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  He watched her until she was out of sight, then turned his attention to the tree that was now crooked in the opposite direction it had been minutes earlier. “Do you want some help?”

  “No,” Clyde and Edgar said in unison.

  “Okay.” Gary wandered over to the stack of boxes filled with Christmas decorations and opened one. It was full of ornaments, so he lugged it over near the tree which was at a worse angle than before.

  He went through the rest, trying to busy himself so he wasn’t standing around not doing anything. Once he came across a wreath, he carried it to the kitchen. “Should I hang this?”

  Ruby smiled at him. “That’d be wonderful. Front door, please. There’s another for the back, if you find it.”

  “Will do.”

  “Thanks, Gary.”

  By the time the other guys finally had the tree straight, Gary had put wreaths on both outside doors and hung garland around the edge of the ceiling all throughout the living room.

  Lynda came out from the kitchen and beamed. “It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas! We have time to decorate the tree before the meal is done.”

  Gary plastered on a smile for Judy’s sake, but his stomach twisted in knots at the tension in the air. Though nobody outwardly argued, it was beyond obvious that she and her dad were ignoring each other and both men disapproved of him.

  He felt bad for Judy, having to be a part of this family dynamic. Maybe he could talk his brother into coming up so she could experience a little bit of the actual Christmas spirit. His family was far from perfect, but compared to this dysfunction, they were practically the Cleavers.

  Somehow the group managed to get the tree decorated without any major conflict, then they moved to the other decorations, decorating the living room from floor to ceiling. All the tinsel must’ve given the other guys holiday cheer because they both toned down their competitions by the time everyone sat for dinner.

  Gary’s entire body ached from all the stress, and Judy kept yawning. It was obviously getting to her, too. If someone insisted on any more festivities, he would urge Judy to leave with him. They could walk through the snowy streets if they had to—whatever it would take to get away. In fact, walking sounded better than another short car ride with Clyde.

  Chapter 15

  Gary wrapped an arm around Judy and took a deep breath. They waved as Clyde drove away from Judy and Lynda’s apartment complex.

  Lynda blew him kisses before turning to Judy. “You coming in?”

  Judy glanced at Gary. “I’m not sure yet.”

  “Okay. I’m going in where it’s warm.” She shivered and headed inside.

  Judy sighed. “I’m glad to be away from Clyde and Dad.”

  “I wasn’t going to say anything.” He chuckled.

  She shuddered. “I couldn’t take another moment of them together.”

  “How does Lynda put up with him?”

  “He tells her how wonderful she is and showers her with gifts—jewelry, clothes, you name it.”

  “I suppose that with a personality like that, it’s a good thing he has money.”

  Judy nodded. “Pretty much.”

  He leaned against his car. “Do you want to go inside or somewhere else?”

  “After all that? I have energy to burn off. You don’t happen to be in the mood for ice skating?”

  “With you? Of course.” He unlocked the passenger door and held it open for her. “Climb in, my lady.”

  She smiled, pink coloring her cheeks again.

  He climbed into the driver’s side then started the car. “Brr! It’s so cold in here.”

  Judy shivered. “It’s been sitting here all day in the snow.”

  “I’m just glad there isn’t any more accumulation. I need to purchase an ice scraper. Didn’t need one in Cali.”

  “Is that where you went?”

  It was an innocent question—the look in her eyes assured him of that much—but it stabbed him in the heart. He frowned and nodded. “I spent some time with Robert and Dawn while finishing my degree, then learned the ropes of the real estate business.”

  “How’s your brother enjoying married life?”

  “Loves it. They’re really happy. Trying for a baby now.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. He’s always been such a nice guy.”

  “Unlike some people.” Gary pulled out of the spot.

  “So, you’re going into real estate?”

  “Ouch. I haven’t told you about that yet?”

  “Nope.”

  “Looks like we have a lot more catching up to do.” He pulled into traffic. “The skating rink is over by the library, right?”

  “Yeah. Have you been there since they expanded?”

  “No. What did they add?”

  She told him about a party room and another rink for the hockey league. Gary didn’t even know that Enchantment Bay had an ice hockey team. It was like he’d been gone for a lifetime.

  When he pulled into the lot, he noticed the building was twice the size than he remembered it. What else had changed?

  He cut the engine and helped Judy out of the car. Loud, festive music sounded from the building. Inside, it seemed like half the town was there. Kids shrieked, pinball machines whirred and clinked, laughter sounded from all sides, and bright colorful lights bounced around from the rink.

  Gary paid, then they put on the rental skates. He helped Judy tighten hers, then they wobbled on the carpet. When she started to tip over, he caught her.

  Judy clung to him. “Sorry! Guess it’s been a while.”

  He held her close. “I’m not complaining.”

  “Me, neither.” Her lips curved up and parted.

  His heart skipped a beat. This would be the perfect time to make good on that kiss he kept trying to give her. He leaned closer and breathed in her sweet aroma.

  “Judy! Judy!”

  He held back a groan and pulled back. A blonde girl about their age was waving at them.

  Judy stepped back, struggling to walk on her skates. “Nichole! What are you doing here?”

  The other girl hobbled over. “Dave’s work is having a Christmas party. Want to join us? There’s so much food!” She held her hand out toward Gary. “I’m Nichole.”

  He shook her hand. “Gary.”

  “Gary, huh? Nice to meet you.” She gave Judy an approving glance.

  He held back a smile, liking Nichole right away.

  Judy turned to him. “Do you want to skate or check out the party?”

  Gary rested his palm on the small of her back. “Whatever you’d like.”

  Nichole pulled on Judy’s arm. “Come on! Amy and Eric are here, too.”

  “You invited Amy?” Judy frowned, a look of hurt in her eyes.

  “I called you, but you weren’t home. It was last minute when Dave’s boss realized how many people were out of town and not able to make it.”

  Gary pulled her closer.

  Judy turned to Gary, her eyes now full of excitement. “You want to go? Maybe it’ll take the sour taste from the party we just left.”

  “That was a party?”

  “Well, I don’t know what else to call it.”

  “You were at a party without me?” Nichole teased.

  “My parents and Lynda and Clyde.”

  Nichole made a face. “Thank you for not inviting me.”

  “Not a fan of Clyde either?” Gary asked.

  Nichole shuddered. “He gives me the willies.”

  Gary took Judy’s hand in his, and they followed Nichole to the party. The room was huge—more like a hall— and it was filled with laughter and food. There was an obnoxious game of Pin the Ornament on the Tree in the back.

  Judy made a face. “These skates are almost impossible to walk in!”

  “Tell me about it. Want to take them off for now?”

  She glanced around. “Nah. If everyone else can do this, so can I.”

  “I’ll walk around in my socks with you, if you cha
nge your mind.”

  “Thanks. I appreciate that but I don’t want to be the two weirdos, you know?”

  Gary chuckled.

  Someone offered them beers, but he declined. “Do you have any hot chocolate or cider?”

  “Spiked cider over there.” The guy pointed to a green and red punch bowl. “And hot chocolate there.” He gestured to another table.

  “Spiked cider?” Judy asked. “You mean spiced?”

  Sweet, innocent Judy. Gary wanted to kiss her now more than ever, but this was definitely not the time or place for their new first kiss.

  The guy shook his head and grinned. “Spiked cider, honey.”

  Gary guided her over to the cocoa and poured some for both of them.

  Judy sipped hers and looked around. “I don’t see Amy or Eric. Maybe they’re skating.”

  “Do you want to go look for them?”

  She leaned against him and sighed. “I’m happy right here.”

  His heart skipped a beat. “So am I.”

  Chapter 16

  “I need a break!” Judy was both breathless and laughing. She and Gary had been taking turns knocking each other over and helping each other up since their blades had made contact with the ice.

  He rubbed his eyes and laughed. “You and me both.”

  They were only about ten feet from the carpet. Nine feet. Eight.

  Her ankle wobbled. The skate pushed against the other one. Her knee bent. Her arms flew out to catch herself.

  She and Gary both crashed onto the ice, just two feet from the carpet. She landed across his legs.

  “Sorry.” She frowned. “Maybe ice skating wasn’t the greatest idea.”

  He lifted her up and cupped her chin in his palm. “Or maybe it was the best idea you had all day.”

  Her heart thundered, threatening to explode out of her chest. Was this it? Were they finally going to kiss? She stared into his gorgeous eyes, hardly able to think, much less speak.

  Gary leaned closer, closer. She could almost feel his lips on hers. Definitely could smell the faint remnants of his aftershave. His eyes closed. She tried to close hers, but her entire body was frozen in place.

  His slightly-chapped lips pressed gently on hers. Her eyes finally closed. Their mouths became one. He tasted of chocolate and peppermint. The kiss was sweet, yet filled with the pent-up desire from years of time apart.

  Then he pulled away and had a dazed look in his eyes. “You don’t know how long I’ve been wanting to do that.”

  She gasped for air. “You don’t know how long I’ve been wanting you to do that.”

  He cupped the back of her head, then gave her a quick kiss. “It was fully worth the wait.” Then he helped her up, and they finally made it to the carpet.

  Her heart still felt like it might burst through her shirt. They sat and gasped for air. She wasn’t sure about him, but for her it was all about the kisses and nothing about the exercise.

  Judy glanced over at him. His eyes were closed and he was grinning. The sight took her breath away. She looked around, then leaned over and pressed her mouth on his.

  His eyes flew open. “Hey, no fair surprising me.”

  “I couldn’t help myself.” She giggled.

  “Oh yeah?” He brushed his lips across hers.

  Her heart fluttered. “Yeah.”

  Gary put his arm around her and ran his fingers through her hair. She leaned against him and sighed. Yes, coming to the skating rink had definitely been a good idea.

  He rose and led her back onto the ice. They didn’t have any easier a time staying up, but this time they stole quick kisses each time they crashed to the ground. Her legs were going to be black and blue the next day, but it was all worth it. More than worth it.

  They skated until the rink closed. Judy’s legs ached as she walked to his car. “How are your legs?”

  “Bruised, but I’ll live. Same for you?”

  She nodded. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  He kissed her cheek before unlocking her door. “Me, neither.”

  They listened to Christmas music and talked about skating on the short drive back to her apartment. At her door, she yawned. “I had a great time.”

  “So did I.” He hugged her tightly. “I should probably feel bad about keeping you out late two nights in a row.”

  “Why? I don’t.”

  He smiled. “I’m glad because I don’t, either. I don’t want to let you go. Any chance you’re free tomorrow?”

  Warmth spread through her. “I am.”

  “Glad to hear it.” He yawned. “I’ll call you and we can figure out what to do. Sound good?”

  “Perfect. As long as it isn’t skating.” She rubbed a sore spot on her leg.

  They both laughed.

  “No, not skating. I haven’t felt like such a klutz in a really long time.”

  “You’re no klutz. That ice is really slippery.”

  He gave her a kiss that tripled her heart rate. “Have sweet dreams.”

  She caught her breath. “You, too.” Then as much as she didn’t want to, she pulled out her keys and opened the door. Their gazes lingered for a moment before she reluctantly stepped inside.

  “Have fun?”

  Judy jumped and spun around to her sister, who was watching A Miracle on 34th Street with the sound muted. “You trying to scare me?”

  Lynda grinned. “No. I was trying to hear what you two were saying.”

  Judy’s cheeks flamed. “Did you?”

  “I wish. Fill me in.” She patted the seat next to her. “What did you do?”

  She sat and yawned. “We went skating.”

  “You? Skating?” Lynda teased. “That sounds dangerous. Did he hold you up?”

  “Not exactly. My legs are going to be black and blue tomorrow, if they aren’t already.”

  Lynda’s eyes widened. “You’re kidding?”

  “No. Why?”

  “Tomorrow night is the Christmas performance at Mom’s church. We go every year, and dresses are practically required.”

  Judy groaned. “And Dad’s going to be there?”

  “When is he not? That and Easter service are the only two church events Mom can get him to go to.”

  “Maybe I won’t go this year.”

  “What?” Lynda’s eyes nearly popped out of her head.

  “I’m still furious with Dad for returning the letter. Not only that, but he made it really awkward for Gary today. Both him and Clyde.”

  Lynda’s mouth curved down. “They did not.”

  “Are you blind?”

  “No. You’re overreacting. They’re just both strong personalities. Men with ambition. Competitive. Nothing wrong with that.”

  Judy just stared at her. “You really saw nothing wrong today?”

  She shook her head.

  “I can’t believe this. You’re part of the problem.”

  “Problem? What problem?”

  “Are you blinded by love? Is that it?”

  Lynda’s nostrils flared. “Are you for real? Why are you acting like this? It’s Christmastime!”

  Judy took a deep breath. “I’m just trying to talk with you.”

  “You’re basically accusing Dad and Clyde of being jerks.”

  “If the shoe fits.”

  “I’m not going to sit around and take this.” Lynda jumped up from the couch, turned off the TV, stormed into her room, then slammed the door.

  Judy jumped again. Disappointment washed through her. There were few things she hated more than fighting with her sister. They’d always been close, which was why they’d chosen to live together while in school. But Judy wasn’t going to stay quiet about the way their Dad and Clyde had acted. If Lynda refused to see it, then she was choosing to drive a wedge between them.

  Judy took a deep breath then quickly rose, not wanting to let the tiff with her sister ruin her happiness from the date.

  Lynda stuck her head out. “Maybe instead of attacking our dad and
my fiancé, you should think about the guy you’re seeing. The one who flew off to another state, abandoning you. Is that the kind of guy who you want providing for you?”

  “I’m not looking for someone to provide for me! And for the record, he’s better than a controlling jerk. Maybe you should think about that!”

  The two sisters glowered at each other before Lynda slammed her door again.

  Judy took a deep breath. Then another. She wanted to pound on the door and defend Gary, but it was pointless. Both she and Lynda were exhausted and would only keep arguing. Hopefully they could discuss it calmly in the morning.

  Chapter 17

  Judy stared at the light peeking through the blinds. She didn’t want to get up and argue with her sister, but they needed to resolve their differences—and the sooner the better. Especially at Christmastime, repairing broken family bonds was more important than ever.

  She forced herself to sit up, then she swung her legs over the side of the bed. Black and blue didn’t begin to describe the mess on her skin. But even so, she couldn’t help smiling as she remembered the date that had brought all the bruises. It had been more than worth it.

  Judy stood in front of her full-length mirror, focusing on her legs. There was no way she would be able to wear a dress of any length. Her longest ones were at least five inches above her ankles. If she did get talked into going to the performance that night, her family would have to deal with her wearing slacks and a nice top. It wasn’t the stone ages—women didn’t have to wear dresses to every nice event. Those days were long gone.

  She pulled on some red and gold plaid pajama bottoms then threw on a burgundy sweatshirt over her shirt. Her hands froze as she grasped the doorknob. Would Lynda still be mad or would she be in the mood to make up? Hopefully, she’d be apologetic. But either way, they would work through it. They always worked through their spats.

  And after a few sips of coffee, they could fix this and be on good terms again. Judy smiled at the thought then bounded into the empty living room. The kitchen was also empty. Was Lynda still sleeping? The blinds were open and half a pot of coffee sat in the coffee maker.

  A note sat next to the phone cord. It simply read: