Caroling in the Snow (New Hope Sweet Christmas Romance 2)

“You did what?” Gemma demanded after she heard the story of the previous day’s events. She stood next to Chloe in a gorgeous red velvet dress that fell to her knees with a bow tied at the back of her neck. “Tell me you ran after him.”

“I shut the door in his face.” Chloe closed her eyes and groaned. “You guys should have heard me. I was so awful to him. He hates me now.”

Her eyes searched over the crowd, hoping against hope that the back of Jordan’s head was there among the sea of attendees. Instead of finding him, they settled on the backside of Ashley Lynn’s perfect blowout and red cashmere cardigan. Sitting stiff-backed next to her was Aaron, their arms looped together. The sight made Chloe’s eyes burn. Brianna was sitting only a few rows in front of them, completely unaware of the jerk behind her.

As if on cue, Ashley Lynn glanced over her shoulder, making contact with Chloe’s furious stare. She returned the stare and then revealed her big white teeth in something that resembled a snarl more than a smile. After an exaggerated wink, she returned her attention to Pastor Steve, pulling Aaron’s arm closer to her side. Chloe had to fight the urge to pounce on her and tear that little cardigan to shreds.

“He doesn’t hate you.” Laurie placed a comforting hand on her back. She wore a high-necked cream lace dress that perfectly complimented her pale skin. “I’m sure he’ll understand if you just call him. Tell him you’re sorry.”

“But you guys don’t understand.” She turned toward them, misery apparent in her eyes. Despite the fact that her play had been canceled tonight, she’d still shown up at the Christmas Eve service in the new outfit her sister had helped her pick out weeks ago - a deep green vintage satin dress that fell off the shoulders and hugged her small waist and hips in just the right way. She had hoped Jordan would get to see her in it. She had also hoped it would make him drool. “I told him we weren’t meant to last. That we weren’t even a thing and he didn’t matter anymore. You should’ve seen the look on his face.”

There was silence for a moment as each of the women considered what she’d said. Chloe hid her face and breathed deeply. How could she have been so mean? It wasn’t Jordan’s fault that her sister’s happily-ever-after was never going to happen. Maybe she’d screwed up her own happy ending because she’d felt so guilty about Brianna. Or maybe she was just an awful person. Either way, this feeling hurt.

“Why don’t you call him?” Gemma pulled a phone out of her purse and nudged it into Chloe’s hands. “Apologize. You’ll feel better.”

A wry smile appeared on her lips. “Not if he tells me he hates me.”

Laurie pushed her toward the exit. “He won’t. I promise. Now, do it before you lose your nerve.”

The congregation had just begun the first chorus to Joy to the World. Chloe shook her head, but proceeded to leave the church in search of a little quiet. The cool night air greeted her, kissing her cheeks and the tip of her nose. Just across the street and halfway down the block was the entrance to the city park. Thousands of white lights lit up the trees, making for a fantastic sight. Chloe spared it a short glance and then looked down at the phone.

“Here goes nothing…” she mumbled.

Guilt had been weighing on her shoulders since yesterday. She’d thought about calling him a million times already, but never felt brave enough to press that button. He hadn’t even texted her to say he’d made it home yesterday. No call. Nothing. Not that she blamed him.

“Don’t pick up, don’t pick up,” she said as the phone rang.

Leaving a voice mail seemed easier to her. She could pour out her apology without worrying about his reaction. The phone rang six times and then went to voice mail, making Chloe’s pulse race in anticipation. Here went nothing.

“Um…hi, Jordan. This is Chloe. Listen, I’m so sorry I didn’t call you before now. I was stupid. I shouldn’t have said those things about you, about us. They weren’t true.”

The last chorus of Joy to the World rang out from inside the church. She pressed a hand to her ear to concentrate on the message.

“I guess I was just really freaked out. You know, I grew up thinking love was supposed to be this perfect thing. Like a story from a fairy tale. But it isn’t. I mean, I just found out from my mom that my parents split when I was little. They worked it out, but still, that really rocked my world to hear that. And then Aaron went and cheated on Brianna and now they’re broken up. Sometimes there is no happy ending. Just like for your mom.”

She swallowed and rested her head against the cool stone of the building. The first few people were beginning to exit the church. The service was officially over.

“I guess I’m rambling… The point to this message is that I’m sorry. I’m sorry I said those things to you and that I chased you away. We’re not perfect, but we are perfect for each other. These last few weeks have been like something out of a dream. I can’t imagine you not being here, with me. Hopefully it’s not too late. I don’t want you to hate me. I don’t want to lose you.”

Closing her eyes, Chloe dropped the phone from her ear and ended the call. She wasn’t sure if she’d said everything she needed to, but it was enough for now. At least she’d said her piece. If she never heard from him again, she could at least have comfort in knowing she’d made an effort.

Still, that slight comfort didn’t fill the giant gaping hole in her chest at the moment. She missed him desperately. She would’ve gladly given up all her hard work and glory of the musical to have him back, holding her hand. If only she hadn’t been so awful.

By now, the crowds were streaming from the church. A sea of hats and coats surged forth and onto the street. She stood with her back against the wall, watching them all leave. It seemed like they were all headed to one destination - the middle of the park. Standing on her tiptoes, she squinted at the procession, wondering what was going on.

“Are you coming?” Pastor Steve asked as he exited the church. He had draped a black woolen coat over his black suit. Standing at least a foot taller than her, he smiled down at the top of her head. “Don’t want to miss the best part.”

Music began to drift their way. She jumped in step with Pastor and tried to catch the tune. “Did you add a caroling portion to the Christmas Eve service? What a great idea! I love singing in the snow.” She could use a little pick-me-up. Christmas carols were just the ticket.

A sly smile lit up Pastor Steve’s face. “That’s exactly what we’re going to do. By the way, I’m sorry we didn’t get to see your musical.”

Chloe looked up at him with sad eyes. “Me, too. I’m sorry I let the church down. It was too bad Ashley Lynn was too busy to take on the Christmas play this year. She would’ve put on a better show.”

He stopped suddenly, causing her to dig her heels in the snow and slide to a quick halt. “Ashley Lynn wasn’t too busy to put on a play this year,” he said with a tilt of his head. His mouth twisted into a wry smile. “She wanted to do it again this year, but then we also had your application. The board de

cided to do a blind test and pick the best play. Yours won, hands down.”

She felt her mouth fall open as she stared up at his brilliant gray hair. “You mean, I beat Ashley Lynn for the job? All this time, she’s been telling me she was too busy. She lied? I won, fair and square?”