A Dream to Share

Chapter 1

Meredith Woods stretched, feeling the satin sheets under her back. As she opened her eyes, she looked up from the bed to a vaulted light yellow ceiling with a ceiling fan hanging from it.

Where am I? What's going on? This isn't my bed. She grabbed the sheets, but they were too nice for what she was accustomed to.

As soon as she sat up, a hand touched her arm. Sweetheart, you were in a deep sleep. Don't you remember? We're on our honeymoon. Can't you hear the waves?

She turned, seeing a man she didn't know sitting beside her on the bed wearing nothing but dark blue boxer briefs. He was very handsome—dark brown slightly curly hair and the bluest eyes she'd ever seen. But she didn't know him.

She reached out, seeing her naked arm. Yikes. Was she naked all over? She had to look. Once she lowered her eyes, she saw her naked chest covered only in a sheet. Who are you? She pulled the sheets from the bed, and hopped up, wrapping herself in the silky cream-colored material. What am I doing here?

The man chuckled, the waves crashing in the distance. Dear, come back to bed. You're just having a dream.

I am? Her hand flew to her forehead, covering her eyes while she closed them. Right now? I'm asleep? She moved her hand to see him, but the room suddenly darkened.

Merry sat straight up in her bed—her childhood bed in her parent's home. She must've been dreaming. Reality set in and she remembered. She was staying at the house with her fiancé, Billy, for Christmas.

What a dream she had, and that man was really good looking. She was married to him? She wanted to go back to the dream world, to see his face again and to find out who he was. But it was only a dream and she knew she had to come back to reality. That dream seemed so wonderful, the light filling the room. And the man—she'd never seen a man so gorgeous and naked in her life.

Yes, she was engaged to Billy, but she wanted to wait for marriage to get to know a man in that way. Otherwise, the honeymoon would just be a vacation and nothing special. From the look of that man in her dreams, special was an understatement.

She wondered if Billy would look that good to her on their honeymoon. Considering he was six-feet tall and weighed well over 250 pounds, he was nothing like the man in her dreams.

Was she having second thoughts? Was it because she couldn't talk to Billy about current events or her job? He just didn't understand anything that made him think. He'd be okay as a father, she guessed, but she worried because all education and common sense would be up to her.

After throwing back the blue blankets and pink sheets, she got out of her childhood bed and tiptoed to the bedroom door, so as not to wake her sister. They were forced to share a room once again, even though they'd both grown up and moved away.

Her brother was in his old room with his wife, and their three children slept on blow-up mattresses in one guest bedroom, beside her parent's bedroom. Her sister's boyfriend and Billy were in the other guest bedroom.

The house was large, because her dad owned a toy company and was rather wealthy. This year, her mom forced everyone to come home for the holidays, since Merry and Billy's wedding was to take place on New Year's Eve.

The thought of her wedding gave her a chill as she walked down the stairs of the huge home. Was she doing the right thing? Billy said he loved her—but did he, really? Did he even know what love was? Yes, he gave her the obligatory kiss when appropriate, but she didn't feel that excitement or rush when his lips touched hers. Why was she marrying him again? Was it because his last name was Christmas and she'd become Meredith—or Merry—Christmas? No, it was because he kept her car in good condition since he worked at his dad's garage.

Was that the best she could do and the real reason she was marrying him? Did she even love him?

As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she noticed a light on in the kitchen and the smell of coffee in the air. She walked through the doorway, seeing her brother, Brad, pouring half-and-half into a mug while standing at the kitchen bar, near the stove.

Good morning, she said.

He turned slightly. Hey, squirt. Whatcha doin' up at five in the morning? You do know you don't have to go to work today.

I know. Even though I took off a few weeks from the firm, I wanted to get a few things done anyway. I have a case coming due at the end of January and it's bugging me. Lies got her everywhere.

He poured her a mug of coffee and put it down on the bar. Are you sure that's it? He moved the half-and-half toward her, along with the sugar.

She got the milk, sugar, and a spoon from the kitchen and then fixed her coffee, taking her time to answer. She then sat down on the other side of the bar from Brad, knowing she was about to be grilled.

I asked you a question, he said. What really woke you up?

You wouldn't believe me if I told you.

Try me. I'm not a psychiatrist for fun. I like hearing about dreams.

Psycho. She chuckled and lifted the coffee to her lips, taking a sip before returning it to the counter. I had a dream that I'd married a different man and he was hot, she whispered. What does that mean?

That you're making a mistake marrying the brute who snores up there. He pointed toward the stairs. We could hear him snoring and mumbling all night, even through the walls. He leaned closer to her. "Why are you marrying him? Do you have to marry him?"

No. You know I don't sleep around. I'm marrying him because… She stopped talking and met Brad's face with her gaze. You're going to think I'm nuts.

Yep. I'll probably stick you in a mental ward for two years, keeping you strung out on medications. He chuckled and shook his head. Don't be an idiot. Of course you're not nuts. You think this is your last chance because you're pushing thirty. Being a criminal lawyer, you don't want to marry the clientele or any of your underlings since you're in charge. Instead, you want stability and someone boring, and man, is Billy boring. You know you can do better. Why are you marrying him? It's not too late to stop the wedding.

Yes, it is. The invitations went out and everything. Aunt Vicki is even planning to come and you know that's not easy.

He took a sip of his coffee. Call the nursing home out West and tell her not to come. It's easy and she might even appreciate it.

Merry sighed. She wanted to see everyone before she died. She grew up around here and misses the Midwest.

He rolled his eyes. "She misses the family, not Iowa. And she definitely doesn't miss Cupid City. We're an hour and a half away from anything fun. Besides, fun is in the eye of the beholder. If Dad hadn't built his dream company northwest of Des Moines, we'd never have gotten to where we are. Think about it, because this is a dream town in the summertime. Someday soon, I want to retire up here and take over the company."

She had no idea he was so fond of the Cupid City area. Why don't you do it now?

He glanced toward the stairs. Well, you know Mrs. Socialite up there has to have her diamonds and superficial friends to feel 'whole.' She'll never listen to me unless I offer her a wonderful package of what life could be like. That's my goal on this trip.

Why did you marry her? Merry whispered.

For the same reason you're marrying the snoring brute—she could give me something I wanted. You do realize your name will be Merry Christmas when you marry him, right?

She lowered her eyes to her drink and stirred it with a spoon. Yeah. I'll definitely go by Meredith then.

What do you want from him, anyway?

Merry was so embarrassed and knew it showed on her face, so she kept her eyes lowered. My car runs really well.

Brad laughed so hard, she thought he'd wake the rest of the household. You're marrying him for car maintenance?

She looked up at him and put her finger to her lips. Shhh! He doesn't need to hear this and neither does Abby.

He waved her off. Abby won't care. She'll always be the middle child and in a world of her own. Have you talked to her about this? I thought sisters stuck together.

It made her wonder if he even knew his own sister. Abby? The wrestler with her head in the clouds while going braless? Are you nuts? She took a big sip of her coffee. Fortunately, it wasn't that hot.

Probably, or I wouldn't have gone into psychiatry. He chuckled. Want to talk to my socialite wife? She'll know what to tell you.

It was a shame he'd married that woman. Rachel's a witch and you know I think that. I'm just glad you've taken over raising your kids. They're more normal than I ever thought they'd be.

He sipped his coffee. She's not a witch. She needs to be stuck out in the woods to bond with nature. That would be the best thing for her—no electricity for her hair dryer or anything for her manicures. He glanced toward the stairs. If we didn't have kids, I'd be out of our marriage.

Merry rubbed the smiley face on the side of her coffee cup. You're a good man for sticking it out with her. When the kids are older, maybe she'll figure it out. She lifted it to her lips and drank some more.

He chuckled. Yeah. When I'm broke because she put me in the poor house. He sipped his coffee. What do you want for breakfast today?

Something nostalgic. Whatcha making?

He laughed at her. I'm no cook and you know that. But you're right. Nostalgic. Twinkletoes pudding?

It brought back fond memories of her childhood. You do know that's nothing more than spiced up oatmeal with sprinkles, right?

Yeah, but the kids would love it. We'll tell them it's magical fairy dust that's only used at Christmas.

She glanced at the stairs to make sure they were alone and then leaned closer to Brad. If you say that, Billy will think you're talking about him. His ears really perk up at the word Christmas.

Are you sure you want to marry him? Brad whispered. Your kids wouldn't be that bright.

But they'd be loved.

By you. Brad kept his tone to a whisper. I don't think he knows what love is. You'd also end up with your children plus one big child. He's not an adult. You have to consider that. Do you want to be a mommy to your husband?

She lowered her eyes slightly, staring into her half-empty mug. No. Children throw temper tantrums. She paused and looked back up at him. You're very right about that. But what am I to do now?

He reached out and touched her arm. Let it up to your big brother. He winked. I have a few things up my sleeve and you'll even be the victim, which makes him the bad guy.

No one would believe it.

Trust me.

The footsteps on the stairs sounded like Brad's kids running toward them. And so the day begins, she said. Ready for the twinkletoes pudding?

Only if you'll help me.

You bet.

She chugged the rest of her coffee, stood up, and straightened her sweatpants as she walked around the island and into the kitchen.

*~*~*

Candy Cupid sat in the corner, staring down at the children sitting at the kitchen table waiting for their twinkletoes pudding. Beside her sat her partner in crime, Chester, looking like he was asleep.

They were both part of the race of cupids, invisible beings to humans, whose sole purpose was to make people do things in the name of romance and love. They worked year-round with a wand, bows and arrows, and even fairy dust—but only in extreme circumstances.

Quite a few hundred years before, one cupid was only allowed to work on Valentine's Day. But he was overworked. Because he was sick of doing it all himself, he decided everyone should be in love with everyone else, casting a wide net over the entire population on that day. When the couples found out their true loves had other romances, fights broke out and the powers that be decided to give the work to more than one cupid. The incident was called the Valentine's Day Catastrophe, and it was horrible. Therefore, cupids were forced to work year-round, creating dreams for couples one at a time, while working in pairs to make sure no one took catastrophic liberties.

Candy shook her head. I can't believe she didn't run out and find that man in her dreams we planted in her head. He's perfect for her. We have to do something. She grabbed Chester's collar with both hands and shook him. Think of something.

Chester grunted and pushed her away. Woman, leave me alone. I'm too old for this stuff.

Too old for romance? Are you dead? You're never too old for romance as long as you're breathing. Now help me. What can we do to get her with the man of her dreams?

Chester yawned. I was up all night giving them the mutual dream. I'm tired. You figure it out. He disappeared in a flash, leaving Candy sighing.

Why did she have to do all the work? She needed a new partner—maybe a good-looking cupid. A chat with the boss would help, but before she left the Woods' home, she waved her wand toward the refrigerator, using her magic. That would keep Merry busy for a while and might even help their cause.

~~~~~

Chapter 2

Merry turned and opened the refrigerator. Brad, are we out of orange juice?

No, we had a full one in there yesterday.

She lifted the container and shook it. Almost empty.

I'll go to the store, he said.

No, I'll do it. She headed toward the stairs. Give the kids the juice and I'll pick up some more. Taking two steps at a time, she ran upstairs and into the room she shared with her sister Abby, who was still asleep. She grabbed some clean clothes and headed into the bathroom across the hall to get a quick shower. Her work was never done, but at least she could get out of the house, welcoming the change of pace.

As soon as she showered and dressed, she opened the door and came face-to-face with Billy, a huge man who towered over her with a smile. Hey, Merry. He leaned down and kissed the top of her head. Is breakfast ready?

Yeah, but now I have to get some orange juice. We're out.

Oh. Sorry. I drank some last night. But it was almost full when I was done.

No problem. She smiled up at him. I'll be back in a jiffy. Have fun playing games with the kids.

You know I will. He pulled her in for a big bear hug, not realizing his own strength. Merry knew to hold her breath when he did that, just so she wouldn't pass out.

Maybe Brad was right and she needed to move on before she married this guy. Otherwise, she'd have bruised ribs for the rest of her life.

As soon as he let go of her, she grinned, leaned up, and kissed his cheek. I'll be back.

And I'll be waiting. He walked down the stairs while she watched. Merry wanted to think of him as a gentle giant, but that's where it ended. He wasn't that interesting, the more she thought about it, and downright boring. But he was safe.

Did she want to stick with safe her whole life? Her job of defending criminals was risky, so it was nice being able to relax at home. However, Brad was right. It was boring.

She ran down the stairs, removed her black coat from the coat rack, and yanked it on. While pulling her long, wet hair out from under the coat, she headed for the door. I'll be back.

Bring some ham and sausage, too, Billy said. I'm hungry this morning and want pancakes.

Justin, Brad's five-year-old son, jumped out of his seat. Yay! Pancakes! Blueberry! He hated everything but pancakes. He'd eat them for every meal if he could.

I'll do that. Merry grabbed her purse, opened the door, and braved the three inches of new snow on the front porch. Fortunately, she'd thought to wear sneakers and jeans, making it easier to walk than in heels.

The air was cold and she drew in a breath, thankful for the clean air. Being out in the country had its advantages, but the snow in the winter was a major disadvantage. She hated snow, but it was part of life in Cupid City, Iowa, from November to March.

She reached her car and pulled out a scraper from the trunk. Once she cleaned off the windows, she started up the older four-door vehicle, slid it into drive, and took off down the half circle driveway in front of her parent's house. She was a careful driver, not speeding in case she hit ice.

After stopping to check for traffic, she pulled out onto the snowy road, going less than the speed limit. While glancing into her rearview mirror, she saw a car coming up too fast behind her, blinking their lights. She tried to move to the side of the road, but her car slid and she panicked right as the car passed her. She turned the wheel, but her car spun out of control, hitting the ice as it slid, just missing the other car. Merry was certain she was going to die, but at least she'd get out of the wedding to Billy if she did.

Merry's car came to a rest across the deserted country road. She put her head on the steering wheel, blowing out a huge breath. She was alive. At least she could function, but her hands felt like ice and were shaking.

Miss! A rapping at the passenger's side window made her turn her head, seeing a man in a parka with the hood up. He lowered the hood and reality dawned on her. He was the man in her dreams—the one married to her who was half-naked in her bed.

Fate had given her an early Christmas present. Now she just had to play as if she didn't know he was the one for her.

~~~~~

Chapter 3

Merry pressed a button and wound down the passenger's side window.

Miss. The man's expression turned confused as he stared at her, but he kept talking. Do I know you?

She had to play along, because no one would believe she'd dreamed about this guy. No. I don't think so.

He glanced down the road before returning to her face. I saw the whole thing. That idiot made you lose control of your car. Are you okay?

She just had to know more. Who are you?

My name's Alex McKay. I was at the intersection, heading into town for breakfast. He turned slightly and pointed. I called the cops on the guy who made you slide. Are you okay?

Uh… She looked out the front. I don't think my car's heading the right way.

He shut the passenger's side door and she was sure he was gone, but she was so shaken, she couldn't think of what to do. The driver's side door opened and a hand waved in front of her face. Are you okay? He pushed the button for the passenger's side window, winding it back up.

She turned her head toward him, not quite sure what was going on. I think so.

What's your name?

Merry, as in Meredith, Woods. I think my car spun in a circle.

He pried her fingers from the steering wheel. Yeah, it did. Can you get out?

What for?

I'm going to straighten out your car so you don't get hit. That patch of ice will be dangerous if someone drives up and doesn't see you.

Oh. You're so right. Sorry, but that really scared me.

It should have. It would've scared me, too.

*~*~*

Candy lined up the bow and arrow, hitting Merry in the back. Merry turned slightly, but it didn't seem to faze her. Candy then aimed for the man, hitting him in the chest. Wahoo! Dead center in the heart. He's going to fall harder than she does, but that's the way it should work. If the man falls for the woman first, it's bound to work.

Chester popped in beside Candy. You used the bow and arrow already? Why would you do that? They just met. We have to see if they're compatible.

She lifted the paperwork in her hands, pointing at it. They are. I can tell. It says so right here on our contract.

He ripped it from her hands. That's just a guideline until we know for sure. He sighed. I want a new partner. You're way too aggressive in this love stuff.

He made her sick. You're just jealous you didn't do it first.

*~*~*

Merry looked up into Alex's face, his blue eyes studying her.

Can you get out of the car? he asked.

Yeah. She moved, feeling slightly stiff, but forced herself to step outside. She stood up, but slid slightly on the ice on the road. Alex took her arm and kept her from falling.

Right this way. He helped her walk to the side of the road, toward a black SUV parked at the intersection, but still running. Have a seat and I'll straighten this out for you in no time. He helped her into the passenger's seat, moving the vents toward her. Just stay put and I'll be right back.

Thank you.

As he grinned, he stared at her for an extra moment. You're welcome. He shut her door then headed toward her car. After driving the car to one side of the road, he pulled it right beside the intersection with the three-way blinkers turned on to show a car in distress.

Merry warmed her hands, but even in the heat, nothing seemed to help. She was cold to the bone, watching her morning dream man help her get past some ice. This was just too weird, but he was so attractive, able to handle a bad situation.

Alex headed back to his car and got into the driver's seat. I think you're okay now. I told the cops about the ice so they should be out to take care of it really soon. He studied her face. You are okay, right?

Yeah. She chuckled and reached into her pocket to where she kept emergency cash. How much do I owe you?

He laughed aloud. Nothing. Where are you headed, so I can make sure you get there okay.

The grocery store. My brother's kids want orange juice and blueberry pancakes, but I didn't have everything… She stopped talking, studying his face. He was interested in what she had to say? He was nothing like Billy. Oh, never mind. The grocery store.

He chuckled, reached out, and took her hand. You're freezing. I bet you're in shock.

I'll be fine. I grew up around here, so I'm used to driving in ice and snow, sort of. But it's not my favorite.

She reached over to open the door, but he grabbed her left hand with his left hand, rubbing her skin with his right hand. I'm not sure you're ready to go yet. You're really cold. He reached over and took her right hand. Both hands. I think you need to wait a minute to make sure you're okay.

His slightly wavy brown hair and blue eyes were so handsome that she sucked in a breath to calm the pounding in her chest. I'm fine, really. I'm tough.

You said you grew up around here. So did I. Where did you go to high school?

Hearts of Iowa High School.

No kidding. I went to Cupid City High. How old are you?

I'm twenty-eight. She sighed, looking out the front window. And single, but not for long.

You don't look very happy about it.

She sighed, wishing her life was different. That's a long story. How old are you?

I was two years ahead of you in school. He studied her face for a moment. Merry Woods. He sounded as if he knew that name.

Yes.

Is your brother Brad Woods, the basketball player?

This was just weird. He knew Brad? Yeah. He's four years older than I am. He's back at our house, too, along with the rest of my family. She paused for a moment. How do you know my brother?

He laughed, making his blue eyes almost dance in the sunshine. His team used to beat our team in basketball and he always had cheerleaders around him. I envied that guy.

Merry shook her head. No use envying him anymore. He married a superficial witch and they have three kids. He's a psychiatrist now, down in Des Moines. He wanted to be a medical doctor and got the family practice degree, but his stupid wife made him branch out into psychiatry. I think he's lost his mind.

Alex chuckled, still holding onto her hands.

She looked downward, the feeling returning to her fingertips. Well, I'd better go. I'm sure everyone's waiting for the juice and pancakes. I'm their slave. She rolled her eyes and he laughed.

Wait. You said you're not going to be single much longer. What's going on?

Oh. She lowered her eyes, shaking her head. I'm getting married next week.

…and…

She met his gaze. And what?

His blue eyes studied her face, as if he was trying to figure out her nonverbal clues—or maybe she'd been hanging out with Brad for too long.

It sounds like you don't want to marry the guy, Alex finally said. "Is that true? Do you have to marry him?"

No. I don't sleep around. She chuckled. But you sound like Brad.

So he doesn't like his new brother-in-law?

She shook her head. No, but it's not your problem.

But it is a problem. Call the wedding off if you're having doubts.

Everyone seemed to