1225 Christmas Tree Lane - Debbie Macomber [43]
“Ted,” she corrected. “About once or twice a week, I guess.” She downplayed the veterinarian’s role in her life, which had taken on more significance in the past three or four months. There’d been a shift in their relationship, beginning in late September, when he’d come over after caring for a sick goat nearby. He’d stayed for a glass of wine, followed by a leisurely dinner.
A week later they’d met in town, and Ted had insisted he owed her dinner. That was how it had started, almost innocently. Recently, however, it’d become more. Ted had kissed her, and that had been a turning point. Lately, Ted had taken to dropping in during the evenings, and Beth looked forward to his visits.
“Any particular reason Ted was coming to the house?” Kent asked nonchalantly.
“Nothing formal, if that’s what you mean. To wish us a merry Christmas. And I want him to meet the girls. He has a line on someone who wants a puppy, too.”
“So it’s serious? Between you and him?”
“We have a lot in common,” she said, well aware that she hadn’t really answered the question.
Ted’s driveway came into view, and she signaled, then drove down the long gravel road that led to his home and his veterinary clinic.
Ted was in the yard clearing snow. When he saw her car, he smiled and waved, then leaned his shovel against a tree.
Beth parked and turned off the engine, slipping out of the car.
Walking over to meet her, Ted grinned from ear to ear. “Good to see you, Beth,” he said. He didn’t kiss her, no doubt because he’d noticed there was a man with her.
Beth tried to see the veterinarian as Kent might. Ted was a few years older, a big man with large, strong hands and an easy smile. He had a receding hairline, visible despite his wool hat. His gentle nature comforted animals—and people.
“Kent Morehouse,” Kent said, stepping forward, his hand extended.
Ted pulled off his glove to shake hands but his gaze immediately shot to Beth.
“Kent is my ex-husband. He’s here to spend Christmas with the girls,” Beth said, feeling uncomfortable saying anything more.
“Oh, yes. You mentioned that Kent was planning to visit,” Ted commented.
“I was just driving to the Hardings’ to drop off a puppy when I recalled that you were coming over today,” she said quickly.
“Well, seeing that you’ve got visitors, perhaps I shouldn’t—”
“No, please, I want you to,” Beth said, eager to reassure him. “In fact, I was hoping you’d stay for dinner.”
“Dinner?” Kent repeated, frowning.
“Yes, dinner,” she said pointedly. “I’m making lasagna. A family recipe.”
“My grandmother was Italian,” Kent added in a meaningful voice, essentially explaining that this was his family’s recipe.
“Kent’s, uh, friend is with the girls, preparing a Caesar salad and garlic bread.”
“That sounds wonderful.”
“It will be,” Beth said. “Please say you’ll join us.”
Ignoring Kent, Ted stared at her for a long moment. “You’re sure?”
“I’m positive.”
Ted nodded decisively. “Then I accept. Thank you. What time would you like me there?”
Beth was about to suggest as soon as possible, but before she could, Kent spoke.
“I believe Beth mentioned something about dinner being ready around five.”
“Yes, five. We’re eating early so we won’t be late for church,” she murmured.
“Can I bring anything? Wine? Dessert?”
“I’ve got everything covered, but thanks.” She wanted to visit longer, but Kent had already walked back to the car and stood with the door open, waiting for her.
“I’ll see you soon,” Ted promised. “And I’ve got a couple bottles of a nice red. To go with the lasagna.”
“Thank you,” she whispered, and hoped Ted understood how much she appreciated his willingness to show, once again, what a good friend he was. As good a friend as Danielle….
Chapter 12
Justine Gunderson busied herself in the kitchen, enjoying an afternoon free from the responsibility of managing the Victorian Tea Room. She’d given the staff an extra day off so they could celebrate Christmas Eve with their own families.
The holiday season at the tearoom had been hectic, with a number