"I could find a lot more interesting things to do with a bow.” She whispered into his shirt.
"I bet you could.” Devin smiled as he reached into his pocket. He dialed the police and the FBI. Homeland Security would probably want a piece of the action, too. For now, he relayed the pertinent info. When he gave his full focus back to Kathryn Marie, his words were gentle. “A lot of people with a ton of questions will be here shortly. Are you up for it?"
"Well, I doubt I have a choice.” She squeezed her arms tight, hugging him close. “I mean, at least the threat is over."
He pulled back a little. “For now. It never really is… this is our reality. The best thing we can do is enjoy what we have. Live our joys, our present, and our happiness.” Devin kissed her with such passion-his lips drinking from hers and feeding such love in return. “You are the best gift I've ever been given."
"Same here. I'm grateful for you.” She swallowed an instant lump that formed when she thought of him not being here. “Thank you for seeking me out."
"I had to. Your eyes held me, captured me, and I had to know you. Those paintings of yours, they feel like part of your spirit… running free."
Their lips locked again, and the pleasure and passion grew.
A thought crossed her mind and she pulled back. “I wonder if Blicksen will want his painting now? I mean, who would he give it to?"
"It's almost the holiday season. I'm sure he could find someone."
She wrinkled her nose.
He laughed. “Everyone loves someone.” Rubbing his nose on hers, he said, “I am especially blessed, I love you."
Her heart pounded in her chest. Devin was incredible!
She returned his seal kiss-nose to nose-and then placed her mouth close to his. “I love you, Captain Devin Walds, and I'd like to spend the rest of my life getting to know you, too.” As her lips touched his, she knew that life didn't give neat little packages that tied up perfectly in a bow. What it did provide were chances to live and to love. It was up to her to make the most of it.
Being with him, living the best of their time together, and enjoying their careers and worlds, this was the glory her sister would want for her. This would be how she honored those who had left too soon. All of this happiness, she was going to hold tight and celebrate for as long as she could. Time and happiness were fleeting and way too precious.
Life with him, she could wrap this image around her heart and tie a very beautiful, yet flexible ribbon around it. This gift of the heart, she'd look forward to unwrapping… every day.
Christmas to the Rescue by Lia DeAngelo
Lia DeAngelo makes her author debut in the Highland Press anthology, Holiday Op. She began her love affair with writing fiction when she set pen to paper writing LADY PATRIOT, a historical romance set in eighteenth century America, which was awarded second place in the historical category of NEORWA's 2004 Romancing The Novel Contest, third in the SVRWA's 2004 GOTCHA contest, and third in the NTRWA's 2005 Great Expectations contest. She then turned to contemporary romance and finished FOR LOVE OR RAVIOLI, which was a 2009 Golden Heart(R) Finalist in the contemporary series category, won first place in RWASD's Spring into Romance contest, and took first in the 2007 RWI's Where the Magic Begins Contest. Ms. DeAngelo also owns and manages L.D. Writing and Consulting, providing business development, resume writing, and commercial writing services to small business and individual clients. She spent nine years as a Wall Street professional, holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Economics from the University of Richmond, is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW). She lives in Cave Creek, Arizona with her best friend and companion, Lucy the dog.
Dedication
My wonderful Mom and Dad, who are my most ardent cheerleaders. I wouldn't be here without your loving support and understanding.
The Ls-Lona, Laurel, and Laura-for your unending patience with me, especially when I run myself around in circles over a story.
Lucy, you fill every day with joy and humor just by being you.
Anne Elizabeth, for thinking of me and being the kind of special friend that comes along but a few times in one life.
My Phoenix girls, Amanda, Donna, Jill, and Carmin, for listening to me talk about this dream and encouraging me every step of the way.
My brother, Jeff-you are in my thoughts and my heart.
The Ruby Slipper Sisterhood. There's no place like the bestseller lists!
One day we will all get there.
To the men and women of the military who put their lives on the line for our freedom and our survival, every single day.
Chapter One
Petty Officer Annabelle Foster let her duffle bag drop to the ground, crossed her arms over her heavy orange jacket, and glared at the jolly holiday nightmare formerly known as a Coast Guard Patrol Boat. Decked out in flashing red and green Christmas tree lights, sporting a Charlie Brown Tree, a Menorah, a dancing Santa Claus, and the kitchen sink of holiday ornaments, the thing looked like something from a holiday episode of Pimp My Ride.
"This is the reason you called me back to base?"
She shook her head, unable to not gape.
To think she'd come rushing back to base, adrenaline pumping, heart racing, ready to jump aboard a helo destined for search and rescue in the black, freezing waters of the Bering Sea. Instead, the only soul drowning on this December, Alaska night was Annabelle-in a sea of holiday hoopla.
George Stanton, her new commander, smiled and puffed out his chest. “Foster, meet your very first mission for Team Kodiak."
She blinked snowflakes out of her eyes. “You can't be serious."
"Do I look like I'm joking?"
Wearing a red scarf wrapped around a navy blue bomber jacket, munching on a giant Snowman cookie, the man informally known as Stickler Stanton looked like he'd lost his mind along with all the other holiday nut jobs around this place.
Not that she would say so. The new kid should probably mind her Ps and Qs. Hardly a week had passed since she'd transferred from New Orleans to one of the most prestigious positions available to a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer.
A post in Kodiak, Alaska.
It didn't get much more dangerous, more challenging, or more rewarding. And Annabelle was more than ready. What she wasn't ready for was this joke of a mission blinking red and green and blaring the Beach Boys Christmas Album.
"What exactly am I supposed to do here?"
Crumbs sifted down the front of his jacket as Stanton popped the last of the cookie into his mouth. “You, my friend, have been elected one of two esteemed Coast Guard representatives for the Kodiak holiday parade. You'll ride that float suited up just as you are, doing your best beauty queen wave."
Somehow she couldn't picture a beauty queen wearing an orange life vest, wet suit, and black winter cap. “Sir, do I look like a beauty queen?"
He turned his piercing eyes on her. “You'll do."
Gee, thanks. “Why me?"
"Foster, people like heroes. Especially those of the female variety."
Annabelle swore under her breath. It had been years since her name made the papers for a series of dramatic rescues performed in the eye of Hurricane Katrina. The last thing she wanted to do was strut around in her first week like some returning war hero. She wasn't here to be trotted out like a prize pony; she was here to save lives. End of story.