Stuck With My Christmas Crush (Sweet Christmas Kisses)

22. Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Charlie

I t’s New Year’s Eve. Lou, Calvin, and I have just arrived at the Mansion Hotel. It’s the first time since Christmas Day that I’ve seen Jason. We’ve called each other, but we’ve both been too busy to meet up. I’m aching to see him and so excited. Not only about seeing Jason again but to be here with Lou and Calvin and to discuss plans for the future of this grand old historic house .

Rocko bounds to the gate when the van pulls up outside, closely followed by Jason who waves and smiles as he strides down the sweep of the driveway.

“Welcome!” he says unhooking the chain and opening the gates for us. Calvin drives through and parks next to Jason’s Chevy.

Even before Calvin has cut the engine, I jump out and run back to throw my arms around my hunky hero. Jason bends to wrap me in a bear hug. Then he scoops me off my feet and we kiss madly, deeply, with wild passion until Lou and Calvin remind us that we have company. They shout and wave from the van as Rocko circles looking for a way in.

“Don’t be scared,” says Jason still holding me tightly with both arms. “Rocko’s a big softy.”

Calvin and Lou gingerly climb out of the van to make friends with Jason’s massive dog. Rocko leans against their legs and nuzzles his face in their hands.

“Some guard dog, huh?” says Lou looking relieved.

“Come on,” says Jason. “I’ll show you the monstrous money pit.”

“Or the potential goldmine?” I add laughing as our feet crunch on the gravel path toward the main entrance.

“It’s certainly impressive from the outside,” says Calvin looking up at the rows of elegant windows above .

“Wait until you get inside,” I say smiling. “But I’m not going to say any more about it. I’ll just let the house speak for itself.”

Jason turns the handle and pushes open the front door. We gather in the hallway under the multi-tiered chandelier, which still sparkles beneath a layer of dust. Lou and Calvin instinctively gaze up to admire it suspended from the decorative ceiling high over our heads.

“This is definitely the statement welcome,” Calvin says admiring the dimensions of the hall. “Full of wow factor, alright. An amazing space. I can already imagine the photos on the website. We’ll have bookings coming out of our ears in no time.”

“I love the old-fashioned reception desk,” says Lou walking closer to admire the polished carved mahogany. “Look at the keys hanging up and the cubby holes for each room. It’s this kind of authentic detail you can’t recreate.”

“The main living room is right here,” says Jason, still holding my hand, as he leads us through the double door to the living room and the wall of windows and glass doors that open onto the terrace.

“It’s huge,” says Lou. “And I love the high ceiling. Gosh. I wouldn’t change anything about this space. It’s the perfect party room. What do you think, Cal? ”

“Absolutely. I’m blown away. My head is so full of ideas about what we can do here.” Calvin walks to the window and looks out at the gardens. “I mean. Jason. Before we even begin to market this as a venue, there’s a whole heap of red tape and certifications we’ll need to address.” He paces as he says, “We’ll need to create a timeframe and list all the things that need to be signed off before we can accept bookings.” Calvin walks around checking items off on his fingers. “Fire department. Liquor license. Registration for the number of guests we can accommodate. The kitchen needs to be certified too, if food is prepared on the premises. But honestly, it’s all doable, as long as the basic structure of the building is solid. So, a structural report is probably the first thing on the list.”

We’re quiet for a moment, as each of us is lost in our own thoughts. The wild ideas and practical realities settle into a cohesive form. There’s no doubt about the effort and work in bringing the utilities up to an acceptable standard. But the important element we all agree on is keeping the feel of the grand old house: the history and stories of the people who lived here are as important as the bricks and mortar.

Jason opens one of the glass doors out onto the paved terrace. Wizened brown sticks are all that are left of plants in Grecian-type urns placed at pleasing intervals along the edge. Steps lead down to an overgrown lawn and rectangular pond reflecting an ornamental archway that promises to be covered in climbing roses during the summer months.

“There’s a fountain in the middle but I’m not sure it works,” says Jason almost apologetically. “I haven’t tried it.”

“That would be very cool,” says Lou with infectious exuberance. “Imagine a fountain as a backdrop to your wedding photos. People would line up for that, wouldn’t they?” She grins at me, then Jason. Then she looks at Calvin, who is suddenly serious. “Cal? Are you okay?”

Calvin doesn’t answer straight off. He walks a few paces to the end of the terrace, then turns and walks back patting down the sides of his jacket. Then he gently takes Lou’s hand, and breathing deeply, kneels down in front of her.

“Louise Bethany. You are the best thing in my life.” Calvin reaches his free hand into his pocket. “I’ve been waiting for the right moment to ask.” He pulls out a ring. “And I’m pretty sure that this is it.” He smiles up at Lou who looks as if she might cry. “Lou. You are my world. Please. Please marry me.”

Lou is stunned. Tears well up in her eyes, but she smiles and holds out her left hand, fingers outstretched.

“Yes. Calvin Adam. Yes. I’ll marry you. I would be honored to be your wife. ”

Calvin looks up at Lou’s smiling face and places the ring on her finger, then stands and takes both her hands in his. Jason hugs me and we turn away as they kiss.

“Enough, enough,” I say rushing over to break up my smooching friends with hugs and kisses of my own. We stand together laughing for a few minutes before anyone speaks. Then it’s Calvin who breaks away.

“Imagine if she had said no?” He laughs, taking Lou’s hand again and pressing it to his lips. “Listen. It’s just a thought. And, I don’t know what you think about this, Lou, but Jason, how would you feel about us getting married here? What do you think?”

“Ah. Perfect. Just perfect,” Lou jumps up to squeeze her fiancé, then she turns to Jason. “Could we?”

“It would be the most beautiful wedding,” I say barely containing my happiness. “And to have it right here. Wouldn’t that be perfect?”

“Wow. I’m speechless,” says Jason, eventually. “I would love it. And you’d be the first wedding in the newly re-opened Mansion Hotel.”

Rocko who has been lounging nearby, senses our excitement and ambles over, wagging his tail.

“I think we should try out the Rolls-Royce,” Jason says putting an arm around my shoulders. “Who wants to go for a ride? ”

Lou claps her hands as we make our way to the garage. “The Rolls-Royce will be perfect for weddings. I mean, who wouldn’t want a ride in a vintage Rolls convertible?”

“At least there’s one thing I feel confident about, that I can do,” Jason says unlocking the garage door. “Tinkering with engines is my thing. The wedding and event stuff. That’s up to you.”

The rest of the afternoon is spent riding in the big old car, exploring the house and gardens, and talking about the amazing experiences we could offer our guests. There is so much to do before we even consider advertising, but the stage is set. Jason, Lou, Calvin, and I are abuzz with ideas and dreams. Getting the hotel ready to receive guests will take a few months, at least. But, with the tasks shared out, everyone can see a bright future for a dilapidated unloved house that was so close to demolition.

“Hey,” says Lou as we walk back to the van in the chilly semi-darkness of early evening. “We’re going to a New Year’s party at a warehouse downtown later.”

“Are you performing tonight?” asks Jason with his arms around me.

“No. We made a rule not to work at New Year’s,” says Calvin laughing and reaching for Lou. “It’s some friends of ours, at their place. There’ll be a DJ and a band, and it’ll be fun. You should come too. ”

Jason seems suddenly shy. “I’ll pass,” he says standing beside me holding my hand. “I think I want to welcome the New Year right here. With Rocko.” Then he looks across at me. “And you, Charlie. If you’d like to stay?” I’m so surprised, I don’t say anything. I just stare back, wide-eyed. Then, Jason goes on hurriedly to fill in the silence. “Of course, I understand. It’s New Year. And it’s a party downtown with your friends. It’ll be fun. For sure.”

“No,” I say gazing up at Jason’s handsome face. His eyes meet mine in the soft twilight. “I’d love to stay here with you.” Then I throw my arms around Jason’s neck and squeal with delight. “It might snow. We might lose power. We might be stuck here! Yay!”

Lou and Calvin laugh. Jason picks me up and swings me around as if I’m a ragdoll.

When he puts me back down on my feet he says, “Well, there’s enough food and I have a bottle of Moet chilling in the fridge.”

“And let’s get the gramophone and a stack of 78s,” I say laughing.

“Well, that’s settled,” says Calvin climbing into the driver’s seat of the van. “Sounds like you guys are going to have the best party, right here.”

“Happy New Year,” says Lou hugging me and then Jason before getting into the passenger seat .

“Happy New Year!” I shout and wave as the van’s taillights disappear down the road and around the corner.

It’s quiet and I’m alone with Jason in the dark. But I’m not stuck this time. We walk hand in hand to the tiny gatehouse.

“Where’s the mistletoe?” I ask on the porch as Jason reaches for the door handle. I bite my lip and put my hands deep into my jacket pockets.

Jason pauses and faces me in the half-light. “Do we need mistletoe?” He steps toward me; his breath warms my cheek.

“I guess not,” I say sliding under Jason’s arm and standing with my back against the door.

Jason leans against me with one hand above my head, the other snaking around my waist under my jacket. We sense rather than see each other. I feel his gentle surrender as his lips meet mine. Our bodies meld together, entwining in a spiral of kissing pleasure. I reach my hand up to Jason’s neck to draw him to me. The exquisite softness of his lips on mine slowly gives way to an eagerness with each surge of breath until I pull away, lightheaded with emotion, but wanting more. So much more.

“That was some kiss,” Jason says nuzzling my ear, sending tingles up and down my body making me giggle. He breathes deeply, encircling me with his arms. “I’ve been wanting to kiss you like that since the first time I saw you.”

“At the side of the road in a broken car?”

Jason shakes his head. “Charlie. I have a confession to make.”

“What now?” I say releasing my hold on Jason. My hands slide from his neck to his chest where he covers them with both of his as he steps away from me.

“Well, I said that I didn’t remember you from the little girl’s party in the summertime.” I feel Jason’s heart beating fast.

“Okay.”

“And I didn’t want to admit to it before because…” He shakes his head and looks at the ground. “I’m an idiot.”

I don’t say anything but wait for Jason to explain.

“I’m an idiot, Charlie. I didn’t want to admit to myself, or anyone, that I’d been so captivated by a pink fairy.” He laughs then holds my hands up to his lips. “When I saw you at that party, you were so beautiful. It’s hard to explain. But seeing you all sparkly with glitter and pretty wings, well, you were the opposite of a war zone. That’s the only way I can tell you.” Jason pulls me close. “I haven’t allowed myself to feel in such a long time. It’s as if I had forgotten how.” He kisses the top of my head. “But then suddenly, I saw a pretty pink fairy on a hot summer’s day, and…” I pull away to look up at Jason’s face in the shadows. Then my fingertips touch a glistening tear on his cheek. “And there you were, again, at my gate in the storm, and my heart just melted. You got to me. You really did, Charlie.” Jason presses my fingertips to his lips. He clears his throat and then continues. “I didn’t want to give in to my emotions. Being detached is how I get through. We’re trained to block out anything that prevents us from doing our job. In conflict, emotions make a man weak; emotions get in the way of effective decision-making; emotions blur clarity of thought. But I’m not in the military anymore. I don’t need to be on high alert, always assessing risk and danger. Being here, and meeting you, I realized something. I guess I’ve had the time and space to think.” Jason laughs. “Charlie. When you came to see me, after the storm, you showed me that I’d been carrying conflict around inside me. Now, that was something that hit hard. But I don’t want to do that anymore. I don’t need to do that anymore.” Jason holds up his wrist displaying a digital readout. “I don’t want to be that guy who only knows he’s alive because an electronic device on his wrist shows a green check mark. Ha.” Jason takes a deep breath. “Charlie. Can you help me? Can you help me relearn how to feel? ”

“Alright,” I say smiling as I stroke Jason’s handsome face. “If it snows, do you think you can make a snow angel?”

“I can try.”

“Well then. You don’t need me to show you how to feel,” I say quietly taking Jason’s hand. “You’re already there.”

Jason is about to kiss me again when there’s a noise nearby and Rocko barges his way between us to be first to go inside.

“He knows it’s dinnertime,” Jason says as he ruffles the big dog’s ears. “Don’t you, boy?” Jason entwines his fingers with mine as he opens the door to the warm and cozy tiny gatehouse.