“I have to admit that when I first arrived in Sterling and walked out of those airport doors, I was in shock. When I saw the one lone street of businesses, I didn’t know how I’d survive.” No one said anything as she paused to swallow her emotions. “But during this last month, I’ve fallen in love with this town. How could I not when my neighbors have brought me goodies and cheer, when my classroom is full of beautiful, talented students, all eager to learn, and when every time I step from my home there is always someone passing by with a wave and a good morning? All I wanted to do in the beginning was to run far away to somewhere bigger and warmer, but now I can’t imagine teaching anywhere else. Thank you for trusting me with your children, and for believing in me to give you a good pageant. I can guarantee the children are ready. As for me, on the other hand . . .” She trailed off with a laugh that had the audience doing the same.
“I can’t promise perfection, but I can guarantee I’ll always put in a thousand percent effort. Enough about me and my silly emotions. It’s time to watch the show!”
Natalie knelt down in front of the kids, and they took over, singing their songs in celebration of Christmas, completely off tune and with full delight.
During the last number, five children stepped forward, and while the kids behind them sang “Silent Night,” they signed the words for a mother in the audience who was deaf. It had been something one of her young students had asked to do for her mother, and Natalie had been touched immeasurably by the request. Standing next to the kids, she signed along with them, looking down and smiling at the woman they were doing it for.
When the song ended, the audience maintained a reverential silence for a few moments, and then several people lifted their hands and waved, the universal sign language for applause. The children were glowing with pride as they walked offstage, and as Natalie prepared to thank everyone and call an end to the pageant, Martin Whitman stood up and walked to the microphone.
“The parents would like to extend a very special thank-you to our newest teacher, Ms. Natalie Duncan, for directing another beautiful pageant. You were thrown in at the last minute, and you’ve done a spectacular job.
“And we’d also like to present an award to our very own fire chief, Mr. Hawk Winchester. This year marks his tenth pageant, and his help with building sets, moving equipment, bringing in the other firefighters to set it all up, and coordinating the necessary fund-raising has always been invaluable. Would you come out here and join us, Hawk?”
The audience burst into applause, and Natalie found herself standing next to Martin as Hawk approached. Their gazes connected and even a room full of people was unable to tear her eyes from him until he turned toward the audience with his most winning smile.
“Thanks, Martin,” Hawk said. “I love these pageants, and I feel that I’m getting far more from it than the help I’m giving. I hope you keep me around helping for at least another ten years.”
“We’re not going to let you go that soon, son,” Martin joked.
“Not a chance,” someone in the audience called out.
Then Hawk placed an arm around Natalie’s shoulders and turned them both to allow photographs to be taken. But instead of facing the camera, she looked up into Hawk’s eyes, instantly feeling lost in their deep brown depths. And then, right there in front of the entire town, Hawk claimed her lips and at the same time captured the rest of her heart.
chapter 15
I can’t come with your family!”
Natalie was standing in her living room, still wearing her pajamas and looking at Hawk as if he were insane. There was no way she would intrude on his family at Christmas. It was bad enough she’d been thrust upon them on Thanksgiving.
“You’re coming,” he said with the same sickeningly confident smile he’d been sporting since he’d walked in the front door.
“No, I’m not, Hawk. Christmas is family time.”
“And you have no other family, so my mother has decided to adopt you,” he told her. “Besides, she’s invited a few other friends. The holidays are about more than just family being together. It’s a time to leave no one out.”
Natalie turned away, pretending to wipe dust from the spotless end table as tears forced their way into her eyes. Dammit, she was always crying now, like some sappy twit, and she sure as sin didn’t want to expose her vulnerability where family was concerned. Her relationship with Hawk had been moving at the speed of light, and she felt overwhelmed.
To hear him say so casually that his mother had adopted her choked her up. But she was never going to admit to anyone how badly she wanted to be part of a real family. It would make her sound too desperate, too pathetic.
“Hey? What’s wrong?”
Hawk came up behind her, slipped his arms around her waist, and tugged her against him. Great. Having him touch her certainly wouldn’t help her gain control over her wretched emotions.
Despite all her efforts, a damned tear fell. They hadn’t spoken of the future. They hadn’t talked about a happily-ever-after. She hadn’t told him how she felt about him.
“Nothing. I’m just . . .” She was just what? She had no freaking idea.
“I’m not demanding that you come with us,” he said softly, his breath washing across her cheek. “I’m asking you to please make this Christmas my best one ever, and join us.”
How could she tell him no after that? “Okay,” she whispered.
“Why is this so hard on you?” he asked again, this time making her face him.