Christmas Tempest (Holiday Heartwarmers #12)

Chapter Twenty

Jasmin might be apt to grumble about her parents suffocating her sometimes but if she were to admit the truth, she loved it. Loved them.

When she finally pulled the car into their driveway late in the afternoon, she breathed a huge sign of relief that they’d made the trip without any further problems.

The snow clearing crew had obviously been working on the highways and by the time they’d pulled up to where Dex’s car sat, still covered in mounds of snow, they grinned at each other. Silently, they passed the message of how glad they were having been involved in the situation they’d found themselves in. He’d reached for her hand, and she’d gladly clung to his, smiling when he’d lifted them to his lips and kissed her palm.

They grinned at each other when they listened to Dillon whispering to Pretty Girl and her whining every so often as if encouraging him to continue. Not wanting to interfere with the budding romance, they didn’t interrupt.

Often, Dillon shot remarks to Dex about the area, and his questions included how much further a few times.

Continuing on their way, they finally pulled into her parent’s driveway just as the darkness began to get serious. Thankful, they noticed that her father had made sure all the festive lights were glowing. The house looked wonderful; signs of Christmas were everywhere. And the two smiling faces in the window said it all.

Before they could climb out of the car, her mother, wearing only boots and a sweater, arrived with her arms wide and hugs for all. “Come inside where it’s warm. Hello Dillon, we’re so happy Dex decided to bring you here to stay with us. My husband and I are thrilled to have a house full for the holidays.”

By the time everyone had been hugged and welcomed, they stomped the snow from their feet and piled into the front hall to be greeted by a lovely huge fire and the fragrant smells of a ham cooking in the kitchen.

Jasmin remembered the many times where this happened in her youth and could see that shyness held Dex and Dillon back somewhat. That is until Pretty Girl barked to come in after taking time outside for her nature call. When her father opened the door and greeted the animal with so much enthusiasm, everyone seemed to relax. “Hey, puppy, you want to come inside where it’s warm? Good girl.” Lester had rubbed her ears, hugging her furry body to his legs, and then stood aside for her to enter, letting everyone know the dog was also a welcomed guest.

Whispering, Jasmin said to Dex, “We recently lost our family dog – a big golden lab. He died from old age, and Dad’s having a hard time getting over it. He and Gizmo spent a lot of time together. He loves animals.”

Before he could answer, her mother rushed to take jackets and ushered everyone into the warmth of the living room where a giant tree filled with ornaments and lights glowed in front of the bay window. “Please come in and make yourselves at home.” Staring first at Dillon and then Dex, she reiterated, “I mean that. Make yourselves at home. Dillon, have you been to Carlton Grove before with your mom and dad?”

A hush fell over everyone, but her mom ignored it and smiled at the boy, showing him she expected an answer. As if everything were normal, he replied. “Not yet. We were supposed to visit Uncle Dex this Christmas before the accident.”

“Then I’m glad you’re here now. You’ll love living in this town. It’s a great place to grow up, good schools, lots of camping and skiing, and the ocean’s close by.”

As if Pretty Girl sensed his need, she scuttled over to lean against the boy’s knees, and he let his hand rest in her fur. Jasmin knew how it felt to be the center of everyone’s attention yet understood that in her way, her mother was dealing with the elephant in the room.

“Uncle Dex needs my help with our new house,” Dillon said. “And I have to help take care of Pretty Girl.” As if the dog understood, she twisted her head on his lap, looking up at him in a hero-worshipping way that made them all chuckle. Then Pretty Girl began to lick his cheek until he laughingly shoved her aside… but not too far.

As if a signal had rung, everyone began talking at once and soon Jasmin was in the kitchen helping her mother with the final touches of their dinner. “Thank you for including Dex and Dillon for the next few days, Mom. It was very kind and thoughtful of you and Dad.”

Barbara stopped cutting the meat and laid down the knife to reach for Jasmin. Hugging her close, she admitted, “Your accepting our invitation has made me and your father very happy. You can’t know how much it means for us to have this big ole house filled with young people again.”

Jasmin wrapped her arms tighter around the slender woman who’d always been there for her. “And thank you for getting Dillon past that awkward discussion over his folks. He’s still dealing with their death.”

Her pretty mother shoved her glossy white hair back from her face revealing Jasmin’s green eyes and a still firm complexion so like her daughter’s.

“Well, of course he is. It takes time for kids to accept that everything’s changed. But hiding away from that fact won’t help them. They just need to feel safe enough to talk about things openly. This will be his first Christmas without his folks. It’s going to be hard for him. We must remember that… all of us and let him share his memories and his grief.”

Jasmin nodded, knowing her mother was right. Helping her carry all the dishes into the dining room, she saw Dex’s enquiring gesture of offer to help, and she nodded. Stopping to watch her tall, still handsome father and Dillon over in the corner inspecting the immense and incredible working railway he’d put out every year at this time, she sighed with satisfaction. How could she forget what a joy for a child that would be? After all, hadn’t she loved helping Lester decorate the miniature village with Christmas wreaths, tiny lights, and evergreens every year as a child? Dillon’s fascination glowed in his face as he watched and listened to every instruction so he could run the model trains himself.

That tiny railroad had been a highlight every year for all their friends who seemed to love the sight as much as she and her family did. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the wonderful addition of the train tooting it’s whistle as it arrived in each of the three stations.

Dex strode her way, and she noticed the limp had become less obvious. When he stopped beside her to watch the two males in deep discussion, she leaned into him. Knowing he’d accept her behavior, she wasn’t disappointed. He folded his arm around her waist, and she whispered, “Have you played with the trains yet?”

Pretending to grumble, he answered with a twinkle in his eyes. “Can’t get close. Those two kids are hogging it.”

Laughing, she patted his arm. “They’ll all be in bed early, and we’ll have the downstairs to ourselves. No telling what naughtiness we can get into.”

Winking, he made his expression like that of a happy kid and even clapped his hands. “Then I can play with the train?”

Going along with his tomfoolery, she nudged him and grinned. “Silly boy. You’ll be able to play with anything you want to.”

His gaze straightened and passion appeared to override the earlier playfulness. “Honey, you can’t believe what I really want to play with.”

She rose up to kiss him lightly, then stared into his face with her own passion-filled gaze. “Oh, I think I might have a pretty good idea, and I’m all for it.” When she saw the flares brighten, she added, “Within reason, of course.”

“Of course,” he agreed, clearing his throat. Then he sighed so loudly, it made her giggle. With a last squeeze on her side, he moved away to return to the kitchen, and she saw him walking easier than he had been earlier in the day. Seems the pain must have lessened from Sara’s rub-on treatment she’d given Dex to use.

Catching up to him again, she said, “You’re foot’s better, is it?”

He guided her into the kitchen and saw it was empty. Her mother must have slipped out to the second fridge in the garage. “It is better. She said the ointment would help, and it has. But I’ll still have to keep it elevated and ice it periodically.”

“I’ll help. Just let me know when you want to rest it, okay?”

“Will do.” As if he couldn’t help himself, he gathered her close and hugged her tightly. “I can’t wait until we really can get some time alone.”

“Me too. But it’s not going to be easy over these next few days.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be patient. As long as I can hold you every so often.”

Jasmin squeezed closer to his tall frame, wrapping her arms around his middle and feeling warm, small, and adored. With a teasing, sexy tone to her voice, she murmured, “We’ll be sharing a bathroom upstairs.”

“Oh, lady, don’t tempt me if you don’t mean it.”

“Who says I don’t mean it?” But when she looked into his eyes, she knew he’d seen her hesitation.

“Baby, we can wait.” He smoothed the wisps of hair from her face and gazed into her eyes… his filled with an earnest pleading for her understanding. “We don’t want to rush this. These feelings are way too precious to make mistakes.” He kissed her deeply, holding her like she was something so beloved, he’d never let her go.

When they heard the door being opened, she stepped back and smiled her agreement. “You’re right. We have all the time we need, don’t we? My gosh, we’re so lucky.”

“I agree. There’s just one more thing I have to make right.” He kissed the top of her head and lifted the platter to carry into the next room without telling her what it was.