“Fine! If you won’t believe me about the guy, why would you believe me about anything else?” He zipped up the bag with a flourish and then held out his hand. “The ring.”
She held her hand over his and tipped her fingers down, so the ring slid off her finger. She barely felt it brush her skin. “It wasn’t even my size. I bet it would fit her. She seems thicker.” She motioned to her chest, grabbed his laptop, and shoved it at him before he could confirm or deny her statement. “You two have a Merry Christmas.”
“Oh, we will.” He smirked before dropping his bag on the floor and wheeling it out.
Lauren followed behind him so she could slam the door when he left, which she did–with relish.
As soon as his car was out of the driveway, she crumpled against the wall and drew in deep, gasping breaths.
Her family stood in the front room, staring.
“What, um, you okay?” Dad asked, opening his arms for her to fall into.
She straightened her spine. “I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not.” Mom came to her and tucked her to her side, ushering her into the front room to sit down.
She landed on the sofa and stared at the fireplace, her eyes out of focus. “I thought I was going to marry him,” she whispered. Jacob’s warning that it was too soon to become engaged came to her mind. Ugh! Did he have to be right about that? Of all the people on the planet, the last one she wanted to say I told you so was him.
Ethan cuffed her shoulder as he moved to the loveseat. Collin hovered close. His tender heart knew she needed someone near, but he wasn’t sure what to do about it.
“Be grateful you didn’t tie the knot with that guy.” Ethan jerked his head toward the door.
Lauren nodded as her mind raced ahead to what life would have been like had she gone through with the wedding. She shuddered. The reality that he’d cheated on her sank in, and she grabbed a pillow, squeezing it as she held it in front of her. She was so angry at Foster that she could spit. He was the one who cheated, and she was left here in a puddle of pity to deal with the situation. Ugh! He’d probably still propose to someone tonight and be floating on engagement bliss.
Life was so unfair.
And then there was Jacob.
He had no business being right about Foster–darn him! She couldn’t face him tonight at the sing-along. No way.
Not that she could hide the fact that she wasn’t engaged. She’d practically rubbed the ring in his nose that morning. She buried her face in her hands, embarrassed at her behavior.
“I’ll make some cocoa,” said Dad.
Lauren wanted to scream. If only cocoa could fix this.
CHAPTER12
Jacob stood at the front of the stage, handing out songbooks to eager Christmas singers. He enjoyed the sing-along tradition. As a kid, he’d looked forward to Christmas morning and the pile of gifts under the tree. As an adult, getting together and singing songs on Christmas night brought the true meaning of Christmas into focus. Seeing his neighbors and friends with their loved ones was a gift he couldn’t put under his tree.
The scent of mint cocoa enveloped him, and he looked to his left to see Lux handing out songbooks. A tall man with huge muscles and a serious look stood beside her, constantly scanning the crowd for a threat. They wore green cargo pants, black shirts, stocking caps, and dark red scarves.
“Be sure to sing loud and spread that Christmas cheer,” Lux told Old Man Martin, who had as much Christmas cheer as a cactus. He took the book from her, his hand brushing hers and his face cracked into the weirdest shape. If Jacob hadn’t known the man his whole life and been scolded by him more than once for cutting across his lawn, he would have thought it was a smile.
Lux grinned back at him. “I bet you have a beautiful bass voice.”
Old Man Martin cleared his throat and spoke an octave lower than normal. “I think I can bring something to the evening.” He hummed as he walked away.
Jacob stared at Lux in awe. “Where were you when he threatened to cut off my toes if I stepped on his lawn again?”
“She has a way with surly men,” said the muscle guy.
Lux giggled and elbowed him playfully. “You should know–you were the surliest.” She leaned into him as she spoke to Jacob. “This is my husband, Matthew.”
“Call me Quik.” He stuck out his hand, and Jacob’s was squeezed and pumped amicably. Quik’s precise movements were military.
“Where’s Nick? I haven’t heard from him since this morning.” Jacob’s stomach was in knots thinking about what Lauren must be going through as Nick dissolved her current relationship. “If she’s meant to be with this Foster guy, I need to step back. I can’t break up a good thing.
