Wordz Press

A Christmas Refuge by Rebecca Winters

Copyright © 2011 by Harlequin Books S.A.

After a stressful and emotionally taxing year, Spanish hotel tycoon Des Pastrana comes to his favorite retreat in the Spanish Pyrenees to get away—from everything and everyone. So he is not happy when he's strong-armed into teaching an American tourist to ice climb. The Pyrenees are no place for amateurs.

But Allison Bonner is not your average tourist. She surprises Des with her determination and strength. Despite himself, he finds that he wants to be closer to her, even as she pushes him away. This time, it will be Allison who teaches Des…about living, about Christmas and about love.

A cold winter sun glinted on the sign posted at the side of the treacherous snow-packed mountain road. Desidiero Pastrana, known to a few close friends as Des, glimpsed it just before the faded pink ball disappeared behind the majestic Pico d'Ara, which was 3,000 meters high. In the twinkling of an eye, light turned to dark. With Christmas only three days away, night fell fast over the Pyrenees.

Just after leaving the northern city of Jaca, where he'd been on business, Des had gotten that queasy sensation again.

He hadn't been feeling like himself for the past few days. It was probably something he'd eaten, or he'd come down with a cold. Either way, he was anxious to reach the year-round mountain resort village of Puerto d'Ara and call it a night.

Of all the hotels owned by the Pastrana family in the province of Aragon, he preferred the Posada d'Ara, a former 17thcentury monastery that had since been converted into an inn.

Only two kilometers from the border separating the Spanish and French Pyrenees, Des used it as a base to indulge his passion for climbing.

He was planning to do some winter camping and serious ice climbing over the next ten days. Then after New Year's, he'd get back to work and sit down with Miguel Torrillas, the affable manager of the Posada d'Ara, to do the requisite end-of-year inventory. Des was the CEO of the Pastrana Corporation and known for his hands-on approach to running the company.

He was also known to his family for avoiding spending the holidays with them. He'd purposely arranged this trip so that he could skip Christmas with his family.

And, he thought, hopefully skip the reminders of last Christmas. A grimace crept over his dark Castilian features.

At this time the year before, the woman he'd planned to marry had sued his corporation after he'd taken her climbing and she'd been mildly injured.

His fiancée hadn't been a winter-sports person, but he'd wanted her to understand his passion for it. His skills could have compensated for her inexperience—but they couldn't compensate for her utter refusal to heed his instructions while they'd been climbing.

After a few minutes on the mountain she'd suddenly told him she'd changed her mind and wanted to go back to the hotel. He'd asked her to wait for him, but in a huff she'd started off without him and slipped. He'd gotten to her as quickly as he could, managed to extricate her ankle from where she'd wedged it and rushed her to the clinic.

The doctor had said that it wasn't a major injury and she should just stay off her leg for a few days to avoid the pain until it was gone. She'd left the clinic without speaking to Des.

A week later the corporate attorney for the Pastranas showed Des the petition from her attorney wanting restitution and compensation for his client's injury. Des had been incredulous. His fiancée was suing him? He'd asked her for an explanation, convinced it had to be a mistake.

"It's nothing personal against you, amado," she'd said with a winsome smile. "The insurance will cover it."

The calculating side of her nature shouldn't have surprised him, but it did, killing any feelings he'd had for her. He'd broken off the engagement, and no amount of winsome smiles, tears or begging could move him to take her back. His best friend, Raoul, a mountaineer from Chamonix, France, with whom he'd shared so much over the last decade, had told him to be thankful for what had happened. It had saved Des from making the biggest mistake of his life.

Des agreed it'd been a miraculous escape, but it had shredded his trust and had changed the way he viewed women. They had been a source of pleasure for him, but no longer. Now that the Christmas season had rolled around once again, he wanted no part of females or festivities.

Raoul was the only person who knew what was going on inside him. His French friend carried his own brand of pain after losing his wife some years ago and more recently his brother. Raoul had also wanted to avoid the holidays so he'd suggested they take a climbing trip to South America.

Relieved to have a plan of escape, Des had been working all hours of the day and night, making his rounds of the family-owned hotels in preparation for the upcoming trip. But a few weeks ago Raoul, whose family owned and ran the legendary Broussard Alpine Guide Club in the French Alps, had called to tell him his father wasn't doing well. Jules's asthma was acting up and the family was worried about him.

Raoul couldn't say how long it would take his father to get over this latest flare-up and in case it turned into something worse, he'd feared making definitive plans with Des only to have to cancel on him later. Though Des had been disappointed, he understood. In truth he wasn't fit company for anyone, let alone the man who was the closest thing he had to a brother. Before he'd left his headquarters in Zaragoza yesterday, he'd been uncustomarily short with his second-in-command when the man had suggested—in the most tactful way, of course—that Des should take a month off and really enjoy himself. And just today the manager of the hotel in Jaca had asked, very politely, if Des could hold off on their meeting until after he returned from his winter holiday.

One more hairpin turn and Puerto d'Ara came into view, with its ski lifts and hotels. Approximately 1,800 people lived here year-round, making their living off tourists. He took the perimeter road to avoid the resort center's shops and bars.

Just past the clinic with its large red cross on the roof was the small monastery facing the Pico d'Ara. It was a quirky masterpiece of stone and beams with different levels, nooks and crannies, perfect for its conversion to a family-friendly inn.

He kept his own apartment on the ground floor, its only entrance an exterior one around the side. No doubt at one time it had served as a cell for a priest who'd wanted complete isolation. Since Des had been living the life of a monk this past year, the monastic atmosphere suited his foul mood very well.

The parking lot outside the inn was full. Des wasn't surprised; business was always good here. He pulled to a stop in the staff parking and shut off the motor, relieved to have reached his destination. Still having no appetite and feeling a bit off, he decided to go straight to bed. Though his manager was expecting him, tomorrow would be soon enough to unload all his gear and let Miguel know he'd arrived.

***

"All-ee," a young voice cried out before knocking on the door again.

Allison Bonner loved the way the eight-year-old daughter of the Torrillas family pronounced her name.

She finished putting her light brown hair in a ponytail and hurried across the hotel room to open the door. "Good morning, Maricela."

"Good morning." They gave each other a big hug. "Mama says to come and eat before it's all gone."

Breakfast in the cozy inn was served from seven to ten.

Ally checked her watch. It was close to ten now.

"I'm almost ready."

"You look pretty."

"Well, thank you." Ally's navy-blue cable-knit sweater and jeans were nothing to write home about. Maybe it was the mango-colored lipstick she'd put on after her shower to add some color. "So do you. I especially like that top."

The girl was wearing a colorful pullover of geometric designs in blues and reds, over red pants.

Maricela beamed. "Thanks."

Inez, Maricela's mother, had urged her twins to speak English with Ally. It was good practice for them and easier for Ally, who knew very little Spanish except for a few words and phrases.

"You're welcome," Ally said.

The girl's mother had put Maricela's dark hair in braids, Ally saw, and she looked adorable in the new cowboy hat and boots Ally had brought her from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Maricela and her twin brother, Nuncio, were smart, wonderful children with shiny deep brown eyes and beautiful features like their mother's.

More than a year ago Miguel and Inez had brought their family to the Teton Range in Wyoming for a vacation. They'd stayed at her family's famous dude ranch outside Afton.

The Bonners were a large family. Ally and her siblings helped her parents and grandparents run the ranch and also acted as guides for their guests.

From the first moment Ally had met the charming, attractive Torrillas family, the twins had helped fill part of the empty space in Ally's aching heart. At the time, she'd still been recovering from her fiancé's death in a tragic rafting accident on the Snake River and trying not to think about the wedding that had been planned for the next month.

During the two weeks of the family's stay in September, Ally had spent most of her time showing the children around.

They rode horses and fished. Hiked. Because the Torrillas family lived year-round in the Spanish Pyrenees and were no strangers to mountains, Ally, who was a trained mountaineer, took the family partway up the Grand Teton, which knifed almost 14,000 feet in the rarified air.

Those experiences had cemented their relationship. When the family had had to return to Spain, they'd begged Ally to come for a vacation anytime she wanted and be their guest.

She'd thanked them for the gracious offer and had actually planned to come this past summer, only certain unexpected detours in life had prevented her from traveling until now.

Her family wasn't happy about Ally being gone over the holidays, but she'd planned it this way on purpose. Christmas was the last thing on her mind. Though her cancer was in remission, there was always the possibility it would come back.

From now on she intended to live life to the fullest and defy the odds.

After tugging on her own well-worn cowboy boots, which added a little more height to her five-foot-six frame, Ally left the room with Maricela at her side. They followed the stone passageway that led around to the timbered dining room with its vaulted ceilings. The children had told her when she arrived that it had once been a refectory for the Benedictine monks. The children knew all of the inn's fascinating history.

A tall, brightly decorated Christmas tree stood near the enormous fireplace in the dining room. It threw out heat while a few guests dressed for skiing were still lingering at the long tables with their food before hitting the slopes. She spotted Nuncio in his cowboy hat sitting at the far end of one of the tables talking to his father and a male guest. Ally was glad the Western gear had been such a hit with the children.

Maricela headed straight for her father, but Ally didn't want to intrude and instead went over to the cafeteria-style service bar where the guests could help themselves to a wonderful array of dishes. She fixed herself a plate of fruit and eggs and ham rollups.

"Ally? Come over here and join us," Miguel called to her. "There's someone I want you to meet."

Ally turned in her friend Miguel's direction and walked toward him. Then she abruptly halted when she met a pair of eyes so fiery black and piercing, she felt scorched by them. They belonged to the man sitting across from Miguel—a sophisticated-looking Spaniard with his glossy black hair tied at the nape with a thong.

She guessed he was in his mid-thirties, like Miguel.

Beneath the man's sculpted black brows, his gaze made a swift assessment of Ally's body, traveling from her cowboy boots to the crown of her head. He said nothing, but she felt instinctively there was something about her that displeased him. Why? She hadn't even met him. She fought to tamp down her flare of temper.

"Allison Bonner, please meet Señor Desidiero Pastrana, my boss. He's also the CEO of the Pastrana luxury hotel chain that operates throughout Spain. I told him you'd arrived from the States a few days ago and will be our guest for a while."

The impossibly handsome, olive-skinned Spaniard got to his feet. "Señorita Bonner," he said, shaking her hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Señor Pastrana."

With his tall, dark, Aragonian looks, she could easily imagine that he'd just stepped out of a painting done by one of the Spanish masters. In his black shirt and trousers, he took her breath. Yet behind his clipped tone, she still sensed his displeasure.

Perhaps being in the hotel business had caused him to develop an aversion toward Americans. Whatever his problem, she hoped his work wouldn't keep him here long.

Miguel patted the chair next to him. "Sit down and eat, Ally. I've told Desidiero you're an excellent climber and that you're keen to try ice climbing on the waterfalls while you're here. He has agreed to be your guide."

She moaned, hoping no one heard her.

Her host smiled. "Naturally I couldn't let you go with just any climber, no matter how good they think they are. Since Desidiero is the expert and is willing to take you, I'll leave you two to talk. Come on, children. I have work to do. Let's go find your mamacita."

Now she understood the resentful vibes coming from the proud Spaniard seated across from her—he thought he'd been cornered into playing babysitter. "I know Miguel's intentions were the best, but I'm not his responsibility and I'll hire my own guide. I'm sorry he approached you, señor."

He gave an elegant shrug of his broad shoulders. "He knew I came here to do some ice climbing. He cares about you, it's important to him that I go with you."

"But as he said, I've never climbed on ice. I don't want to hold you back."

He pursed his lips. "At least that's honest," he muttered. "Your inexperience won't be a problem if you can follow directions. Today is the only time I have. Are you prepared to leave now?"

She'd planned to go skiing today, but this kind of opportunity was exactly what she'd wanted to do on this trip. She just hadn't expected do it with this throwback to the time of conquistadores who had no desire to be with her.

"Yes," she said spiritedly. Why not today, now? She'd come to Spain to defy the odds and sensed he presented as much of a challenge as the mountains themselves.

He was surprised by her answer. No doubt he'd counted on her saying no, that she couldn't get ready that soon. Now he'd have to follow through on this favor to Miguel. "In that case, I'll take you up for a few hours and give you your first lesson. Do you think you can last that long?"

"Absolutely. It's very kind of you to take me." But it was hard getting those words out when it was clear by his cold tone and stiff body how he really felt. His friendship with Miguel must have meant a lot to him.

"You'd be wise to finish all your breakfast."

So he thought she couldn't keep up with him? She'd be climbing circles around him before the day was out. "I promise not to fall behind."

"Bien." He sounded as if he were already bored with their conversation. "I'll meet you in the foyer in half an hour."

Ally checked her watch. "I'll be waiting. Thank you, señor," she said but he'd already started walking away.

A strange quiver ran through her body as she watched him stride off, making her think of a dark prince before he disappeared.

She ate her food quickly and then hurried back to her room to get ready, hardly able to believe this was really happening.

After her mastectomy, she'd undergone a lot of physical therapy and eventually worked up a routine of squats, dead lifts, overhead presses, pull-ups, step-ups and dips. Before she left for Spain, her doctor told her she was in excellent cardiovascular condition and saw no reason why she couldn't do any kind of climbing she liked.

Though this would be a new experience for her, she'd been a climber for years and was determined that the inscrutable Spaniard would eat crow when he realized his low opinion of her was unfounded. She was going to prove herself today or die trying. Better that than to remain home in Afton listening to those inner voices whispering what if you don't stay in remission?

Ally wasn't in the foyer one minute before Señor Pastrana came walking through the double doors in his climbing gear.

His striking looks caused every female guest coming and going from the posada to stare. He stopped when he saw she'd beaten him there. Without saying anything, his eyes scrutinized her, taking a mental inventory of what she was wearing, as any expert guide would do.

He was the kind of man who had to shave every day, but he hadn't done it this morning. Was she mistaken, or did he seem paler than he had earlier, even with the shadow of his beard…or maybe because of it?

Why she cared or paid that much attention was beyond her. It had to be the dimmer light here in the foyer, which retained all the elements of the former cloister.

Sensing his displeasure again she asked, "Have I forgotten something?"

His gaze grew shuttered. "Not that I can see," he muttered in a gravelly voice. "Shall we go?" He opened the door.

She nodded and walked out into the sunshine, aware of his eyes on her body. For no reason she could readily identify, Ally trembled. That had never happened to her before, not even with her fiancé. The blond, fun-loving Rex was so different from Desidiero Pastrana the two men might as well have been born on separate planets.

An elegant, black, four-wheel-drive truck stood outside the Posada d'Ara with the motor running. Her guide opened the passenger door for Ally to get in. Their arms brushed as she climbed inside.

The slight contact sent a dart of awareness through her, shocking her. For so long she'd been dead inside. There'd been a couple of men since Rex who'd tried to get close to her, but she couldn't give them what they wanted. Getting involved with someone inevitably led to physical intimacy, and she wasn't ready to suffer the rejection after he saw her scars.

So it was confusing and scary that her senses would suddenly be stirred by this dark, brooding force of nature from the other side of the world…who wanted to be anywhere else except with her.

Des didn't speak as he drove several kilometers away from the ski area and began climbing the mountain road, making new tracks in the snow. He'd driven up here in a foul mood last night, but it was nothing compared to his state of mind right now.

Not only hadn't he been able to stomach food this morning, but he was also now committed to coaching an inexperienced climber—just like his former fiancée. It had taken a lawsuit for him to see through to her mercenary soul, but he knew better than to trust so easily now.

Señorita Bonner might have charmed Miguel's family, but Des had no illusions about her or any woman. Never again.

As he drove, he noticed Allison taking in the scenery. A true nature lover would find nothing more breathtaking than the beauty of the snow-covered peaks towering above them. They'd left the village behind and were alone on the road.

Des shifted gears and they arrived at the road's summit. He rounded a corner where everything opened up.

"Oh!" she cried out.

They'd come to the massive amphitheater of frozen waterfalls falling from great heights for which Puerto d'Ara was renowned. By the awe on her face he could see she was dazzled by the sight. The sun glinted off the ice as it cascaded over the boulders, giving the illusion of bride's lace.

"I've never seen anything so spectacular in my life!"

Her reaction sounded genuine enough, but he hardened his resolve to remain unmoved by her.

"I'll grant you this is a unique place."

She flashed him an enraptured smile. "Thank you for bringing me here. I can't wait to try climbing one of these ice cascades!"

He studied her animated features with a dubious glance. "The treacherous surface of a waterfall is slick and textured. Have you considered the danger?"

"Of course I have. Let's see…I could fall in an icy crevasse, or get frostbite, or an avalanche could come out of nowhere. But it's the risk of the unknown that fuels my need to push the envelope. You of all people should understand what I'm talking about."

Des made a sound in his throat but didn't respond. He got out of the car and opened up the back to retrieve their gear.

"We'll climb a little on that cascade to the left of us where the sun won't be shining directly in our eyes. The lower portion isn't too steep." He handed her a helmet. "This is Inez's. Try it on for size."

She settled it on her head. "It fits perfectly."

"Bien." He handed her some crampons and she put them on. Within minutes they were outfitted and ready.

"I'll put my helmet on once we start climbing." He was still feeling nauseous, and the thought of putting on the confining helmet made his stomach churn. "Let's drop the formality. I'll call you Ally." He picked up the axes and ropes and started toward the ice. "Follow me along this flat portion for practice. I'll stop when we reach the place where you'll need to start using your ice tool. If you feel nervous, let me know."

"I promise."

"Then let's go."

As they made their way across the frozen waterfall, Des looked over his shoulder several times to make certain she was all right. She'd gotten the hang of it in minutes. "I'm impressed how well you're handling yourself on the ice." It was only the truth.

She half laughed. "We'll see how long it lasts."

They soon reached the area where the ice started to angle upward. Though it wasn't steep, it made the going more precarious and he helped her into her harness. He also attached the rope and belay in case she fell. Her moves on the ice were instinctive, indicating she knew what she was doing.

By the time he'd shown her how to throw the ax and kick her foot so the front of the crampon dug into the ice, he was starting to admire how quickly she was catching on. He also had to admit she was in great shape.

"Now grip your tool while you push yourself up with your legs. Do it a couple of times to get the feel." He gave her a few pointers as she tried the motion out. With each effort she made, he found himself impressed by her grit. "I think you're ready to scale this a ways."

She flashed him a nervous smile. "I'm going to give it all I've got."

He stared at her for a minute, respecting her courage and spirit of adventure that called to something inside him. He'd been unfair to her. "Forgive me for being abrupt with you earlier, Ally. I'm afraid I haven't been on my best behavior today."

"Forget it. If our situations had been reversed and Miguel had roped me into helping you, I would probably have told him I had a headache and walked away."

In spite of himself, he found Ally Bonner's rare honesty appealing. "Are you ready?"

"Yes."

She threw her ax and began to mount the ice in increments, making certain the point at the front of her crampon was embedded. With each try she gained another foot. So far so good—until he saw the ax fall out of her hand. She'd thrown it wrong.

"Uh-oh!" She had to grab the notch she'd made because the leashed tool was just out of reach.

"Hold on." He gauged the distance between them and figured she was about eight to twelve feet above him. "I'll get it for you so you can use it to come back down and take a rest. When you think you're ready again, we'll do a short climb together."

"Okay."

Her legs were set in the proper stance. She was doing everything right, but she was new to ice climbing and would need a short rest. It took a lot more energy than one would imagine, even for somebody in great shape. If she hadn't done a lot of climbing back in Wyoming, she could never have accomplished as much as she had.

Des reached her in a few seconds and handed her the tool.

"You're doing fine."

"Thanks."

After she took it, he swung back to his foothold. As he started to climb down, he was suddenly seized by nausea and a blast of dizziness. His vision blurred and he lost his grip.

Then everything went black.

***

"Des!" Ally cried out, watching in horror as his body suddenly slid down the ice and his head hit the hard surface—his bare head. He hadn't stopped to put on his helmet. She moaned in anguish.

His body came to rest facedown at the bottom of the ice waterfall. It had all happened within seconds. "Des!" she cried out in panic. No answer. "Des?"

He was out cold, possibly injured. She had to help him. She pulled out her ax and found the former hole she'd made with it. Slowly she eased herself down in increments until she reached his body. She removed her harness so she wouldn't be hampered and crouched beside him.

She was trained in first aid, and did a quick assessment. His face had gone the color of ash but she found a pulse, though it was a slow one. He wasn't bleeding and he didn't seem to have a spinal injury, thank heaven.

Something must have happened to him after he'd handed her the tool. Something that had caused him to lose consciousness.

Just the day before Miguel had told her there was no cell phone service in this area to call for assistance. So she'd either have to leave him here and go for help, hoping hypothermia didn't set in in the meantime, or drag him to the truck. She chose the latter.

After removing his crampons, she turned him over, grabbed hold of his harness and began pulling him toward the car. They were still on the ice, and she had to dig her crampons in with every step, slowing her progress and draining her strength.

Ally prayed every inch of the way over the flat cascade of ice. Several times she heard a moan from Des. Relieved for even that much response, she finally reached their vehicle. After removing her crampons and helmet, she went through several of his pockets and found the keys.

Once she'd opened the rear door, she grabbed him in a fireman's lift the way she'd been trained in the Tetons and managed to get him inside. He had to weigh at least two hundred pounds of hard muscle, but she couldn't stop to rest. Frantic to reach help, she raced around and got behind the wheel of the truck. Thank heaven it was only a few kilometers to the village.

All the while her mind was replaying the horrific moment in the raft with Rex when they'd hit the rapids. He hadn't been wearing a helmet, either. She'd told him to put it on after they'd put the boat in the water. But like Des, he'd said he would get it in a minute but had left the shore without it. They'd gone into the rapids at the wrong angle and the boat had flipped. Rex had been thrown from the boat and his head had hit a boulder. He never regained consciousness.

This was like déjà vu. Des couldn't die, too! She wouldn't let him.

"Des? Can you hear me?"

That voice crying softly to him… A woman's voice… An American, he realized, since every once in a while he could hear her speaking English to him. Who in the hell was she?

Slowly his senses picked up other things. The warmth of two feminine hands closed around his, the subtle fragrance of wildflowers found in the highest meadows.

"Please wake up and talk to me," the sweet voice called to him.

With that urgent entreaty, he made the effort and opened his eyes to discover an enchanting face bent over him, wet with tears. She'd been crying. He didn't understand why.

The tips of her light brown hair, streaked with gold highlights, brushed against his jaw. Those liquid-filled eyes of amber brown… He'd seen them before. But where? Right now they were full of anxiety and a plea for him to stay with her.

"I'm Ally. Do you remember me?"

He was trying to think, but the pain at the side of his forehead kept interfering with his concentration. "Ally who?" he whispered.

"Ally Bonner. Miguel asked if you would take me ice climbing."

Something clicked in his brain. "You're the Teton girl who wears the cowboy boots!"

"Yes!"

Her smile of relief radiated a universe of sunshine. It seeped into those dark places where he'd been living for such a long time. "Thank heavens you're going to be all right."

He took a deep breath. "I remember reaching you and handing you the ax. Then I was overwhelmed by dizziness and couldn't hold on."

She squeezed his hand before letting go. "So that's what happened! I watched you fall. I've never felt so helpless in my life."

"I've never felt that sick in my life. I was supposed to be protecting you. Where am I?"

"At the clinic here in Puerto d'Ara."

"Why are you crying?"

He heard her take a shuddering breath. "Because you're alive…. My…fiancé wasn't as lucky."

Fiancé? "What happened to him?"

"We were doing a float trip together down the Snake River with a group of tourists from the dude ranch I help my family run. Like you, he said he'd put his helmet on in a minute. When we hit the rapids at the wrong angle, it tipped and Rex was thrown. He hit his head on a boulder. We managed to rescue him from the water but he was unconscious…. He never came out of the coma," she said on a whisper.

Des's stomach clenched, imagining the horror of it. He'd heard her anguish.

"When I saw you lying there, I couldn't bear it."

"I'm sorry for your loss, Ally."

She drew herself up and wiped her eyes. "It's in the past now. What's important is that you're awake and will live to climb another day."

"Thanks to you. How did I get here?"

"I brought you."

He frowned, but even that hurt. "How?"

The corner of her mouth lifted. Though she wasn't conscious of it, he found her smile seductive. "The old-fashioned way."

What? He stared hard at her. "You mean you dragged me off the ice by yourself?"

She nodded, causing her wavy hair to dance along her shoulders. He remembered she'd been wearing it in a ponytail before. Either way, she was a knockout. "Those harnesses come in handy for a lot of reasons. The hardest part was getting you in the back of your truck."

"But you managed it. And got me here." A swell of gratitude and admiration took over, shocking the hell out of him.

Only then did he realize there was an IV in his other arm.

"What time is it now?"

"Five in the evening."

"How long have I been asleep?"

"On and off since yesterday afternoon."

He'd lost a whole twenty-four hours? "But that's impossible!"

"Your body needed the rest. Besides having a slight concussion, the doctor says you have the flu. It hit you hard, that's why you've been sleeping so long."

Des was incredulous. He passed a hand over his jaw and felt his growth of beard with disgust. "I remember feeling nauseous for the last few days, but figured it was a bug and would pass. Instead of obeying the warning signs, I endangered your life."

"No, you didn't," she insisted. "You did such an expert job of preparing me that I was able to respond. But next time, take your own advice and put your helmet on before you do anything else, okay?"

Des was in awe of this woman. She'd endured heartbreak and grief. Des's experience with his fiancée couldn't compare.

Now he could truly see it for what it was—a blow to his pride, nothing more. He felt the fool for having allowed it to affect him so much. He'd wasted the past year of his life.

On a trifle.

"What's put that fierce look on your face?" she asked.

"I was also engaged once…this time last year, in fact. But I broke it off and am happy to say that by now she has probably found herself someone greedier than she is." At her surprised expression, he explained his words. "When I took her ice climbing for the first and only time, she bruised her ankle, then sued my company to make money off an injury that was so minimal she could walk on it within a day."

"Oh, dear. Are you very rich?" she teased.

"Extremely," he said in total honesty, unafraid to admit it to her.

"Is she very beautiful, the way I imagine Bizet's Carmen? Long black hair? Fiery dark eyes, passionate to her very soul with a figure to die for?"

"I'll admit her beauty was extraordinary." But her soul…

"Then you're probably right, and she has the kind of marriage she's been waiting for all her life, where both grasping parties have their needs completely met."

After that comment Des broke into full-bodied laughter, delighted by her intelligence and the fact that she didn't take herself seriously.

"Señor Pastrana," the doctor said as he walked into the room. "I'm happy to hear you laugh like that. It is the best of signs. And I'm glad that you're now fully awake and talking to Señorita Bonner. She's been at your bedside since yesterday, waiting for you to open your eyes. Welcome back. How are you feeling?"

"Good." It was the truth…since he'd awakened to an angel staring down at him.

The doctor checked Des's vital signs while Ally kept watch. "Can you give me a few more details, por favor?"

"My head hurts, but it's not that bad and I'm no longer feeling sick to my stomach."

"Muy bien. We've been giving you antinausea medication in your IV. Keep this up and tomorrow you'll be able to go home—provided you take care of yourself."

Ally's face lit up. "That's wonderful news."

For several reasons, Des agreed.

The doctor smiled at him. "You were fortunate your lovely climbing companion here got you off the ice quickly. Otherwise we would have had to treat you for hypothermia. But I would be remiss in my duties if I didn't warn you of the dangers of pushing yourself too hard. You may be the head of a successful business empire and famous throughout Spain, but you are still human."

"I've had a lot of work to accomplish," he admitted.

"Don't we all, but that's the reason why this particular flu hit you especially hard. Follow my advice and take it easy for a while." He smiled. "I'll see you in the morning."

"Gracias, doctor."

"De nada."

As Des looked at Ally again he considered the doctor's words. Perhaps he should take some time off from work and find more…pleasurable ways to fill his life.

"Don't leave yet, Ally." Des was afraid she'd follow the doctor out of the room.

She gripped the side rail of his bed. "You need to rest."

"I've been unconscious for twenty-four hours, I feel like company. Do you mind?"

As Des said the words, he realized he meant them. But not just any company would do. Only hers. He realized that, too. His friend Raoul wouldn't believe how quickly his whole attitude was changing. Des would have to text him later.

"I'll stay for a while longer." She pulled up a chair to the side of the hospital bed. "Oh, before I forget, Miguel went up to the amphitheatre and brought back all our things. There was a trail of debris from the cascade to the car."

"When you went through my pockets, did you find my phone?"

"Oh, yes—" She reached in her purse. "Here it is. I'll put it on your bedside table."

"Gracias."

"I'm afraid I didn't have another thing on my mind after you passed out except to drive you here. I've still got the keys to your truck, too."

"That's good," he murmured. "Keep them until tomorrow. That way if you're willing, you can visit me and then drive me home."

There was a slight hesitation that concerned him before she said, "Of course I will. You went out of your way to accommodate me. Until you fell, I was really enjoying the climb."

A nurse came in to change his IV bag, then slipped out again.

Ally smiled at him. "Can I bring you anything from your room at the posada?"

"I could use my electric razor. It's in the bathroom with my other things."

"Tell you what. Why don't I leave now and bring them back to you?"

"In other words, I could do with a shave."

"Did I say that?"

His black brows quirked in amusement. "You didn't have to."

"Where's the card key for your room?"

"A monk's cell doesn't have something as modern as an electronic card to open the door—it has a metal key. It's with my car keys."

"Oh—" She reached in her purse once more and brought out the keys. "Which one opens your room?"

He took hold of her hand to show her. It trembled at the contact. Pleased by the response he said, "It's the middle one."

She quickly eased her hand away. "What room number?"

"Mine doesn't have one. It has an exterior entry around the west side of the posada. You can't miss it since it's the only one."

"That sounds rather mysterious."

A low chuckle came out of him. "Wait till you see it."

She moved the chair against the wall. "I'll be back soon."

"Hurry," he called out as she opened the door and left.

***

More than the word, the urgency in Des's tone caused Ally to tremble again. She couldn't believe he was the same forbidding stranger she'd met in the posada dining room, let alone the unconscious man she'd brought into the hospital so ill she'd feared for his life.

The warm, compassionate Spaniard who'd just listened to her heartache and then told her about his own broken engagement showed a completely new side of him, and the change was doing odd things to her equilibrium. The increasingly strong attraction she felt toward him sent off warning bells in her brain. She'd come here for adventure, not to get involved in a romance.

He was a gorgeous man. Against the pristine white of the clinic's sheets and pillow, his coloring and rugged features made him the most sensational-looking male she'd ever seen. Too sensational. Too perfect. Unlike her.

If those black eyes were ever to see what cancer had done to her body… She couldn't face that. She'd needed to get away from him. Which was why she'd jumped up and offered to go get his things from the hotel. Anything to keep her distance.

Not that he'd shown any sign of romantic interest. Though she knew he was grateful for her help, she was under no illusions that his attraction to her was as powerful as hers was for him. And even though he had to be feeling terrible right now, he was awake and probably itching to get out of the hospital. A dynamic man like him who ran a multibillion-dollar hotel business and went ice climbing to relax was probably a horrible patient and couldn't take advantage of the rest.

When she drove back to the posada, she found Inez at the front desk and filled her in. "I know the children were hoping I could eat dinner with them, but Señor Pastrana needs a little waiting on. Tell them I'll be back tonight and I can read a story to them before they go to sleep. I bought them some Christmas books. Tonight we can read one of my favorites—How the Grinch Stole Christmas. They'll love it."

"I'm sure I will, too!" Inez smiled. "But don't worry about anything else right now. Des's health is more important."

"He's doing amazingly well. The doctor said he only had a light concussion."

Inez crossed herself. "I'll tell Miguel. We've both been anxious. We visited him twice, but both times he was still asleep."

"Thankfully he's awake now. I better go and get his things. See you later, Inez."

After a shower in her room and a change of clothes into jeans and a kelly-green crewneck sweater, Ally dashed out the front doors of the inn and around the side. She felt strange walking into Des's private hotel room, but he had given her permission.

Once she stepped over the threshold, she was delighted by the way the room felt and looked like a window into the past. But she didn't have time to examine everything; Des needed his things.

Later, when she entered his room at the clinic, his black eyes darted from her to the suitcase.

"I didn't know what you'd want so I just brought everything," she explained.

For the second time in the past few hours he burst into laughter. The sound thrilled her.

"Why don't you put the bag down and pull up a chair so we can talk." As she did his bidding, he rolled onto his side toward her, taking care with the IV in his arm. "What did you think of my room?"

She glanced at him. "It felt as if I'd just stepped into a seventeenth-century priest's inner sanctum. To be honest, I loved it so much I wish I'd known about it so I could have reserved it before I arrived."

"You can't reserve it. When the corporation bought the monastery, I had it all remodeled except that room. It's mine."

"Well, lucky you." She paused. "I felt kind of naughty, letting myself in like that and then leaving with the suitcase."

"If anyone had seen you, they would think I was a very fortunate man," he said, his gaze fixed on her mouth. A curling warmth traveled through her body. Followed immediately by a burst of panic. If she let the attraction between them go any further, he'd see her scars and be repulsed by them. He wouldn't want her then.

"Thank you, but if they knew my secrets, they would think nothing of the sort." She'd said it to jar him, and it looked as if she'd succeeded because a puzzled expression entered his eyes.

"Should I bite?"

Ally shook her head. "It's not worth the trouble of an explanation."

"I disagree," he responded. "You just intentionally threw up a wall to shut me out." To her astonishment he reached for her arm with his free hand, capturing it with surprising strength. "Why would you do that when I only want to get closer to you?"

Ally tried to ease away from the grip he had on her arm, but he refused to let her go yet.

"Des…please listen. We may have just met, but you and I shared a life-and-death experience, which puts our relationship on a different level. I believe in being honest and assume you do, too. Wouldn't you have preferred to learn the truth about your fiancée at the beginning, instead of the eleventh hour?"

He grimaced. "Ah, I see. So you've decided to kill whatever relationship might develop between us right now. But why? What truth are you so afraid of?"

"I have my reasons. I'm sorry." She removed her arm and got up, putting the chair back against the wall, ready to leave.

His brows furrowed. "No, you're not."

"Please don't be angry with me."

"That's the last emotion I'm feeling."

"Then I'm glad."

"You're not making sense. Help me understand."

She breathed deeply. Get out of here, Ally. "I'd rather not talk about this, especially after your harrowing ordeal."

"Come over here. Por favor."

Even though her mind was screaming at her to run, she wasn't immune to his throbbing entreaty. She hesitantly walked over to the side rail. "Is there something else I can do for you? Open your suitcase and get things out, maybe?"

"No. The nurse will do it." Once more he reached for the hand closest to him. Turning it over, he kissed the palm then looked up at her. "I forgot to thank you for saving my life."

The touch of Des's lips against the skin of her hand sent a sizzle through Ally's body, setting her on fire. Earlier his thumb had made lazy circles over the pulse at her wrist, shooting an erotic warmth through her body, causing sensations she was afraid to acknowledge.

"No woman of my acquaintance could or would have done what you did for me. If there's anything I can do for you, all you have to do is ask."

She could ask that if he ever saw her mastectomy scars, he wouldn't reject her and turn away, but that was a pipe dream.

Ally took a fortifying breath. "It's because of me that you had the accident. The only favor I ask is that you get well soon. That means no winter sports for a little while."

He kissed her fingertips before letting her go. "If I'm going to deny myself, then I'm going to need someone to help me get through the withdrawal period."

Ally broke down laughing. She couldn't help it. "I believe you'd go into withdrawal."

He shot her devilish glance. "There are certain indoor sports I enjoy even more than climbing."

That came as no surprise. Once upon a time she'd shared the same sentiment, but those days were over. He wouldn't want her when he saw the truth for himself. "I do, too, as a matter of fact. How good are you at Scrabble? I bought the children the junior version to help them with their English."

"They won't mind if we christen it first?"

"Not if we all play," she said on a burst of inspiration. It was the only thing she could think of to keep him at bay. "You can be on their side. You'll need the handicap," she said, adding the dare to spice things up. In reality his English was so good, she probably wouldn't be able to beat him.

"You're on," he said with a speculative gleam in those black eyes.

Before either of them could say anything else, the nurse came in.

Ally's eyes darted to Des. "I'll go now, but I'll be over in the morning to get you."

"No good-night kiss?"

Her body tautened. "You already got one kiss this evening. Let's not tempt fate. Next time you might find yourself kissing the Ugly Duckling."

Des's face suddenly looked like a thundercloud. That was good.

"Buenas noches, señor."

***

"Rest when you're sleepy. Eat what appeals to you and you will be fine in a few days, Señor Pastrana." Des thanked the doctor as they left the clinic. Per the doctor's orders, Des let Ally carry his suitcase for him and drive him home. His adrenaline had surged when she'd entered his hospital room at eleven o'clock, dressed in jeans and a bright red pullover.

The hair he longed to run his fingers through had been tied at the nape with a narrow red ribbon. Tiny red-and-green Christmas ornaments dangled from each end. It would be so easy to tug on one of them, allowing the silklike strands to swing loose….

Her comment about the Ugly Duckling had bothered him all night. He understood the metaphor from the old fairy tale well enough, but there was nothing ugly about Ally, inside or out. He knew that to the depth of his soul. She was a stunning woman who had little conception of her impact on a man. Her lack of awareness was part of what made her so desirable. Her beauty radiated outward to that creamy skin he longed to caress.

But clearly she didn't think the same about herself. Before the day was out he intended to uncover the secret she'd alluded to, tossing it down like a gauntlet. The list of possible secrets was starting to drive him crazy. It was a challenge, and he'd never passed up a challenge. It wasn't in his nature.

Yet for some reason Des had the premonition that this would be the most important one he would ever face. The feeling shook him.

After she parked the truck outside his room at the inn, she hurried to the door and unlocked it for him.

Now that the nausea had gone and his forehead wasn't as sore, he felt surprisingly good and would have enjoyed a short walk in the frigid air with her. But he decided that for once he would follow doctor's orders. Plus it would get him a lot further with Ally, who still felt some ridiculous residual guilt for having gone climbing with him.

He was the one who felt guilty. If the truth were known, he'd taken one look at her in the dining room and something shocking had happened to him.

For so long he'd avoided women, not wanting any entanglements, but after Miguel had unintentionally laid the groundwork, Des realized he wanted to get to know the beautiful American woman who was so beloved by Maricela and Nuncio. You couldn't fool children. They saw through to the heart of a person.

He paused at the door of his room. Things had changed since he'd last been in his monk's cell. A fire blazed in the hearth, and there was a two-foot-high Christmas tree decorated with lights and ornaments placed on the dresser to greet him. The scent of pine was one of those wonderful smells, intoxicating and comforting.

"I hope you don't mind the additions," Ally said in a quiet voice as she brought in his suitcase."It's too dark in here without any windows and today is Christmas Eve."

Touched by her generosity of spirit that showed in everything she did, he looked around. On the small wooden table—one of the original pieces he'd kept—she'd added some snacks and drinks and a few Spanish sports magazines. She'd thought of everything.

She saw where his eyes had wandered. "Those are meant to help with the withdrawal."

He couldn't hold off any longer and he reached for her, gripping her arms to bring her close. Her eyes were like warm brandy, but they were conflicted. He could see fear in them, but he also found the emotion he was looking for. Desire.

Holding Ally in his arms, Des whispered into her ear, "Happy Christmas Eve day, Allison Bonner. I thought I never wanted to celebrate another one, but you've managed to cure me."

With or without her permission, he covered her heartshaped mouth with his own and kissed her the way he'd dreamed of doing all night long.

After a brief hesitation, she returned his kiss with a passionate response that thrilled him to his core. He began to draw her over to the bed, needing to hold her closer in his arms. But when she sensed his direction, she tore her lips from his and eased out of his embrace. In the firelight her cheeks were flushed.

"What's wrong? Why did you pull away from me?"

"The children have been watching for us. They'll be down any second with their present."

The Scrabble game. He'd forgotten about it—and everything else.

She'd brought him alive, and he loved this new feeling like he'd never loved anything in his life. But for some reason he sensed that she was still keeping him at a distance.

"Where shall we play?"

"On your king-size bed. That's where you should be. The priest who lived here should have been so lucky." The words were barely out of her delectable mouth before there was a knock on the door.

"Allee? Desidiero? Is it all right to come in?"

Des took the initiative and opened the door. "Make yourselves at home, nióos. We've been waiting for you."

Nuncio carried the game under his arm. He scrutinized Des. "I thought you were sick, but you don't look it."

"That's because Ally helped me make a magical recovery."

"Papa said she saved your life."

"Your papa is right," he said, staring at Ally.

"Mama's going to bring you some soup and bread."

Des smiled and tousled the boy's head. "I can't wait."

"Ooh," Maricela crooned, walking over to the tree. "I love it."

Ally busied herself offering the children some candy. "If the three of you have any hope to beat me at this game, you'll need some sugar for your brains." Nuncio frowned. "Brains? I do not understand. What is that?"

"Cerebro," Des translated. "And after my fall, I don't think mine is working so well. You two will have to help me."

The children laughed with excitement as Ally told everyone to get on the bed and explained the point of the game. "There's a prize for the winner."

Des forced her to look at him. "If we lose, is there a consolation prize?"

She chuckled. "I'll think of one."

"How about if I lose, I get to decide what my prize is?" he answered back. "I know exactly what I want."

Ally couldn't hold Des's gaze when she knew exactly what was on his mind. He wasn't going to let her get away with not explaining her remarks for much longer. She was putting it off because she was enjoying this time with him so much, and she wanted it to last. And right now she owed it to the children to get into this game.

Des was a tough competitor and tutored the children with surprising patience. In the end, she won three matches and they won two. The kids would have continued trying to beat her for the rest of the day if it weren't for Inez, who brought food on a tray and told the children she needed them upstairs.

Ally rewarded each of them with a big peppermint candy cane. Since they'd never seen anything quite like them, they were delighted.

After they left, she and Des ate the delicious food Inez had prepared. He sat against the headboard with his long legs extended. He looked relaxed, but she could feel his tension growing—right along with her own sense of impending doom.

She knew their time together was short—in a few days he'd be off on his planned campout and she'd be back in Wyoming. But in the meantime, as she delayed telling him the truth, their relationship was progressing, making a liar out of her.

Before he could pounce and claim his consolation prize, she put down her coffee cup and took the initiative, not able to stand it any longer.

"You want to know my secret? The reason I've been keeping my distance? For the last year I've told no one, not even Miguel and Inez. But that was before I met you."

He sat forward. "Go on."

"I wanted to say something that morning we went climbing. But you were—are—such an attractive man, and I feared alienating you by seeming…forward. You know. A strange woman suddenly baring her soul to you. I'm sure there've been plenty of women who've come up with some pretty inventive ways to get close to you. I…I didn't want you to think I was one of them. If I'd blurted out what was on my mind, I was afraid you would think it seemed desperate. I hated the idea that you would consider me pathetic."

His features hardened. "I know I acted resentful of you, and I've apologized for that, but did I seem that much of a monster to you when we were introduced?"

"No!" she cried. "No, Des." She jumped off the bed, too agitated to sit still. "After you told me about your fiancée, I understood your disdain." She paced the floor for a minute. "What I'm trying to say is that this whole situation is about me and my hang-ups. I'm sorry you ever got involved. When I came to the Pyrenees, I didn't expect…" She faltered for a second. "I didn't expect to find what I did. To find you," she mumbled.

He launched himself off the bed and came to stand in front of her with his hands on his hips. "You think I did?"

With that question she realized she wasn't the only one feeling anxious about how quickly things had changed. "No." She shook her head. "Of course not."

He softened his stance. "Just tell me, Ally."

She struggled for breath then lifted her head to look at him. "After Rex died, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a full mastectomy." She smiled at him through the tears. "A woman gets used to her own body parts. But until I met you, I didn't know how much it affected me that they were gone."

Though he stood stock-still, as soon as the words left her lips, she saw his eyes widen in shock and his compelling mouth press into a thin line.

"I'm in remission for now and I've been working out to get in the best shape possible, both physically and mentally. But every time I go in for testing, I could find out it's come back. Then again it might never come back."

Ally heard his sharp intake of breath. "You think that makes you the Ugly Duckling?"

Des looked and sounded furious.

"In the physical sense, yes. When you kissed me a little while ago, it made me realize h-how much I wanted to be like I was before." She looked down. "Desirable. Sexy."

Ally was so embarrassed for having exposed herself to this degree, she started for the door with the tray. "You heard Inez. We've been invited to spend Christmas Eve with them. If you're feeling well enough, come up to their apartment whenever you're ready. If you decide you want to be alone, no one will bother you. I promise." She left.

Des stared at the closed door after Ally had gone, devastated for her sake by what she'd told him. Two mortal blows in a row—first she'd had to deal with her fiancé's sudden death and then the diagnosis of breast cancer.

Up on the frozen waterfall he'd discovered she was the most courageous person he'd ever known. She'd disregarded her own safety to get him to the clinic before hypothermia set in. Without injuring herself, no less! He knew Miguel would have sent out a search party for them if they'd been delayed, but by then Des could have been in real trouble. She had a warrior's spirit and he stood in awe of her.

So how could someone who'd been so brave on that ice be so insecure about her own body? No matter what he had to do, he was going to get around her fears.

No one knew how long they had to live. And since every minute of life was precious, he had no intention of staying down in his room and away from her. Wheeling around, he picked out what he wanted to wear, then headed for the shower.

After he'd shaved and dressed, he left the room for the front entry to the posada. Pleased to have caught sight of Maricela in the hallway without needing to bother Miguel, he called to her. "Will you show me to Ally's room? I need to talk to her."

"Sure. She's right down here." He followed her along two different hallways until they came to Ally's door. "Are you going to come to our apartment later?" the girl asked.

He patted her cute face. "We wouldn't miss it. Come and knock on the door when you're ready for us."

"I will." Her brown eyes danced before she ran off.

Des turned and rapped on Ally's door.

***

Ally didn't recognize the knock, but thought it could be one of the staff. She'd just come out of the bathroom after blowdrying her hair. She pulled on her pink toweling robe and padded across the room to open the door.

"Des!"

She almost fainted at the sight of him.

It was the same man whose room she'd left just a short time ago, but all she could do was stare at the changes in him. Without her shoes on, he seemed even taller. He was wearing a fabulous midnight-blue dress suit and tie, and he'd dispensed with the hair thong. His hair was swept away from the crown and sides of his head to lie against the back of his neck.

His dark Spanish looks, the contrast of his olive skin against his dazzling white shirt, were so incredible she could only stand there, speechless. Her breath came faster as she detected the enticing scent of the soap he'd used in the shower.

"I…I didn't expect you to come to my room," she stammered. "We're not expected at the Torrillas' apartment yet."

He lounged against the doorjamb with his arms folded. "After what you told me earlier, I don't feel like wasting any time. May I come in while you finish getting ready?"

"Of course," she answered jerkily. He entered the room.

As she shut the door, he removed his suit jacket. "Do you care if I sit on your bed while I wait?"

"No…go right ahead. I'll finish dressing in the bathroom."

She grabbed the clothes she'd intended to wear and dashed into the other room. But her hands were shaking so hard, she had difficulty pulling and adjusting and fastening everything.

When she eventually came out wearing her long two-piece velvet dress with the three-quarter sleeves, he got up from the bed, eyeing her with what she could only describe as desire.

He murmured, "Exquisita. What do you call that color in English?"

She swallowed hard. "Periwinkle."

"It suits your coloring." He moved closer. The next thing she knew he had his arms around her and had lowered his head to kiss her long and thoroughly. Ally's body gave up a voluptuous shiver because his hunger matched hers. She couldn't hide her desire for him.

But they had a party to go to and eventually she pushed her hands against his chest.

He loosened his hold on her to feel the fabric on her sleeve."It's uncrushable, verdad?"

She nodded.

"Bien." His hand found hers and he pulled her toward the bed. "Then lie down with me for a little while. I just want to hold you."

A pain jabbed her heart. "Des…I don't need comfort."

"That's the last thought on my mind."

His response surprised her.

"Since this is the day for honesty," he continued, "do you want me to tell you what I want?"

"I'm afraid."

"I know. That's why I simply want you to know what it's like to lie in my arms. We both need this. To feel cherished and loved. Would that be such a penance?"

"No," she answered softly.

"Then come to me, muchacha."

The banked fires in his eyes and the deep tone of his husky voice seduced her. She put a knee on top of the bed. That was all the encouragement he needed. He enfolded her into his hard-muscled frame, nestling his face in the profusion of her hair. A long drawn-out sigh escaped him. It was as if his body was letting go of all the angst and tension he'd been carrying. When she felt it leave him, her body also seemed to shed a heavy burden.

She felt like she was floating on a light mist.

"I want to stay like this until Maricela comes for us," he said against the side of her neck. The caress of his lips against her skin sent rivers of delight coursing through her body.

She pushed away her fears and doubts. She decided to stop thinking and simply feel.

***

Des watched her sleep. He raised himself up on one elbow to study the features of the incredible woman cradled in his arms. After the experience of the past few days, exhaustion had caught up with her.

Unable to hold back, he lowered his head and pressed his mouth to hers. Very slowly he began kissing her until she started to respond. She made several little moaning sounds before her eyelids fluttered open.

"Des—"

"I'm right here," he murmured against her lips. "As if I'd be anyplace else."

In the next breath she began kissing him, causing his senses to leap. One kiss and then another and another until there was no beginning and no end. He rolled her on top of him, cupping her face so he could taste every centimeter of her. "You have no comprehension of how much I want you, amada."

"But—"

"Hush," he said to quiet her. "I don't want to hear that we haven't known each other long enough, or that you're not desirable, or that we come from two different worlds, or any of the dozen reasons percolating in your mind."

"Allee?" Maricela's voice broke in as she knocked on the door. "It's time for the party."

"I'll be right there," she called out.

"I'll tell Mama. Hurry!"

Des kissed her trembling mouth once more before letting her go. She practically weaved in front of him as she got to her feet. He helped her stand.

"I've got a lot of repair work to do," she said, and laughed, looking down at her dress.

He grinned. "There's no time," he said, loving to watch her blush. "We're about to enjoy Christmas Eve with Miguel's family. No matter what you do, you'll look thoroughly kissed."

He strolled over to the chair and put on his suit jacket and then held the door open for her as they went to the Torillas' party.

After a feast of lamb followed by almond pastry, everyone gathered in the living room around the Nativity scene. Miguel read from the Bible about the birth of the Savior. Then he flashed Ally a smile from across their living room where he was seated near the fire. "It's time for your special surprise, señora. Our children have been waiting and waiting for this."

They nestled on either side of her on the couch. Inez and Des were seated in separate chairs placed in front of the adorable tree the children had decorated. His black eyes didn't move from her face.

"All right." Still feeling breathless since waking in Des's arms, Ally pulled a big picture book out of her sack. "This is my gift to you. It's my very, very favorite Christmas story. In America, Santa Claus brings the children presents on Christmas Eve. Your parents told me that in Spain, the Three Wise Men will bring presents to your house in January."

They nodded.

"So let this be my present to you." Having learned the words by heart as a child, she stared at Des as she began.

"''Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.'"

At that moment she had a vision of being in a house with Des, surrounded by their own children. The vision grabbed hold and wouldn't let go.

When she looked back at her decision to come to the Pyrenees, she realized she'd wanted to pit herself against the elements and get past her fear. But unless she could get past her biggest fear of Des rejecting her, what was life for? Where was her courage, her faith?

She looked down at the book. After swallowing hard, she finished reading and ended with the famous line, '"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.'"

The children were enchanted and begged her to read it again and again. Finally Des stood up and thanked everyone. "If you'll excuse us, Ally and I have plans for the rest of the evening."

"But I thought you were still sick," Nuncio said.

"Nuncio…" his mother scolded.

Ally tried to stifle her laughter, but it was hopeless. "He has a point, Señor Pastrana." She smiled into his eyes.

"I may not be a hundred percent yet, but tonight is a special one, above all the other nights of my life, and I intend to enjoy it." She heard the throb in his deep voice and felt her legs turn to water.

After hugs and kisses for the kids, she put on her coat and walked out of the posada with Des. Once the door closed behind them he stopped and pulled the lapels of her coat together so she faced him.

"Where are we going, Des?"

"To a place I know of where we can see the stars at their most brilliant. But before we do anything else, I want you to know I meant what I said in there just now. Tonight I feel like I've been reborn and a whole new beautiful future has opened up for me. Because I've fallen in love with you, Ally Bonner. It's the real thing. I know it in my heart and soul."

She couldn't deny her own feelings, either. Not now. "Oh, Des—" She threw her arms around him. "I'm in love with you, too. I don't know how it could have happened this fast, but it did. With you, I feel as if anything and everything is possible."

Des crushed her against him. "How lucky we are to have found each other in this refuge, of all places. Mi amor…"

He kissed her and then took her hand as they left to watch the stars fade into Christmas Day…and beyond.