Because of the Christmas Stroll by Debbie Mumford

Author:Debbie Mumford
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: WDM Publishing

Chapter 5

When they returned to the great room a few minutes—or maybe it was a few eons—later they found that Ed had taken the younger twins up to bed. Charity looked at them with wide eyes, then squealed and rushed to Jane Ann’s side. She didn’t need their words, she read the truth in their faces and their entwined arms.

Hugging Jane Ann fiercely, she said, “Finally! He’s been pining for you since high school.”

Jane Ann broke the hug and held Charity at arm’s length, noting the tears sparkling on her best friend’s cheeks. “Truly? Why didn’t you say something? You could’ve warned me!”

Charity laughed and swatted Jane Ann’s arm. “Seriously? Since when do I do his work for him? If he wanted you, he had to figure out a way to win you.”

Jane Ann shook her head and laughed. “I’ll never understand siblings.”

“Sure you will,” Chuck said, hugging both of them at the same time. “You’ve got a sister now.”

“Hey, now,” David Henzel called from across the room. “What’s going on? You planning to let your mother and me in on the secret?”

Ellen Henzel tsked. “Honestly, Dave! Anyone with eyes can see that Chuck has finally made a move on Janey.” She stood and crossed the great room to stand before daughter’s best friend. Taking Jane Ann’s chin in her fingers, she gazed into the younger woman’s eyes. “And it looks to me like Janey didn’t mind a bit!” She laughed, hugged Jane Ann, and said, “Welcome to the family, sweetheart.”

Then David Henzel was beside Jane Ann as well, patting her shoulder. “Best Christmas present ever!” He grinned, winked at his son, and said, “California’s going to feel a lot more like home with Janey there, isn’t it, son?”

Jane Ann’s face paled and her eyes widened. California? Who said anything about California? Jane Ann was Montana born and bred. She couldn’t move to California! Why, who would plan the Christmas Stroll every year if she wasn’t in Bozeman to do it? Her breathing was suddenly fast and shallow as panic flooded her system. She was hyperventilating!

Desperately, she looked around for Chuck and locked eyes with him. He’d stepped back to give his family room to welcome her, but now he studied her, his gaze calm, but concerned. He cocked at eyebrow at her and opened his arms. Her panic eased and she stepped past his parents and into his embrace.

Montana wasn’t her home. California wouldn’t be either, nor would anyplace else his military career took them. This was where she belonged, safe in Chuck’s strong arms. She could face anything— even California— as long as they were together.

Jane Ann leaned into Chuck’s embrace and smiled, remembering how he’d almost knocked her down at the Christmas Stroll. Raising her face to his, she kissed his cheek and then rested her head against his chest. He’d definitely knocked her off her feet this evening… and she didn’t care if she ever found her balance again. She was at home in his arms and that was all the stability she required.

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