Harlequin American Romance December 2013 Bundle: The Texas Christmas Gift\The Cowboy's Christmas Surprise\Second Chance Christmas\The SEAL's Christmas Twins by Cathy Gillen Thacker

Author:Cathy Gillen Thacker
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-10-14T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Two

While tourists usually congregated in the surrounding resort bars, Cielo Peak locals favored Peak’s Pints. Especially on Tuesday nights, when pitchers of beer were only a dollar. Elisabeth scanned the crowded tavern for a free table. At least she had plenty of illumination for her search. The usual neon signs were supplemented by Christmas lights strewn all around the interior.

Her attention snagged on the cheerfully crooked Christmas tree next to the jukebox. Between extra hours during the lodge’s busy holiday season and her weekend trip to New Mexico, she hadn’t put up a tree yet. Would decorating one be fun for Kaylee, or would it simply remind the girl that she was facing her first Christmas without her mother?

“Hey!” Lina elbowed her in the side. “We’re here to celebrate, not stand in the doorway all night.”

“I’m looking for a place to sit. It’s packed. You see anything, Nic?”

Boutique owner Nicole Lewis had the best vantage point. While the Donnelly twins barely topped five foot three, Nicole was almost six feet tall. With her natural grace and high cheekbones, she looked more like someone who modeled clothes on a runway than someone who sold them.

“Back corner, follow me.” Wasting no time, Nicole strode in that direction.

They all hurried, hoping to secure the spot before anyone else took it, but they hadn’t gone far when a man rose from his chair to hug Lina. Lifelong experience had taught Elisabeth that her twin would probably pause to say hi to a half dozen more people along the way. Elisabeth continued on without her.

Shrugging out of her coat, she slid into the booth across from Nicole. Although her friend had only moved here four years ago, Elisabeth often felt as if they’d known each other their whole lives. “I know I said this over the phone already, but that’s not the same as face-to-face. Thank you for agreeing to be my maid of honor. The wedding plans are moving fast, and I really appreciate the help.”

“I’m flattered you asked me. But surprised you didn’t pick Lina.”

“Well, she’ll be a bridesmaid, of course. I know I can count on you. You have good attention to detail. Lina...” Elisabeth chose her words carefully. “...favors spontaneity.”

“Says the woman who shocked us all with her engagement,” Nicole teased.

“I admit the timing might seem sudden, but with Steven relocating to California in six weeks, taking this step now is logical.”

“I think you’ve said ‘logical’ ten times since you called me about the engagement.” Nicole propped her chin on her fist. “Know what I haven’t heard you say? Romantic. Passionate.”

Elisabeth grimaced. “I’ve had my share of passion.”

“You mean Justin Cade?” Even Nicole, the most loyal of friends, sounded a bit breathless when she mentioned Mr. Tall, Dark and Temporary. Where Justin was concerned, women easily lost their breath. And their good sense. And often their clothes.

“Right. That guy.”

“I never expected you to get over him so soon. Not to poke at emotional wounds, but you seemed destroyed when the two of you broke up over the summer.

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