Savanna's Gift Read online

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Dedication

  Praise

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

  10

  Back Page

  Savanna’s Gift

  Camille Eide

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  Savanna’s Gift

  COPYRIGHT 2011 by Camille Eide

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or Pelican Ventures, LLC except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  eBook editions are licensed for your personal enjoyment only. eBooks may not be re-sold, copied or given away to other people. If you would like to share an eBook edition, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with.

  Contact Information: [email protected]

  Cover Art by Nicola Martinez

  White Rose Publishing,

  a division of Pelican Ventures, LLC

  www.pelicanbookgroup.com

  PO Box 1738 *Aztec, NM * 87410

  White Rose Publishing Circle and Rosebud logo is a trademark of Pelican Ventures, LLC

  Publishing History

  First White Rose Edition, 2011

  Electronic Edition ISBN 978-1-61116-135-9

  Published in the United States of America

  Dedication

  To Dan, the love of my life.

  And to the Lord for Whom every gift is given.

  Praise for Savanna’s Gift

  “Camille Eide’s seamless writing swept me into this sweet story from the opening page. Savanna’s Gift made me laugh, think, cheer for the characters, and give a sigh of pure satisfaction at the perfect ending. I highly recommend this debut novel from a gifted writer who I’m guessing we’ll see much more of in the future.”

  ~Miralee Ferrell, Multi-published author of historical fiction, including Love Finds You in Sundance, WY, 4 ½ Stars Romantic Times.

  "With her trademark zany style, Camille Eide weaves a meaningful, believable romance in Savanna's Gift. Against a beautiful backdrop of a snowy Oregon lodge, she grants her characters wonderful second chances and dreams fulfilled. This is the best novella I've ever read!"

  ~Christina Berry, Christy-nominated and Carol Award-winning author of The Familiar Stranger

  “Camille Eide’s fiction debut, Savanna’s Gift is an enchanted tale of lost love and second chances. With endearing characters and the smell of cinnamon-scented pinecones in the air, I was swept away in this heart-warming story. Lovely anytime. Perfect for Christmas.”

  ~Carla Stewart, award-winning author of Chasing Lilacs and Broken Wings

  1

  The steady drizzle switched to a fierce spattering of rain mixed with snow as Savanna Holt exited the freeway and headed east toward the mountains. She switched the wipers to double time and checked the rearview mirror. Mylie was still dozing, her soft, red curls pressed into her princess pillow. Savanna smiled. Her goddaughter had turned out to be a pretty good little traveler and hadn’t complained much in the four hours since she’d waved goodbye to her mama. Savanna suspected her best friend, Natalie, had mustered every scrap of willpower she had to keep from gathering up little Mylie for another last hug before sending her off to spend Christmas with her grandparents. Savanna also suspected Natalie was the one needing the extra hugs, considering what the coming days with her dying dad would bring.

  Savanna scanned the radio stations until she found one playing upbeat Christmas music. Absently, she hummed along. “But as long as you love me so, let it snow, let it snow, let it—”

  She let a flat chuckle slip out. “OK, scratch that.”

  According to the forecast, the pass was already getting plenty of snow. The couple winters she had spent working at Evergreen Ridge Resort taught her several things—like how a blast of fresh powder would heighten the holiday spirit at the popular Oregon ski lodge. Not that this trip would have her sticking around long enough to sample the Christmas spirit or the skiing. If she’d left home earlier, as she’d intended, she wouldn’t have to be on that mountain any longer than it took to deliver Mylie-Bug to her grandparents and kiss her goodbye. But as late as it was now, driving down a slick mountain in the middle of the night after a full day on the road was asking for trouble. The Freemans had insisted on booking her a room as a way of saying thanks for delivering their granddaughter. No problem; she could leave early in the morning and still get to her mom’s place in plenty of time to catch a Christmas Eve re-run of It’s a Wonderful Life.

  Now that was ironic.

  Lord, help my mom. I’ll do what I can to help her, but I can’t change her. Only You can.

  Savanna eased out a sigh. I should know—You changed me.

  The windshield fogged. She cranked up the defrost and checked on Mylie again. Turning up Rocking Around the Christmas Tree, she focused on the road. When Natalie asked Savanna for this favor, she had smiled to cover her reluctance and agreed to help her friend. Natalie's father was dying and her husband was deployed. Besides, all she had to do was take Mylie to Evergreen Ridge where Natalie's in-laws were celebrating Christmas. Natalie would do the same for her in a heartbeat. But the gnawing in her gut reminded Savanna what the task would entail. Seeing Evergreen Ridge at Christmas would unleash an avalanche of memories, taking Savanna back to her last Christmas there, summoning all the emotions and sensations as if it were only yesterday. The majesty of the pristine, snow-coated mountain rising behind the lodge, the glow of twinkling lights, the rustic-yet-elegant beauty of the décor, the blazing fire in the massive stone fireplace, the amazing aromatic blend of fir and peppermint and spice—everything would probably be just like it was before. Everything except for Luke’s quiet, heartfelt proposal and her melting into his arms with a breathless yes. Everything except that part.

  Without warning, images of Luke’s calm, green eyes and amused smile spilled into her thoughts, stirring up a fresh burst of regret. The kind of regret she could only put to rest by praying, again, that she was done learning life’s most important lessons the hard way.

  As they passed through the last of the foothill towns, the snow-rain mixture hitting the windshield turned to fat, dry snowflakes. Any hope of reaching the lodge before dark vanished, but she pressed on. Although she was in no hurry to revisit a place adorned with twinkling reminders of what she’d lost, the sooner she delivered her little Christmas angel, the sooner she could turn her car around and get off that mountain.

  ****

  “Are we there yet?”

  Savanna smiled into the rearview mirror at a bobbing mop of curls. “Just about, princess. You know what? I was starting to think I had Sleeping Beauty in my car and wondered if I should find a handsome prince to help me wake you up.”

  That got a tinkling giggle from the four year old. “OK—I’m asleep.” Her head flopped against the pillow, and she belted out a string of snores.

  With a chuckle, Savanna rounded the last turn and ascended the lodge’s drive. The sight of Evergreen Ridge’s main entrance brought instant relief to Savanna’s tense shoulders. Battling thick, steady snowfall had slowed her progress up the mountain by an extra hour. Since the Freemans had called her cell phone several times before she lost signal to see if she and Mylie were OK, Savanna knew the older couple would be as relieved as she was at their arrival.

>   Behind the lodge, long rows of lights cut blinding white paths into the dark slopes, illuminating the way for night skiers. Savanna quickly pulled her gaze away.

  No more falling for strong, silent ski instructors. One was enough.

  Swallowing against the ache that crept into her throat, Savanna pulled over near the entrance and parked in the loading zone. A life with Luke would have been enough. More than enough. If only she’d gotten her head screwed on straight and realized that before Fed-Exing his ring back to him and making the biggest mistake of her life.

  Stop it.

  Even though the change had come too late, Savanna had changed. It had taken some time and lots of bungled, gut-wrenching prayers, but she finally put the Luke-and-Savanna season of her life behind her. Along with wondering where he'd ended up in his search for year-round snow. Who he'd married. If he was OK.

  Because whatever had become of Luke Nelson was no longer her business.

  Thanks to impressive valet and bell service, Savanna stood inside the reception area with Mylie within minutes of arrival, marveling at the charm of the lodge’s rustic beauty. They waited their turn at the front desk. The attendant checked her in and took a second look at his monitor.

  “Oh—looks like you have a message.”

  The Freemans. Savanna covered a smile. It was actually nice to have someone worrying about her.

  “George and Kathy Freeman would like you to meet them in the Fireside Room as soon as you can.” He punched a few keys, then looked up and met her eyes. “Would you like me to take you there?”

  “Thank you, but I know where it is.”

  She led Mylie out of the reception area and into the massive main lobby, and then stopped. They had stepped into a magical winter wonderland. Though she’d expected beauty, her breath still caught at the sights before her. Thousands of little white lights twinkled everywhere—in corners, along the thick wooden beams, and draped overhead, bathing the lobby in a soft glow. Lighted evergreen garland adorned the log walls in an elegant swag pattern. The fragrance of fresh cut fir and cinnamon-scented pinecones and dried fruit wreaths filled the air. The tall stone fireplace in the center of the lobby housed a roaring fire, filling the lodge with the sweet, musky aroma of hardwood smoke. Two long sideboards along the far wall were loaded with peppermint bark and truffles and iced gingerbread men and spiced cider. Strains of Celtic carols wove in and out of sparkling conversations as guests mingled and sipped and reveled in the warmth and magic of Christmas.

  She felt a squeeze on her arm, and she looked down. Mylie’s eyes glittered from all the tiny lights. She let out a squeal and Savanna followed her gaze. A giant tree, at least twenty feet tall, stood in the adjacent Fireside Room near the long windows overlooking the deck. Dazzling colored lights and stars and painted ornaments covered the tree from top to bottom. Shiny wrapped packages spilled from beneath the tree in every direction.

  Heat from the fire warmed Savanna’s cheeks as she recognized the spot where, four years ago, she had curled close to Luke’s hammering heart and promised to be his wife under the glow of a similar twinkling Christmas tree. Her cheeks burned at the memory of his lips touching hers, gently at first, and then claiming her mouth, stealing her breath—

  Mylie clutched Savanna’s hand. “This is the beautifulest Christmas I’ve ever seen!”

  “Thank you,” a deep voice said.

  Savanna turned. A broad-shouldered man in a dark green polo and slacks had crouched to Mylie’s level to ask if she’d gotten a cookie yet. His calm, quiet voice sent tremors through Savanna, raising goose bumps along her arms.

  No. It couldn’t be.

  Smiling, the man straightened and faced Savanna. In the dim glow from the lights, he looked like—

  No. It was a trick of the lighting. An overdose from all that daydreaming. It was—

  Luke.

  2

  Heart battering her ribs, all she could do was stare. And remind herself to breathe. Though his shoulders filled out his shirt a little more thoroughly than she remembered, it was Luke—no doubt about that. He had the same tanned face and strong jaw. A jaw now cleanly shaven instead of that sexy couple days’ growth he used to wear, not for style but because he’d always roll out of bed and hit the slopes without remembering to shave. Those same long-lashed, green eyes. And—oh, man—the same warm, amused smile, which was fading quickly now as recognition dawned on his face.

  Luke seemed just as stunned as she was, and for a moment, he did nothing but stare at her. “Savanna?” He spoke in a hushed tone, like it was nuts to be saying her name out loud. “I almost didn’t...your hair is longer. Darker.”

  “Yeah, I was going for festive. It’s called Roasted Chestnut.” Nice. Straight from the book Fascinating Things to Say When Bumping Into Your Ex-fiancé.

  Mylie clung to Savanna’s side with a shy smile beaming up at Luke. Ever the princess.

  “Did you just arrive?” Luke’s voice sounded oddly even.

  “Yes, just now as a matter of fact.” And should I ask what you’re doing here?

  His gaze dropped to Mylie, and then crept back up to her. “I hope you and your…family enjoy your stay.” He looked around as though searching for someone. “Did your husband get help with your bags?”

  “Oh, no. I don’t have one. A husband, I mean.” Or a working brain. Savanna stroked Mylie’s curls, collecting her thoughts. Speak. Something coherent would be good now. “This is my friend’s daughter, Mylie. I brought her here to spend Christmas with her grandparents.”

  Luke didn’t move. He didn’t do anything but stare at her as if she’d just read him her grocery list in Chinese.

  She moistened her lips and smiled. “The Freemans? They come here every Christmas.”

  He nodded. “I know them. Nice couple.” Luke folded his arms across his chest, drawing her gaze first to his ringless finger, then to the gold name badge just above the Evergreen Ridge logo on the breast of his shirt.

  Luke Nelson, Resort Manager.

  Wow. So he had come back. Or had he been here all along?

  “You look good, Luke.” Reeeally good. Like hotter-than-I-remember good. She forced a smile, the one he’d always called her Sandra Bullock knock-out smile, while fighting the urge to claw at her closing throat. “I can’t believe you’re still here.”

  Luke stiffened and he drew himself up, his jaw muscles rippling in short, tense waves.

  Oh, man, I think that came out wrong.

  “Can’t you?” His green eyes darkened, piercing her. “Wouldn’t think you’d be surprised.”

  Lord, I’ll donate a kidney and some limbs if You’ll erase the things I did and said...

  She sucked in a deep breath. “Luke, I didn’t mean…”

  The pager on his hip beeped, and he gave it a glance. “Enjoy your stay. Excuse me.” Then he pivoted on a heel and walked away.

  Unable to move, Savanna watched Luke’s retreating back. He was still angry, and she couldn’t blame him. She stood staring long after he disappeared, struck with the thought that she’d been thousands of miles from Oregon when she broke their engagement. She hadn’t seen what it had done, how he must have felt. Seeing her now probably brought it all back for him.

  Heart pounding, she reached into her coat pocket and felt for her keys, wondering how long it would take to find her car and flee. She’d slide down the mountain sideways if she had to.

  “Savanna?” A bouncing Mylie tugged her sleeve. “I’m thirsty and I gotta go potty.”

  Some godmother you are.

  Moments later, with the restroom visit done, Savanna led the girl to the Fireside Room and found the Freemans. After hugs and a little catching up, Mrs. Freeman asked about Natalie’s father. Being careful of Mylie’s ears, Savanna told them Natalie was spending her dad’s final days with him in the ICU, reading and singing Christmas carols to him, and that he wasn’t expected to last beyond Christmas. Then Savanna asked the Freemans for the latest news about their son, again being
careful of what Mylie would hear. The girl knew her daddy was in Afghanistan being brave, but didn’t really understand what that meant.

  Mylie’s yawns triggered a sudden wave of exhaustion in Savanna. She kissed Mylie and excused herself for the night. As she climbed the stairs to her room, a growing heaviness slowed her steps. Some of it came from travel fatigue, some from relinquishing Mylie, and even some from remembering her best friend’s dying father and absent husband. But most of it came from seeing Luke and his reaction to her. Cringing, she couldn’t forget the taut look of anger on his usually relaxed, friendly face. She was the source of that.

  As Savanna opened the door to her room, her stomach complained. Her last meal had been at noon, yet there was no way she could eat anything now. She dropped her bag and flopped on the four-poster bed, knowing she should appreciate the rich woodwork and tasteful décor of the room, but her heart hurt too much. Unable to think any more, she dozed off.

  ****

  Luke stared at the storm warning glowing in bold letters on the monitor without really absorbing the words. Savanna’s voice still rang in his mind.

  I can’t believe you’re still here.

  He had a hard time believing that. Hadn’t she made up her mind that he had no goals in life beyond hitting the slopes day after day? That since he enjoyed being a ski instructor, he had no dreams of doing anything else? Yeah, he had dreams. It was just that in those days, most of his dreams revolved around a fun, beautiful brunette whose breathtaking smile and energizing presence distracted the daylights out of him. Even with college and his ski resort work, it had been difficult to keep his mind on anything but her.

  Not so now. She’d thoroughly cured him of that.