Christmas in Dream Valley

By S J Crabb

Settle down in a magical place that time forgot, where the snow glistens on the frosty ground, the fairy-lights glow like magical stars in the trees and romance blossoms against all the odds.

 

When the new vicar and his family move to Dream Valley just before Christmas, they need a lot of help.

 

Local playboy, the gorgeous Brad Hudson, takes one look at the vicar's daughter and, he is the first in line. 

He will do anything to win Dolly's heart, but having heard of his reputation, her father has other ideas and does everything in his power to tear them apart.

 

Unused to having to work for love Brad tries his best but he has never come up against a protective father quite like Scott Macmillan. 

Ex-special forces soldier turned military vicar; he proves a tough adversary.

 

Brad is determined to make Dolly fall in love with him and rises to the challenge until her father reveals his trump card, leaving Brad and Dolly battling to stay together.

 

Will love blossom under the starry skies of winter or will the vicar have his prayers answered and keep his daughter's heart safe?

• Language: English
• Publisher: S J Crabb
• Release date: Nov 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223879909

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

My breath collides with the icy air and offers me a brief moment of warmth as I wrap my arms around my body in the hope of getting some heat inside. I lost all feeling in my feet a while ago and as I attempt to wiggle my toes, it hurts.

A sigh of frustration makes its way into the frozen atmosphere and once again I try desperately to coax the little car back to life, to no avail.

The sound of a dying car is not a pleasant one and the tears sting as I swallow the lump in my throat at the realisation this is the end of my pride and joy only one year after I got her. That’s the trouble with second-hand cars and I suppose we always knew her time was limited. The fact we were given the car from one of dad’s parishioners whose mother had died makes it all the more poignant because it appears the car didn’t want to carry on without her rightful owner, anyway.

Sighing, I peer through the windscreen and in normal circumstances would be more than excited about the view. Gentle rolling hills covered with a light dusting of snow. A bright blue sky with the rather wispy clouds scurrying along on their business. Frozen fields empty of life as the usual wildlife snuggle in their burrows and wait for the first sign of Spring and the frozen puddles that remind me why I’m in this mess in the first place.

It’s one of them that made my little car skid to the verge and as she stalled, she decided life wasn’t worth living and just gave up on me. Once again, the tears build and I sigh inside because what on earth am I going to do now? My phone has no power in this undulating landscape because the signal can’t reach me. There is no life for miles because Dream Valley is the land that time forgot. A sleepy town that has barely made it out of village status and my frustration is growing as I contemplate living here for however long my father has got.

The pile of leaflets on the seat beside me reminds me I have an important job to do and I suppose they may come to my rescue because I am on my way to Dream Valley town to post as many of them as possible to encourage the locals to come and help make Christmas special.

Sighing, I lift the pile in my frozen fingers and leave my dying car to be retrieved later and start the torturous walk towards what passes as civilisation around here.

Despite the fact any heat left my body ages ago, I try to enjoy the view. Maybe the exercise will warm me up and chase away the bite of the cold. I certainly hope so because until I get a signal, it’s my only shot at surviving this twist of fate that could be serious if I don’t reach a warm fire or a hot bath soon.

With one eye on the signal bars on my phone and one hand gripping the leaflets tightly, I set off at a brisk pace, trying not to let my frozen limbs scream in protest. At least I’m wearing a coat that would draw a Yeti’s admiration before eating me alive for being so foolish and the faux-fur hat that felt so fashionable and snug on my head is a welcome addition to any degree of warmth my body can scrape together.

Grateful of the sheepskin gloves that were a present from my mother last Christmas and the sunglasses that keep the glare of the sun from hurting my eyes, the only thing I’m unhappy about are the sheepskin boots that seemed so perfect when I selected them but are slightly too small and are now pinching my toes. In fact, it’s painful to put one foot in front of the other and I wonder how long I must endure this torture for.

Lifting my eyes to the heavens, I mutter a silent prayer to God to deliver me from this evil because I want to get this over with and join the rest of my family around the inglenook fire, sipping the amazing soup that was boiling on the stove when I left.

As I head towards the town, I try anything to keep my mind off the predicament I’m in now, namely my fight for survival, because I’m in no doubt I’m facing one now. The town could be hours away and I may not have that long because my feet are screaming they will give up at any second and my hands are turning blue inside my gloves. I want to cry so badly but I can’t resist the tears freezing on my cheeks and so with a determination that has been drilled into me from an early age, I walk as briskly as my feet will allow in the direction I hope leads me to Dream Valley town.

Maybe it’s been fifteen minutes, possibly half an hour later, I hear the welcome sound of life on the road behind me.

A car!

Lifting my eyes to God, I offer a silent prayer of thanks because surely I am saved. The fact it may be dangerous doesn’t even enter my head because I’m in survival mode right now and as I see a large camper van heading my way, I wave my frozen arms as I step out from the side of the road.

The van passes and my heart sinks, but as it slides to a stop a few feet away, my heart lifts and my soul sings because I’m saved.

As quickly as possible I run towards it, my feet slipping slightly on the frozen ground and as I reach the window, it rolls down and I see a young man inside, looking at me with curiosity.

You ok, darling?

I’m sorry but… My voice sounds weak and slightly breathless as I try to get it to work and my throat hurts as the icy wind enters my mouth and takes away any warmth I was holding onto.

Um, my car broke down and I could use a lift to town. I’m sorry to ask but…

It’s fine, jump in, I’m heading that way.

Ignoring the warning that has been drummed into me from an early age, that under no circumstances to ever accept a lift from strangers, I jump up into that van as if my life depended on it and, to be honest, I think it does.

Sighing with relief, I feel so happy to be in a warm place at last and the fact I’m with a stranger doesn’t seem to matter.

He pulls away from the side of the verge and says cheerily, You must be new around here. I’m Brad Hudson, local heartthrob and all-round great guy.

His laugh has a wicked edge to it and despite myself, I smile. Dolly Macmillan.

Nice name.

If you say so. I grin and note how easy on the eye this saviour is. An open, friendly face with a slightly wicked smile and the bluest blue eyes sparkling with mischief. He is wearing a warm hat and appears as wrapped up as I am, and certainly doesn’t look like the sort of man my parents warned me about.

So, Dolly, what brings you Dream Valley?

God.

I giggle at the look on his face as he faces the fact he may have offered a mad stranger a lift and, taking pity on him, I say brightly. My father’s the new vicar, Scott Macmillan. We moved in a couple of days ago and I’ve been sent out to spread the word.

Lifting one of the leaflets, I sigh. My mission, whether I chose to accept it or not, was to post these flyers around town inviting the volunteers to save Christmas. We don’t have long either because if we are to spread peace and love, we only have a few weeks left.

Brad laughs and as my toes begin to warm up, opening up with a sigh to the warm air on my feet, a sweet Christmas carol plays out from the stereo.

So, Dolly, what do you do when you’re not on a heavenly mission? Do you work?

He seems interested and has a genuine smile that makes me comfortable with him. In fact, he’s the first person I’ve spoken to since we arrived, outside of my own family, and it’s good to talk to someone new. Maybe it’s because he’s incredibly handsome as an added bonus, and he seems sweet enough, which makes me relax so I shrug.

I finished university in the summer and have been helping my parents until I work out what I want to do.

What did you study?

Theology, sadly.

Brad laughs and shakes his head. So, you want to be a nun, shame.

Good God, no. I stare at him in horror and he raises his eyes. Are you allowed to say that?

Only when my father’s not listening and in the company of people who couldn’t give a damn.

I grin as he laughs out loud, Can you even say that too? You’re a wicked woman Dolly Macmillan.

What about you, do you work? I’m curious about a man who appears to have been sent to me by God and he shakes his head. Not really. Like you, I’m in between careers and deciding what I want to do with my life.

What are you thinking? I’m curious because I could use any suggestions myself because nothing really appeals to me and he sighs. I want to travel - a lot. See the world and have experiences.

That sounds… expensive.

It can be, but I’m kind of thinking of doing it with my van and hitting the road and seeing where it takes me.

And that sounds… scary.

Just thinking of taking off without a plan goes against everything I’ve ever practised in life because I plan absolutely everything and he says with curiosity, So, you’re not one for adventure, Dolly.

Not really.

Looking out at the landscape flashing past, I sigh. I’ve had more than enough adventure to last me a lifetime. You see, we’ve moved around a lot and never really settled anywhere. I suppose I’m hoping to find somewhere to call home. To make a life in and set down roots. Build a future I always imagined having and forming lasting friendships that I’ve never really had before.

I sound pathetic even though it’s true. I do want that. I want to feel as if I belong somewhere and not just passing through on a wing and a prayer.

For a while there’s silence and I expect Brad has moved on already. We are so different that’s obvious and as we pull into civilisation, I feel a little disappointed the moment has passed.

So, here we are, Dream Valley metropolis. What’s your plan?

I suppose to start at one end of the high street and work my way along. Then I’ll call my father to come and get me.

I sigh and, turning to face him, smile brightly. Thank you so much for rescuing me. I really appreciate it, Brad.

Anytime, angel.

A soft shiver passes through me at the way he smiles and stares at me with a gentle look, the endearment dripping from his tongue and wrapping me in interest. Brad Hudson appears to be my dream man and I’m reluctant to leave the warmth being around him creates, not just physically, either.

Tearing my eyes away, I make to leave and he says quickly, Why don’t I buy you a hot coffee or something? I wouldn’t consider I’ve rescued you properly unless I restore warmth to every part of your body.

He grins cheekily and for some reason my face flushes as I feel a little heated and nod shyly, I’d like that, but please, let me pay as a thank you for the lift. I really do appreciate it.

He nods toward a sweet little coffee shop with ‘The Cosy Kettle’ in bold lettering above the door.

We’ll argue about who’s paying later. Come on, let me introduce you to the finest hot chocolate in the world.

As we leave the warmth of the van and the icy wind whips around my face, I no longer register it because deep inside me an inner glow is growing by the second because of him. Brad Hudson. My rescuer, saviour, and the hottest man I think I have ever met. I always knew there was a God and I should know, my father works for him.

CHAPTER 2

Ialmost whimper with delight when we cross the threshold of the warm and cosy coffee shop. Fairy lights are draped around Christmas decorations and the intoxicating scent of spice and cinnamon wafts towards me like the purest form of temptation.

Brad appears to be well known here because I immediately notice that almost every eye in the place is drawn to him and many wave a cheery greeting as he chats to them as we pass.

A smiling woman looks out from behind the counter and I don’t miss the curious look she throws my way.

Hey, Brad, your usual?

Not this time, Miranda. I’d like two of your most decadent hot chocolates for me and my frozen friend.

The woman’s eyes swing to me and she smiles with a warmth I could bask in all day.

You must be new around here. I’m Miranda.

Dolly.

I smile and she looks between us as if trying to work out our connection and Brad obliges by saying, I found this damsel in distress walking here from the church. Her car broke down and she was struggling.

You have my sympathy sweetie, both for your car trouble and the fact it was Brad who found you.

She laughs and Brad rolls his eyes and grins. She loves me really.

There aren’t many empty tables, but Brad points to a couple vacating one by the steamed-up window.

Grab that table, angel and I’ll pay.

Oh, I couldn’t…

Frantically, I reach into my bag and he shakes his head. You can get them next time. He winks and turns away as my heart skips a beat. Next time.

Somehow, I like the sound of that and as I make my way to the table, the couple pulling on their gloves and scarves look at me with friendly curiosity.

Good morning. The woman smiles, and the man stares at me a little too hard and I say shyly, Hi. I can’t believe how cold I am. I’m Dolly.

The couple share an amused grin, and the woman says in a friendly voice, Hi, I’m Scarlett and this is Mark. Welcome to Dream Valley. Where are you living?

The church. They share a look and I grin. Well, the vicarage behind it but close enough.

You must be the new vicar’s…

Daughter. I finish the sentence because I could tell Scarlett was a little unsure of my connection.

For some reason the couple share an amused look and I see the woman glance across at Brad who is leaning on the counter chatting to Miranda.

My eyes drag after him a little too long and Scarlett whispers, Just a word of warning where it concerns Brad Hudson, Dolly.

Oh, why?

I look back quickly and she raises her eyes. Listen, he’s a great guy. They all are really, but you would be well advised to keep him at arm’s length. She leans even closer. He has a reputation around here as a bit of a player. I don’t think there’s many young women who haven’t enjoyed a ride in his camper van, if you know what I mean?

I swallow - hard.

Mark laughs. Scarlett’s right, honey, and we should know. We run the Dream Valley caravan park and Brad’s van is a regular. Not to mention spending most nights parked up at Pineland Forest with another willing companion to keep him warm.

My heart sinks like a burst balloon and Scarlett says kindly, Like I said, he’s nice enough and extremely easy on the eye, but a little promiscuous. I’m pretty certain your parents wouldn’t approve, so, well, just a friendly word of advice, no harm intended.

They smile as Brad heads our way, and he says cheerily, Hey, my favourite campsite dwellers, it’s unusual to see you both in town – together.

Hey, mate. Mark nods at him and smiles. Not much going on at the moment, out of season, you know. You should swing by for a few beers before Christmas. It would be good to catch up.

Sure, I’ll take you up on that.

How’s your mum? Scarlett smiles at him warmly and I notice a slight softening in Brad’s eyes as he says happily, Good thanks. She’s relishing all the organisation that goes into Christmas. Are you coming to our usual Christmas party this year?

Wouldn’t miss it for the world.

Scarlett looks at her watch. Come on Mark, we still have some Christmas shopping to do and I think parking will be a nightmare in Riverton. We’ve left it too long already.

Mark groans and pulls a face. Do we have to?

Yes, let’s get this over with.

They grin as they head off, and the blast of icy air from the open door makes me shiver.

Brad points to the newly vacated seat and smiles. Tuck yourself in there. The drinks won’t be long and I’ve taken the liberty of ordering some nice hot crumpets to take the edge off.

He is being so kind and yet Scarlett’s’ warning is fresh in my mind and I feel a little disappointed about that.

I’m not one for paying attention to gossip, but if she’s right and Brad Hudson is a little free with his favours, there is no way possible I could entertain any thoughts outside of friendship with him. Then I feel foolish because he’s only being friendly and probably wouldn’t be interested in me anyway, so I smile my thanks. You’re a lifesaver, and I’m pretty sure you will get your reward in heaven.

Well… he leans forward until his mouth is inches from mine and a prickle of danger passes through me as he whispers, I was kind of hoping I wouldn’t have to wait that long.

Leaning back, he smiles his megawatt smile at Miranda as she heads our way with two steaming mugs of hot chocolate, containing more cream than is good for me and two plates of hot buttery crumpets that are making my stomach growl.

Here you go, lovelies, nice and warm.

I almost fall on them before she even leaves because I am so desperate to thaw out and Brad laughs. See, I told you I was a lifesaver.

I look at him between narrowed eyes as I chew on the delicious treat and find him watching me with the type of look my father always warned me about. I would say mother but she would more than approve of Brad Hudson because she likes to live her life a lot closer to the edge than me and for a moment as I think of my incorrigible mother, my heart settles and Brad says with interest, What are you thinking?

About my mother, actually.

Tell me about her.

He seems interested and I laugh. I couldn’t possibly describe somebody you would need to meet to enjoy the full experience of. I’ll let you make up your own mind about my mother, but if you ever meet my father, you are well advised just to listen and keep conversation to a minimum.

If? He leans back in his chair with a smirk. "Not if, Dolly, when I meet your father because you need volunteers and I am the first in line."

Excuse me. I stare at him in surprise and he laughs. Isn’t that what this mission is about, to get people up to the church to help out? Well, you can consider me your first recruit because I have time on my hands which is lucky for you, and would love to help out.

You would? I’m surprised because Brad Hudson doesn’t seem the type to loiter around churches, and he grins. Consider me at your disposal night and day. He winks, causing a blush to creep across my face before I can stop it.

His eyes twinkle as he leans forward and whispers, Only if I can work with you, though. That’s my one condition.

I feel a little flustered because from the look on his face, he is interested in more than helping out and Scarlett’s warning is sounding loud in my mind as I struggle to distance myself from this obvious player.

Um, thanks, you’re very kind but don’t jump too soon, you don’t know what’s involved yet.

Taking a sip of my drink, I try to regain some form of self-control and he shrugs. I can kind of guess. My mother has volunteered over the years and sometimes I help out when she needs some muscle. It’s fine, we’ll soon have Christmas organised and everyone will be happy.

Your mother? As I set the mug down, he laughs softly and leans forward and before I know what’s happening, reaches out and wipes his thumb across my lips. I almost jump from my seat as he gazes into my eyes with an intimacy that makes me shiver. I immediately chase the feeling away as he says softly, Cream.

Sorry.

You had cream on your lips.

Oh… um, thank you.

I