A Very Beary Christmas (The Ornamental Match Maker Book 22) Read online

  “Well I don’t know who did it,” Devon said placing a holiday napkin across his lap, “but it looks delicious and very Christmassy,” he grinned.

  “I guess we should enjoy it and be thankful,” Anita agreed.

  Together they tasted their meals, amazed that everything was still piping hot and cooked to perfection. The little hut seemed to shimmer with magic, marvel, and mystery that filled their hearts with warmth and delight.

  For a moment Devon wished they could stay in the tiny hut forever, sitting together and chatting about their hopes and plans for a future that was yet to unfold. He was mesmerized by Anita and knew that she was special.

  “Tell me more about living here at the Old Inn,” Devon said as he filled their glasses again. “You really love it don’t you?”

  “I do,” Anita confessed. “It’s the home I thought I’d never have again,” she smiled sadly. “Several years ago I lost my parents in a terrible accident,” she sighed, her dark eyes taking on a faraway look. “Carlos was barely old enough to take legal custody of me and Pablo, but he fought and got it anyway. Things were hard, we didn’t have much money, and since their bodies could never be found, we didn’t even have the insurance money to see us through.”

  Devon reached across the table taking Anita’s hand, as his heart went out to her. “I’m so sorry,” he said drawing her eyes to his. “That must have been so hard.”

  “It was,” Anita continued. “It felt like my whole world had come to an end, but Carlos kept us together, kept us out of trouble and fed.” She smiled, her eyes taking on that brilliant light of wonder he loved to see. “When Carlos met Jamie everything changed. Not only did we gain a new home and a place to work, Jamie always paid us for the work we did over the holidays and weekends, we gained a whole new family including Gram,” Anita laughed. “She still runs circles around most of us,” the young woman gushed. “She was such a blessing to me, encouraging me to pursue my artwork, creating the little shop where I could sell my paintings, or make little crafts.”

  “You mean you have some of your stuff here?” Devon asked. “I’d love to see more of your work.”

  Anita blushed, “You’re already seeing a good deal of it,” she teased.

  “I think you are amazing,” Devon said still holding her hand. “I know it’s crazy, but I can’t seem to get enough of you. Ever since we met, I want to spend all my spare time with you. I think of you at work, at home, at the gym. I’m sorry if I’m being too forward, but with my crazy, busy life I don’t want to miss out on a chance to spend as much time with you as possible.”

  Anita didn’t know what to say. She was drawn to Devon in a way she hadn’t been drawn to anyone. Of course her dating life had been virtually non-existent as she plowed her way through classes, work, and seasonal activities here at the Inn. If she were honest with the young man across from her, or herself, she had to admit she liked him far more than seemed reasonable in such a short time.

  “I don’t know what to say,” she finally admitted.

  “You don’t need to say anything,” Devon smiled, his blue eyes searching hers for some sign that she had feelings for him. “Just give me a chance to prove that I’m good for you,” he finally said. “I like you, a lot.” He chuckled shaking his head. “I want to know where this might go.” Dropping her hand he gazed around him taking in her lovely murals of the four seasons and hoping that he might have many seasons to share with her throughout his life.

  Devon had never been an overly sentimental person, but he knew, even after so brief an acquaintance that he wanted to spend forever with Anita Jimenez. She had dropped into his heart like a shooting star and glowed there in the depths, a beacon of wonder and delight.

  “I can do that,” Anita said smiling as her eyes filled with hope and light. “I’m not much for dating, or any of that,” she continued pulling her bottom lip in with her teeth. “I know that someday I’d like to have what Jamie and Carlos have though. Someone to love and who loves me in return.”

  Devon felt his heart leap and wanted nothing more than to pull Anita into his arms kissing her until she knew she wanted to be his forever, but she was busy lifting individual chocolate soufflé’s, decorated with sugared raspberries from the basket as she avoided his eyes. He knew she was shy and didn’t want to push whatever it was that was growing between them, though he knew his heart was already lost.

  “I have never had such a delightful meal before,” Devon gushed as they scraped their ramekins clean a few moments later. “I wish I knew who to thank,” he added with a wink.

  Anita laughed and the sound filled his heart with joy as together they repacked the basket. “I guess I’ll have to send a note to the North Pole,” she giggled. “I don’t know if we should leave the basket here, or take it with us,” Anita mused standing and placing the last items inside.

  Devon stood adding his napkin to the basket and leaning toward Anita; his eyes locked on her lips. “I’m going to kiss you,” he whispered placing his hands on the tiny table and leaning forward until his lips brushed hers.

  Anita closed her eyes feeling warmth rush through her as Devon’s lips met hers, and she returned the kiss. It had been such a perfect night; a dream date that seemed to spring to life as if by magic. She could almost believe that the mythical Mrs. Claus had planned the whole thing.

  Outside the wind gusted against the front door, rattling the painted boards of the old shed and breaking the spell, but something wonderful seemed to blossom between Anita and Devon, and she knew that tonight marked a very special moment in their relationship.

  “We’d better get back,” Anita said as Devon picked up the basket and she grabbed her bag with the now forgotten hot chocolate and ice-skates.

  “It is getting late,” Devon agreed, “but would you be able to show me around the Inn when we get back. “I’d love to see it through your eyes.”

  Something melted in Anita’s heart at the man’s words, and she knew she was falling hard for Devon Willshire. Was that such a bad thing?

  Chapter 15

  Devon made his rounds at the hospital, checking charts, chatting with patients, and peppering the more experienced doctors with questions.

  He felt light and full of hope after his evening with Anita. She had shown him around the elegant inn, pointing out little details that an average guest might miss, like the corbelled ceiling, or the old photos that graced the walls, images of days gone by.

  The house had a feeling about it, a sense of spirit he had seldom felt in any home, and he knew that the love and care of generations resided under the roof of the old painted lady.

  “You’re in a good mood,” Sandy beamed at him as he poured a cup of coffee. “I guess you had a good date last night.”

  Devon groaned, perhaps it had been a mistake telling the older nurse about his date with Anita. He hoped she wasn’t going to gossip about it to everyone on the floor.

  “It was a very nice night,” he agreed raising one brow at the older woman who smiled knowingly.

  “I’m glad you had a good time. You’ve been working so hard and you deserve someone special in your life. I think this girl is good for you.”

  Devon grinned happy to hear the words from someone else. “I think so too,” he nodded taking a sip of coffee. “I don’t know what it is about her, but she’s, well, she’s,” he paused shaking his head. “She’s special.”

  “I think Christmas romances are the best,” Sandy laughed moving to the stack of clean mugs on the counter and pouring a cup of the strong black brew. “You never know about things this time of year. There’s magic in the air you know.”

  Devon grinned and for the first time that he could remember since being a child, he had to agree. Christmas was magical, and he knew what he wanted Santa to bring him this year. There was no denying the fact, even though he barely knew Anita Jimenez he was lost. He loved the beautiful artist and gave himself up to it. Now all he had to do was convince her it was real and that they
had a future together.

  “So what did you two do last night,” Sandy asked, pushing her dark brown hair out of her eyes. “Did you take one of those romantic sleigh rides out at the Old Inn?”

  “No, we had dinner in an old fishing shack,” Devon confessed laughing when Sandy wrinkled her nose.

  “That doesn’t sound very romantic,” she chided. “Who wants to sit in an old shed on the ice and have dinner?”

  Devon shrugged. “We didn’t plan it, but when we got there, a table was set and there were little cards with our names on it along with a basket of the best food I’ve ever tasted.”

  “Still it must have been rather dingy.”

  “No, Anita has painted the whole place, and each wall represents a different season. It was beautiful, romantic, and magical.”

  Sandy giggled waving a hand at the young man. “I think you’re lost,” she said. “I can see it in your eyes, and I know that look. I hope you’ll invite me to the wedding,” she added with another laugh. “Maybe a spring wedding.”

  Devon dropped his head in surrender. “I have to win her heart first,” Devon said. “I think we’ll take it one day at a time for now.”

  “Suit yourself,” Sandy said heading for the door. “These things have a way of working themselves out whether or not we’re ready.”

  Devon’s laugh followed the older nurse out the door, and he shook his head at the woman’s romantic bent. It was kind of sweet though, and he liked the fact that he had an ally at the hospital who wouldn’t make fun of him.

  He had plans to make over the next few days and a long shift ahead. Who knew maybe Sandy would come up with a way for him to win Anita’s heart? So much of their time together had been so magical already, he was sure that nothing would stop his love.

  ***

  "I thought you weren’t going to see him again,” Pablo barked at his sister as he sat down for breakfast. “Now I find out you took him to the old fishing shack for a picnic.”

  “I didn’t take him for a picnic; someone had that set up for us when we got there. I asked Gram, but she swears she didn’t do it.”

  “That’s not the point,” Pablo growled, his dark eyes flashing. “You took a stranger all the way out to the shanty and didn’t even tell us where you were going to be. What if something had happened?”

  “Nothing happened Pablo,” Anita snapped back. “Devon is a complete gentleman and he likes me.”

  “But it could have and no one would have known.”

  “I told Gram I would take Devon there for hot cocoa,” Anita protested. “Besides it is none of your business.”

  “You are my little sister, and it is my business,” Pablo snapped back. “I don’t want you seeing him anymore. I don’t trust him.”

  “Well I do,” Anita said, her dark eyes flashing with anger. “And you don’t get to tell me who I can or cannot see. Devon Willshire is a good man, and I like him. I like him a lot,” she sniffed, her eyes filling with tears.

  “I don’t want you to get hurt,” Pablo pressed leaning over and pointing a finger in her face. “He’s going to be a doctor and as soon as he has that paper with M.D. stamped on it, he’ll be out of here leaving you in his wake like yesterday’s leftovers.”

  “I can’t believe you,” Anita gaped. “How can you be so cynical, so hard hearted? You say you don’t want to see me hurt, but act as if I’m some piece of trash that no one could possibly want. I don’t know what happened to you Pablo, but I don’t like it, and frankly, right now I don’t like you!” Anita threw down her napkin and stormed from the kitchen racing up the back stairs to her room as the tears poured down her face.

  “Pablo, what’s going on out here?” Carlos asked stepping into the kitchen and stretching as he yawned. “I heard raised voices.”

  “It’s nothing,” Pablo shrugged. “Anita is being stubborn, that’s all.”

  “Anita?” Carlos asked heading for the fancy coffee maker Jamie had gotten for him last Christmas.

  “Yeah, she’s seeing that doctor the one she ran into at the hospital. He’s not her type, but she just won’t admit it.”

  “I don’t see what business that is of yours,” Carlos said retrieving his now full mug and taking a seat at the polished wood table.

  “She’s my baby sister,” Pablo replied stirring more maple syrup into his oatmeal. “She’s too young to understand about guys like that. They don’t stick around. I’ve seen it with some of my friends and their sisters. These flashy types take an interest in a girl then when their time’s up they bounce.”

  “I appreciate that you want to look out for your sister,” Carlos smiled as the first sip of coffee hit his tongue, “but she’s a smart young woman and can decide for herself.”

  Pablo shrugged lifting another spoonful of Grams famous oatmeal. “Carlos you don’t get it. I’ve seen things like this happen before. One of the girls who works at the dealership is a single mom with no idea where the father is anymore. He was one of those high roller types and left her high and dry the minute he knew she was in trouble.”

  Carlos reached out placing his hand on his brother’s arm. “Pablo, you can’t live ‘Nita’s life for her. She’ll make up her own mind about this guy and frankly Gram likes him. I’d trust her instincts.”

  Pablo shrugged again, but didn’t reply. There wasn’t any point arguing. Carlos had enough on his mind with the new baby and the crazy holiday schedule that was kicking up activity at the Inn to a new level.

  “Whatever,” he finally said. “I won’t argue with her anymore.”

  “Good. Now what’s on your plate today? Is it really getting crazy busy at the shop with Christmas around the corner?”

  “Yeah, it’s mad,” Pablo laughed. “All these people coming in and buying stuff they don’t know anything about. I mean it’s good for business, but half the ladies that show up looking for car accessories for their husbands or boyfriends don’t know what they want. I’m glad I stay in the garage, but I’m afraid there will be a lot of changes after the first of the year.”

  “Over-time?”

  “I’m already on fifty hours this week and we’re just getting going,” Pablo smiled. He loved his job as a mechanic at a big dealership in town. His boss had taken him on when he was just starting out, and now with the business taking off, Pablo had the run of the garage, and the stable of test vehicles.

  “You still doing the modifications and testing them out for the boss?” Carlos asked rising and fixing himself a bowl of oatmeal from the big crock pot on the table.

  “Oh man, yeah. We’ve got some cool ideas about what will be hot come spring. We got a few interesting trades in this week, and I’m tweaking them for resale. It should be amazing.”

  Carlos laughed, pleased that his brother had found a line of work that suited him so well. For a while, he had worried that Pablo would fall in with the wrong crowd and come to a bad end, but the job and a run in with the law in the past had turned him around.

  “I’d better get going,” Pablo said finishing his breakfast in two quick bites then moving to the dishwasher to stash his bowl and spoon. “I’ll be late tonight, so don’t watch for me,” he grinned. “See you later.”

  Carlos waved sipping his coffee. Pablo had stopped fussing about Anita and her doctor friend, but he could tell the conflict was far from over. Pablo had always been protective of ‘Nita, and with her petite size and open heart, he could understand why, but Anita had grown into a beautiful and clever young woman over the years. She’d grown more confident, comfortable, and assertive working and living with both Gram and Jamie.

  Adding a bit of butter and cream to his oatmeal, Carlos lifted his eyes looking out at the snow covered earth on the other side of the big breakfast nook window. He hoped that Pablo and Anita could get past this before Christmas. This year had been blessed with so many things he didn’t want family tension at this very special time of year.

  This holiday had been bitter sweet for too many years, and Carlos p
rayed that this year especially, his family would remember the blessings they had been given even after great loss. This morning especially he wondered what his parents would have thought of the job he had done raising his two younger siblings. He didn’t know what he was doing half the time, and now with a new baby of his own, it was even more complex. All he knew was that he had been given a great deal of love to share and he would do his best with that.

  ***

  A soft knock fell on Anita’s bedroom door and she dried her eyes sitting up. It had to be Jamie or Gram, she wasn’t sure which, but she couldn’t tell them to go away as much as she would have liked to.

  “Come in,” she said turning to her small dressing table and grabbing a brush as she started brushing out her hair.

  “You all right?” Carlos’s voice made Anita spin on her seat, but she smiled at her big brother just the same. “I didn’t expect you,” she offered as he walked into her redecorated room.

  “It looks good in here,” Carlos said. “You kept the line to the ceiling nice and clean too,” he teased making Anita laugh.

  “You must have done something right,” she grinned.

  “I tried,” Carlos said taking a seat on her bed. “I heard you and Pablo going at it earlier. Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine,” Anita said feeling the old insecurities from the past wriggling in her mind.

  “Really?”

  “I just don’t understand why Pablo had to go all negative on me. It isn’t like I’ve done anything wrong.”

  “He worries,” Carlos offered grinning when Anita raised her dark brows at him. “You like this guy huh?”

  “I do,” Anita said placing the brush back on the stand and turning to look at her brother. “He’s a good guy,” she offered. “At least I think so.”

  “Don’t start second guessing yourself nina,” Carlos said. “You’re a smart girl, trust yourself. Trust your heart.”