Winning Her Love (The Rocky Mountain Christmas Train)

13. Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Thirteen

J oy wasn’t sleeping. She wished she could doze off, but her heart ached too badly. She fluffed her pillow and rolled onto her left side. Closing her eyes against the morning sun peeking around the roll blinds, she found herself wondering how it was possible that she felt worse after a fight with Seth than she did when her ex abandoned them. She still wasn’t over her betrayal at being ditched by her ex. Maybe she never would be. But this pain from her fight with Seth felt like losing a loved one.

She studied their relationship and what she’d learned about him from all sides. He’d never been less than kind. Though they didn’t need help, he’d stuck up for them on the platform. He’d encouraged Chantal to try new things. Not that she needed the push.

She winced at the realization that he’d been right and that she was more capable than Joy believed. “Am I holding on too tight?” she muttered aloud as she tried to get comfortable again.

“Oh, dang it.” She threw the covers back and got up. She popped a couple of pain tablets for her headache and climbed into the shower. One of today’s stops was a petting zoo and pony rides. Chantal was dying to ride a pony. Initially, she had said no. Now she wondered if there was a way to make it happen.

She slipped into a thick pair of black leggings and a red sweater with a snowman on the front. Completing the outfit, she added her light jacket and tall leather boots. She stared at herself in the full-length mirror on the back of the door. Her face was pinched and nervous.

“What are you going to do, Joy?” She wrinkled her nose. “He’s right. You are a helicopter parent. You’d wrap Chantal in bubble wrap if you could.” Her exhaustion amplified her wrinkles, and she had bags under her eyes. She looked fifty-four, not forty-four. She used the tips of her fingers to pull the sides of her eyes back, removing the wrinkles. “If only they’d stay like this.”

She should find her daughter and make plans for the day.

“You should go find Seth and apologize for losing it on him.” She frowned at her reflection. “Why does it matter? We’re incompatible, no matter how many admirable traits he has.” But she’d been rude, and she would apologize.

Her phone binged. Jenny and her daughter were headed to the rear observation car. She’d meet them there. Whistling I’ll be Home for Christmas , she locked her cabin and headed for the rear of the train.

When she arrived, the car was chaos. Deep snow covered everything. Jenny scurried around, helping scoop up snow and toss it outside. “We have to get this fixed,” she declared loudly. “We’ve only got half an hour until we stop and we have hundreds of kids booked to see Santa.”

Joy peered around looking for Chantal. Where was her daughter? Panic rose in her chest, choking off her ability to breathe. Had Jenny left Chantal alone?

“Breathe,” she whispered to herself. “We’re on a moving train. She can’t go anywhere.” She tried to catch Jenny’s eye, but she was too busy.

Stunned and immobile, she clenched and unclenched her fists. Breaking free of the terror that gripped her she strode into the disaster.

“Mama!”

She whirled toward the voice. Her heart thundered. Chantal stood in the doorway with Seth right behind her. Thank heavens Chantal hadn’t been alone .

“Mama, you’re awake!” She hurried to Joy’s side. Seth followed hesitantly behind her.

“Hey, kiddo.” They shared a warm hug.

“As you can see, Jenny had an emergency. I was in the dining car, and she asked me to accompany Chantal here. I hope you don’t mind.”

She glanced at the chaos behind her. She had no idea what happened, but it looked like someone had left the car doors open during last night’s blowing snow. Jenny had left Chantal behind, but it was with a responsible adult.

“Thank you, Seth.” She smiled warmly. “I appreciate it.” He’d gone out of his way for them. Something lifted inside her.

“Oh, Joy. You’re here. I am so sorry I had to leave Chantal. I hope it’s okay.” Jenny rushed to their side. “I have a mess here.” She waved around the car. “Nothing that a good cleaning won’t fix, but it’s a lot to do in a short time. I’ll see you later?” It was a clear suggestion that they should leave.

“You bet.”

“Can I make a suggestion?” Seth asked.

Jenny blinked like she’d just realized he was there. “Um? Sure?”

“You could set Santa up in the middle observation car. It’s beautifully decorated. It’s got two doors. You could funnel families in one door and out the other.” He paused. “There’s room for the camera, an elf, and the supplies. Move the coffee table and put Santa on the high-backed sofa. Close the blinds, and you’ve got Christmas heaven.”

“That’s brilliant.” She gave a sharp whistle. “Okay everyone, new plan.” Her elfish staff scurried into action, toting boxes and supplies out of the room.

“Step out of the doorway, honey,” Joy said, as they moved out of the way. In moments, nobody was left except three people with small shovels and cleaning rags.

“Can I buy you a coffee?” Seth asked.

She had to apologize, so why not? “Sure. I’d like that. I think I’m ready for breakfast.”

“Mama, it’s almost lunch,” Chantal declared.

“Fine, I need lunch.” She poked her daughter’s shoulder. The kid was smart, and sometimes, just a hint of a smart Alec.

“Excellent. Should we eat on the train, or wait until we stop? I don’t think we’re far out of town.”

“I’d rather eat now. There are some things I’d like to do in town.” Ugh. She sounded so stiff and formal. “If it’s okay, can we just go to the dining car?”

Seth followed behind Joy, who followed Chantal down the hall. Joy imagined they looked a bit like a train, or maybe a parade. Finally, they entered the dining car. She’d passed through it earlier but hadn’t looked. She’d been too intent on finding Chantal. The seats were cushiony, and the tables were covered with cloths. Hm. She’d expect that at night, but not around noon. There was an elegant Christmas vibe. Lights and pine garland swags decorated the walls and hung over the windows.

There was a serious looking man with a short beard sitting alone in the far corner scribbling in a notebook. She wracked her brain, trying to figure out where she knew him from. “Isn’t that Davyn Kayne the poet?” she whispered at last.

“It sure is. We talked briefly the other night. I believe he was wrapped up in some big lawsuit, though I can’t remember for sure. I wonder if he’s a passenger or a contestant.”

Joy chuckled. “Time will tell.”

She looked around, trying to find the best place to sit. Many of the tables were full, but there was an empty one in the far corner. “Let’s sit there.” She pointed discreetly. “Beside that woman with the cell phone.” The woman she pointed to seemed to be playing a matching game and studiously avoiding being caught looking at Davyn. Interesting. Did they know each other? Or was she attracted to the man? He was attractive in a rumpled sort of way.

Outside, the winter landscape flowed past. The train was making a leisurely run to allow time for all the contestants to compete. Farms with inflatable ornaments on their snowy lawns. Enormous trees with lights and oversized holiday ornaments. A life-size nativity scene complete with live cows. The whole thing reminded her of the goodness, kindness, and generosity of the spirit. It was a time for love and forgiveness.

Suddenly, her spirits lifted. If he accepted her apology, they could see where their relationship went.

She ordered lunch, while Seth and Chantal ordered drinks and cookies. The trio sat staring at each other. Chantal looked from one to the other and back again. “Did you guys get in a fight?” she asked. She squinted at them, worry in her eyes.

“Yes,” Seth said before Joy could answer. “I was rude to your mom, and stuck my nose into her business when I shouldn’t have.” He turned to look Joy right in the eye.

It was all she could do not to look away. He wasn’t the only one who had messed up.

“Joy, I am sorry that I stuck my nose into your business. You know what’s right for your family. I apologize. I’ll try to do better in the future.”

Apologize too. Get to know him. There are almost three full weeks left on the train. They could get to know each other better. Date a little. Who knows what will happen ?

Her heart warmed. If he accepted her apology, they could see where their relationship went. Explore the weird, light sensation in her chest.

“Thanks. I accept your apology.” She swallowed the lump of emotion in her throat. “I’m sorry I lost my temper. You were right. Maybe I’m over-protective. Chantal is capable of more than I care to admit.”

Chantal gasped. “Does this mean I can ride the ponies?”

A small laugh burst out. “It means we’ll go see if there is a safe way for you to ride. I’m worried you don’t have the strength in your legs to stay upright. But we’ll go and check. Okay?”

“Yay!”

Seth said. “Now that we’re back with a clean slate between us…” he paused like he was nervous. “If you don’t mind, I would love to accompany you ladies to the petting zoo. I’ve heard there are reindeer. I wonder if we could ride them. I’ve always wanted a reindeer ride.”

“I don’t know about that,” Joy said. “Let’s start with the zoo and see how it goes.”

“One other thing,” Seth smiled a nervous smile.

They had just made up. What in the world could he be nervous about? “What’s that?” Joy asked, her curiosity rising.

“I’ve made a decision.”

She raised her eyebrows in question.

“If we win this thing, though I don’t know how they make the final decision…. If we win and we don’t get to split the prize and only one of us gets it, I want you to have it for your charity. Cerebral palsy doesn’t get as much attention as a children’s hospital. Take the prize. Assuming we win, it’s yours.”

“I can’t do that,” she said. Shame filled her heart. He didn’t know the truth.

“Yes, you can. I insist.”

“Seth, I can’t.” She didn’t want to start arguing again when they’d just made up. “It’s too generous.”

“Why not? If only one can win, I want it to be you.”

She blinked back tears. “Because,” she whispered, “I’m the charity. Okay?”

He looked stunned. “What does that mean?” he asked after a long, painful pause.

“It means that I’m up to my forehead in debt from Chantal’s care. Medical care in the U.S. is insane. I submitted myself as the charity with the Cerebral Palsy Association getting what’s left after I pay off my medical bills.” Her face heated, and she stared at the table, blinking rapidly to clear tears of mortification.

His hand slid across the table, and he cupped her chin. It was warm from holding his coffee. Gently, he raised her chin until she saw the concerned expression on his face.

“Joy, there is no shame in owing money for medical care. I’m blessed with free health care. I want you to take the money. If the benefactor thinks supporting you is a worthy cause, who am I to argue? If we win and aren’t allowed to share the prize between our charities, I’m changing my charity to yours. End of discussion.”

“Why?” she demanded, torn between hating his pity and adoring his generosity.

“Why?” He chuckled. “That’s the simple part. Because I like you, Joy Spencer. A lot. And I adore Chantal. You’re both teaching me that having an iced-over heart isn’t a good thing. I’m learning to care again, all because of you. You are a very special woman, and I want to get to know you better.”

To Joy, it felt like he was leaving things unsaid. But why wouldn’t he? They barely knew each other at all. But she did know that he was a great guy, and she was falling for him. He was a wonderful man. Kind and generous. Good to her and caring of Chantal. He wanted the best for her daughter. He was the kind of man she should have married. She’d take the next three weeks to get to know him and see if her heart was right, that she was falling in love with him.

“Thank you, Seth. It would mean the world to me to be debt-free. Well, I’d still have the mortgage on my condo, and my car payment.” She laughed. “But no medical bills would make our lives so much easier. “Thank you.”

“Can we go ride the reindeer now?” Chantal asked.

Joy and Seth shared a long laugh. “Sure thing, kiddo,” Joy said. Love and hope for the future blossomed in her heart.