Promises to Keep Read online

Chapter Sixteen

  She wasn’t going to break down and cry now that Cole had driven off into the night. He had his reasons for not staying, and he’d get over them one day. Wouldn’t he? What if he never did? What if he was so traumatized by his wife’s passing that he couldn’t move on to the next part of a relationship?

  Hayley sat down on her bed. She rubbed the spot where just thirty minutes ago Cole had been laying. What if this was all they’d ever have? Dancing, laughter, great sex, and nothing more?

  She wanted it all, but maybe if she stuck with Cole she’d never have that.

  Hayley slumped down on the pillow, dog bone tired, but knowing she wouldn’t get any sleep. Her mind was racing. She loved being with him. Hell, she was pretty sure she was falling in love with him.

  Throwing a pillow across the room, she burst into tears. Why was love so damn complicated?

  ****

  Sadie paced up and down. Usually she was a sound sleeper, but she had a lot on her mind. First up, she sensed that Hayley was in love but was now having doubts about Cole being the perfect man for her. She had to hold on, because he was just that. Maybe she’d have to do a little intervening. And poor Cole. Very soon he was going to stumble upon something that would tear open a wound in his heart. He’d need Hayley more than ever.

  And if that wasn’t enough to think about, tomorrow Sadie was flying to Helena and then driving to Brad and Lucy’s house just north of town. At any other time she’d be excited about visiting them, but she knew she had an awful task ahead of her.

  Explaining to them about their baby girl and her magical abilities. Would they believe her? Would they call the police? Maybe they’d never speak to her again and that would break her heart. All her Perfect Pairing couples were like the children she never had. They were her mortal family and she’d do anything to keep them all safe.

  ****

  Hayley dialed the number Sadie had given her for Gen Harris. She heard it ring and thought it was going to go to voicemail, but then a woman answered.

  “Hi, Gen Harris speaking.”

  “Hi, my name’s Hayley Ward. Sadie Sutton gave me your name and number.”

  “Oh, yes, hi, Sadie did mention you might be calling for some recipes.”

  “I’m giving an afternoon tea at my bed and breakfast in a few days’ time and was looking for something special to serve.”

  “That all sounds so romantic, only wish I could be there.”

  “Sadie said you’re having a baby.”

  “I’m having two babies. We found out the one baby is twins.”

  “How exciting. Do you know what sex they are?”

  “No, we’ve decided to wait to find out.”

  “I hope you don’t mind me bringing this up, but Sadie said that your husband was a widower.”

  “Yes, his wife died of cancer.”

  “I’m dating a widower and…”

  “And what?”

  “He has this thing about staying the night.”

  “He’ll come around. Jake refused to kiss me for months when we first got together. Trust me, just give him some time.”

  Hayley smiled. Somehow Gen had convinced her that was what he needed, more time.

  “How about I go through my recipe file and you give me your e-mail so I can send you a whole bunch of recipes for cakes and scones?”

  “That sounds perfect.”

  ****

  Hayley’s hands shook as she carried in trays of teapots and cups. She had a full house, largely due to Cole’s sisters bringing all their friends along. She didn’t know if Cole had told them about their relationship, but she did feel like they were checking her out as she placed the pots on their table. Not that she could blame them. Wasn’t every girl protective of their baby brother?

  “Hayley,” said the woman Cole had introduced to her as Eileen. “I don’t know how you’ve done it, but you’ve got my brother in the holiday spirit. I can’t wait to see him in his Santa outfit.”

  “Believe me, he was born to play Santa,” said Hayley.

  “It’s been such a long time since he even recognized that it’s actually December,” said Michelle, pouring herself a cup of tea. “It makes us feel a whole lot better.”

  Nina stepped into the room carrying a tray of scones.

  “And look at our niece looking so pretty in that dress.”

  “Dad bought it for me and Hayley gave me the necklace, bracelet, and ring to wear. Oh, and she painted my nails for me.”

  Nina looked at her and smiled.

  Hayley thought Cole’s daughter was adorable. And Jon who was still manning the door was the funniest kid she’d known. She hoped he never lost his strange sense of humor, because it was going to win over a lot of young ladies.

  “Ho, ho, ho, ladies.”

  Hayley laughed as Cole entered the dining room in his full Santa outfit, complete with a bag filled with gifts, slung over his shoulder. Each box had half a dozen of the famous chocolate chip cookies for each guest. Cole began handing them out.

  “And a Merry Christmas to you,” he said, setting them down on the plates. “These are special cookies straight from Mrs. Claus’ kitchen in the North Pole. Eat one of these and all your wishes will come true.”

  Hayley leaned against the doorjamb and smiled. He was great at playing Santa, not only in the dining room but the bedroom, too. No wonder Mrs. Claus had a smile on her face in every picture Hayley had seen of the lady in red.

  Cole looked over at her as if he knew what she was thinking. He winked at her.

  She hoped he remembered what she’d wished for and that he’d finally say yes to staying a whole night in her bed.

  Walking over to her, he had a box of the cookies in his hand.

  “I can’t leave you out of the festivities,” he said.

  She took the box from him, opened the lid, and took out a cookie. She bit into it, letting the chocolate melt on her tongue. Hayley offered the other half to Cole. He opened his mouth and she slipped it onto his tongue.

  “When do I get my wish, Santa?” she asked.

  ****

  Cole took off his costume in Hayley’s room. The afternoon tea had been a complete success. He was happy for Hayley. Maybe now business would pick up at the inn. It had to be scary for her.

  And speaking of scary, he knew she wanted him to stay the night. He couldn’t blame her. He didn’t want to be the type of guy who made love and then left. He wasn’t that sort of guy. Hayley deserved better.

  He sat down on the bed and ran his fingers through this hair. Partly to straighten it out where the Santa hat had ruffed it up. The other reason, it always seemed to help him think more logically.

  Spending the whole night with another woman wasn’t something he was ready to do. He didn’t know when he would be.

  Maybe he should call it a day with Hayley. She’d been treated badly before by a guy; she didn’t need to be hurt again. Maybe he should walk away.

  No, he couldn’t do it. Deep down he knew he had strong feelings for her. She was so right for him and he had this feeling deep in his heart that he was falling in love again. She was also great with his kids. When would he find another woman like that? Maybe never.

  He kicked off the heavy black Santa boots.

  Shit, life just wasn’t easy. At one time it had been. When Amanda had been alive. Her death had sent his life in a downward spiral of sadness and tears.

  He flopped back on the bed and looked up at the ceiling.

  “Amanda, honey, please tell me what to do.”

  * * * *

  Sadie tapped her fingers on the steering wheel of the rental car. She hoped that neither Lucy nor Brad had seen her pulling into the driveway and were now wondering what she was doing just sitting there staring into space.

  She only had herself to blame for the situation with Presley. She should never have taken her to the Other Realm. She only hoped that Brad and Lucy could forgive her. She hadn’t alerted the Board to the problem yet. Sadie
knew the consequences when she did get around to it. She was probably going to lose Perfect Pairing and be banished from visiting the mortal world ever again.

  A tear ran down her cheek. What would she do? She’d never see all her perfectly matched couples again, Rachel and Mitchell, Brad and Lucy, Katey and Luc, Evie and Kyle, Gen and Jake. And not to mention all the babies, present and future.

  She rummaged through her bag for a tissue and dabbed her eyes and nose.

  Oh, and she’d forgotten Cole and Hayley to add to her list. She clicked her fingers to take a look at the current situation with them. Cole was lying on the bed, not looking happy. He was thinking of giving up on the relationship because he was scared of waking up with Hayley beside him.

  This could be her last time to intervene. If the Department of Love pulled her from the mortal world, she’d never be able to fix things for them. And she knew deep in her heart they were made for each other.

  She closed her eyes and made two circles in the air with her hands…

  She jumped when she heard someone tapping on the car window. Opening her eyes, she saw Brad standing there in his sheriff’s uniform. His truck was now parked beside her car. He must have just gotten home. What if he’d seen her doing her magic?

  “Hi, Sadie, what are you up to out here in the car?” he asked her.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Cole noticed Hayley wiping up the teacups in the kitchen. He couldn’t risk upsetting her by not staying over, so he’d come up with a lie. He’d never been one to do that sort of thing, but it was for her own sake.

  “Nina just called and said the furnace is acting up again, so I’m going to go take a look.”

  “Okay, are you coming back because I rented a DVD and have some popcorn?”

  Cole purposely looked at his watch. “I’ll see what time it is once I get the problem fixed.”

  She nodded. She looked hurt. She should be. He was a coward of the worst kind. He walked over and kissed her.

  “Thanks for playing Santa,” she said.

  Shit, he couldn’t look at her or he’d break down.

  “Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  He turned and fled, hating himself more with each step he took.

  Cole didn’t look back, but got in the car and turned the key in the ignition.

  ****

  He was breaking up with her. No correct that, he had just broken up with her, but he hadn’t said so in so many words.

  She sat down at the table. All alone again. She’d been foolish enough to get emotionally involved with a man and so soon after the end of her engagement. She was a romantic at heart and thought bad luck in love couldn’t happen twice.

  She’d been wrong. Christmas was supposed to be the time of miracles. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. Maybe she’d be an old maid all her life, running this place as a graying spinster that everyone in town gossiped about.

  The inn, yet another one of her mistakes.

  The tea had brought in some business, but she probably would have to sell up after the New Year. There was nothing to keep her here in Casper.

  She looked up to see Cole standing in doorway of the kitchen.

  “My truck won’t start.”

  “You want me to give you a ride home?”

  He shook his head. “I lied.”

  “About the truck not starting?”

  “No. Shit, how can I say this? I’m scared of what’s going on between us.”

  She stood and walked over to him. “I’m scared too, but I guess that’s what life and relationships are all about.”

  They rested their foreheads against one another.

  “It’s just I have this thing about spending the night lying next to you, waking up and finding you there. I feel like it’s the last betrayal of my wife.”

  She threw her arms around him. “I never ever want to replace her if that’s what you’re thinking.”

  He nodded. “Okay, let’s give it a try.”

  ****

  She’d found the perfect solution. A date that took place in the bed. A movie and popcorn while they snuggled under the covers. Hayley rubbed her foot along his leg, feeling the muscle on his calf push against the sole of her foot.

  “You do realize that’s given me an erection?”

  “You’re kidding?”

  “Isn’t that why you did it?” asked Cole.

  “Nope, I was warming my feet.”

  “Yeah, a likely story.”

  They burst out laughing, snuggling under the blankets just a tad more until they were facing one another, the sheet tented over their heads.

  “It was snowing hard when I walked out to lock my truck,” said Cole.

  “Who cares what’s happening outside when we’re cozy in here.”

  He brushed her nipples with his fingertips, turning them hard and making them ache for more. Hayley slid her hand down his belly, feeling his cock sitting up on it.

  “You were right about the hard-on.”

  “What are you going to do about it?”

  “I’ll have to think about that.”

  Hayley slid her body on top of his, feeling this cock brush against her belly.

  “That’s going to make it even harder,” whispered Cole.

  “That’s the general idea.”

  ****

  The dinner Lucy had prepared looked delicious. Pot roast complete with potatoes, carrots, and onions. She watched as Lucy cut up some meat and vegetables and placed them in a bowl for Presley. The cat sat beside her, glancing up at Sadie at regular intervals. The cat recognized her, she knew it.

  “It’s wonderful having you with us,” said Brad, helping himself to some green beans.

  Under normal circumstances, Sadie would already be on her second serving of food, but her stomach was in knots. She doubted she could even swallow a tiny carrot.

  “Mmm, good, right Presley?” asked Brad.

  Presley slapped her spoon on the table, splattering some gravy over Sadie.

  “Hey, hey,” said Lucy. “You’re going to make a mess.”

  Sadie watched as this happy family went about their evening meal. How was she going to break the news to them? Where would she start?

  “You’ll be happy to know the store dropped the charges against me for the shop-lifting incident,” said Lucy, buttering a slice of bread.

  Brad patted her hand. “All some stupid misunderstanding,” he said. “Circumstantial evidence. Anyone could have put that stuffed toy in your bag and they knew it.”

  “It was embarrassing all the same. I’ve never been so terrified in all my life. I thought I’d be shipped off to jail for the holidays.”

  Sadie knew it could happen again.

  “In fact, that’s why I’m here,” said Sadie, giving up on eating and setting down her fork. “I know how the toy got into your bag.”

  Lucy and Brad stopped eating.

  “Sadie,” said Presley, pointing at her. The cat meowed and jumped up on Presley’s lap.

  “No, Kitty, you’ve been warned about that when Presley’s eating,” said Lucy.

  Lucy attempted to lift the cat, but it turned around and scratched her.

  “Honey, you okay?” asked Brad. He jumped up and looked at her hand, which was now bleeding.

  “Kitty’s never done that before,” said Lucy.

  “She’s reacting to me,” said Sadie as Brad led Lucy over to the sink and turned on the tap to rinse her hand.

  “What she doesn’t like strangers around?” asked Brad.

  “She’s Presley’s familiar,” said Sadie.

  “Familiar, isn’t that a witch’s cat?” asked Lucy. “Oh Sadie, you can be so funny at times.”

  “Brad, I don’t suppose either of your parents or grandparents were witches or warlocks?” asked Sadie.

  He burst out laughing. “No, none of them were, and it’s Christmas, Sadie, not Halloween.”

  “Then it’s just as I thought. I think we all need to go into the
living room and have a long chat.”

  “This sounds serious,” said Brad, wiping his hands.

  “Let’s just go and sit down, because I have to get this off my chest,” said Sadie.

  Brad picked up Presley and Lucy followed behind. The three of them sat on the couch while Sadie sat in the armchair opposite.

  “I….”

  She didn’t know where to start. At the beginning might be a good place.

  “Do you remember that night I babysat Presley when the two of you first met?”

  Brad got hold of Lucy’s hand. “I sure do.”

  Presley began twisting her father’s wedding band as he kept his hand on Lucy’s knee.

  “You might remember that I gave Presley a charm to keep her safe.”

  “She still has it,” said Lucy.

  “I sensed danger for her and I did something stupid.”

  “Like what?” asked Brad.

  Sadie took a deep breath. “I knew of the danger because I’m a witch.”

  “You’re a witch,” said Brad. He began laughing. “What you mean like Sabrina, The Teenage Witch, or the lady on Bewitched?”

  “Brad, I really am a witch.”

  The only way she could make them believe her was to do something.

  She waved her finger and lifted the frame with their wedding photo up in the air. The two of them sat with their mouths open. Presley giggled and the cat hissed.

  “Tell me this is a dream or you have that on some sort of wire,” said Brad.

  “It’s not a trick and that night I babysat I took Presley to the Other Realm to keep her out of harm’s way.”

  “The Other Realm…what a minute,” said Lucy. “We had trouble finding you when we came home. You said you were checking the furnace in the basement.”

  “Now don’t tell me our basement is the Other Realm,” said Brad.

  “No, of course not. I lied to cover my tracks. And while Lucy and I were having lunch in Casper I discovered that Presley has certain talents.”

  “Presley has talents?” asked Brad.

  “She can levitate things that she wants. It’s how the teddy got into Lucy’s bag at the store.”

  Sadie burst into tears, and then so did Lucy.

  “I don’t believe any of this,” said Brad. “You’re saying that our daughter is a witch, too.”