Chapter 23

23

JACE

N orthwind Lodge

Christmas Valley, Vermont

Three Hours Earlier

“What’s up? With me? What’s up with you?” Ryan Murphy’s voice was as clear as a bell on the other end of the call. “What the hell are you doing in Christmas Valley, Vermont?”

“My Uncle Peter died and left me my family’s ancestral lodge. I’m in the midst of renovating it. But you called me…”

“Yeah, I’m thinking of opening a high-end restaurant in Pelican Point, Florida. I was going to hire you away from that bastard you were working for. Renovation is not for the faint of heart or the light of wallet. How are you fixed for operating capital?”

“I don’t need your money Murph.”

“Don’t be stupid, everybody needs my money, which is why it’s a good thing I have so much.” He laughed. “Seriously, Winterborne, you saved my fucking life, in violation of a direct order I might add, and I remember you talking about the place. I’m always looking for a sound investment. Talk to me.”

“Well, I could use an ongoing angel investor, but what I really need is some cash to pay off a balloon payment that expires at one minute to midnight on New Year’s Eve. I have been told by the bank manager that Candace Prescott and Sapphire Development will not give me so much as a thirty second extension.”

“Damn, I’m sorry about that, Jace…”

“Hey, if you don’t have the money…”

Ryan laughed. “Good god, no. And why would you deny me the pleasure of playing Santa Claus…”

“You don’t have the abs for it. I saw the profile they did of you in GQ. So, if the money isn’t the issue…”

“It’s not. Candy came after you for one reason and one reason only, you served with me in the SEALs. You aren’t the first of my men she’s gone after.”

“Do you know her?”

“There was a time I was in love with her, but that’s another story for another day. But trust me when I tell you I’m the reason she came after you. Take the money, Jace.”

“Okay, I’ll sign whatever you need me to.”

“You going to pay me back?”

“With interest.”

“Then your word is good enough for me. I’ll get you the money on the twenty-sixth, but could you do me two favors?”

“Absolutely.”

“Don’t pay her until the last minute you feel comfortable with on New Year’s Eve, and then let her know you got the money from me. If you like fireworks, stick around and watch her go ballistic. It was always fun to see, especially when I got to be the one to take the fire out of her.” The last was said with a bit of wistfulness.

“Murph… I don’t know what to say but thank you. You are, of course, welcome at the Lodge anytime, and I’m pretty much going to insist you be my best man.”

“Best man? Do tell.”

And Jace told him everything about Felicity—well…except for the part where she thought she was from a different reality.

Shortly After Midnight

Christmas Eve

Jace didn’t care which reality they were in so long as they were in the same reality together . As they entered the Northwind Lodge, his heart was thundering in his chest with the same wild rhythm that mirrored the crackling fire in the hearth in the big stone fireplace. He’d persuaded her to abandon her idea and her vigil at the clock as it struck midnight. He reached for Felicity's hand, his fingers intertwining with hers as he’d led her away from those who were gathering for a midnight service. The silence between them as they’d driven back to the lodge had been heavy with unspoken words and pent-up yearning, but he’d held her hand the entire way.

He led her into his room on the main floor, closing it with a soft click behind them, the world outside fading away until there was nothing but the two of them. The warmth from the fireplace danced across Felicity's face, casting a golden glow on her delicate features. Her eyes, wide and expectant, held a galaxy of emotions that Jace felt compelled to explore.

"You believe, right?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as if the sacredness of the moment could be shattered by the slightest disturbance.

Felicity's answer was not in words but in the slow nod of her head and the gentle pressure of her lips against his, a kiss that spoke of trust and the tender feelings of love. They moved together, a slow and natural choreography, shedding layers of doubt and clothing with each step toward the four-poster bed.

Their bodies met in a masterful blend of touch and sensation, Felicity's soft curves melting into Jace's muscular form. The world contracted to the space where skin met skin, each caress igniting sparks that set their souls alight. Words were lost in the communion of their embrace as whispers and sighs filled the room, mingling with the crackle of the fire.

Time ceased to exist as they discovered each other in light of their confessed feelings, the connection deepening beyond the physical realm. In the intimacy of their union, Jace found solace from his past and Felicity from her fears of never finding true love, as both dissipated like mist. Together, they wrote a story of passion and promise, a prelude to all the tomorrows they would share.

In the days that followed, the lodge transformed under their combined efforts and those of practically everyone in the village. Jace's hands, once skilled in the art of culinary creations, now wielded tools with the same finesse, securing decorations and ensuring every corner of the lodge radiated the magic of the season. Felicity's eye for detail brought an added layer of charm, arranging books and trinkets that made the spaces feel lived-in and inviting.

They worked side by side, their laughter echoing off the walls as they strung lights and polished wood until it gleamed. At times, Jace would catch Felicity gazing out at the snow-capped peaks, her eyes alight with inspiration, her mind undoubtedly weaving tales as enchanting as the scenery before her.

"Looks like the muses are being generous today," he'd tease, his gaze lingering on her profile, admiring the way she bit her lip in concentration.

Felicity would flash him a smile, her cheeks flushed from the cold or perhaps from the proximity of his presence. "I think I've found the perfect setting for my first novel," she'd reply, her voice tinged with excitement and newfound confidence.

Every task they undertook was infused with the energy of anticipation. The grand re-opening of Northwind Lodge was not just a business endeavor, but a celebration of their burgeoning relationship. It was a dream woven from the fabric of hard work, determination, and a love that had taken root in the most unexpected of places.

New Year’s Eve

Jace's heart thrummed against his ribcage like a caged bird eager for release as he approached the bank shortly before closing, the envelope thick with cash in hand. He had been waiting for this moment, to rid himself of Candace Prescott's vice-like grip on his life, the future of Northwind Lodge, and the village itself.

The air was bitterly cold, nipping at his exposed skin, but he barely felt it. His focus was laser-sharp, his eyes fixed on the bank's brass-handled doors. They swung open with a weighty assurance, and he stepped into the hushed interior, the scent of ink and currency enveloping him in its sterile embrace. He was shown to the bank manager’s office.

"Mr. Winterborne," Candace greeted him from behind the manager’s polished desk, her voice dripping with faux cordiality. The bank manager stood behind her, looking as though he would give anything to be anywhere but here in this office. Candace’s blonde hair framed her pale face perfectly, not a strand out of place, her red lips twisted in what could only be described as a predatory smile.

"Ms. Prescott," Jace acknowledged, his tone even, betraying none of the satisfaction coursing through him. "I believe this is what you've been waiting for." He extended the envelope towards her, feeling the phantom weight of it even as she snatched it away with manicured claws.

Her fingers tore through the paper with a haste that was almost indecent, her eyes widening momentarily as she counted the bills. Then, her gaze snapped up to meet his, dark and seething. "Where did you get this?" she demanded, her composure cracking like thin ice underfoot.

"Let's just say a friend helped out. Someone you know quite well—Ryan Murphy?"

Candace bolted upright, the chair shooting backward, screeching in protest. Her laugh was as sharp and brittle as glass. "Ryan? That fool thinks he can interfere?" She leaned forward, her words a venomous hiss. "You tell your little savior that he's just made an enemy of Sapphire Development. I'll have my revenge on him and his misbegotten family."

"I don’t think he much cares, and threats are unbecoming, Candy," Jace replied coolly, though inside, a flare of anger licked at his calm exterior.

“Don’t call me that!”

Jace shrugged. "I rather think I’ll call you anything I like. If you don’t care for it, you are welcome to leave Christmas Valley at any time. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I do believe we’re square now. Your hold over me and the lodge is done. I’ll need a receipt for that as well as the note marked ‘paid in full.’"

He waited while the bank manager completed the necessary documentation, folding it and putting it in his pocket. Without another word, he turned on his heel and left the office, the door closing behind him with a satisfying click. The air outside seemed fresher, sweeter, as if by settling his debt, he'd cleared away more than just financial obligations.

The night of the grand opening arrived with a flurry of excitement. Festive holiday lights twinkled against the velvet sky, each one reflecting off the pristine snow like a constellation brought down to earth. Laughter and music spilled from Northwind Lodge, warm and inviting.

Inside, Jace was the portrait of charm, welcoming guests with a smile that reached his eyes and a handshake that spoke of genuine gratitude. He moved through the crowd effortlessly, his flannel shirt exchanged for a white broadcloth one but still paired with his jeans—a testament to his laid-back elegance.

He looked up to see Felicity watching him from across the room—her smile beaming with pride and love. He was in his element, the perfect host amidst the clinking of glasses and the soft murmur of conversations. She caught him looking, and he winked, a secret shared between them.

"Quite the turnout, isn't it?" she remarked when he finally made his way to her side.

"Beyond my wildest dreams," he admitted, his arm wrapping around her waist to draw her close. "All thanks to you, too. This place—it's got your touch everywhere."

Their gazes met, and in that instant, the bustling room seemed to fade away. There was a promise in his eyes, a silent vow of shared tomorrows and whispered dreams. The grand opening wasn't just a success in terms of business—it was a celebration of their love, a tangible proof of passion and perseverance.

And as the evening wore on, with laughter echoing against the walls and the fire crackling merrily in the hearth, Jace knew that no matter what vendettas Candace harbored or threats she made, they were untouchable within the sanctuary they'd built together. With Felicity by his side, every shadow cast by doubt or fear was banished by the incandescent glow of their united spirits.

The clock's final chime melded with the cacophony of cheers and laughter, signaling the birth of a new year. Jace pulled Felicity through the French doors, out onto the balcony where the world seemed hushed, blanketed as it was by snow. The cold nipped at their skin, but the thrill of the moment rendered it inconsequential.

Having grabbed a piece of mistletoe from one of the garlands, he dangled it over her head, murmuring, "Happy New Year, love."

His breath was a warm whisper that tangled with the chilled air. Their kiss was the crescendo to the evening, soft yet fervent, as if with this simple act they could seal their fates together. Snowflakes danced around them like confetti from the heavens, twinkling lights from the lodge's decorations reflecting off the icy crystals and creating a swirl of enchantment.

The kiss deepened, an intimate conversation without words, exploring the tender contours of shared dreams and kindled desires. His hands roamed to her back, pulling her closer, melting any semblance of distance between them. Her fingers threaded through his tousled hair, anchoring herself to the man who had become her harbor in a tempestuous sea of doubts.

When at last they parted, Felicity's eyes fluttered open, revealing pools of blue that shimmered with the magic of the night. Jace studied her face, every curve and lash etched in his mind like the verses of a cherished poem.

"Look at us," he said, his voice low and full of wonder as the snowflakes continued their waltz around them. "This is our year, Felicity. Our fresh canvas." His thumb caressed the apple of her cheek, warmth spreading beneath his touch. "Together, we'll write stories filled with more love and adventure than either of us ever imagined."

Her smile was the dawn breaking after a long night, radiant and hopeful. In her eyes, he saw the reflection of every possibility, every whispered promise they made in the quiet hours before sleep claimed them. She leaned into him, her head finding its place against his chest, listening to the steady drum of his heart—a rhythm that spoke of new beginnings.

“Did it ever occur to you that perhaps this was always your true reality and that the one in New York City was just a really bad dream of what might have been if you’d left Christmas Valley?”

Felicity’s eyes widened. "No, but I love the way you think.”

“That’s me, the master of love, magic, and endless possibilities."

Felicity’s laughter bubbled up like champagne effervescence echoing a soft melody that resonated with the promise of all the unwritten tales waiting for them. "I believe, Jace,” she whispered. “I believe."

And as the snow fell, embracing the lodge in its gentle grasp, Mr. Puck watched from the edges of the celebration before smiling and returning to the village of Christmas Valley and his beloved snow globes and timepieces.

Want to find out more about Ryan Murphy, Candace Prescott, and Pelican Point, Florida? CLICK HERE to look at what’s coming next Spring in Love, Lies, and Celtic Knots.