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Love at Christmas Inn, Collection 2

By Tanya Stowe, Delia Latham, Mary Manners, Marianne Evans

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WHY, OH, WHY DID I listen to my dad? Whatever made me think this trip down memory lane would be good for me?
Surveying a room full of blue-haired ladies and squirming girls, Lauren Bradford sighed. All of them, young and old, had signed up for the Christmas Inn Crafting Class, the same one Lauren had attended her very first Christmas at the inn when she was a little girl. Her father and mother met and fell in love at Christmas Inn. They’d returned every Christmas until Lauren was a teenager.
As a child she was enthralled with the incredible, oversized nativity scene above the check-in desk and the antique clock made of Bavarian wood. She would sit in front of the clock, waiting for the chimes, just to watch Santa and his elves march out of their house and around the clock to the other side. Then she would roam the halls upstairs, peeking into each room as the maids cleaned. A different Christmas theme was featured in each room—cardinals and baby animals, the North Pole room with the white polar bear rug and the room with Santas from around the world. That was her favorite. She asked her parents to book that room each year. She loved sitting in the big, overstuffed chair and studying all the Santas, wondering what it was like in the countries they represented. International travel was in her plans even at that tender age.
Rising from the crafting table, she looked out the window over the grounds. A large wooden deck spread from one end of the massive inn to the other. Small wrought iron tables and chairs lined the rails and guests gathered around them, sipping hot steamy drinks. On the grounds below the deck, a herd of fake reindeer surrounded a white gazebo decked with red ribbons. The life-sized animals lit up at night.
A massive live pine tree swathed in multi-colored Christmas bulbs and more decorations than Lauren could count reigned over the scene. Not far away, on a hill that made it visible even at the inn, she spotted the famous chapel with the bell tower and bells that were rumored to ring when someone fell in love.
Lauren knew the rumor was true. It had happened to her.
Christmas Inn was her own fairy tale come true, especially after the year she met Shane McAllister. The minute he walked in, a rolling suitcase in one hand and his little sister’s hand in the other, Lauren recognized the boy who attended her school. He knew her, too, because he gave her a slow nod and a smile. She recognized that stubborn black cowlick on his forehead, the one that wanted to stand straight up. He always tried to swipe it down when he was nervous. At school, she’d watch him talk to other girls, knowing he was nervous by the way his hand would shoot up and swipe down that cowlick. She’d always thought it cute and sweet. But that Christmas, when he walked in and noticed her, it was his smile that knocked her flat. All that dark hair with light-colored eyes flashing like blue sparks of electricity when he smiled. She was smitten.
Even the way he held onto his little sister attracted her. A sixteen-year-old boy treating the seven-year-old with such kindness tugged at Lauren’s heart. The sweet, cute boy she’d watched from afar turned into the object of her devotion.
During that wonderful Christmas season, they attended all the Christmas Inn functions together. Shane became her best friend and by the time they went back to school, they were a couple. Those years stood out in her memory like photos in a golden frame. Then everything changed.
Her mother discovered she had cancer. She passed away just before Christmas a few weeks after their senior year. Lauren no longer understood her world, herself or where she was going. Before their graduation, she broke up with Shane and walked away from her small Tennessee town life… and Shane. That day…she broke his heart…and hers.
Lauren’s eyes closed. She wasn’t sure hers had ever healed. But she knew for a fact Shane’s had. Her dad told her that just two years after their break up, he married and now had a passel of children
The only things Lauren took with her when she left were her dreams and those were about to be realized. Comfortable but sparkly Bradford Shoes were on the verge of going even bigger. She was in the middle of a deal that had a major department store picking up her line. Soon her shoes would be in every store across the nation. A dream come true.
So why did she feel like her life was over?
This time of year work was always slow and the deal was on hold until after the busy holiday season. Lauren was on stand-by and Christmas was the worst time for her to be without something to do. The whole holiday season thing had been difficult ever since she lost her mother.
Her dad said the company was consuming her, and it was time to deal with this Christmas depression thing. He was right. Her denial had been going on too long. She hoped her dad was correct in his assumption that a reconnection with her roots would bring back the good memories and maybe even recharge her creativity. So she’d agreed and allowed him to book a suite for them for the holidays.
So far the trip had only brought on more depression, especially since memories of Shane popped up around every corner. It was pretty sad that at thirty-three she realized Shane was the love of her life. There had been others but they never quite measured up to the boy with sensitive nature, a cowlick that wouldn’t stay down and the kindest heart she’d ever had the pleasure of knowing.
She opened her eyes. Maybe it would be best if she skipped the class and headed up to her room. Maybe things would look better after a nap. As she glanced around, a little girl about ten-years-old entered the craft room and chose the empty seat next to Lauren’s. With her long dark hair and oversized black glasses perched on a pert little nose, she reminded Lauren of herself at that age. She wore a striped “T” with long sleeves, taupe pants and a sassy pink belt. She definitely had fashion flare…that sparked Lauren’s interest even more. Lauren went back to her seat. The girl looked up and held out her hand.
“Hi. I’m Olivia.”
Bold and brassy. Just like Lauren used to be. Lately she hadn’t felt so bold or brassy. Just run down.
She grasped Olivia’s hand. “I’m Lauren. Pleased to meet you Olivia.”
Her nose wrinkled. “Call me Livy. Olivia sounds way too…something.”
Lauren couldn’t help but laugh. “I think Olivia is a lovely name.”
“Oh, yeah. It’s a great name. But I mean…look at me.” She rolled her hand down her body. “Do I look like an Olivia?” She shook her head. “Not hardly. Maybe if I had my hair cut like yours in that cool, bouncy way. But…”
She lifted one long very wavy, glossy lock and shook her head.
Lauren smiled. “You don’t like your long hair?”
“It’s okay. I’d just like to try something different but my dad says not yet. When I get in high school he says I can do what I want but for right now, it’s a no-go.”
“What does your mother say?”
The child’s features clouded and she looked down. “My mom’s not around.”
The very open girl suddenly clammed up and Lauren felt a little bit of light leave the room. She understood that closed look. The anxious worry. The frustrated twist of her mouth. She’d felt the same way when she lost her mother. This girl had already warmed her heart but now her words broke Lauren’s heart open. It wrapped around Olivia like a protective blanket, like she was a daughter…the one Lauren didn’t have but wished she did.
Was that the true source of her blue funk? She was missing a family…one she purposely decided she couldn’t have because it would be incompatible with her career path. Lauren walked away from the family life a long time ago. It was a little late now to be changing her mind.
Of course that wasn’t the problem. She knew her mind. Always had. Her mother’s dying words made sure of that. No regrets, Lauren. Make sure you have no regrets in your life. Follow your dreams. Never let anything get in the way.
Whatever the motivation for her mood, she was anxious to reassure this young version of herself, so she smiled and gestured to the belt. “That belt is is just the right touch.”
A smile flitted over Livy’s lips. “You noticed? Most people would say it doesn’t match.”
Lauren shook her head. “They would be wrong. It adds flair.”
“Are you sure?”
“Trust me. I know fashion. It’s what…”
She was interrupted as the instructor walked in. A teenager not much older than Livy shuffled across the room with a large plastic container in her arms. One of the hotel’s bell boys trailed behind her, hefting another box in his arms.
“Hey, everyone. I’m Crissy. I’m sorry to say Miss Opal can’t be here today, so there won’t be a real class. But we didn’t want you to miss out on the fun so we brought in the materials and some examples of previous things done in our craft class. Have fun!”
With that Crissy spun and hurried out as if she was afraid someone might ask her a question she obviously couldn’t answer. Many of the older ladies began to chatter and pick through the boxes but Livy sagged.
“What’s wrong?”
The young girl shrugged one shoulder. “I really wanted to learn how to bedazzle. I have a pair of jeans that need some sparkle.”
“Well, I can teach you how.”
“Really?”
“Sure. In fact, I took my first lesson right here in Miss Opal’s class. I can’t believe she’s still teaching it.”
“She must really be old.”
Lauren hid her smile by ducking her head. “Yes, she must. Why don’t you see if you can find some jean material in that box and I’ll get the tools.”
For the next hour Lauren and Livy played with a large strip of jean material. Lauren showed her how to attach silver snaps. Then they spent the rest of the hour arranging and gluing flat-backed crystal gems in a pattern. Livy was a natural. Lauren was impressed with the sunburst she created with little to no help.
When she held it up, Lauren clapped. “Awesome! That’s the best first piece of bedazzling I’ve ever seen.”
“Really?”
Lauren’s heart turned over as she heard the hopeful, insecure tone in the girl’s voice.
“Yes, and I know what I’m talking about.”
Livy bit her lip. “If I brought my jeans to class tomorrow would you help me again?”
Lauren smiled. “I think I’d love to do that.” She was surprised by how true the words were.
“Cool!” Impulsively the girl stretched up and hugged her.
Lauren hugged her back, loving the energy and enthusiasm of the youngster. If she hung around a little longer, some of it might just wear off onto her.
Lauren snatched up her bedazzled jean piece. “I can’t wait to show this to my dad. He should be picking me—oh, there he is now!”
Lauren turned and her heart stopped. Shane McAllister, the boy she’d left behind, was walking toward her with the smooth, confident stride of a self-assured man.
Her fickle heart fluttered, just as it had all those years ago.

Shane McAllister spotted his daughter Livy the minute she exited the small craft room tucked into the corner of the lobby. How could he miss her? Even as a baby she filled a room with personality and verve. She’d always stood out and now that she was maturing, she attracted even more attention. One day, Livy would be beautiful…like her mother. Thank goodness she had none of her mother’s unhealthy tendencies. At least that’s what he hoped and prayed for all his children. Their mother’s mental health issues were hereditary and could be passed on. But if the signs did appear, he hoped good care and counseling would help his children avoid the pitfalls their mother had experienced.
Maybe that’s why he fought so fiercely to keep Livy young. She was growing too fast and he dreaded the years ahead.
Just a little more time, Lord. Please give me just a little more time. We have so much to make up for.
After years of emotional upheaval with his ex-wife Britney’s instability and the subsequent court battles, he finally had full custody of his children. No more screaming matches at custody exchanges. No more maudlin drunken nights when Livy called, begging him to come and pick them up. For the first time in…ever…they were all free. And frankly, without the responsibility of four children, Britney seemed in better health as well. He had hoped to give his children a wonderful Christmas without all the drama. That’s why he’d brought them to Christmas Inn where he had so many happy memories.
But Livy had seemed bored right from the start, and immune to all the special pleasures of the inn. She had passed the fifteen-foot Christmas tree without a glance, ignored the amazing Black Forest cuckoo clock that had fascinated her three brothers, and completely tuned out the multiple humorous snowmen in various poses that graced their perfectly decorated room. In fact he’d about given up any ideas of engaging Livy in their new adventure until she discovered the craft class. Then her eyes lit up.
He’d been hesitant about letting her go to the class on her own. No way could he keep her rambunctious brothers—ages eight, six and four—busy while his firstborn learned the sit-down-method of bedazzling. He would have to leave Livy alone and even though she was old enough, he was reluctant…probably because of so many past threats to snatch her away.
Britney had not been able to control her own dysfunction but she understood everyone else’s fears with a sixth sense that was unnerving…including Shane’s terror of losing his children. She often threatened to take them away forever, or at least make seeing them so complicated, he’d give up. Plus, Britney knew very well that the boys would follow Livy’s lead. The way to win over her sons was to convince their older sister that Mom really wasn’t so bad. That meant days of unabashed false admiration, compliments and gifts for Livy…followed by weeks and months of total abandonment. Fortunately, Livy was smart. She’d been mature enough to figure out her mother’s problems at a very early age. Which was why Shane often prayed for more time. Livy deserved to be a child for a little while.
But try convincing Livy of that fact. She was ten going on sixteen and no amount of wishing or praying would push back time. In the last few months he’d noted the changes with trepidation. Once a skinny fawn, all elbows and knees, her features had begun to flesh out. Instead of her childish pointy chin, she gained a rounder softer, look. Full lips and dark, dark eyes. Every time he noticed those changes, he glimpsed the beautiful woman she would become. Those flashes filled him with incredible pride and terrified him at the same time. Like now. She marched out of the room so full of confidence and certainty. Then she saw him and her face lit up like it did when she was a little girl and would run into his arms.
She didn’t run today, but her smile brightened the whole lobby. It gave him pleasure just to see it. Then she turned and took the hand of the woman behind her.
Shane’s heart stopped beating. Fear washed through him. His daughter was walking with Lauren Bradford, the other woman who had broken his heart and destroyed his world.
What’s going on, Lord? Why now? How could You let this happen?
This week was meant to be an escape, a time free from the pain and hurt Britney had caused. Now Lauren was walking back into his life. Was he in for more heartbreak? He cringed at the way Livy’s features lit when she looked at Lauren. Would the woman he once loved hurt his daughter the way she’d hurt him?

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