Comfort Christmas

By Kimberly Fish

Having lost her spunk after miscarriages, Kali Hamilton is desperate to find her mojo again. As a successful entrepreneur, she knows her happy place is in creating gourmet foods. If only she could find the energy to pursue that passion instead of the exhaustion of running her home and business, managing her three-year-old, and keeping up with the expectations of her nosy community. Kali's network of friends in Comfort, Texas, bring her all the support she could want, but it's not enough. Even her husband, Jake, can't reach her anymore. And to be honest, she can't reach him, either. With Christmas approaching, the happiest time of the year feels more like a bust.  

Kali's craving something she doesn't know, and the only way to satisfy that weird longing--and maybe reset herself--is to go out on a limb. Will a risk be enough? Can a secret be kept in a town that thrives on knowing everyone's movements? Can she sleep at night, if she doesn't at least try? 

Christmas might be about love, tinsel, and carols for some people, but this year, for Kali Hamilton, it's all about discovery. She just hopes her marriage can survive the process.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kimberly Fish
• Release date: Sep 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9798223178248

Book preview

Chapter One

August 17th

Kali Hamilton glanced around the open, white-washed space of their family home, the one designed to unite the kitchen, living, and dining rooms, and wished they’d built walls. Jake had sketched this plan based on her folder of torn magazine photos she’d been hoarding for an occasion such as building a dream home. She’d not known at the time how difficult it would be to assimilate all those various pages into one cohesive look. She’d been pregnant with Charlie at the time and trying to market her cheese to specialty grocery store chains. There’d been a lot on her mind.

At the time, Jake was sure they didn’t need to turn the house project over to Beau and Colette Jefferson, because Jake had been building structures since he was sixteen; his theory being he could use the firm that built his horse barns and ranch offices. Within nine months they had a four-bedroom, one-story house straddling a ridge overlooking a lovely valley just a mile away from her ever-growing goat farm and cheese manufacturing facility, Provence Farm. It wasn’t the most glamorous house on the street, but it was sturdy, bright, and very functional. Though she’d never insult Jake by critiquing his decision to hire the same firm that built his horse barns, the outcome did impart a certain, uh, utilitarian aspect to their house. Jake was, and would be to his dying day, a cowboy. Men of the wide-open spaces didn’t diddle-daddle with frills like carved archways and cushion-piled bay windows.

With their friend group arriving for Jake’s birthday dinner, she was painfully aware of how their space wasn’t really outfitted for big entertaining. That could be due to the accommodations they’d made for their three-year-old son, Charlie, and his toy collection, but she did wish they had more cushions.

I can hear the clatter of the wheels turning in your head, Jake said as he set two bags of ice in the bar sink. What gives?

Chintz fabrics. Luxurious drapes. Deep sofas. And rugs. She needed about three more rugs to make the space cozier. Oh, nothing. Just imagining where everyone will sit.

At the dining table. It’s got twelve chairs.

She threw a hand into the air. And see, we have thirteen coming.

Gloria?

Gloria.

She’s cool. She won’t mind the chair rolled in from the desk in your home office.

Kali was not rolling in that chair to their dining table. This is the first time since Lacy and Rudy got married that we’ve had everyone over and I just want everything to look good.

Rudy, Jake growled. If he walks in here wearing another one of his expensive sports coats, I’m going to show him out.

I thought you liked Rudy. Why do you always carry on about what he wears?

His face stormed. Round hole, square peg. He’s not one of us. Luke, Beau, heck, even Jack Moses can blend in with any of the men roaming around these hills. Rudy sticks out.

That didn’t bother you when he and Lacy were dating.

Well, I didn’t think he had sticking power. Now, he’s family. He’s a little uppity, if you must know. Like he thinks he’s smarter than the rest of us.

Rudy Delgardo, executive chef at the five-star restaurant, Stella’s, in Austin, had recently been voted one of the best-looking men to be found in a kitchen by People magazine. Everyone had laughed off the national attention, except Jake. For reasons Kali still could not fathom, that small photo feature stoked a jealousy that erupted every time Rudy’s name came into conversation.

Tonight, though, Rudy was the least of her problems. Kali would have to answer the inevitable questions about her pregnancy and when her bump would be showing. She’d almost canceled Jake’s birthday party, but she’d brazenly announced she was doing this two months ago at Lacy’s bridal shower and had to follow through.

Dimming the chandelier over the long table where she’d set out her favorite dishes, she lit candles and double-checked the matching napkins, salt and pepper shakers, and glassware. A caterer was arriving any minute with the steak and shrimp entrees she’d ordered, and Jake’s favorite homemade desserts were in the warming drawer for later. There were plenty of beverages, too.

Even the silly birthday streamers were perfect.

So, why did she feel so empty?

No brainer. She knew exactly why she felt defeated, and there was no party on the planet that would make her feel any differently. Fake smile, she reminded herself. Paste on a grin and pretend like her world had not crashed.

Jake came up behind and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close to his chest. Thanks for doing all this. It looks awesome.

Closing her eyes, she savored the feel of protection. Glad you like it. It’s about time we celebrated you and all you do to make our lives better. Even Lacy said the other day you’re like the butler that comes in behind us all and cleans up our messes.

She said that?

Kali realized she needed to tell him more often the nice things people said about him. Yeah. Stick around more and you’d find out everyone loves you.

"Butler is a compliment? he asked, propping his chin on the top of her hair. Are you sure it’s not a dig about my business?"

Turning around, she wrapped her arms around his waist, looking up into the rugged face she had loved since she was a sorority girl. Never. You’re doing what makes you happy. I can’t help it that you own ranches all over Texas.

"South Texas."

She regretted that he always saw the gaps in her knowledge. Have you bought another one recently? Is that what I heard you telling Luke the other day?

Yes, but it’s not for horses. I just liked the look of the land.

Leaning onto her toes, she kissed him. Well, then happy birthday to you.

His kiss turned warm. Then he stopped. "It would be a happy birthday if you know what hadn’t happened."

Just that fast her thoughts dived. You can say the word miscarriages out loud.

He stepped back and dropped his arms. I hate that word.

Well, so do I, but it’s our reality. Again. I guess we just have to be thankful we had one healthy baby boy three years ago and not ask for too much more.

The doc said it was a boy. Jake scrubbed a hand over his jaw. We would have had another son. I can’t believe it.

The way he was staring at her she was sure he’d say something else, like ask how she was feeling. But no, he just walked away from the dining room like his was the only dream that had shattered into a million pieces.

The carport doorbell interrupted the fuel spilling over her thoughts. Don’t worry. I’ll get it, she called out with the teensiest bit of sarcasm.

It should be the caterer, not that Jake seemed to care that she’d hired the best grill master in the county. She didn’t know why everything her husband did and said these last few weeks lit a spark plug under her feelings, but it was true nonetheless. Biting the inside of her cheek, she tried to reposition her attitude. This was, after all, a party.

Letting in the man Rudy had recommended, she showed him around the kitchen and to the outdoor grill where he would finish the steaks to each guest’s specification. He seemed friendly, capable, and as his assistant brought in the plastic tubs with all the remaining ingredients and prepped dishes, she backed out of the kitchen. He suggested she pour a glass of wine and enjoy having someone else do the cooking, but the babysitter had only just taken Charlie to his room and she needed a last-minute pick up of the toys he’d scattered on his way to get into his pajamas.

Half an hour later, AJ and Luke arrived, bringing Gloria with them. Suddenly, the house seemed happier. Luke had that ability to walk into a room and make everyone feel better. She credited the kind way he’d look people in the eye when he spoke. The weather had turned a bit cooler, but she didn’t think that was why AJ looked pale. No doubt the stress her family created had sent things to a lower level. Surely, things were better now that her dad, Roger, had married his girlfriend and July Sands had returned to Nashville. Surely.

Gloria stopped at Kali’s side. I’m impressed you hired a caterer. When you told us the menu, I’d hoped you wouldn’t be spending the whole evening standing by the grill.

I know my limits. Kali squeezed Gloria’s arm. As Charlie’s unofficial grandmother, she was as much a godsend as a friend. But Jake loves nothing more than a well-prepared steak and a heaping side of shrimp, so we’re feasting tonight.

You two are the cutest couple; always on the front end of doing things right. Let me know how I can help.

If only. She felt neither cute nor right. There’s nothing to do. The chef’s assistant will serve and clean up. Truly, this party is a gift to us all.

Gloria winked. No need to over exert yourself these days.

Kali quickly looked away and thankfully saw another couple approach the door. Oh, look. Beau and Colette have arrived.

The twosome from San Antonio walked in the door with Jake’s cousins, who’d travelled in from Austin. Beau never met a stranger, so they’d find something in common before drinks were served. Kali made the introductions and offered everyone a beer or sparkling water. She popped the top on a bottle of Topo Chico, knowing they’d all suspect something was wrong if she started drinking wine tonight. Maybe she should tell them now. Deliver the bad news with a glass of Pinot Noir.

But on her husband’s birthday? Nah.

Finally, the newlyweds arrived, and she almost laughed out loud that Rudy was, in fact, wearing a sports coat. He rocked the pale linen-weave jacket and blue dress shirt. Lacy coiled around his arm, outfitted in orange silk, and together they looked like Texas royalty. Kali had often wondered what was really behind