure when the paint was still wet, but now it was obvious.