The Christmas Quandary: Sweet Historical Holiday Romance (Hardman Holidays Book 5) Read online

  On silent feet, he moved down the hall then popped his head around the doorway. “Surprise!” he yelled, nearly dropping the lamp at the site of his parents engaged in an intimate moment.

  His mother screamed and jerked blankets over her head while his father uttered words Tom had no idea the man even knew.

  Heat rushed up his neck and seared his face as he abruptly turned around and clattered down the steps to the kitchen. Traumatized, he blinked his eyes several times to clear the vision of what he’d just witnessed from his mind.

  “Tom?” his father yelled. The deep bass of his voice carried throughout the house.

  Footsteps thumped across the floor above his head as Tom set the lantern on the table and reached for his coat. He pictured his father hopping around on one foot, trying to pull on his pants.

  In his haste to leave, Tom jammed his injured arm in the sleeve of his coat. The cast caught on the lining, making him suck in a gasp of pain.

  “Son? What are you doing here?” James Grove asked as he ran into the kitchen. Bare-chested with bare feet, he wore a pair of hastily donned trousers with his hair sticking out every direction.

  “Nothing. I’ll just… um… I’ll head back to town. I can get a room at the boarding house.”

  “Nonsense. You’re home and you’ll stay right here, like you’ve always done.” James lit the lamp in the center of the big kitchen table and stared at Tom. “Come on, son. Take off your coat and stay.”

  “I’m sorry, Dad. I didn’t mean to… I didn’t realize…” Tom wondered if he might die of mortification right there in the kitchen where he’d spent so many wonderful years as a boy. “Truly, I’m sorry. It might be best if I just leave.”

  His father thumped him on the shoulder then lit the wick in another lantern. “Don’t be ridiculous, Tom. No apology is necessary. Your mother and I want you to stay. Please?”

  Hesitant, Tom removed his coat and hung it by the door. By the time he gathered his composure and turned around, his mother appeared in the kitchen, fastening the last button on a wrapper that swathed her form from neck to toe. However, her hair still hung loose in long, golden waves that belied her age.

  For the first time in his life, Tom looked at the two people across the room not as his parents, but as individuals. His father was a strong, strapping man and Junie Grove held onto her youthful beauty although she had entered her fortieth year of life.

  “I… I just…”

  Whatever Tom might have stammered was lost when his mother embraced him in a loving hug and kissed his cheek. “Welcome home.”

  She pulled back and glared at the cast on his arm. “What happened, sweetheart? Are you well? Have you eaten? How long can you stay? You didn’t walk all the way from town, did you? You should have sent word you were coming. We’d have met you at the stage.”

  Tom relaxed as his mother pushed him toward a kitchen chair and quickly set about making hot chocolate. While the milk warmed, she lifted a towel covering a pan and slid a cinnamon roll onto a plate, setting it in front of him with a smile. “I woke up this morning and decided I needed to make cinnamon rolls. Since they are your favorite, I must have known you were coming.”

  “Thanks, Mama.” Tom cut into the tender pastry and savored the sweet bite, laden with cinnamon. “That’s so good.”

  James took a seat across the table from him with a cinnamon roll and cut off a bite. “What happened to your arm?”

  Tom glanced down at the cast. “I was helping with the late edition on Tuesday. The press can be temperamental on a good day. Since I’m one of the few people there who knows which end of a wrench to hold, I sometimes work on it. I reached in to make an adjustment when it suddenly came to life and crushed my arm. It’s broken in two places, but the breaks are clean and the doctor said it should heal quickly. Since I can’t write or do anything with it for several weeks, my editor told me to take the month off and spend the holidays with my family. I wanted to surprise you both.”

  The humor of the situation caught up with Tom and he smirked at his father. “Guess I did a good job of that.”

  His father chuckled while his mother’s face flushed pink.

  James cleared his throat. “That you did, son. We’ll um… make sure that doesn’t happen again.” The man waggled his fork at Tom. “You didn’t walk out from town, did you?”

  “No. Blake and Ginny coerced me into eating dinner with them at the restaurant and then they dropped me off.” Tom looked to where his mother stirred the chocolate on the stove. “Did you mention the upcoming addition to their family in one of your letters?”

  Junie shrugged. “Come to think of it, I’m not sure I did, honey. It may have slipped my mind to let you know. Lately, there’s been news of so many babies.”

  Tom grinned. “That’s for sure. Is there something in the water? At this rate, babies will start popping up everywhere.”

  James choked on the bite of cinnamon roll he’d just swallowed and pounded a fist against his chest to dislodge it. Junie whacked him on the back and handed him a glass of water, along with a pointed glower.

  Unsettled by the looks passing between his parents, Tom studied them. His mother’s face had gone from slightly pink to the bright raspberry shade of her favorite summer roses while his father shifted uncomfortably on his chair.

  Stunned by the thoughts racing through his head, Tom knew they couldn’t be true. “You two… you aren’t… you didn’t…” Tom stared at his parents. “Are you?”

  Junie poured chocolate into three mugs and set one in front of Tom. “Would it bother you so terribly to finally get that brother or sister you always wanted?”

  Unable to stop himself, Tom’s mouth dropped open. Society frowned on the discussion of a woman’s “delicate” condition, but Tom didn’t care. “You’re expecting?”

  Junie squeezed James’ hand and leaned her head against his shoulder as she sat beside him. “We are, honey. After all this time, we’re finally going to have another baby.”

  “But, Mama, you two are…” Tom caught himself before he said his parents were too old to have a baby. They certainly weren’t too old to engage in the activities required to create one, if what he’d unwittingly stumbled upon earlier was any indication.

  “We’re what, son?” James asked, with a narrowed gaze.

  Tom sighed and forked a hand through his short brown hair. For years, his mother had ached to have a big family, but he had been the only child. By the time Tom was ten, they’d all given up hope of another baby coming along and learned to be happy with just the three of them.

  No matter how much the announcement caught him off guard, he couldn’t help but be joyful for his mother and father as they anticipated such a big, unexpected blessing. “You are going to be great parents, again. Congratulations. When will I officially become a big brother?”

  Chapter Two

  Tom sat the table the next morning, eating cinnamon rolls and crispy bacon, mulling over the possibility of returning to Portland early rather than stay in the house where he currently felt like a stranger.

  Somehow, in accepting his absence from their home, the people who had given him life changed from simply being his parents to a couple celebrating a second honeymoon. The loving glances and touches they shared unnerved him, although he knew it was ridiculous to feel that way.

  Part of him admitted it was silly and childish to be annoyed by their regenerated infatuation with each other, but he couldn’t help it. At their age, they should be past such things. Shouldn’t they?

  Then again, Tom was happy for them. He thought of all the people he’d met through his work with the newspaper — all the unhappy individuals, the men who’d cheated on their wives, the women who’d stepped out on their husbands and families. If only those people had even a fraction of the love and adoration visible in his parents, their lives might have been so much better.

  No, he’d much rather have his parents act like giddy, lovestruck teens than grow apart from one
another.

  The notion of having a baby brother or sister no longer seemed shocking. In fact, Tom warmed to the idea. He’d given up on ever having a younger sibling, but now that he was old enough to have his own children, he’d finally get one.

  It was a good thing he remained single, or he might have produced a grandchild that would be older than the baby his parents eagerly anticipated arriving in early summer. That would really be something.

  The same beautiful glow he’d noticed on Ginny Stratton last night at dinner softened his mother’s face as she hummed and refilled his coffee cup.

  As though she sensed the turmoil of his thoughts, she cupped his chin and planted a kiss on his forehead. She’d done the same thing ever since he could remember.

  The corners of his mouth lifted in a grin when she winked at him and refilled his father’s coffee cup before returning the pot to the stove.

  “So, Tom, do you have any plans while you’re here, other than letting that arm heal,” his father asked as he leaned back in his chair.

  “No, sir. Not really. I’m not sure what I can do to be useful, but I’m willing to try anything. If I sit around doing nothing for six weeks, I’ll be bored to death and as flabby as…”

  A loud rap at the front door interrupted him.

  “I’ll get it,” Junie said, wiping her hands on her apron as she rushed from the room. She returned with Arlan Guthry and Luke Granger following her.

  Tom and his father both rose to their feet. “What brings you two all the way out here so early in the day?” James asked, motioning for the two men to have a seat at the table.

  Luke sat beside Tom while Arlan took a seat next to James. Junie poured them both cups of coffee and offered cinnamon rolls.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Grove,” Luke said, smiling at her as he took a bite of the cinnamon roll. “That’s delicious,” he said, forking another bite before turning to thump a hand on Tom’s back. “Blake mentioned Tom was back in town and we have a proposition for him.”

  “A proposition?” Tom asked, glancing from Arlan to Luke.

  Arlan nodded. “Yes. My wife has been unable to teach much the last few weeks. She’s been quite ill, but the doctor assures us it should pass in another month or so. You see, she’s… um… well, she and I are…”

  Junie squealed excitedly. “Oh, Arlan! When is she due?”

  Tom groaned and rolled his eyes. “There really is something in the water,” he muttered.

  Luke chuckled, but Arlan either chose to ignore his comment or didn’t hear it. “We’re going to have a summer baby.”

  Junie smiled. “Tell Alex I’m so happy for her… for you both. That’s wonderful news.”

  “We think so.” Arlan grinned then turned his attention back to Tom. “The doctor says Alex’s illness should pass in a matter of weeks. In the meantime, she doesn’t feel up to teaching. From what Blake shared, you’re here through the holiday season. Would you be interested in taking over teaching duties through Christmas? The children will be on break for a few weeks and by the time school reconvenes, Alex should feel well enough to teach again.”

  Tom considered the possibilities. If he hadn’t been so enthralled with the idea of writing for a newspaper, he would have gone into teaching. Thanks to Alex, he’d come to love learning and school, and thought it would be a wonderful thing to share that with others.

  Now, it appeared he would have that opportunity. “I’d be honored to teach, if you think I can do a good job for the students.” He held up his arm with the heavy cast. “And if you don’t think this will get in the way.”

  “You’ll be fine,” Luke said, thumping his shoulder again. “If you need help writing anything on the blackboard, we can find someone willing to assist.”

  “And I’d be happy to help you grade papers, honey,” Junie offered.

  “Thanks, Mama.” Tom nodded across the table to his mother.

  “If you’d like, the teacher’s house is empty. You could stay there so you don’t have to make the trip to and from town every day,” Luke offered. He recalled how hard it was to live under the same roof as his parents when he was Tom’s age.

  Although Junie and James frowned at that bit of news, Tom brightened. After three years of living on his own, it would require patience and a big adjustment to reside with his parents, especially in light of the current state of affairs. By moving to the teacher’s house, he could spend weekends at the farm and maintain his sanity all at the same time.

  Tom smiled. “I’d like that. With this arm, I’m not sure traipsing around in the dark every evening on a long walk home is a good idea. When would you like me to start?”

  “Tomorrow?” Luke asked.

  “I’ll be there,” Tom said, pleased at the prospect of having something to keep his mind and hands busy while he was in Hardman.

  Luke and Arlan finished their coffee and cinnamon rolls then rose to their feet, offering to give Tom a ride into town if he wanted to check out the house next to the school.

  “I need to run into town later, son,” James said, walking with Luke and Arlan to the front door. “I could meet you there in a few hours.”

  “Thanks, Dad. That sounds great.” Tom hurried to slip on his coat. His mother helped him situate the sling around his neck and held his gloves while he slid them on.

  She grinned at him as he worked his fingers into the second glove. “Just like when you were a little boy.”

  He scowled. “Thanks, Mama. I needed the reminder I’m as helpless as an infant.”

  Junie laughed and patted his cheek. “Hardly, sweetheart. Go into town and have a good time. We’ll catch up with you later.”

  Tom bent down and kissed her cheek then hurried out the door and across the front walk to the sleigh Luke had parked outside the gate.

  James waved as Luke turned the sleigh and guided the horse back toward the road. On the ride into town, the two men inquired about life in the city. Arlan asked questions about his brother. Tom assured him Adam, Tia, and the children were well.

  “I think Toby’s cat has grown even more cantankerous,” Tom said as they made their way to town.

  “How could that be possible? I’ve never seen a cat that hated people as much as Crabby,” Arlan mused, waving as they passed a slow-moving wagon.

  “He doesn’t hate all people. He likes Adam, loves those two kids, and tolerates Tia.”

  “Remember the time he attacked that thug who tried to kidnap Toby?” Luke asked as they neared town. “I still wish I’d seen him in action.”

  “Me, too,” Tom said. He grinned as Luke guided the horse into the schoolyard. Smoke puffed from the school’s chimney and footprints in the snow hinted that children had played in it before trooping inside for classes. “Is Alex teaching today?”

  Arlan shook his head. “No. She’s home in bed. Luke found a substitute for the day, although she is adamant in her refusal to provide a permanent solution to our problem.”

  “Is it one of the mothers?” Tom asked. Luke and Arlan led the way up the steps to the door of the schoolhouse he knew so well from the years he’d attended classes there.

  “I coerced my cousin into teaching. She much prefers to play with the children than teach them, though.” Luke opened the door and motioned Tom and Arlan to precede him.

  As they stepped inside, Tom looked around the sea of young faces. His gaze rested on the beautiful dark-haired woman at the front of the room, gray eyes sparking with mischief and fun as she smiled at them.

  Pain blazed across his chest with an unexpected force. He took a staggering step back, attempting to catch his breath.

  Oblivious to his current inability to think straight, Arlan and Luke greeted the class.

  “Good morning, students,” Luke said, his voice carrying friendly authority. “We’d like you to meet your temporary teacher. Mr. Grove will take over classes starting tomorrow until Miss Alex is well enough to return.” Luke waved his hand toward the front of the room.

  To
m tried not to gape at the glorious creature standing near the blackboard smiling at them.

  Luke grinned. “Tom Grove, this is my cousin, Miss Lila Granger. If you think my sister and wife can cause trouble, they don’t hold a candle to the tomfoolery this one makes without even trying.”

  Tom watched as the young woman marched toward them, the train of an expensive gown the same color as her eyes swishing in the wake of her steps.

  “Hello, Mr. Grove. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She stuck her hand out to him.

  Awed and thoroughly addled, Tom yanked the glove off his left hand with his teeth and let it fall to the floor as he took her hand in his. Although she meant it to be a handshake, the connection of their palms felt more like a caress as he held her delicate hand in his.

  Fearful of what words might spill out of his mouth if he opened it, he was surprised when he spoke in a clear voice. “The pleasure is mine, Miss Granger.”

  Whoever named this womanly sprite had chosen her name well. Lila put him in mind of springtime and an array of brilliant flowers. The scent of lilacs wafted around him as she pulled back her hand and smiled at Luke. “How wonderful you’ve coerced someone else into teaching these little hooligans.”

  Luke laughed while Arlan chuckled. The students appeared to be as dumbstruck by the engaging Lila Granger as Tom. One curly-headed cherub rose from her seat and ran over to them, wrapping her arms around Luke’s leg.

  The banker picked up his daughter and kissed her cheek. “Do you want to go home with me, honey?”

  The little one shook her head, sending her curls into disarray. “No, daddy. I’s having fun with Lila.”

  “Then you keep right on having it, Maura.” Luke set her down and gave her a nudge back toward her seat in the front row.

  Lila leaned toward Tom and he inhaled a deep whiff of her fragrance, sending his temperature into a steady climb.

  “Mr. Grove, are you sure you wouldn’t like to take over classes right now? Why, these little rascals are likely to tar and feather me before the day is over.” A sassy smile revealed white, even teeth in her brilliant smile.