Read Eggnog and Candy Canes: A Blueberry Springs Christmas Novella for Free Online Page B

could do it.” She waited, not daring to breathe or blink.
    “I couldn’t ask you to do that.”
    “You’d pay me, so yes, you could. I hated your old place, because it wasn’t Beth’s home and it represented everything you were trying to change in her. However, stylistically, it was gorgeous. I think you still need something sleek, fresh, and with strong lines. Practical, efficient storage to keep you organized, but with a modern, yet classic style. Simple lighting with an open concept would suit you.”
    “Bullshit baffles brains. That’s just a lot of jargon.”
    She narrowed her eyes. “Challenge accepted, Nash Leham.”
    He rocked back in her chair, smiling.
    “You know how your old place had that island between the kitchen and the sitting area?” she asked.   When he nodded, she continued, “It was too wide and too high. It stopped conversation and I’ll bet that bothered you. You liked how it closed off the kitchen, but when you entertained, it felt like a barrier.”
    He paused thoughtfully. “How did you know that?”
    “I’m that good.”
    A slip of a smile was her reward and she pushed the chair away in triumph. It was either that or kiss him, and a woman had to remember where to draw the line.
    “Hey,” said a soft, slightly confused voice.
    Katie turned to find Beth watching them. Katie pointed at Nash and cleared her throat. “He’s still a stubborn ass who wants things his way and doesn’t think others measure up to his level.” She dusted her hands together, ignoring Nash’s hurt look. “You made the right choice, Beth.”
    “Baby, I’ve changed,” he said in a flat voice, hands out to Beth. He wasn’t even trying.
    Watching Nash react to her words, Katie learned three important truths. He hadn’t come for his ex. He hadn’t been playing a game. He was back. Back for Katie.
    It was time to stop thinking again.
    “I brought this for you.” Beth placed a warm drink on the counter. She adjusted her pink woolly hat over her chestnut curls. “I left you one in the ER, Nash.”
    “Thanks.” He gave her a friendly peck on the cheek, snagging Katie’s gift as he went. “Merry Christmas.”
    The women watched him move down the hall, and Katie hoped Beth wouldn’t ask too many questions.
    Beth took Katie’s seat, rubbing her swollen stomach through her coat. “So? What’s up between you and Nash?”
    “He’s still a pain in my backside.”
    “Huh. I thought he seemed different.”
    “Well, yeah, kind of,” Katie said. She had kissed him without imploding. That implied change, didn’t it?
    “If you’re being mad at him for my sake, I’m past it. And I think he is, too.” Beth focused on the distance. “It seems important to him to patch things up between the two of you. He sounded worried about you when I told him about Will.”
    “You talked to him about my breakup?”
    “Sure.” She gave a small shrug. Then her eyes flashed with inspiration. “You two should date.”
    “No.” Katie backed away. “I don’t think that would be a good idea.” It would be a fabulous idea.
    “Why not? You guys would be perfect. All neat and anal about your ideas. And he’s really a great guy. He just wasn’t the one for me.”
    “But good enough for me?”
    “Oh, silly you. It’s probably just my pregnant brain talking and wanting everyone to pair up. He was really committed, plus he’s the kind of man you need, because he won’t put up with your bull.”
    “Okay, I’ve heard enough. Book the chapel on your way home.”
    “I’m serious.” Beth rocked to her feet, her hands out for balance.
    “Be careful on your drive,” Katie said, catching her friend and directing her toward the hall that led to the parking lot. “A bad storm is coming through. You’d better head home.” And never talk to Nash about this idea, because at the rate things were going, he didn’t need support. She did.

    * * *
    Katie stood inside the ER doors, mesmerized at how fast and hard the