For the Love of Winter

By Lia Davis, Danica Winters, Leah Miles and 10 more

Bake your cookies, light some candles, trim your trees, and be enchanted with thirteen sweet-to-spicy Chanukah, Christmas, and New Year's novellas that will sweep you from colonial days to contemporary times—each bearing a gift of happily-ever-after grand finales. This joyous collection is...   

A Winter Mating by Lia Davis. He returns to Willow Glen with one goal, to claim his mate. Convincing her that she belongs to him will be his toughest challenge, but he's not above using seduction to get what he wants.

One Night at Christmas by Danica Winters. As the busy owner of a veterinary clinic, Emily Avery always has her hands full of puppies but empty of the one thing she really isn't sure she wants anyway—a man. When the kind-hearted Derek Night makes an emergency call to help his mom's naughty pup, they both must step outside of their shells and let the magic of Christmas and one mischievous pup bring them together. 

The Christmas Crash by Tessa Lyons. Sparks fly when a relentless optimist and a grieving veterinarian are snowed in together at Christmas. Can they rediscover the magic of the season and find love in the most unexpected place?

His Christmas Date by Sara J. Walker. In this heartwarming story of seasoned romance, Dino Dudley and Hilde McQuire must navigate family drama and their own emotional baggage to find true love. 

Jordyn's Christmas Gift by Marie Morton. Jordyn Billings, a busy marketing executive, is gifted a holiday getaway to Chateau D'Or by her family, where she discovers an unforgettable and life-changing Christmas gift.

A New Lens on Love by Merrie Angel. Widowed and alone in 1973, Millie explores a professional photographer's life, and stumbles upon Adam--an insatiable adventure seeker related to Jackie Kennedy. Will they find a way to ignite a flame that burns far beyond Millie's expectations and set ablaze their own festival of lights? 

Recipe for Romance by Gloria Ferguson. Ashley McClain wants to win the Holiday Bake-Off with her late mom's cupcake recipe. Can she join forces with her friend and neighbor to claim the prize and a bit of romance just in time for Christmas?

Before the Rising Sun by V.L. Czerny. Their romance blighted at a colonial ball, Gertrude and Nicholas, forgetting their past acquaintance, are maneuvered by the Christmas spirit to set love loose and so refashion time's expected plans.

Unexpected Angels by C.L. Hart. Sometimes the best things come together when everything is falling apart.

Christmas Market Magic by Tessie Benton. Sydney Hawthorne hires an escort for a business date, but he's not what he appears to be, and their mutual deception sparks desire while careers hang in the balance.

A Merry White Christmas by Sally Murphy. Merry London, tasked with organizing an opulent Christmas ball for the McPhersons, faces an unexpected challenge in the form of Joel McPherson, whose fiery charm threatens to melt her icy exterior and unravel her meticulously laid plans.  

Lavender and Love Restored by M.J. Gates. Chief architect Jess Carlson is restoring a haunted historic hotel and helping a friendly spirit while reclaiming her life and love before the hotel's grand reopening on New Year's Eve.

Marry Me by Midnight by Leah Miles. Navy SEAL Kendall Nelson can't manage a successful proposal, and single mom Luisa Sanchez has no time for romance. 

Proceeds benefit the First Coast Romance Writers, an independent non-profit organization helping writers hone their craft and expand their knowledge of the publishing industry.

• Language: English
• Publisher: First Coast Romance Writers
• Release date: Dec 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223412069

Book preview

FOR THE LOVE OF WINTER

LIA DAVIS DANICA WINTERS TESSA LYONS SARA J. WALKER MERRIE ANGEL GLORIA FERGUSON V.L. CZERNY C.L. HART TESSIE BENTON SALLY MURPHY M.J. GATES LEAH MILES MARIE MORTON

For the Love of Winter

A Winter Mating © 2023 Lia Davis

One Night at Christmas © 2023 Danica Winters

The Christmas Crash © 2023 Tessa Lyons

His Christmas Date © 2023 Sara J. Walker

Jordyn’s Christmas Gift © 2023 Marie Morton

A New Lens on Love © 2023 Merrie Angel 

Recipe for Romance © 2023 Gloria Ferguson

Before the Rising Sun © 2023 V.L. Czerny

Unexpected Angels © 2023 C.L. Hart

Christmas Market Magic © 2023 Tessie Benton

A Merry White Christmas © 2023 Sally Murphy

Lavender and Love Restored © 2023 M.J. Gates

Marry Me © 2023 Midnight © 2023 Leah Miles

Published by First Coast Romance Writers

Jacksonville, Fl.

Cover Art and formatting by Lia Davis at Glowing Moon Designs

All rights reserved.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person or use proper retail channels to lend a copy. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of these authors.

All characters in this book are fiction and figments of the author’s imagination.

CONTENTS

About For the Love of Winter

One Night at Christmas

Danica Winters

About One Night at Christmas

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

A few of the other Books by Danica Winters

About the Author

Unexpected Angels

C. L. Hart

About Unexpected Angels

1. Grounded

2. A Revelation

3. Driving With Dom

4. At Ruby’s Boarding House

5. A Lonely Night

6. Lunch With Simon

7. Welcome to Flagstaff

8. Many Uncomfortable Returns

9. Dreams in the Smoky Quartz Room

10. An Early Start

11. An Astounding Revelation

12. Helen Exposed

13. A Woman of Many Faces

14. Family Reunion

15. By the Light of the Luminarias

16. Merry Christmas to All

Other Books and Stories By C. L. Hart

About C. L. Hart

The Christmas Crash

Tessa Lyons

About The Christmas Crash

1. Caity

2. Jack

3. Caity

4. Jack

5. Caity

6. Jack

7. Caity

8. Jack

9. Caity

10. Jack

11. Caity

Angel Cookies Recipe

Other books by Tessa Lyons:

About Tessa Lyons

Before the Rising Sun

V.L. Czerny

About Before the Rising Sun

1. We’ve Wandered Many the Weary Foot

2. But Seas Between Us Broad Have Roared

3. From Morning Sun Till Dine

4. Is Thy Sweet Heart Now Grown So Cold?

5. We Two Have Run About the Hills and Pulled the Daisies Fine

6. And There’s a Hand, My Trusty Friend!

7. And Give Us a Hand of Yours!

8. And We’ll Take a Deep Draught of Good-Will

9. Should Old Acquaintance Be Forgot?

10. We’ll Take a Cup of Kindness Yet

11. For the Sake of Auld Lang Syne

12. That Peace and Joy May Fill the Land, and Songs Go Up to Heaven

About the Author

A Winter Mating

Lia Davis

About A Winter Mating

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Epilogue

About the Author

His Christmas Date

Sara J. Walker

About His Christmas Date

1. December 22

2. Shopping

3. She arrives on December 23

4. some time alone

5. December 24

6. December 25

Other books by Sara J. Walker

About Sara Walker

Christmas Market Magic

Tessie Benton

About Christmas Market Magic

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

About Tessie Benton

A Merry White Christmas

Sally Ann Murphy

About A Merry White Christmas

A Merry White Christmas

About Sally:

Jordyn’s Christmas Gift

Marie Morton

Jordyn’s Christmas Gift

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Epilogue – One Year Later

About the Author

Recipe for Romance

Gloria Ferguson

About Recipe for Romance

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Epilogue

Other short stories by Gloria Ferguson:

About Gloria Ferguson:

Marry Me by Midnight

Leah Miles

About Marry Me by Midnight

1. Elf problems

2. Basketball tickets

3. The Lawyer

4. Dinner Fiasco

5. Two days later

6. Marry Me

Other books by Leah Miles

About Leah Miles

A New Lens on Love

Merrie Angel

About A New Lens on Love

Prologue

1. ~ Summer 1978

2. ~ Winter into Spring 1974

3. ~ Winter 1974

4. ~ End of Summer, 1975

5. ~ Winter 1977

6. ~ Winter 1977 into Spring 1978

Epilogue

Other books by Merrie Angel aka Joan Lange

About Merrie Angel aka Joan Lange

Lavender and Love Restored

M.J. Gates

About Lavender and Love Restored

Lavender and Love Restored

About M.J.Gates

ABOUT FOR THE LOVE OF WINTER

Sprints against time, second-chance romances, and enemies to lovers are some of the themes adding sparkle to this collection of holiday short stories. Bake your cookies, trim your trees, and be enchanted with thirteen sweet-to-spicy Christmas and New Year's novellas that will sweep you from colonial days to contemporary times—each bearing a gift of happily-ever-after grand finales.

A Winter Mating by Lia Davis. He returns to Willow Glen with one goal, to claim his mate. Convincing her that she belongs to him will be his toughest challenge, but he’s not above using seduction to get what he wants.

One Night at Christmas by Danica Winters. As the busy owner of a veterinary clinic, Emily Avery always has her hands full of puppies but empty of the one thing she really isn’t sure she wants anyway—a man. When the kind-hearted Derek Night makes an emergency call to help his mom's naughty pup, they both must step outside of their shells and let the magic of Christmas and one mischievous pup bring them together. 

The Christmas Crash by Tessa Lyons. Sparks fly when a relentless optimist and a grieving veterinarian are snowed in together at Christmas. Can they rediscover the magic of the season and find love in the most unexpected place?

His Christmas Date by Sara J. Walker. In this heartwarming story of seasoned romance, Dino Dudley and Hilde McQuire must navigate family drama and their own emotional baggage to find true love. 

Jordyn’s Christmas Gift by Marie Morton. Jordyn Billings, a busy marketing executive, is gifted a holiday getaway to Chateau D'Or by her family, where she discovers an unforgettable and life-changing Christmas gift.

A New Lens on Love by Merrie Angel. Widowed and alone in 1973, Millie explores a professional photographer's life, and stumbles upon Adam--an insatiable adventure seeker related to Jackie Kennedy. Their passionate connection sparks a flame that defies all expectations and illuminates a new future in a world of change and uncertainty.

Recipe for Romance by Gloria Ferguson. Ashley McClain wants to win the Holiday Bake-Off with her late mom’s cupcake recipe. Can she join forces with her friend and neighbor to claim the prize and a bit of romance just in time for Christmas?

Before the Rising Sun by V.L. Czerny. Their romance blighted at a colonial ball, Gertrude and Nicholas, forgetting their past acquaintance, are maneuvered by the Christmas spirit to set love loose and so refashion time’s expected plans.

Unexpected Angels by C.L. Hart. Sometimes the best things come together when everything is falling apart.

Christmas Market Magic by Tessie Benton. Sydney Hawthorne hires an escort for a business date, but he's not what he appears to be, and their mutual deception sparks desire while careers hang in the balance.

A Merry White Christmas by Sally Murphy. Merry London, tasked with organizing an opulent Christmas ball for the McPhersons, faces an unexpected challenge in the form of Joel McPherson, whose fiery charm threatens to melt her icy exterior and unravel her meticulously laid plans.  

Lavender and Love Restored by M.J. Gates. Chief architect Jess Carlson is restoring a haunted historic hotel and helping a friendly spirit while reclaiming her life and love before the hotel’s grand reopening on New Year’s Eve.

Marry Me by Midnight by Leah Miles. Navy SEAL Kendall Nelson can’t manage a successful proposal, and single mom Luisa Sanchez has no time for romance. 

Proceeds benefit the First Coast Romance Writers, an independent non-profit organization helping writers hone their craft and expand their knowledge of the publishing industry.

ONE NIGHT AT CHRISTMAS

DANICA WINTERS

Copyright © 2023 Danica Winters

ABOUT ONE NIGHT AT CHRISTMAS

As the busy owner of a veterinary clinic, Emily Avery always has her hands full of puppies but empty of the one thing she really isn’t sure she wants anyway—a man. When the kind-hearted Derek Night makes an emergency call to help his mom's naughty pup, they both must step outside of their shells and let the magic of Christmas and one mischievous pup bring them together. When they must move fast to save a litter of puppies, they have to put their pride and prejudice to the side and face their biggest challenges…all while taking the risk of falling in love.

CHAPTER ONE

For some, family could be a boon or a burden and often it was both. For Emily Avery, family was only a dream.

After her mother had died, she had been left with a brother who ran away to the other side of world to get away from the pain and loss. Unfortunately for her, running away wasn’t an option. Her job as a veterinarian kept her in Missoula, Montana. Every day was filled with puppy chaos and kitten malfeasance.

Today, the puppy de jour was a litter of golden retrievers, eight to be exact. Or, there would soon be eight. Now, there was only a whelping mama, Bells, and lots of panting.

Emily could hear the lapping of water and the huff of Mom coming from the whelping area her vet techs had put together in the backroom. Genie was in the back with Bells, but she had let everyone else go home and celebrate Christmas Eve with their families. The other vet had been talking about a party with his family and friends this evening. He’d invited her, but she’d fallen on the sword of manning the emergency line—even though there was another clinic in the area that had agreed to cover the emergencies over the holidays.

Admittedly, she just didn’t want to go back to her pristine house on her perfect little cul-de-sac that was covered in twinkling white Christmas lights. Every house and light post was covered with light and elaborate red and green wreaths…it was enough to make her want to roll her eyes. No one in her neighborhood actually loved Christmas that much.

Besides, the other eleven months of the year the HOA president was badgering at least one or two residents about the height of their hedge or their need to freshen up the paint on their fence. Most of the time, the neighborhood was filled with hurt feelings and yelling matches over freshly painted fences.

Her favorite fight had been between Mary Johnson and Karen Flaherty, the neighborhood thorn, when Mary’s pine tree had released too much pollen and its residue had gotten into everything.

After a great string of name-calling, Mary had ended up punching Karen squarely in her left boob. Emily wished she had witnessed it…or, even better, got a video to watch on her worst days.

The phone rang in the main lobby and Emily transferred it back to her office. She couldn’t help her smile as she thought about Karen getting what she had deserved.

Dry Creek Vet Clinic, how can I help you? she answered, but as she spoke, she realized it had been years since she had last answered a random phone call. This was so deep into the secretary’s wheelhouse that she wasn’t even sure if she’d gotten the introduction according to policy.

This is Derek Night. My mom’s dog is sick. I was hoping we could swing by if you’re open? The man sounded like he gargled with glass, his voice was deep and rich. If he was half as good looking as he sounded, she was in a whole lot of trouble.

What is her pup’s name? she asked, trying not to sound like she wasn’t yearning to hear more of his sexy voice.

"Bear. It’s a bitchen freeze mix. He laughed. Or, whatever it was they are called."

She’d heard the breed's name butchered in every number of ways, but his take was a new one.

You mean a Bichon Frise? she asked, trying to keep the laughter from leaking into her voice.

It’s little and brown, he said, but she could almost hear the shrug in his tone. Like I said, Mom’s dog, I’m just the messenger.

I understand, she said, though it was one of the first times she had a man call in for his mother. You must be a good son.

Make sure to tell her that, she may need reminding, he said with a laugh. I think she loves the dog more than me.

Well, we are open for a little bit if you want to bring your mom and her dog by, she said, hoping he was coming along.

She considered telling him about the other clinic open tonight, but she didn’t want to miss the chance to meet the man with the voice.

We will be there in ten. I warn you now, this dog is ten years old and may be part gremlin.

I won’t put him near the water, she teased, running with his joke.

If you do, I’m leaving her there with you forever.

Your mother would never let you, she said.

"It sounds like you have met her already. He chuckled. If you haven’t, get ready…she is just like her dog, but she doesn’t need water to act nuts."

A speck of jealousy wiggled into her psyche, at least he had a mother to drive him crazy. He didn’t know how lucky he was.

She laughed, but the sound was forced and hollow. We will be waiting.

Oh, he said, sounding a bit hurt that she had suddenly cut him off. Sure. Yeah. Soon.

She hung up the phone, torn by the man’s sexy voice and his relationship with his mom—he was teasing, but she wasn’t sure if it was disrespect or deep, secure love. He sounded so sexy, but she was committed to the idea that a man could always be judged by his relationship with his mother—under most circumstances.

Genie sauntered out from the back, tapping on her phone. Anything important? she asked, motioning in the general direction of the phone with hers.

She realized she never really asked what was going on with the bitchin gremlin. She didn’t want to admit to the tech that she’d failed. She wasn’t the kind of woman who accepted anything less than perfection—especially when it came to herself.

Doesn’t sound too major. Only a potential pain in her ass, especially if she was wrong about his sexy voice and he was nothing more than a sexy ass.

Genie tapped on her phone. Did you see the party pictures? she asked, lifting her screen so she could see the images of the other employees of the clinic and their spouses dancing and drinking wine at the open bar.

You know, I can handle this if you want to go. There’s nothing happening that I can’t manage.

Genie nibbled on her lip like she was tempted. She glanced toward the front of the clinic and at the Christmas wreath made of red and green cat toys and a bow decorated with images of kittens in Santa hats.

Just go. Emily motioned to the door. If anything comes up, I’ll make it work. Drink, be merry.

Genie clicked on her phone like she was sending a quick text. No doubt, it was to let her friend Joanna know she was on her way. The two techs were as thick as thieves and from what she’d heard, the only reason Genie had been here tonight was that she had pulled the shorter straw.

Genie smiled. Thanks, Dr. Avery. I appreciate this, more than you know.

She smiled, kindly. Have a dance for me and we will call it even.

You got it. Genie grabbed her thick wool coat and headed toward the door.

Hold on, I’ll lock the door after you go, Emily said, moving after the tech, her Dansko shoes tapping on the linoleum floor as she made her way after her coworker. I’ll walk you out. I could use a little fresh air.

Genie smiled and hurried to the coat rack beside the front door of the clinic and the rope leashes they kept on hand for owners without their own.

She handed Emily her heavy winter coat and as they made their way outside.

The night had a bite to it, and she pulled the icy air deep into her lungs as she walked Genie to her car. She waved as Genie got in her car and got it started. On nights like this, where she could smell the imminent arrival of fresh snow, she loved to be outside. There was a beauty in the peace and grandeur of standing in a world muffled by Mother Nature—for a moment in time, the world was at rest.

Tonight of all nights, it being Christmas eve, it seemed appropriate that the day of Jesus’s birth would be welcomed with serenity and promises of salvation.

She waved as Genie drove out of the quiet parking lot. There was a skiff of snow on the ground, all that had fallen yet this year. It was strange to have virtually no snow on the ground for Christmas and only have the bitter cold. It was the kind of weather that pushed down from Canada and stuck in the valleys like thick woolen blankets.

The wind kicked up from the south tonight, and she closed her eyes and let it bite at her face making her skin tighten. It probably wasn’t good for it, but she didn’t care. If working as a vet had taught her anything, it was that life could be more fragile than the thinnest of glass.

She wanted to live every moment she was granted like this, taking it in and being present.

There was the sound of a car in the distance and she listened, expecting it to be Genie making her way across town and toward the party. Surprisingly, the sound seemed to be coming her way.

A truck pulled around the corner and into the parking lot, coming to a stop not far from where her tech had been parked.

The man in the driver’s seat was wearing one of the silliest looking beanies she had ever seen. It was a quaint brown with a giant pompom on top and it looked like something a first-time knitter would have done if they had two broken hands and had run out of yarn about halfway through. It sat crooked on his forehead and there was a hole over his ear where the knitter had jumped stitches. If she had to have guessed, he’d made it himself, but she’d never met a man who knitted before. At least none who’d publicly admitted it. It made her smile.

She stared at the pompom and it took her a moment to realize that while she stared at his hat, he had been staring at her. She lifted her fingers in a little, awkward wave. He smiled at her and made a full-handed, enthusiastic wave. He did have a dazzling smile, but between the wave and the hat, she wasn’t sure what to make of the stranger. If he was the man who had called about his mom’s dog, she had been worrying about his being sexy unnecessarily. That hat was something her grandmother would have worn.

The man opened the door and stepped out. He looked at her from behind his open truck door. Is this the vet’s office? he asked, motioning toward the building behind her.

She turned, looking for the white, lit up sign that clearly stated Dry Creek Veterinary Clinic, but as she did, she noticed the sign was off. Of course, it wouldn’t have been illuminated after-hours on a holiday, and she hadn’t bothered to look to see if it had been turned off.

It is, she said, turning back to him. He was standing close to her, so close that she took a surprised step backward. Sorry, I— She put her hand on the back of her neck and smiled up at him. I didn’t see you there, you surprised me.

He smiled at her with that dazzling, white smile again. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. He was holding a blanket in his arms, and it looked as though it was wrapped around an animal. I called a little bit ago. About my mom’s dog?

She smiled. I was expecting you, Derek. Come on in. She led the way toward the front door and held it open.

As he walked by her, she could make out the strong, sexy aroma of peppery men’s cologne mixed with the sharpness of winter air and the softness of drier sheets.

The door closed behind her, and out of habit she reached over and clicked on the light switch for the exterior sign.

Who do we have here, tonight? she asked, motioning toward the swaddled pup in the man’s arms. She stepped closer as she thought about his phone call and him trying to come up with the breed name for the animal, it made her smile.

The name is Bear, he said, moving back slightly. Like I said on the phone, she is a monster so you may want to watch your fingers.

She nodded. Whatever the dog did, she had probably seen it before, and she respected an owner or guardian’s warnings.

Well, what is happening with our Bear? she said, motioning for him to follow her back into her exam room. She opened the door to the sterile, antiseptic smelling area and led him inside. You can put him right up there on the table if you would like. I mean, if he will let you. She sent Derek a smile.

As she did, his eyes caught hers and she could make out the flecks of dark blue mixed with the light brown in his hazel eyes. They reminded her of the seaside in the summertime and something about it made her relax and feel almost at home.

She would have to watch out. If anything, those eyes and that man seemed far more dangerous than the dog named Bear.

There was a cardboard Santa on the wall by the head of the exam table and as Derek moved to put the pup down a grumble erupted from the blanket. As he pushed back the red fleece, a snowman pattern came into view and deep at the center of the blanket a little brown head poked out.

Bear had a red and green plaid bow on his head and as he spotted her looking at him, he let out a second, more menacing growl.

She hated putting a dog in a muzzle for an exam, but she wasn’t ready to be bitten, either. Do you want to try and get him comfortable on the table there? You can leave him in his blanket if it makes him feel safer.

Derek nodded and put the dog down on the table. The growling coming from inside only stopped when she could hear Bear taking a breath.

Mom said she has been out of sorts today.

Meaning stomach issues or behavioral? she asked. She stepped beside Derek and his cologne drew her in like arms, and she pulled in a long breath of him.

She stared at his buffalo plaid coat and his silly hat. Somehow the hat had started to grow on her, but she wanted to see what he looked like without it. From what she could see, he had slightly longer auburn hair the same color as his beard. She’d always wanted to date a man with a beard.

Yet, she was being silly. There had been any number of good-looking men who had brought pets into this clinic over the last five years and she’d never had this kind of reaction before. All this desire she was feeling, to be closer to this man and to stare into his hazel eyes, was nothing more than a product of the time of year. It was Christmas and she was working and alone. It was the perfect recipe for an emotional lapse into the land of want.

She’d never been great at dating. The last relationship she’d had, that was anything besides a dinner and a drink, had been when the needs of her education came first and when her boyfriend had brought it up, she had realized how unfair she had been in trying to keep their relationship alive. They were still friends, but looking back, they had never really loved one another. In college and at that point in her life, she wasn’t sure she had even really understood what real love meant.

Come to think of it, she wasn’t sure she even knew what it meant for humans, now. Animals, animals she could feel and see. When dogs looked up at their owners when they came to get them after an appointment, that was real love. There was no mistaking the joy and pure heart which took over most dogs’ bodies and faces. Even some cats showed their love for their owners, though that could have been relief for many. Cats were funny like that.

She loved both species equally, but if forced to choose she was more of a dog person. Their wagging tails and smiles always melted her heart.

If only people were so easy to read.

Derek stepped back, motioning toward the pup. "Bear has never been one of those dogs who takes to people, but she isn’t normally like this." He motioned toward the blanket as another growl rose out.

I can see what you mean by a gremlin, she said, grabbing a small muzzle for the animal and wishing that she hadn’t sent Genie to the party. It would have been nice to have an extra set of hands for safety—both for handling Bear and to help her keep her distance from the man standing precariously close.

She could make out the steady sounds of his breath as she touched the edge of the blanket. The growling from inside turned slightly higher pitched. Little Bear, little bear… she cooed, suddenly thinking about her favorite children’s story about Little Bear and his adventures and it made her wonder if that was where his owner had gotten the name or if it was for the dog’s surly demeanor. Hey…sweetheart, she said, moving slowly as she took out a treat from the canister by the dog on the table and held it out at the opening of the blanket.

The little brown dog poked its head out and sniffed warily.

Derek said nothing but the room was heavy with silence, almost as though he was waiting for something terrible to happen.

Bear scooted further toward her, and she withdrew the treat just a tiny bit to make the dog move out of the fuzzy den. Bear gave her a sidelong glance, the whites of his eyes exposed as he reached for the treat in her palm. He moved to take it and as he did, she smoothed down the blanket behind him in an effort to stop it from burrowing back in and out of reach.

Hey, little Bear, she cooed, letting him finally munch on the soft treat in her hand.

Now that the animal was out in the light and fully exposed, she could tell why the owner had called him Bear. He looked like a young bear cub, with his tousled hair and floppy ears which appeared almost round on his head.

How old is our friend? she asked, looking at Derek as she let the little cub sniff her.

She is about ten.

"Oh, our Bear is a she?" Emily smiled. The dog shuffled over to her and stepped onto her hands like she was some kind of treat dispenser.

She laughed lightly as she lifted the dog’s ears and did a quick exam of her overall health. At first glance, she seemed well-kempt and in good physical shape.

She massaged the pup’s stomach, thinking about the golden retriever in the back who was in active labor. Do you know if she has been spayed?

He nodded. I think Mom said she did it when Bear was young.

She nodded, but there was a strange lump in the dog’s small belly. Frequently, in cases like this, what she was feeling was usually one of two things—a pregnancy or a tumor. If this poor girl wasn’t able to have puppies, then her only hope was that the tumor Emily was feeling wasn’t something malignant.

Bear is my mom’s emotional support animal. My father passed last year around this time of year and she has really come to rely on Bear to keep her from sinking into the depths of her thoughts.

Emily sighed. Of course, like most she helped, this pup was the center of their owner’s world. She didn’t want to be the one to shatter someone’s peace, especially not at Christmas.

I think I’m going to need to get an x-ray on our girl. She has a lump I’m a little concerned about. She hated what she had to say, but there was no good time for bad news.

Derek’s face lost its color, and he reached over to pet the dog, but as he moved toward her Bear snuggled into Emily’s arms, begging to be picked up.

As she picked up the teddy bear-like dog, she found she was more swollen and puffier than she would have expected. She was a bit heavy, but it could have been from extra fluid retention due to the possible tumor’s placement.

My mom is going to be so upset if something happens to her. She is her everything. Derek’s stricken voice pulled at her heart.

She reached over and put her hand on his arm. A warmth radiated up from him and he looked down at the place her fingers rested on his jacket. It’s going to be all right. I’ll take care of our little Bear. I promise.

He put his hand on hers and gave her fingers a gentle squeeze. She wasn’t sure who was more reassured by the gesture, Derek or her.

I trust you, he said, those gentle hazel eyes met hers.

Her heart skipped a beat.

There was a faint bark from the back room. Pulling her attention away from the man.

Oh, I didn’t realize you had other guests. There was that dazzling smile, again.

You can come back and meet her. I have a golden retriever who is just about to have a litter of puppies. We are expecting eight.

That’s a lot of puppies.

That’s why the owners had us take care of the process. The good news is that everything seems to be progressing normally. You want to meet her?

He looked at Bear in her arms, making her feel silly for not addressing his mother’s dog’s needs first.

I'm going to have to give Ms. Bear here a little sedative so we can get some really good X-rays of her. I have a feeling that she wouldn't do so well if we just try to get her to lay down and be calm. As she spoke, the brown pup tried to burrow into her elbow.

I couldn't agree more, Derek said. And I'd like to meet your expectant Mama in the back. I love dogs. Sometimes, more than family. He chuckled. Dogs can be far less work.

She opened the door to the exam room which led into the hall. Bear was now trying to climb up her shoulder and move around her neck. The poor pup was obviously in discomfort, and the sooner they could get answers, the better. After the X-ray, she'd have to make sure to take a little blood and run some labs as well.

I think you're pretty lucky, to have your choice between them. Dogs or family, that is. For me, other people's dogs are my family. She didn't mean to come off as though she was pathetic or sad, but somehow it sounded like both.

She could feel his eyes on the back of her head, and she couldn't bring herself to see how her admission had been received. If she had been really wanting him to ask her out, or whatever, she shouldn’t have revealed so much. A man didn’t want someone without a foundation; especially a man like Derek, who had a mother who relied on him and probably a tight-knit crew of brothers and sisters, as well.

Is that why you're working tonight, you don't have family? Or, is your family just not close? he asked, but there was no hint of pity in his voice and the lack of it surprised her.

Maybe she hadn’t come off as pathetic as she had felt, after all.

My parents have been gone for about five years, now. Bear nuzzled in under her chin and finally laid down in her arms. One brother I don’t have contact with. So, really, no one.

I’m sorry about your family, he offered, but she waved him off.

It’s okay, but this time of the year is harder than most.

Possible cancer and now I’m telling him about my grief. Merry Christmas to this poor guy. He would have been better off staying home. She chided herself.

The golden retriever mama was panting as they entered the open area where the dog was lying in a whelping area set up in the corner. She looked up at them and moved slightly, but Emily put out her hand. Stay right there, Bells. You’re okay. Emily put Bear down on the table they sometimes used for surgeries. Derek, if you’d hold Ms. Bear, I’ll grab the sedative.

Derek did as she had requested and as he moved beside her their hands grazed against one another and a surge of electricity ran through her. How did he manage to do that to her with his mere touch? It was so strange and so…unexpected.

As she worked setting up the syringe with the minimum amount, Derek was holding Bear. The dog was squirming in his arms and panting. Derek said something that Emily couldn’t quite hear, but it made Bear grumble.

She definitely has a chip on her shoulder when it comes to you, doesn’t she? Emily asked, turning back with the syringe.

He sighed. I’m about as good with this dog as I am with women.

She tried to control her laugh. I’m sure it’s the dog, not you. She is just uncomfortable.

No, she’s never really taken to me. I think she is jealous that my mom pays attention to me, as well. He smiled, the action making his eyes sparkle.

It struck her as ironic that this dog hated the fact she had too many family members, while Emily would have been happy to have just one. The dog grumbled again as she stared up at Derek.

She shaved off a patch of the dog’s forearm and gave her a quick poke. She took a little bit of blood and then administered the sedative before pulling Bear back into her arms. She listened to the dog’s heart and lungs with her stethoscope until she was woozy and ready. It only took a moment to get a quick X-ray.

Bear was snoring as she picked her up from the table. Is it okay with you if I keep her in one of our kennels until she wakes up? I want to monitor her and make sure she has no issues.

He smiled widely. Absolutely, if it means I get to be with you a little bit longer.

Her ears warmed and she coyly looked away. I appreciate the help and the company. I mean, if you’re not in a hurry to get Bear back and if you’re not busy you are welcome to hang out as long as you like.

Do you have a cot and blanket? he teased.

She giggled. I can probably do better than that—we have some really nice foam dog beds. They are shockingly comfortable.

If I’m with you, that’s all the comfort I need, he said, grinning.

That’s one heck of a line. She laid Bear in the kennel and closed the steel door before turning back to him.

Did it work? He moved slightly closer to her, so close that she could smell mint on his breath.

Maybe a little, she whispered, want radiated up from her core.

Do you know how beautiful you are? he said, his voice hoarse with desire.

She put her hand on his arm, willing him to move closer. She wanted those lips. He probably tasted minty, like his breath. Her mouth watered at the thought of kissing him. With lines like his, he was probably a great kisser; the kind who started slow and worked it into a flurry of pressing bodies, the kind which left her heart racing and her searching for air.

He moved until their lips almost touched…so close.

There was the sound of a jingling bell as the front door of the clinic opened and closed.

Derek stepped back at the sound. She lurched forward, searching for the kiss that wasn’t to come.

CHAPTER TWO

Dr. Avery was one of the most beautiful women Derek had ever seen in his life. Her back was to him, and he watched her behind press against the black fabric of her scrub pants and it made him want to walk after her, forever.

There was another ring of the bell from the front of the clinic. He could make out the sounds of voices from the front lobby, but in an effort to not be in the way he stayed in the back with Bear and the champagne-colored golden retriever in the corner.

Bear was snoring away in her enclosure and didn’t appear to be coming out of her sedation quite yet. His mother, Patty, was going to have a conniption if she found out there was anything beyond a stomachache wrong with Bear. He had to hope that there was nothing wrong with the dog that IV fluids and an antibiotic couldn’t fix.

Yet, he couldn’t help but think about the expression on Dr. Avery’s face when she had been palpating Bear’s belly. She’d even warned him there had been a lump, but until the X-ray was read, there were no real answers.

A woman came into the back, a black Schnauzer in her arms. The dog was panting. The woman was wearing a red suit with green buttons and a Christmas tree pin on her collar. It reminded him of his mother in her younger years. The only thing missing was an extra dry vodka martini with a twist in the woman’s well-manicured fingers.

His mother had never missed a chance for a good, cold martini—even to this day.

You can leave her right there, the doctor said, motioning to the silver exam table next to the one where she had placed Bear.

Thanks, Doctor. The woman in the red suit sent him a thin-lipped smile, spun on her heel and started back for the front door. I’ll see you in the morning. She didn’t even look back.

Yep, the suit-clad woman was uncannily like his mother, who he’d left sitting in her chair in front of her perfectly decorated tree with gold and silver ornaments, hand procured from the specialty store. Each ornament was numbered, and she had watched him like a hawk as he had taken them out of their red velvet boxes and put them on the tree. If pressed, he wasn’t sure she had let him keep a single ornament in the original location in which he had placed them.

Her oversight and attention to detail drove him crazy, but it was also one of the many things that he loved about her.

Glancing over at Dr. Avery, he felt sorry for her. If she’d had a family like his, then she knew exactly how much she was missing out on by no longer having them in her life. It made his heart ache, but it also gave him an idea.

What’s up with this one? he asked, letting the Schnauzer sniff his hand before he gave her black fuzzy head a good scratch.

The dog gave him a lick.

She’s having puppies. Dr. Avery wiped the back of her hand over her forehead. It’s going to be a long night.

Don’t worry, I’m here for the long haul. He walked over to the sink and quickly washed his hands then slipped on a pair of blue nitrile gloves. And I’m ready to do whatever you say.

I think there are some kennels that need cleaning, back there, she said, tilting her head toward the silver crates near Bear.

That wasn’t quite what he had been expecting to help with, but he grabbed some paper towels and moved to get to work.

She giggled. Stop, I’m only kidding. Everything is cleaned, but I’m glad to see you really are willing to pitch in.

You’ll come to find that I’m always good on my word.

Unless you are calling a woman beautiful. You couldn’t have meant that. She studied him.

He sent her a wide smile and moved closer to her. How old are you?

The question threw her. What? Why?

Well, if you are old enough to be a vet, then you are old enough to have heard many men tell you exactly how beautiful you are. You know you are beautiful. If you don’t, I’d be happy to spend the rest of our time together convincing you.

She giggled. He loved that sound. He’d pay anything to hear that sound when he woke up in the morning…and possibly every morning for the rest of his life.

He’d never been one to believe in love at first sight, but this evening was threatening his cynicism. Dr. Avery seemed to embody every aspect of what he’d always envisioned in his imaginings of the perfect woman.

The craziest part was how attracted to her he was, and yet, he didn’t even know her first name.

Doctor? he asked, slowly.

Yes? And call me Emily, she said, looking down at the dog and yet still answering his unasked question as though she could read it on his face. What, Derek?

Oh. The way his name sounded on her tongue made his body clench and parts of him awaken.

What does your Christmas look like? he asked.

She shrugged as she worked with the black dog. I will be here. Everyone else who works here has kids and family, so I let them all go home and enjoy their time.

He appreciated her selflessness. I closed my offices until after the New Year.

Your offices? she asked, looking up. What do you do?

I’m a doctor as well.

Oh? she asked, sounding impressed. What is your specialty?

Pediatrics. You get puppies, but I get babies.

She softened as she glanced at him. That is amazing. So, you must like kids. Do you have any of your own?

He laughed. Not hardly. I’m not good at dating. And when I was younger, all I wanted to do was study.

She opened her mouth like she was going to say something but then shut it.

Say it, he urged.

She smirked. "I was going to say that I was the same way. Well…I am the same. I am a workaholic."

A worry filled him. "Do you think two workaholics can make it work if they were together?"

The smile which had been on her lips since he had first started talking to her faded, slightly. That’s a good question. She pointed toward the black dog. Why don’t you give her a little scratch. While you’re doing that, I’ll go take a peek at your X-rays. They should be good to go. Then, you can get back to your night.

There was something in her voice that tore at him. Things had been going so well—until he had raised his question and allowed real life to invade their stolen, blissful daydream-like time together.

He should have stayed quiet.

Worrying about his mother’s dog was worry enough. He could have just left them to have this singular moment and then they could have gone back to their lives—if that was what she wanted. Yet, as the thought settled, he had a feeling that no matter how much he tried he would never be able to go back to a time when he didn’t want her. She would definitely be the woman who haunted him.

Emily disappeared into a back room, and he loved on the black Schnauzer. The pup was huffing and licking away at his nitrile glove like he had covered it in peanut butter. He had a feeling the dog was probably just about as high-end and designer as the woman who had dropped it and dashed.

A few moments later, Emily came out. Her smile had returned, but with it now was a slightly mischievous raise of the corner of her mouth. You won’t believe it.

What?

Patty’s beloved Bear is having puppies.

He stopped petting. "Huh? No. She’s…She’s not been around a dude. Ya know?"

Apparently, she has, she said, with a laugh. And it gets better…We are going to be surrounded by puppies by morning.

He glanced over at the kennel where Bear lay. She was looking out the bars at him and as he spotted her, she gave a little grumble.

You can handle her… he said, tipping his chin in the direction of the dog that clearly hated him. I’ll get the rest of them. I’d like to keep my fingers.

There was a small cry from behind them in the corner. Bells, the golden retriever, was licking a tiny furry bundle.

It looks like you are up to bat, she said, motioning toward the dog on the ground. I’ll check on Mama and you make sure baby snuggles up on her belly. They are going to need to bond.

As he moved toward the puppy and its mother, he had a fantastic feeling that the mother and puppy weren’t the only ones who were going to become attached.

CHAPTER THREE

The night had gone by fast and when Derek had left at first light, they had helped with the happy and healthy births of twelve puppies. There were a few more to arrive as Chanel, the black Schnauzer wasn’t quite done, but she’d assured him that she had it under control.

Bear was sitting, safely tucked away in her little kennel