Christmas With Tiffany by Carolynn Carey Read Free Book Online Page B

Thank you.”
    A huge grin lit his
face. “Wonderful. I’ll send a car for you if you don’t mind. I’d pick you up
myself but it would be irresponsible of me to leave the hotel with an event
that big going on.”
    “A car will be fine,”
Tiffany said, smiling. She could have driven herself but she had a feeling that
New Year’s Eve was going to be magical this year, and she wanted to enjoy every
minute of it.
    *
* *
    When Tiffany stepped
into the lobby of the Home for the Holidays Hotel on December 31, her breath
caught in her throat. Although a few Christmas trees were still in place along
the back wall, the rest of the lobby was adorned with colorful streamers and
Happy New Year posters. A band situated to one side of the lobby played
rollicking pop songs, and waiters bearing trays holding flutes of shimmering
champagne strolled among the guests.
    Tiffany continued to
look around the bustling lobby. She couldn’t locate Bain, but she was aware
that more than one gentleman was watching her closely, apparently trying to
decide whether she was alone and approachable. She was especially glad that her
profits from the ornaments had allowed her to invest in some new clothes for
the evening. She’d topped her black velvet skirt with a silver silk blouse that
featured long sleeves and a scoop neck. She’d also splurged at the salon on a
manicure and special hairdo for the evening.
    Just as two of the men
watching her apparently decided to try their luck and headed toward her, she
saw Bain approaching from an adjacent room, his hurried lope suggesting that
he, too, had realized he had competition. He shot each man a quick glare and
rushed up to Tiffany. “Sorry not to be on hand to greet you. Minor
emergency with the chef, who’s a bit cantankerous. You look beautiful
tonight.”
    “Thanks.”
    At that moment, the band
started playing a slow song, and Bain reached for her hand. “Dance with me?”
    She nodded. She and Bain
had always fit well together dancing. He led her to the cleared area that was
serving as a dance floor and pulled her into his arms. They still moved
together just as smoothly as she remembered from their high school dances.
    “I enjoyed getting to
talk to you on Christmas day,” Bain said, “but I’ve missed talking to you since
then. I hadn’t realized that Mom and Dad planned on me staying in New York for
so long. But they had some news that I think will surprise and maybe please you.”
    “Oh?” Tiffany couldn’t
imagine what the Lyndhursts could be doing that would
have any bearing on her in any way.
    “Dad has decided to
retire at the end of May and they want to move back to Rushville. They loved
living there.”
    “Really? That’s
wonderful. But you’re right. I am surprised.”
    “Well, to be honest, so
am I. I didn’t think they were that crazy about the place when we lived here,
but their world travels seem to have enlightened them about the benefits of
living in a small town where people are friendly. Not to mention that they
loved hiking in the mountains if you recall.”
    “I do remember that, now
that you mention it,” Tiffany said.
    Bain pulled her a little
closer. “You know, it wouldn’t be such a bad thing, having both our families
nearby in case…” He stumbled to a halt. “Oh hell, Tif ,
I need to ask you something. Let’s step out on the balcony.”
    Slightly bemused,
Tiffany allowed him to lead her out onto the deserted balcony. The night air
was chilly but Bain immediately slipped his jacket off and wrapped it around
her. “I love you, Tiffany Elwood. I’ve loved you since we were just kids, and I
don’t think I’ll ever love anyone but you. Will you marry me?”
    Tiffany had not thought
her heart could feel any fuller, but happiness built in her chest until it
bubbled out in a quick gasp of joy. “I’d love to marry you, Bain Lyndhurst,
because I’ve never loved anyone but you either.”
    “Thank God,” he
whispered just as he lowered his head to