The Christmas Wedding Ring

Nearly eleven years ago, when Janet had first thought about breaking up with Dylan, Molly remembered listening at the door as her sister had talked to their mother, trying to decide what to do. Janet had been concerned about their differences in lifestyle and expectations. Dylan had grown up on the poor side of town, in a single-wide trailer. All he’d seemed to care about was his bike and Janet. She’d wanted a man with ambition. At the time Molly had thought her sister was incredibly stupid. Ambition was all well and good, but they were talking about Dylan Black. He was worth ten lawyers or doctors.

As Molly continued to study the impressive room, she realized she’d been right. A smile pulled at her mouth. He’d come a long way from that ratty old trailer. Maybe, while they were away together, she could ask him to tell her the story of what had happened to bring him here.

She returned to her car and collected her suitcase, then went back inside. Dylan had described the basic layout of the house, telling her to make herself at home. By nature, she wasn’t much of a snoop, and even if she’d wanted to look around, this place was way too intimidating for her taste. So she didn’t poke her head in all the open doors along the hallway. Instead, she headed for the last door on the left, and found it led to a guest room, just as he’d promised.

The four-poster queen-sized bed was attractive, as was the plain pine furniture. The comforter was a floral print, with matching drapes at the windows. A few tasteful paintings decorated the cream-colored walls. Through a door on her left was a huge bathroom, complete with spa tub. Everything was perfectly clean. Dylan obviously had the use of a cleaning service. Or maybe someone came in a few days a week to tidy up.

She set her suitcase on the bed and opened it. Dylan had told her she would have to pack light for their adventure. After all, they were heading out on one of his motorcycles. A flicker of excitement tickled her tummy. She couldn’t believe she was actually going to do this. She, little Molly Anderson, was going away with Dylan Black. It was, she thought, a Christmas miracle of sorts. And lately miracles had been in short supply in her life.

She sorted through clothing, deciding that casual would be best. She settled on jeans, shirts and a few toiletries. An oversized cotton T-shirt would work as a nightgown.

Fifteen minutes later she’d stacked the clothes she was taking neatly on the dresser and had secured the rest of her things in her suitcase. She stared at the ring Dylan had given back to her. She felt strange taking it with her, but she wasn’t about to leave it behind, either. She shrugged, then grabbed a tissue from a ceramic container in the bathroom, wrapped the ring and tucked it in an inner pocket of her toiletry bag.

Molly glanced at her watch. She had a few hours before Dylan would be home. He’d told her about a library at the other end of the house. A good book would be a great distraction, but first she had to make a few phone calls. She pulled out her cell phone, settled on the bed, and checked to see if she had any messages.

None.

It was really too soon to expect an answer, she told herself silently, willing away the disappointment. But it was so hard not to hope. So hard not to want a miracle—just one more. Was that asking too much?

She dialed another number. The phone was picked up on the second ring. “Hello?”

“Hi, it’s me.”

“Molly!” Janet’s voice was warm and welcoming. “How are you? Or should I ask, where are you? You’ve left already, haven’t you?”

“Uh-huh. I’m—” Molly stared at the beautiful guest room and grinned. “You’ll never guess where I am.”

Her sister chuckled. “I hate playing guessing games. I’m lousy at them. You know that. Okay. Christmas shopping in New York City.”

“Nope. One more try, then I’ll tell you. But I’ll give you a hint. It’s warm and there’s a terrific view.”

“Oh, that’s easy. Hawaii. How great!” She hummed a few bars about a Hawaiian Christmas.

Molly laughed. “Sorry, Janet, you’re not even close. I’m in Dylan Black’s guest room.”

There was dead silence on the phone. Molly could picture her sister’s mouth dropping open. She would form words without sound for at least thirty seconds.

A sputtering came over the phone, followed by a squawk. “You’re where?”

“I know, I know. It’s too strange. But remember the ring I was talking about?”

“Of course. It was actually my ring.”

“You dumped him,” Molly reminded her. “When I found it, I remembered what he’d said about promising me an adventure. I couldn’t figure out where else to go, so here I am.”

“Honey, are you all right?” Janet’s voice was low with concern. “I know you had a crush on him and all, but this is very strange. It’s been years. You don’t know the man anymore. Are you sure this is safe?”

Molly thought about that for a second. “You’re not saying anything I haven’t already told myself. I know this sounds strange, and in a way it is. But I didn’t know what to do. If nothing else, Dylan is a fabulous distraction. And I need that right now.”

“He’s not a serial killer, is he? Not that he would tell you if he was.”

Molly glanced around the room. “I don’t think killing pays this well,” she told her sister. “His business is very successful. The house is great. Big and on the top of a hill.” A thought occurred to her. “Janet, are you mad because I’m here? Does it bother you?”

“If you’re asking whether I’m over Dylan, please don’t concern yourself. I’ve been over him for years. You know I love Thomas. It’s been fourteen years, and the thrill is still there for us. Dylan was my first serious boyfriend and I’ll always have fond memories of him, but it wouldn’t have worked. We both knew that.” Janet drew in a breath. “I’m sure he’s doing well, but he hasn’t changed, Molly. He’s still a dangerous kind of man. I don’t think he’s ever married. Maybe he’s not capable of that kind of commitment.”

Molly stared at the phone. “We’re taking an adventure, not getting involved.”

“Things happen. I just want you to take care of yourself. You’re in a vulnerable place right now. I don’t want him to hurt you.”

“You don’t have to worry. He would have to be slightly interested in me to hurt me and we both know that’s not going to happen.”

“Don’t,” Janet pleaded. “You’re adorable. Any man would be lucky to have you.”

Molly tugged at her jeans, pulling the fabric away from her generous thighs. “Uh-huh. I do have that problem with all those men lining up outside the condo. It was so difficult to get away this morning, but I try to be gentle when I reject them.”

“You’re a brat.”

“Just a minute ago you said I was adorable.”

Janet laughed. “Molly, you make me crazy. Were there any messages?”

Molly’s humor faded instantly. “No.”

“It’s really too soon to have heard.”

“I know.”

“Everything is fine.”

“I know that, too.” She knew it, but she didn’t believe it.

“So where are you two off to?”

“I have no idea,” Molly said. “Dylan is picking our destination.”

“Are you sure about this?”

“I’m not sure about anything, Janet. But if you’re asking me if I’m sure I want to go with Dylan, the answer is yes. There’s nothing I want more. I need to escape and he’s the perfect way to do that. So please try not to worry.”

“I won’t worry if you promise to stay in touch.”

“I will. I swear.”

Her sister sighed. “I love you, kid. Take care of yourself.”

“I love you, too. Give Thomas and the girls a kiss for me. Bye.”

She hung up the receiver. Without Janet’s support, she wouldn’t have gotten through the past week and a half. It was nice to have someone to worry about her. However, for the next few days she wasn’t going to think about that, or about anything but having a wonderful time on her adventure.