An Aspen Creek Christmas Read online

  “I don’t need an appointment to pick up my own dog,” he snarled.

  Slowly pulling out her cell phone, she pressed the speed dial number for 9-1-1 and held the phone to her ear. “I’ve got a situation here—an angry, aggressive man, and I need a deputy. No idea who this guy is. Yes—that’s right...48193 Spruce.”

  “Wasted call, lady. No sheriff can keep me from claiming my own dog.”

  “I don’t know what dog you’re talking about. Did you check the website? Do you have the dog’s number?”

  “You had the dog in your car in town last Saturday. Remember?”

  “If that’s true, why didn’t you say something then?”

  “I don’t believe in making a scene.”

  Not where there were witnesses. “So you decided to skulk out here when nobody was home.”

  “I could have you arrested for theft. Hand her over.”

  “And I’ve got the photographs and vet bills—so you could be arrested for animal abuse. Actually, my vet has her own copies of everything, and said she’s turning it all over to the sheriff’s office this week.”

  He cast an edgy glance toward the road, where she could already hear the sound of an approaching car. So maybe he wasn’t so eager to visit with a deputy, after all.

  He pulled his truck door open, but hesitated and started straight toward her. “Don’t make me have to come back, lady. You’ll never know when. Maybe some night you and those kids will be sleeping, all peaceful like, and you suddenly see—”

  He outweighed her by a good hundred pounds and he was a lot taller. But she hadn’t studied and taught self-defense for nothing, and his forward momentum was just what she needed.

  Landing a swift, full-force kick to his groin, she grabbed his wrist when he buckled and twisted it high behind his back as he fell. Then she had him nailed to the ground, groaning and gasping, with her knee on his spine and his arm wrenched in a painful position he could not escape.

  She leaned close to his ear. “Just another inch and you’ll need rotator cuff surgery or, maybe, you’ll never use this arm again. I won’t care either way, believe me. Not after you threatened my kids. So if I were you, I would never, ever, come back.”

  At the sound of a car door, she looked over her shoulder to welcome the deputy.

  But it wasn’t a patrol car parked behind her Subaru and that sure wasn’t a deputy. The pale tan car sported a round county decal on the door and the woman staring at her held a big notebook, not a weapon. And she’d been close enough to hear Hannah’s every word.

  The woman’s frightened gaze darted between Hannah and the man on the ground, then she looked toward the wail of a siren flying up the road.

  * * *

  Before he hauled the intruder away, the deputy questioned everyone, including the social worker. The entire process took over an hour.

  After the deputy left, Hannah gave the social worker—Liz Anderson—a tour of the house and yard, and had shown her the temporary animal pens in the garage. Now the two of them were sitting in Hannah’s kitchen.

  Liz sat hunched over a mug of coffee she was gripping with both shaking hands. “Does this sort of thing happen...um, often, with your animal rescue?”

  “First time ever,” Hannah said firmly. “I’m still mystified about why that man was so aggressive and so desperate to get the dog back.”

  “But she was his, right?”

  “He did know about the position of several scars, but he’d abused and neglected her horribly. I now think someone finally nabbed her from his property and brought her here, hoping to save her from a horrible situation. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure she ends up in a loving home.”

  Liz slanted a troubled look at her. “You seem to lead a very exciting and hectic life.”

  “No, not really. I have a good career and I take in animals who need to find a good home. But now that Molly and Cole are here, they are my primary focus. I’m thrilled to have the chance to give them the home they deserve. I hope you’ll see them settling in better each time you come.”

  Liz bit her lower lip. “I’m so glad we are in agreement about them having a loving and stable home, but I’m afraid there has been a misunderstanding. Did you not receive a letter from the family court in Dallas?”

  Hannah suddenly felt faint. “A letter?”

  “The attorneys representing Mr. Williams have discussed Molly and Cole on a number of occasions, and the court agreed—to drag out this process through the next ninety days is not in the children’s best interest. The plan is to finalize the custody issue by December thirty-first.”

  “And do you foresee the result?” Hannah’s voice sounded dull and faraway, even to her own ears.

  “Frankly, I can’t say. I do know split custody—as with a divorce—is not even on the table, nor will it be.”

  “I see.” So Ethan had betrayed her yet again—just as she’d feared. There probably hadn’t been a job interview at all. Had he flown to Texas to meet with those attorneys this past week to make sure his plan was firmly in place?

  “It’s not a done deal yet, of course,” Liz added in a soothing tone. “But, don’t worry. No matter what happens, the children will still be here with you through Christmas and, even if they go back to Texas, I’m sure you’ll be able to visit.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Ethan wearily drove back to Aspen Creek from the airport on Christmas Eve Day, rehearsing the words he planned to say when he reached Hannah’s house.

  He’d been praying a lot lately and now he started praying again—wanting Hannah to be at home so they could work things out once and for all. Fearing that she would be there and would shut the door in his face. Or that she wouldn’t hear him through.

  Her car was in the drive. Thank you, Lord.

  He strode up to the door, knocked and let himself in. Molly and Cole were at the base of the Christmas tree, shaking presents and stacking them back with the rest.

  Cole spied him first. “You’re back!” he squealed, rushing over for a hug. “We were afraid you wouldn’t come! And guess what? A big box came from Texas today, and it was all of our special Christmas ornaments! Great-Aunt Cynthia sent them. So we put them all on the tree. Isn’t it pretty?”

  “It sure is, buddy.”

  Molly ran over, too, more reserved at her age, but she looked up at him with shining eyes and hugged him. “I’m so glad you’re here, Uncle Ethan! Hannah will be happy—she’s been really sad since you’ve been gone. She’s out feeding the animals, if you want to see her.”

  Sad? He suspected she was more angry than sad, but allowed himself a small glimmer of hope.

  “I’ve missed you guys so much.” Ethan brushed a kiss against her forehead.

  Molly stepped back and gave him an accusing look. “Then how come you left for so long?”

  “I didn’t plan to. But things got really complicated and it all took longer than I thought. Can you kids stay in here for a while? Hannah and I need to talk. Privately.”

  “But then you’re staying, right? It’s Christmas Eve, you know.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Ethan tousled Cole’s hair then headed for the garage with long strides.

  The moment he walked in and closed the door behind him, Hannah turned around with a smile. Then the light faded from her eyes. “You’re back.”

  “I wish I’d been here.”

  “I’m sure you had all sorts of business to attend to in Texas,” she said flatly. “A job interview, wasn’t it?”

  “That was why I went, yes.”

  “And you decided to take the job?”

  “Devlin offered me a job here. And I’ve been offered the job in Dallas, as well.” He gave a short, self-deprecating laugh. “But I haven’t decided. Yet.”
/>   Hannah folded her arms over her chest. “Nice to have options, anyway.”

  “Funny—until I came up here, my only career goal was to get back into active duty. But that obviously isn’t in the cards. Not with my injuries. Not given what I want to do with the rest of my life.”

  “So you’ve sorted out your future, then.”

  “Not entirely. I went to visit my aunt to see how she’s doing with her broken hip, and things went south after that.”

  “Really.” The troubled look in her eyes betrayed her, despite her nonchalant tone.

  “Hannah, I can imagine what you’re thinking, but I didn’t go to Texas trying to wrangle the court into giving me custody. I discovered my aunt was trying to do that all by herself and I had to stop it.”

  She froze. “And how did that go?”

  “She thought she was doing the right thing, but the legal mess she created with her lawyers had become a tangle of legal issues that took days to work through.”

  “And now you’ve gotten it worked out to your satisfaction?” Hannah said coldly. “As you can see, I’m not wealthy enough to fight you all in court.”

  “That won’t be necessary.” He pulled an envelope from his pocket and handed it to her. “A bill for a safe-deposit box rented by Rob and Dee was forwarded to my aunt. She went to that bank to cancel the box rental and clear out the contents, and found this letter. It was written by my brother a few days after Molly was born and saved all these years. He probably just forgot about it.”

  Hannah skimmed the letter then read it again more slowly, her hands shaking.

  Dear Ethan,

  If you’re reading this, something must have happened to Dee and me. I want you to be our executor, and to take Molly and any other kids we might have.

  I trust you, and no one else, to do the right thing and raise them right. You and I sure know how tough it is to have neglectful, irresponsible parents. I pray my kids will have a far better life.

  Rob

  “So you’ve got what you want,” she said bitterly. “Proof that your brother wanted you to take his children if anything ever happened to Dee and him. There’s no way I can fight this.”

  “But I can’t believe he still meant it at the time he died. You were just twenty and in college when Molly was born. I was in the army and had an income, so I’m sure that’s why he named me guardian back then. But now—with the life I’ve led all over the globe, and you, with a great job and your roots so firmly planted here? He and Dee would have chosen you in a heartbeat. It’s just a shame they never thought to write it down.”

  She searched his face, tears glittering in her eyes. “So what are you saying?”

  He tore Rob’s letter in two and then rested his hands on her shoulders. “I’ve told my interfering aunt, her attorneys and the court that I am not interested in contesting custody. I’ve signed documents to that effect.”

  “Oh, Ethan.” A tear spilled down Hannah’s cheek. “I’m sorry for the things I’ve said. For doubting you.”

  “I admit I first came up here wanting to gain full custody. I thought I owed it to Rob to raise his kids right,” Ethan admitted. “But I was wrong. You’re wonderful with them. You’re everything they need to grow up happy and strong, and no matter what happens between you and me, that bond should not be threatened.”

  “So what happens now?” She swallowed hard. “Are you leaving?”

  “I’d like to start over with you. I want us to forget our ill-fated, crazy beginning back when we were too young to know what we really wanted. I want a chance to see where we can go—the two of us—without all the drama of child custody issues to tear us apart.”

  She rested a hand at the side of his cheek. “I’d like that, too.”

  “But it’s going to take time, I know,” he added. “And you were right—I’m going to join a support group—finally. And I’m going to start counseling. I don’t want to be living half a life anymore. I want to be worthy of you.”

  She slid her hand behind his neck and drew him close for a sweet, lingering kiss. “It all sounds wonderful, Ethan.”

  He tipped his head. “About that heart of yours, I still want to win it. I hope to be a part of your life until these kids have children of their own and we’re in rocking chairs watching them grow. So, what do you think? Are we too old to go steady?”

  Her tears started in earnest now and she started to laugh. “I think you won my heart years ago and never let it go, so maybe we should set our sights a little higher. But, yes—that sounds perfect to me. And what a wonderful Christmas gift!”

  Epilogue

  “Are you sure this is going to work?” Keeley whispered, eyeing Molly and Cole.

  Dressed in a white, eyelet-lace dress, Molly held Belle’s leash tight as she smoothed the big, white bow on the dog’s collar.

  Cole, in a pale blue Oxford shirt and tie, fidgeted next to them, holding on to Maisie. Maisie’s bow was already askew and Cole’s tie wasn’t straight, but getting two nervous kids and two dogs ready for this moment had been an accomplishment in itself.

  What a journey these past six months had been.

  “I think everything is absolutely perfect.” Hannah smiled at her old friend. “I just can’t believe we’re all here for a day I never thought would happen.”

  Late-afternoon sunshine filtered through the massive oaks and maples, scattering golden coins of light over the small gathering of friends already seated in rows of white chairs, listening to the soaring notes of a violin and harp.

  Everyone was here who mattered to her and her heart swelled at the joy of this moment.

  A few yards away Ethan finished talking to Devlin, then he came over to join Hannah and Keeley. “No second thoughts?” he teased as he tucked Hannah’s arm around his.

  “Never.” She reached up to curve a hand behind his head and drew him into a lingering kiss. “I couldn’t be happier.”

  The music changed to Pachelbel’s Canon in D and Molly sent Hannah a worried glance. “N-now?”

  Hannah smiled and nodded, then watched the children proceed up the short, grassy aisle to the flower-bedecked lattice archway where Pastor Mark stood waiting.

  At the front, Molly turned to the left and Cole to the right, their dogs obediently sitting next to them.

  “They were perfect,” Hannah breathed. “I’m so proud of them!”

  She looked up at Ethan and their gazes met, locked.

  Ethan now worked for Devlin, and the two were planning to turn the business into a partnership. Someone had made a significant donation toward building a new animal shelter in town just last week—probably Gladys, out of sheer guilt for being so difficult in the past.

  But, best of all, the child custody issues were all in the past and by next month Ethan and Hannah would be the children’s adoptive parents.

  Ethan smiled down at her. “Just last Christmas, I never would’ve guessed this day could be possible. But, Hannah, you’ve made me the happiest guy on earth.”

  He drew her into a warm embrace and a kiss that told her just how much he meant it—one that sent tingles of joy clear to her toes.

  And then they walked arm in arm to the pastor and their new beginning as husband and wife.

  * * * * *

  If you loved this story,

  pick up the other ASPEN CREEK CROSSROADS books by fan-favorite author

  Roxanne Rustand

  WINTER REUNION

  SECOND CHANCE DAD

  A SINGLE DAD’S REDEMPTION

  available now from Love Inspired!

  Find more great reads at www.LoveInspired.com.

  Keep reading for an excerpt from REUNITED AT CHRISTMAS by Belle Calhoune

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  Dear Reader,

  Welcome to Aspen Creek! I have so enjoyed writing about the folks in this quaint, fictitious town on the western edge of Wisconsin. If you enjoyed Hannah and Ethan’s story, there are three earlier books in the Aspen Creek Crossroads series: Winter Reunion, Second Chance Dad and A Single Dad’s Redemption.

  I love small towns and country life. We live on a rural acreage with horses, two rescue dogs and an abundance of barn kitties—all neutered, friendly and well fed. It’s such fun setting books in this type of world...and I especially loved writing this story involving the reunion of a jilted bride and her handsome soldier, who have no intention of ever getting back together, but want only the best for two orphaned children.

  This book involves Christmas and my holiday gift to you is my favorite Christmas cookie recipe—one my family has been making for over thirty years!

  I love to connect with readers and to hear your comments.

  You can find me at:

  www.roxannerustand.com

  @roxannerustand (Twitter)

  www.Facebook.com/roxanne.rustand

  www.Pinterest.com/roxannerustand

  Email: [email protected]

  Snail mail: Roxanne Rustand, PO Box 2550, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406.

  Blessings to you all,

  Roxanne Rustand

  Recipe

  Super Easy Roll-Out Cookies

  This recipe remains easy to work with, even after rolling it out a number of times. It’s great for making cookies with children because the dough is very easy to handle.

  Preheat oven to 350°F.

  Cream together:

  1 cup shortening (don’t substitute butter or margarine)

  1½ cups sugar

  Add to creamed mixture and mix well:

  2 eggs

  1 tsp. vanilla