At Home For Christmas

By Stephanie Hurt

A small town, coming home, warm Christmas romance… Grab your hot chocolate and dive in!

Kiley was going home to the small, picturesque town of Hope, Virginia, after five years of being away. The fact that she wasn't sure what would happen only deepened her anxiety. She'd left everything behind to follow her career as a journalist, but what she'd thought was her dream had become somewhat of a nightmare.
Will had spent the last five years focusing on his ranch and the construction business he'd built from the bottom up. He'd been hurt when Kiley left, but he refused to dwell on it any longer. Maybe one day she'd come to her senses and come back home to Hope, where she belonged. But he wasn't holding his breath.
The moment they see one another when she breaks down on the road that leads to Hope, both are unsure. Neither of them was prepared for the rush of feelings that came back in. Will was certain of one thing, he wouldn't be hurt again, by anyone. And he was guarding his heart with an iron gate he didn't plan on opening for her or anyone else. After being home for a couple of days, Kiley realizes she needs to make some hard decisions but is one of them moving back to Hope?

With Christmas fast approaching, romance is in the air. But will it be enough to get these two back together or will the pressure be too much?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stephanie Hurt
• Release date: Nov 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201689445

Stephanie Hurt

Stephanie Hurt lives in Georgia with her husband Tommy and their son Hunter, along with two dogs, Daisy and Jake. When Stephanie is not lost in one of the worlds that she creates, she’s an accountant and children’s minister. She has been writing the stories that fill her mind since she was a teenager. The moment a story comes into her mind, she’s mesmerized and soon she’s diving into the story with a cup of hot green tea and a notebook. Before long, the story has bones and is ready for the laptop. She happily types away in the early morning and at night. You can always find her with a notebook full of stories that have yet to come to life. Follow her journey in each of her over 40 published works! Stephanie Payne Hurt loves to hear from fans and hopes that she’s helped them go to another world for at least a while! Connect with Author: Twitter: https://twitter.com/StephanieHurt4 Email: https://[e-mail] Website: www.stephaniehurtauthor.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephaniePayneHurt Sign up for my newsletter at www.stephaniehurtauthor.com to keep up with upcoming events and new releases.

Book preview

A barn in a snowy field Description automatically generated with low confidence

Chapter 1

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Kiley set in the car, waiting on the Atlanta traffic to release her from its grip. She couldn’t believe that she was going back home for Christmas. The last time she spent a Christmas in Hope, she’d left with a broken heart. The fact that she’d avoided a replay, only made her anxiety about this trip worse.

Her phone began to jingle as she took the exit off the main interstate. Kiley Kendall, she said with her usual business tone.

Yes, I know it’s you. A quirky feminine voice filled Kiley’s car. Now, tell me I’m not misunderstanding this, you’re coming home.

Kiley’s mouth curved into a smile as her best friend’s laughter came over the speakers. You heard right. She rolled her eyes at her friend's attempt at humor.

So, how bad is your anxiety? Naomi’s tone changed to a more serious note.

The funny thing was, Naomi knew Kiley better than anyone. It’s out the roof right now. But it is getting better since I left the Atlanta traffic behind me. Kiley chewed her bottom lip as she took the next turn. She glanced down to the screen situated in the dash and let out a long sigh. Only nine hours to go. Mom hasn’t caught on to the secret, has she?

No, she’s too busy helping with the children’s home Christmas bazaar. Besides, you did tell her that you had an assignment in Tuscany over the Christmas holiday. Naomi said, then giggled. You know she’s going to be upset that you lied to her.

She’ll get over it when she realizes it was part of her Christmas present. Kiley wanted to ask about Will, but she couldn’t bring herself to open that wound. How is everyone in town?

Naomi clicked her tongue. Just ask about him. Geez, you’ve got to rip that Band-Aid off already.

Ok, ok, how is Will? Kiley squeezed her eyes shut for a second, then opened them back up to watch the road.

Gorgeous as ever. I do believe he ages like a fine wine. Naomi said, then she sighed heavily into the phone. And he’s still single. I think he’s still pining for a certain journalist.

Oh, shut up. You know that’s a lie. He’s the one that broke up with me, remember?

I was there, remember? But I also remember someone saying that the only way you two could stay together was if he’d leave his ranch and go travel the world with you. The man will never leave Hope and you know it. Naomi chided in a snarky tone.

Kiley knew that Naomi wanted her to move back to Hope. She’d been upset with her when she moved away to escalate her career. Although she was happy for her friend, she missed her and had no qualms about letting her know every time they spoke, which was at least twice a week. Naomi, I had no choice. The only way to get to the next level was to take that job in Atlanta. It was the best move for me.

But not for Will. Naomi was quiet for a moment. He’s got a successful construction business now. And the ranch is doing well too.

I’m glad for him. He deserves it. Kiley remembered his family ranch so well. She’d spent a lot of childhood there. They would ride horses, chase the chickens, harass the cows, and any other stunt that would give them entertainment.

Well, have a safe drive and see you soon, Naomi said.

See you soon. Kiley ended the call and focused on the drive. If she was lucky, she’d be able to drive straight through. The drive would give her time to think. Her job had taken a toll on her, and the last assignment had almost gotten her killed. She was rethinking her priorities. That’s why she didn’t fly home but opted to drive. This way she wasn’t on a schedule. She’d taken enough vacation time to get her through the first of the year.

The first stop she made was in Charlotte. She needed to stretch her legs and grab a bite to eat. There was a diner attached to the gas station on the main road and it looked promising. After a nice mid-morning meal and a gas fill-up, she was back on the road. The further north she got, the more snow she saw. This was aiming to be the snowiest Christmas in a long time for this part of the country. She missed the snow. Atlanta only got a trace every year. But at home, there were at least 20 inches by January.

She only stopped two more times before she hit the county line of her hometown. Just as she drove across the line, her car made a groaning sound. For a moment she thought it was just road-noise, but when it sputtered and lurched forward, she realized that it was more than the road. With frustration, she coasted to the side of the road. She was thankful that the snowplows had recently scraped the roads, so she was able to pull onto the shoulder without any problems.

Kiley tried three times to get the engine to crank but to no avail. She hit the steering wheel, then rubbed her hand. The fields on both sides of the car belonged to Will’s ranch. So of course, she’d break down here. It didn’t take long for the heat in the car to turn icy. She pulled on her gloves and jacket, then got out of the car. Since it wasn’t far from the town, she’d just walk.

The sound of a truck coming up the road was a welcome relief to Kiley. She turned to flag down the driver, but her hand fell as she recognized the man behind the wheel of the shiny new four-wheel-drive truck. Of all the people in this small town to come to her rescue, why did it have to be Will? He got out of the truck and walked around to where she stood beside her car.

Well, I didn’t expect to find you out here in the middle of nowhere. You’re a long way from Atlanta ma’am. Will said in his deep baritone voice that made Kiley’s heart race against her will.

I didn’t expect to break down out here either, Kiley said in an obnoxious tone that only made Will’s smile broaden. "I’ll just wait on the next