His Jingle Bell Princess Page 9

  His plan would mean tearing out a section of counter and rerouting the plumbing. But he could do that. In fact, he should tear out all the counters while he was at it, and the cupboards, too.

  Maybe he’d go for a lighter wood finish, or maybe even white. He liked Belle’s white kitchen, it was bright and airy, fresh feeling and welcoming. Perhaps he’d also add a breakfast nook out the back. He could put in a bay window beside the vine maples, and the view would be pretty all year round.

  A knock sounded on the front door, interrupting his mental sketch. His first thought was Brock, since he would have seen Sam’s truck in the driveway, and he’d definitely be curious. But he quickly realized Brock would be on shift at the fire hall. Melanie then, since she would be home with the kids.

  But when he pulled open the door, he was surprised to find Jasmine on his porch.

  “Hi,” she said simply, offering no explanation for her presence.

  “What are you doing here?” He wasn’t unhappy to see her, but he was definitely surprised that she would turn up.

  “Belle told me you came here instead of going to work today.”

  “Did you walk over again?”

  It looked as if she had. Her cheeks were flushed, and a fringe of her blonde hair had escaped from her hat and was damp around her face. She looked pretty. He was coming to realize she looked pretty in any outfit and any circumstance.

  “It’s not that far,” she answered breezily.

  “The snow’s pretty deep.”

  He didn’t know why he was making such a big deal. He also didn’t know why he was gaping like an idiot instead of inviting her in out of the cold.

  “And getting deeper.” She shook off her knit hat and brushed her coat sleeves.

  He stepped back out of her way. “Forgive me. Come in. You must be cold.”

  “Thank you.” She entered the foyer and he closed the door behind her.

  “So”—she glanced around the house, as if checking for details—“you came back.”

  “I did.” He had to admit, he was still feeling good about that. He could walk into his house now like a normal person.

  “Belle said you were renovating?”

  “I am. I’ve had it in mind for a long time.” He took a beat. “But, well, it got sidetracked.”

  Her gaze softened to moss. “You don’t have to explain.”

  He felt himself pulled into her soothing brand of sympathy. “I get the feeling you already understand.”

  “I’m trying.”

  He was happy to have her here, happy to share his ideas with someone. The lightness and enthusiasm he was feeling was unfamiliar. It felt good, and he wasn’t going to fight it.

  “You want to take a look?”

  “I’d like that.” She removed her coat.

  While he hung it in the closet, she started on her boots.

  “You should keep those on.” He cautioned.

  “They’re covered in snow.”

  “The house is rapidly becoming a construction zone. Don’t worry about the carpets. I’ll probably rip them out anyway.”

  “This sounds like a serious undertaking.”

  “I’m going big. Come on.” He canted his head to the dining room before starting back.

  She followed.

  He quickly realized the only impressive part of the renovations were inside his head. Right now, all there was to look at was a wall of bare studs that showed through to the kitchen.

  “You have to start somewhere,” he said.

  “You want some help?”

  He couldn’t help a small smile at the offer. “You know something about construction, do you?”

  “Not a thing. I probably won’t be all that useful.”

  “But you’re worried about leaving me here alone?”

  He’d rather ignore what had happened in the bedroom yesterday. He wasn’t particularly proud of what he’d revealed. But he had to stop shying away from his emotions. The only way to get through them was to acknowledge them, assess them, and eliminate them.

  “I am,” she said simply.

  “Don’t be. What happened yesterday was the old me. I’m better. I may still be a ways from ideal. But I’m not going to crack.”

  “I didn’t think you were going to crack.”

  “That’s encouraging to hear.” He was tired of people tiptoeing around him.

  “I want to help.”

  He gave her a skeptical look.

  “Okay, mostly I planned to keep you company. But I can probably do something useful.” She reached for a level that had been left on the table. “What is this for?”

  Her earnestness made him smile. She was obviously not going to be his most able assistant. But, he’d take the company. And of all the company he could have, she would be his first choice.

  “Why don’t we start with the measuring tape?” He took the tape from his belt and freed up the end. “You stand there.” He pointed her to one end of the counter. “Hold it steady.” He positioned the tape in the right place. “Don’t let it slide through your fingers. The edges aren’t particularly sharp, but they can cut you if it moves too fast.”

  He couldn’t help noticing her soft hands, the pale, tender skin. She definitely wasn’t used to manual labor. He’d have to be careful she didn’t get hurt.

  “Tell me about your plans,” she said, as he stretched out the tape.

  “I’m going to take down this wall. But I guess that much is obvious. I’m also going to rip out the counters and cabinets. I’ll have to pick something new.”

  The statement gave him an idea. He’d put Jasmine in charge of decorating ideas. That would be safe enough.

  “I’m going to extend the living room over there.” He pointed. “And add a new dining room. And I think the girls would like a breakfast nook, maybe beside the telephone counter.”

  She looked concerned. “That’s a lot to take on.”

  “It’s what I do.”

  She looked unconvinced.

  “You don’t like it?” he asked.

  “It seems… Sudden. Are you sure you want to take on so much all at once?”

  He couldn’t help but feel disappointed in her reaction. “It’s not so much. And it’s not all of a sudden.”

  Now she looked contrite. “I didn’t mean to imply—”

  “That I’m not capable of thinking straight?”

  She let go of the measuring tape, and it instantly recoiled, snapping into the receptacle in his hand.

  Her shock was obvious, and she rushed forward. “Did I hurt you? Did you cut your hand?”

  “You didn’t hurt me.” Not physically anyway. It would take a lot more than a tape measure to do that.

  Her green eyes clouded, regret clear in her expression. “I didn’t mean to question your judgment.”

  “Yet, you did.”

  It was baffling why he cared so much about what she thought. She was a stranger, and her opinion didn’t matter one way or the other.

  “You’re right. I did. And it’s none of my business. It’s good that you’re pushing yourself. It’s good that you’re here with a plan for the future. It’s good that you’re thinking about Amelia and Sophie.”

  “I always think about Amelia and Sophie.”

  “Don’t twist my words. I meant the breakfast nook.”

  Her defiant glare was much too close. His memory turned to their touch beside the Christmas tree.

  He desperately wanted to do it again. He could feel her pressed against him. He remembered the feeling of calm that had come over him. He remembered the trickle of desire awakening inside him.

  She was indescribably beautiful. Her skin was porcelain fine, her eyes big and crystal clear, her lashes dark, her nose perfectly straight and exactly the right shape. Her hair had dried, and it was a supple cloud of sunshine around her face.

  His voice went gravely, lodging somewhere deep in his chest. “What are you doing to me?”

  It took her a moment to an
swer. “I want to help.”

  He inched closer. “You are.”

  In the most unexpected way, she was reminding him that there was still life out there. She was forcing him from his shell. She was making him unpack feelings that he’d bottled up for months on end. His gaze tunneled to her full, red lips, slightly parted, unabashedly tempting.

  He was going to kiss her. He was actually going to kiss her.

  A knock sounded on the door, and they both startled, jumping apart.

  He forced his attention away from her. “I should…”

  “Yes,” she agreed with a too rapid nod. “You should.”

  It was Melanie this time, with Libby, Grant, and Foster in tow.

  “Are Amelia and Sophie here?” Libby asked eagerly.

  “Not today, I’m afraid,” Sam said, grateful to have the kids as a focal point so he didn’t have to look Melanie in the eyes.

  He felt guilty, as if he’d been caught cheating.

  Libby frowned her disappointment.

  “How are you, Sam?” Melanie asked.

  He knew Brock had most likely shared his thoughts on Sam’s state of mind, so she was probably worried about him being at the house.

  “I’m good,” he replied, hoping to show her exactly how well he was doing. “I’m getting started on the renovations again. Would you like to come in?”

  “Sure.” Something caught her attention behind him, and surprise registered on her face. “Jasmine?”

  “Hi, Melanie,” Jasmine responded.

  “You two have met?” Sam asked as the kids trundled into the foyer.

  “Yesterday,” Jasmine said, coming alongside him. “While I was picking up the decorations.”

  “No luck leaving town?” Melanie asked as she crouched down to unbutton Foster’s jacket.

  The other two kids had dropped their outerwear in the foyer and trotted into the living room.

  “Everything’s still shut down,” Jasmine said. “The snow’s supposed to let up tomorrow, but the airport will likely stay closed for several more days.”

  “So many areas have been hit,” Melanie said. “I guess Tucker isn’t a huge priority.”

  “Not compared to Portland and Boston.” Sam said.

  Libby appeared. “Are Amelia and Sophie coming home?”

  “Not for a while,” he said. “Did you look in the kitchen?”

  She shook her head.

  “You’ll see it’s a mess. When I’m done fixing it, the girls will be able to come home with me.”

  “Will that be tomorrow?”

  Melanie brushed her hand over Libby’s hair. “It’s a very big job, honey. It’s going to take Sam a long time to finish it.”

  Libby tipped her head to look at her mother. “Then can they come for a sleepover?”

  Melanie looked to Sam with the question in her eyes.

  He gave a nod of agreement. He knew the girls missed each other. It would be good for them to have some time to play.

  “Sure,” Melanie said.

  “Goody! Let’s go get them right now!”

  Melanie smiled. “I don’t think Sam can drop everything just because you’ve made some plans.”

  “How about this afternoon?” Sam offered. “I’ll pick them up at lunch time.”

  He could take Jasmine back to Belle’s house as well. He was torn on that. He liked having her with him, but it wasn’t necessary. And he couldn’t impose on her the whole day.

  *

  As she’d done every few hours for the past four days, Jasmine lifted the telephone receiver in Belle’s kitchen and put it to her ear. When the dial tone buzzed, she was so shocked, she nearly dropped it.

  It was back. They had communications with the outside world.

  She nearly shouted to Belle who was in the living room. But she quickly stopped herself. She should make her call right away. It was nighttime in Vollan, but she didn’t think the king would mind the interruption.

  She pressed zero and listened to it ring a few times.

  “Operator, can I help you.”

  “Yes, please. I’d like to place an overseas call.”

  “To what country, ma’am?”

  “Vollan.”

  “Vollan?”

  “Yes,” Jasmine said.

  “What is the number?”

  “I don’t know the number. It’s the Royal Palace in Roxen Canal.”

  “I have twenty-three numbers for the Royal Palace in Roxen Canal.”

  “The king,” Jasmine said.

  “I don’t have a number for the king.” The operators tone turned slightly impatient.

  “The main switchboard?”

  “I’m putting you through.”

  “Wait!”

  “Yes, ma’am?” This time the woman’s impatience was now plainly clear.

  “Can they pay the charges? The palace, I mean.”

  “You mean a collect call?”

  “Yes.” Jasmine hoped that was what she meant.

  “Hold please.”

  Jasmine drew a breath. She took in the continued silence in the house, glad that Belle was still in the other room. There were buzzes and pings on the line, until someone finally answered.

  “Vollan Royal Palace.”

  “I have a collect call for the king. Please state your name.”

  There was silence.

  “Ma’am?” The operator prompted.

  “Yes?” Jasmine asked.

  “Please state your name.”

  “Oh, me. Right. It’s Princess Jasmine.”

  Astonishment was clear in voice on the Vollan end of the call. “Your Royal Highness?”

  “Will you accept the charges?” The operator repeated.

  “Yes!” came the enthusiastic shout. “Yes, we will.”

  “Go ahead, ma’am.”

  There was a definitive click, and the line quality improved.

  “We’re so pleased to hear from you, Your Royal Highness.”

  “Can you put me through to my father?”

  “Yes. Yes, of course. Right away.”

  “Thank you.” Jasmine slumped back against the counter.

  While she waited, she mentally composed a few opening phrases. She should assure him she was all right. She should apologize for the inconvenience. She should ask about Darren. None of this was Darren’s fault. And she should make sure Costa Rhys wasn’t in any trouble either.

  “Jasmine?” Her father’s voice was imperious as ever.

  She braced herself. “Hello, Father.”

  “Where are you? What did you think you were doing?”

  “I’m so sorry for the trouble.”

  “Sorry? The trouble? This is more than just trouble, Jasmine. Diplomats from here to Washington have been scrambling. You caused a constitutional crisis. We didn’t have any idea what had happened to you. You could have been kidnapped, in danger. Your behavior was very irresponsible.”

  She didn’t think reaction was fair. “I sent you a message.”

  “We had no verification. That message could have come from anyone.”

  “It came from me.”

  His tone went hard. “You left the plane.”

  “I wanted some air.”

  “You left alone.”

  “It was a short walk. It was spur of the moment. Darren didn’t know, and Costa didn’t know.”

  “They’ve been dealt with.”

  “Don’t fire them,” she begged. “Please don’t fire them.”

  “They’ve resigned.”

  “Get them back. I want them back.” She couldn’t stand that thought of ruining anyone’s career.

  “The jet is in Toronto. It’s the closest we could get to you.”

  She took a few paces to the breakfast bar. It was obvious she’d have to fight for Darren and Costa’s jobs once she got back home. She couldn’t do it from here. “I’m fine, Father.”

  “We are trying for clearance into Boston.” The king said. “Portland is impossible.”
<
br />   “You can wait until the storm’s over. I can wait. I’m fine here in Tucker.”

  “You are completely alone. You have no security.”

  “I don’t need security. It’s a lovely little town. Everybody’s friendly.”

  “That’s hardly the way we judge threats,” he said.

  “There are no threats.” The last thing she wanted was her father moving heaven and earth to get to her.

  “A helicopter may be our only option.”

  “This isn’t a search and rescue mission.”

  “Don’t take that tone with me.”

  She re-centered herself. He was right to rebuke her for sarcasm.

  “I’m trying to say that it’s not an emergency, Father. I’m staying with some people—”

  “What people?”

  “A woman, Belle Zachary. Also with her son-in-law and his two daughters. There’s nothing to worry about. They don’t even know who I am.”

  “How do they not know who you are?” It was clear from the king’s tone that he was affronted at the suggestion anyone would think she was a commoner.

  She wasn’t about to tell him it was fun being a commoner, that she liked being anonymous. She liked the way people treated her, the way Sam treated her, on her own merits, as if she was nobody special.

  “I didn’t say anything to them,” she told the king. “And there’s been no communication in or out of town for days. It’s not like Europe. There’s no reason for anyone to recognize me.”

  “You can’t be positive they don’t know.”

  “I am positive.” Nobody had said or done a single thing that led her to believe they knew she was a princess.

  “We’re arranging a helicopter.”

  “Please don’t, Father.”

  “We’re not leaving you there any longer than necessary. You have duties. You’ve already missed the tree-lighting.”

  “I know. And I’m very sorry for that. But other people need real help.” She heard a sound behind her and turned.

  Sam appeared in the doorway from the laundry room. He was obviously surprised to see her on the phone. She couldn’t help but wonder how much he’d overheard.

  “You are not other people,” said the king.

  “I know.” She had duties and responsibilities. Her father and many people would worry about her until she was safely home.

  “We’ll be there as soon as we can.”