Just Home for the Holidays - Deborah Cooke Page 0,15

to meet her at the door, bestowing air kisses even as she guided Chloe into the living room. She was already dressed to go to the carol service at the church and hurried Chloe along without a lot of subtlety. The fire was lit as was the Christmas tree and every corner sparkled with holiday decorations. Carols were playing softly in the background.

“You’re late!” her mom chided. “You just have time to freshen up, then we have to go.”

Chloe knew it was true. She’d lingered too long talking to Hunter at the club. “There was traffic near the park,” she said and her mom waved her onward.

“Of course, there was. It’s always busy there.”

The carol service at the church started in fifteen minutes. The cab ride would take at least twelve.

“Mr. Patterson has a cab waiting,” her mom added, putting on her coat. “And fortunately, our family pew is reserved. Hurry!”

“Aunt Chloe!” the girls cried in chorus. They’d grown since their visit to San Francisco the previous summer, and Daphne evidently was still in her tiara phase. The choice of the day was studded with cut glass emeralds. Alex’s hair was cut shorter, making her look even more like a boy than usual. Both girls wore matching green velvet dresses, obviously a gift from Grandma, but only Daphne looked thrilled with hers. Chloe barely had time to hug Mandy and change. She dropped her bags in her bedroom, changed her blouse and hurried back to the foyer.

Her mom ran a stern eye over her. “You can fix your hair and lipstick on the way,” she said. “Honestly, Chloe, I’ve never seen you so disorganized. What is California doing to you?”

Fortunately, she didn’t expect an answer. Chloe saw Mandy roll her eyes, then they all hurried out to the elevator. Her mom ranted the entire way about tardiness and a lack of consideration, but nothing had started when they reached the church. They slipped into the family pew as the organ music swelled. The minister smiled at Chloe’s mom and she nodded back, making Chloe wonder whether they’d been waiting on her mom. The lights were dimmed, the candles glowed on the altar, then the choir came down the aisle, singing It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.

It was beautiful. Just perfect. Chloe heaved a sigh, smiling that her vacation was beginning in truth.

Her phone chimed that she had a text message. Someone tsk’d, her mom glared, and Chloe quickly silenced her phone. Mandy was fighting a smile, and Alex, who was sitting beside Chloe, was trying to see who had called.

Of course, it was from Hunter.

Hadn’t he read the list?

Just wanted to let you know my new suit will be ready tomorrow.

Chloe stepped on her exasperation, decided it was thoughtful of him to let her know that he’d taken care of that detail, and replied.

Good.

You’re breaking rule #4, btw.

She smiled at her mom, who was giving her a death glare, then put the phone in her pocket. It vibrated almost instantly. She winced. Of course, it would be Hunter again.

Chloe had a moment in which she believed she could ignore it, then it vibrated again. Insistent and persistent, just like Hunter.

She had to look.

One down, twelve to go.

Don’t worry—I’ve got this.

Chloe didn’t reply. The last thing he needed was encouragement. Her nieces were looking at her, curiosity in their expressions. Her mom was staring straight ahead, her lips so tight that they were almost invisible. Mandy’s eyes were twinkling when she met Chloe’s gaze over the girls’ heads and Chloe felt herself blush.

When the phone vibrated again, Mandy whispered. “Could this be love?”

Chloe gave her a look that should have made Mandy bite her tongue. Instead it made her smile widen.

She figured she might as well look.

#2 and #3 on your list are redundant, btw.

I thought you were a more efficient communicator.

Chloe started to put her phone away, then couldn’t let it be.

The redundancy was deliberate, for emphasis.

He replied immediately.

Got it, boss lady.

#11 is a bummer, though. Mistletoe is the only festive tradition I can get behind.

The only festive tradition? Why?

Before Chloe could ask, Hunter sent her another message.

I’ll wait to send you my comments on the schedule, since you’re busy.

What comments on the schedule? It was her vacation and her schedule. Hunter didn’t get to comment on it.

Her phone was silent, though, and still in her pocket.

The minister greeted them all, thanked them for coming, and invited them to join in singing the next carol. The choir began to sing