Love Inspired, December 2021: Box Set 1 of 2 by Leigh Bale

Author:Leigh Bale
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

Friday evening, Clara stood alongside Nan, Avery, Grayson and Quinn, stunned by the brilliance of twinkling lights that decorated the Riverside Campground and Outfitters. Lights had been wrapped around the bare tree limbs, strung on wires high above their heads and along the barrier that surrounded the ice rink. Several bonfires had been built, and Tucker was providing s’more-making kits for the skaters.

The concession stand served snacks as well as warm drinks. Heaters warmed the pavilion area where people could sit at picnic tables.

“This is amazing,” Quinn said as she twirled around, staring up at lights. “Where do we get our skates?”

“At the pavilion,” Grayson said. He held Avery’s hand, but his free hand went to Quinn’s shoulder. “Straight ahead. Go find your size.”

“Awesome. Thanks, Dad.” Quinn hurried away.

“This is so lovely,” Nan said. “What a nice thing for our little town.”

“Very nice,” Clara agreed as she walked next to Nan.

Grayson and Avery walked on ahead, joining their daughter at the pavilion where others were paying for skates and then sitting on benches near the rink and lacing up. Tucker was there with Shay.

Quinn had found Shay, and now the younger girls huddled up together, all smiles and giggles. Tucker shared something with Grayson, and the two men laughed at whatever he’d said.

Clara’s heart ached because she wanted those moments of lightness and laughter to be her normal once again. She’d gotten so caught up in the darkness, in the memories, that she’d felt it weighing down on her heart, changing her. She didn’t want to lose herself.

“You’re drifting again,” Nan said as she leaned in close, holding onto Clara’s arm.

“I’m sorry.”

They were nearing the pavilion. Tucker glanced their way, and his expression became unreadable. Age-old insecurities cropped up, making her question her friendship with this man.

“Will you skate?” she asked Nan in an effort to distract herself.

“I think I’m going to sit here where it’s warm,” Nan said. “I’ll have some hot wassail and one of those deep-fried cookies.”

“Do you want me to get it for you?”

Nan waved a hand. “Of course not. I can get it when I’m ready. Don’t hover over me and worry yourself sick.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” she denied.

Nan gave her a censoring look. “You would.”

“Clara, are you going to skate?” Shay hobbled in her direction, already wearing skates.

“I don’t think so,” Clara said. “I’ve only been on skates a few times, and I haven’t really mastered the skill.”

“I’ll take you around the rink,” a masculine voice said from behind her.

She spun around to face him, and a wave of dizziness hit her. If she couldn’t turn without falling, she definitely couldn’t ice-skate. Tucker’s hand shot out, grabbing her arm when she wobbled.

“Are you okay?” his voice rumbled near her ear.

“Yes, I’m good.”

“Do you want to skate?”

“Please skate with us, Clara.” Shay grabbed her hand. Quinn jumped in also. Both girls begging her to join them on the ice.

“I don’t know if I should.” She looked to Avery who was standing behind Quinn and who had most likely guessed her condition.

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