CHAPTER NINETEEN

Last-Minute Sleet and Last-Minute Secrets.

Two days before Christmas.

In spite of the weather trying to turn nasty, Veronica woke in a good mood. Elle and Chase would be here soon. This house would be filled with laughter and holiday spirits again. She’d bought poinsettias and added a few magnolia leaves to the white mantel over the fireplace, vacuumed and polished, touched up the paint here and there, and basically tried to make the place fresh and more in the Christmas spirit.

Then she’d walked out onto the porch and found the tiny twinkling white lights she’d tried to untangle yesterday beautifully strung across the porch posts and railings.

Little elves. Or a man who obviously never slept.

Cullen. The man was full of surprises.

Yet her heart ached for Josh and Jay. Each year, when the anniversary of their deaths got closer, she’d shut down and try to ignore the carolers, the commercials shouting happy holidays, the town going all out on the decorations. The beauty of all of it made the bittersweet memories come into a sharp focus that couldn’t be changed.

But this year, Veronica accepted that being festive wasn’t a sin, and that her memories were treasures, reminders of special times. She’d found Christmas again—in Trudy’s hugs and pie, in Hillman’s laughter and quiet wisdom, in Bethany’s innocence and confusion. And in Cullen’s smiles and kisses.

She’d seen Christmas in the eyes of children who needed love, and old people who needed companionship. Cleaning her house had brought calm back to her life, and knowing she’d be okay now had made her spine stiff and her confidence tough again. Her home smelled fresh and . . . it looked content. She could live with contentment better now, certainly an improvement over being bitter and reclusive.

She had friends, true friends. She might have love again. A new love, with a different person, a love that challenged her and made her question everything. She might not be ready to admit that to the world, but she enjoyed being with Cullen.

Her guilt still hovered in the shadows, and she’d need to visit the cemetery to let the shadows go and . . . to let her grief find some relief. She’d never be rid of it. It would be a blanket that had worn threads, memories that had blurred, hurt that had healed over the deep gash of unimaginable pain, but she could acknowledge it and accept it now.

When the phone rang, she almost hoped it would be Cullen. They’d had a good night and a long kiss at her door. She sensed he knew she couldn’t go any further. Yet.

But it wasn’t Cullen calling her. It was Mark Callaway.

“Mark, hi,” she said after recognizing the reporter’s number. “What’s up?”

“I did a little digging on your new fellow,” the reporter replied without preamble. “If I’m on the right track, he’s here for more than Christmas, Veronica.”

Her heart picked up speed. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve asked around and checked his background. He’s apparently a worldwide developer who buys up properties and sometimes changes them, building subdivisions or fancy condos and chateaus.”

“He told us he bought the Hidden Mountain Campground a few years ago. Did you find out what he plans to do with that property?”

“From what I hear, he could be planning a major development—condos, or a big hotel or mountain community, a retreat for those who like luxury.”

“Again, not news to those of us who’ve gotten to know him. He’s aware the town’s split on what happens to that land.”

She wanted to tell Mark to let it go. She now understood Cullen’s mindset, but she still needed to know why he’d handpicked his guests for the holidays.

Mark went on. “He’s done a good job of hiding his background. That’s why nothing much comes up on him past the year he started his business. He owns the Jeep, and it came up with the name Cullen Murdock, but I did find another name linked to one orphanage that’s located near here.”

“The Concord Place Children’s Home?” she asked, a knot forming in her stomach.

“Yeah, how’d you know? Or had you already confirmed that?”

“I didn’t have to confirm. He lived there for a while.” She sighed, remembering the name she’d noticed on one of the donor plaques. “Tell me about this other name.”

“Cully Nolan,” he said. “These records are hard to crack. I called in some favors, but kept it on the down-low. Not for public knowledge.”

“Got it. Tell me.”

“Cully Nolan and Cullen Murdock could be the same person. He aged out and left. I couldn’t find anything else on him, but when I do traces on both that name and the Murdock name, they all lead back to a woman who lived not far from the original children’s home, same location, but not as fresh and new as the Concord of today.”

Veronica closed her eyes and remembered how tense Cullen had seemed when they visited the home. “What’s the woman’s name?”

“Fiona Murdock Nolan. She came here in 1942, married one Judson Nolan who grew up in the next county, over the line from Concord Place. Had one child, Tessa Nolan, but I couldn’t find anything much on her. Do you think this man could be Fiona’s grandson?”

“It’s possible,” Veronica said. But she knew it in her heart. Cullen had never told her his grandmother or his mother’s names. “That explains where Murdock comes in.”

“He could have had his name legally changed,” Mark said. “People do that all the time.”

“Yes.” Veronica thought over all the names. “He was close to his grandmother, and not so close to his parents or his maternal grandfather.”

“Makes sense,” Mark said. “Maybe he came back to honor Fiona in some way. Does this help at all?”

“Yes. I don’t think I need to know much more.”

“Oh, and one more thing. His company is listed as Piedmont Industries.”

Shock went through Veronica—the same company Bethany’s husband worked for? Why would Cullen hold back on telling Bethany that?

“Thank you, Mark. I can take it from here.”

“Okay, then, I’m going to shut down my search, unless you have a real story here, and if you do, I get first dibs. I’m surprised no one around here knows anything. We usually hear this kind of stuff before the general public does.”

Her chuckle sounded shattered, but she managed to reply. “You’ve verified most of what I know, so let’s leave it at that. I probably overreacted anyway. Cullen is a good man, but he’s very private. I don’t want him to know I did a background check on him.”

“Nope, and since I can’t substantiate this information, I have to let this ride.”

After she thanked Mark and asked him once again to keep this off the record, Veronica sat down to process what Mark had told her. Then she thought about the small plaque hanging on the wall. Had no one else noticed the words there?

In Memory of Fiona Murdock Nolan.

Cully Nolan. Fiona Murdock Nolan. So like Cullen to refuse taking the name of a grandfather who’d treated him and his grandmother so horribly. So like him to officially change his name and reinvent himself. Had he come back here for some sort of . . .purpose? Or some sort of retaliation? And why had he withheld that he was Troy Starling’s boss?

Now she needed to decide if this town meant something to him, or if this town had brought him that deep, unforgettable pain of being shunned and scorned, of being less-than.

If he wanted to tear down the lodge, why did he go to all the trouble of creating the X-Mas Club? Why bring her and the others into his secret mission? Was this part of an elaborate way to find out more about certain people in the town? People who might back his venture. Had Troy been involved from the start?

If she stopped to think about it, it made sense. Cullen had come here with a purpose. He’d already bought the lodge, so he now wanted to do something with that property. But he didn’t like spending Christmas alone. So he’d found people to visit the lodge all through December, people he’d somehow researched and connected with—to help him in his plans?

But why these few people? Why Hillman, Trudy, and Bethany? Could he be looking for investors? He’d told Veronica she wasn’t meant to find that flyer. But she had. He’d brought them all together with a definite hook. None of them had been in the Christmas spirit.

Then she realized he could have known Josh, or his parents. Her father-in-law had been a decent sort. A philanthropist and heavily involved in a lot of charity organizations, John James Cearley had always helped others. She could do some more research from that angle, but that would mean going through old records packed up in the attic. Hours of records, paperwork, and receipts.

She hurried up the stairs to take a peek.

Two hours later, Veronica sat in the attic, surrounded by old files and folders. Her father-in-law had been meticulous in saving old paperwork long after it needed to be thrown away.

Thankful that he liked to hoard such stuff, she stared at the old brown folder in her hand, Lulu sleeping by her side.

One-page contracts of personal loans. Contracts with two signatures on them—John James Cearley and Cullen Murdock. Loans that were paid back in full. John James had noted that on each one too.

Now everything tied together. Her father-in-law had loaned Cullen money through the years. And it had all been paid back, bit by bit. Apparently, it had also been a secret between the two men. This explained why Cullen had been so cryptic about things. He didn’t want her to know he’d had to borrow money from John James. But John James had known Cullen somehow.

That was the next question she needed answered.

“I’m so confused,” she told Lulu. The dog woofed and sat back on her haunches to stare at Veronica. “I don’t know,” she told her companion. “I don’t know if I should be mad or sad.”

Her phone rang again, making her realize the time. Hurrying back downstairs, she answered it on the way. The Realtor.

“Hi, Veronica,” Betsy said. “Remember when I told you I had a buyer interested in your house? Well, that buyer wants to go to contract as soon as possible.”

“Really, without even taking a tour?”

“Uh, yes. The buyer saw the online photos and wants to make an offer immediately after Christmas. How do you feel about that?”

She did have Elle coming home. “I think that might be better. We get through the holidays and then we talk again?”

Betsy agreed. “The offer is generous, well over the asking price. And since we’ve had very little interest, which is usually the case with everyone so busy this time of year, I thought this would get you through the next few days. But this is a serious offer. More might come in, but they’d have to outbid this one.”

“Serious, but after Christmas.”

“Yes. The house is a jewel and in a great neighborhood. Once more people are aware, we will have more offers. But I have to say, this one seems solid.”

Veronica’s head was spinning. She needed to tell Elle about her plans to sell the house. “Thank you, Betsy,” she said. “I have a lot to think about.”

Elle and Chase would be here soon, and she didn’t want to upset her daughter with this latest development. She did have a lot to think about, regarding her home and her daughter’s request to be married here, regarding the mysterious man who’d become a part of her life, and regarding her own revelations and decisions about what happened next in her life. This was too much.

She hurried upstairs to get dressed, hoping with all her heart she could make everything work. When she spotted the blue silk suit hanging on the door to her closet, Veronica stopped and remembered last night. Cullen had won her over when he’d opened up to her. She now understood why he didn’t want to be alone during the holidays. He’d been alone with his sick mother and then he’d sat there with her, a little boy afraid and confused. Then he’d been brought here to a new place, a new world, with a grandmother who hadn’t fared much better than his mother. What a life for a child to have to endure. His father figures hadn’t done much to help him, either. He’d been below the poverty line, invisible and unnoticed, unless he made trouble. He’d been an orphan twice over, but somehow, he’d overcome all of that and now he was back in a big way.

A noticeable way.

Thus, a whole new name and a whole new identity, a new beginning. He’d come full circle because her father-in-law had helped him. They had a connection that he’d held back on. So, the invitation could have been meant for John James. She was surprised that he hadn’t told her the truth about John James loaning him money, or that Troy worked for him. Pride or shame?

Did Cullen feel guilty for forcing her to admit all her shortcomings, all the time knowing she was related to one of his mentors? She’d opened up her heart to him, but he’d tried to hold back his secrets, especially this one. He had to know she’d have more questions.

And tonight, she wanted an explanation.

Two hours later, the temperatures dropped, and a soft-falling sleet moved along the street. No surprise the weather had changed from being chilly and partly cloudy to cold and possible winter storms. Veronica let out a sigh when she saw Elle and Chase pulling into the driveway in a rugged pickup. She’d seen pictures of him, but when he stepped out of the vehicle and hurried around to help Elle down, Veronica could see the love in his eyes and his smile. Elle looked up at him with adoring eyes, then she glanced toward the house with a hesitancy that sent a shard of pain straight to Veronica’s heart.

Veronica steeled herself, but she put on a smile when she opened the door to greet them. Lulu came bouncing out to greet Elle, but stopped hard when she saw the tall, blond-headed man with Elle.

“Lulu,” Elle said, dropping to hug the big dog. “Chase, this is Lulu.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you, Lulu,” he said, patting the dog on her head. Lulu rubbed against his jeans, marking him with straw-colored dog hair.

Elle glanced up, her eyes full of hope. “Hey, Mom.”

Not as enthused as the greeting for the dog, but at least Elle smiled at her. She walked up the steps and glanced around the porch. “This looks so pretty.”

“Thanks,” Veronica said, her hands rubbing the chill off her sweater. “I spruced the porch up and touched up the paint on the posts and rocking chairs. I plan to repaint the whole house soon.”

“Paint? Wow.” Elle hugged her close. “Mom, I’m so proud of you.”

Veronica couldn’t hide the tears. “I’m kind of proud of me too. And I’m so glad you both came.”

After Elle introduced him, Chase gave her a loose hug and smiled. “Elle talks about you a lot, so I feel as if we know each other. I promised my mom I’d get your info so she can call. You know, wedding plans.”

“I’d love that,” Veronica said, grabbing Elle’s left hand. “The ring is gorgeous, even better than the picture you texted.”

The big diamond sparkled in the center of a ring of smaller diamonds. It suited her daughter, not too overwhelming, but still a considerable size.

Remembering her own wedding, Veronica said, “It’s beautiful, honey.”

Elle smiled and wiped at her eyes. “It is, isn’t it? I’m looking forward to Savannah at Christmas, but for now, it’s so good to be home.”

Her daughter glowed with engagement happiness. Veronica blinked back tears. “It’s great to have you back. Now let’s get you two inside out of this weather. I made some sandwiches for lunch and . . . you can go get pizza for dinner and enjoy the stroll along all the decorated streets.”

“Like old times,” Elle said on a quiet note. She and Veronica gazed at each other, memories falling down around them like Christmas-tree tinsel.

Chase stood back. “I’ll get our bags.”

Veronica appreciated how he’d allowed them to have a few moments of privacy together. “He’s a charmer.”

“Yes, he is. He’s so sweet and understanding. I love him, Mom.”

“That’s the idea, love and marriage.”

Elle stared over at her when they entered the house, her gaze hitting on the Christmas tree. “Does it still hurt?”

“Every day, but I’m determined to do better. I’m so sorry for what I put you through.”

“I’m okay now,” Elle said, golden waves of hair falling down her back. “Now that I know you’ll be okay.”

Veronica shook her head. “I never considered how you might be worried about me.”

“Every day,” her daughter echoed. “I prayed for you all the time. I think God heard those prayers.”

“I think I heard them too,” Veronica admitted. “C’mon. I made sub sandwiches and chicken salad. I wasn’t sure what you’d want.”

“That sounds great,” Elle said, glancing around. “It looks nice in here. Not too gaudy and overpowering.”

“I’m in an understated mindset these days,” Veronica said. “But I did get a tree. I decorated it some last night with a friend, but I thought before I leave tonight, we could finish it together—with Chase, of course.”

“It’s beautiful.” Elle settled in like her old self, playing with Lulu and finding some mineral water in the refrigerator. “You’ll like Chase’s parents. They’re laid back and easy to get along with, and their house in Savannah is amazing. Near the marina and in a historical neighborhood, kind of like this one.”

“That has to be refreshing,” Veronica said with a smile. “Seeing Savannah and enjoying Chase and his family.” Then she panicked. “What if they don’t like me?”

“I know you’ll be fine with them,” Elle said, laughing. “I’m so glad you’re doing better now, Mom.”

“I’m good,” Veronica said. “But . . . I don’t have to go to that meeting tonight. I could stay and spend some time with you two.”

“No, you need to go,” Elle said. “It’s the last one and probably a party at that. We’ll have the afternoon and most of tomorrow to visit.”

Chase came in and Elle showed him where to put their things.

“It’s getting pretty nasty out there,” he said, brushing tiny ice shards off his shoulders. “The radio said we could get snow tonight.”

“I hope it holds off so you can have that walk together,” Veronica said. She worried about getting up the mountain, but she really wanted to be at the last meeting. She didn’t plan to stay all weekend, as Cullen had suggested. But panic tried to overtake her. “I can stay here, Elle. Maybe I should.”

“Mom, go have some fun.” Elle headed toward the stairs, then whirled. “When I get back down, I want to hear all about Cullen Murdock.”

“Okay,” Veronica replied, her heart torn between her feelings for him and wanting to stay here with her daughter. “I’m getting to know him myself, but . . . he’s changed my life.”

“Well, then, I like him already,” Elle said before she took off up the stairs.

Veronica stood and placed her hands on the kitchen island. Did she really want to sell this home? She could wait until after the wedding. Somehow, she had to discuss this with Elle and hope her daughter would understand.

But she did need to go to the last get-together for one reason—she needed to confront Cullen and get it over with.