Christmas Wish Come True. Jaimie Admans

      For my mom, whose loving encouragement gave me the confidence to follow my dream. And whose love of Christmas has lived on in me.

Chapter One

      Isabella Stevens fought the urge to rebel against the hushed quiet that surrounded her. Even the school halls seemed to know how she’d be spending the long Thanksgiving weekend, not to mention the Christmas holidays.

       Alone.

      She looked down at her heavy snow boots, tempted to kick them off and slide across the polished floor in her stockinged feet. Maybe it would help her to forget her canceled plans…

      But no.

      She was an adult, and a teacher. And even though this job was temporary, she hoped to land a permanent position here at Snow Pass Elementary – the sooner the better.

      She stopped at the door of the first grade classroom and adjusted her bag on her shoulder, taking a deep breath as she entered. She checked the clock above the door. Seven forty-five. Another half hour of silence until the children began to arrive. She walked to the window of the second-story room and looked out at the gray morning. The roads below were showing signs of the getaway-day hustle and bustle, and she briefly wondered how many of her students, if any, would be traveling out of town.

      The last few days had been somewhat surreal – getting this job offer, arriving in Colorado, renting a room at an extended-stay hotel. Then the earlier-than-expected call-to-duty. Her plan was to go apartment hunting today, but the early arrival of Cindy Atwater’s baby yesterday had changed everything. With barely any time to catch her breath or familiarize herself with the city of Denver, Isabella was here at Snow Pass – one week ahead of schedule. Fresh off an airplane and a broken engagement – winging it.

      She shook off her ‘newbie’ nerves. Oh well. It was one day of operating on blind instinct. She had the whole weekend to prepare for class on Monday. Today would be a ‘fun’ day – her alternate celebration, of sorts. An early introduction to her first friends, and job, in her new home state.

      Isabella moved her focus to the variety of treats she’d brought for the party, arranging them on the long table in the back corner of the room. She frowned as she considered the weather and the holiday. Her intention was to go to the market after school let out, buy all the makings for a small Thanksgiving dinner for one, and snuggle in to her tiny efficiency before the predicted snowstorm hit. But even those plans seemed to be in question now.

      She sighed. At least she had some soup in her cupboard in the event she had to go straight home this afternoon. Quite a contrast to the festive Thanksgiving she’d planned months ago – before everything fell apart. Little did she know then that she’d be celebrating what should have been her wedding day by doing her laundry, watching some romantic comedies provided by the hotel cable service, and being in bed by ten o’clock.

      Yippee.

      The sound of little feet running on the polished concrete drew Isabella’s attention to the door. She smiled with relief, moving to greet the first wonderful student who had made her day seem a little less pitiful by showing up. A deep voice echoed down the hall and stopped her at the door.

      “Tyler – slow down! Haven’t you been taught not to run inside?”

      The tiny footsteps ceased as Isabella peeked around the doorway. A young boy who she assumed was one of her students was standing twenty feet away, staring up at the serious face of a tall man dressed in dark jeans, a crisp white shirt, leather jacket, and boots. Isabella’s instant attraction to the man warred with her disapproval of his tone with the child.

      If this student was the Tyler Butler that the administrator had spoken briefly to her about, then he was only recently transferred to Snow Pass – and she’d been informed that he was seeing the school psychologist three times a week. Before the administrator could explain why, he was called away, and their discussion was cut short. Isabella wondered now if Tyler’s problem could be as simple as the insecurity of being the new kid, or if it was something more.

      As if sensing her scrutiny, the man turned. Even from this distance, Isabella could see the color of his eyes. Green. Intense. Snaring her. Isabella’s heart thrummed against her rib cage; her breath drew in sharply. And her desire to defend her young student became momentarily quashed as her tongue stuck to the roof of her suddenly parched mouth. Thankfully, he spoke first.

      “I apologize for my nephew’s disregard for safety, Miss…?”

      Isabella swallowed. “Hello. I’m Miss Stevens – Tyler’s substitute teacher.”

      She moved into the classroom, aware of them following behind her. She stopped in front of her desk, grasping its edge as she leaned against it. “I’m happy you’re here today, Tyler.” Isabella smiled warmly at the boy. “I’m going to be your teacher until Mrs. Atwater returns.”

      He nodded shyly, then moved to the toys at the back of the classroom. Isabella slowly lifted her eyes to the face of the man beside her, flustered by the electricity that seemed to bounce between them as she tried to think of the right words to say on Tyler’s behalf. She was distracted by the strong, sharp line of the man’s jaw and the sensual curve of his lips. His striking looks and sizzling sex appeal, coupled with the fact that Isabella was still upset by his stern tone, made their meeting even more awkward.

      “I would think you could overlook Tyler’s running in the hall,” she said quietly. After all, I wanted to do the same thing a short while ago. “I mean, considering his…special needs.” She made an effort to sound professional, despite her all-over-the-place thoughts.

      The man seemed surprised at first. He let out a long breath and shoved his hands in his pockets, turning his gaze to the window. “You’re right, of course.” He forced a half smile, then looked at her again. “I apologize. Tyler has been staying with me, but I’m new to all this…to having a kid around.” He shook his head and looked at his watch. Isabella got the impression he was uncomfortable with their conversation. Which only increased her curiosity.

      “Forgive my questions – today’s my first day,” she explained. “Is Tyler staying with you temporarily…Mr. Butler, I presume?”

      For a split second, he looked almost confused.