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While Simon announced their arrival, Caroline gaped at the grand staircase that spiraled around the foyer perimeter in a graceful half circle. Ornately carved wood spindles and the elegant crystal chandelier that illuminated the two-story entry proclaimed the home’s mid-nineteenth century vintage. She’d seen Gone With the Wind and had often wondered what it would be like to visit one of those enormous antebellum mansions, but never imagined herself staying in such grand surroundings.
Simon’s call was answered by a distinguished blond man Simon introduced as his father, Charles Ho
lcroft. Almost as tall as his son and superbly fit, Charles was an older version of his handsome son, right down to the charming grin.
“You made decent time from Atlanta,” Charles said, thumping his son on the back. “We didn’t expect you until closer to four. I hope you didn’t try breaking Dane’s record of three hours eighteen minutes.”
“Three hours thirty-seven minutes,” Simon said. “And we stopped for lunch, which tacked on more time.”
“Good. Good.” Charles switched his attention to Caroline. “Can’t be too careful with this important cargo.” He took her hand and patted it, then extended his arm to give her the once-over. From her new haircut to her expensive shoes, he missed no detail. “I’m impressed, Simon. I didn’t think you’d show up with someone this delightful. Your mother has chewed her nails to the first knuckle with curiosity.” Charles winked at Caroline. “Don’t tell her I said that. She’s going to be mad enough that I got to meet you first.”
“I-it’s nice to meet you, Mr. Holcroft,” she stammered, overwhelmed by the warm welcome and the friendly twinkle in Charles’s eye. “I’m Caroline Sampson.”
“Caroline,” Charles echoed, chuckling. “How charming. I’m sure you know our son hasn’t been very forthcoming about you. We didn’t even know your name. Please call me Charles. I hope you’ll consider yourself one of the family. Is it too forward of me to ask for a hug?”
Caroline flushed from her hairline to her toes. This was not what she’d expected. Simon had told her his father was a judge. She’d expected a stodgy, serious, uptight older man, not a charming flirt. She had suited up to face his mother’s tricky play calling, only to have his father run an end game around her defenses.
“Ah, sure.”
A moment later she was staring at Simon over his father’s shoulder, pleading with him to rescue her. She rolled her eyes at his helpless shrug. What had she gotten herself into?
“Charles, stop embarrassing the poor child.”
Turning at the sound of the scolding female voice, Caroline knew this must be Simon’s mother. Elegant in a pale lavender pantsuit that flattered her flawless skin and slim figure, Elizabeth Holcroft glided down the stairs with perfect poise. If Caroline hadn’t known Simon’s mother had gone through chemo, she never would have guessed Elizabeth’s short blond waves were a wig. The style enhanced her delicate features and complemented her diminutive size. But it was her welcoming smile that held Caroline transfixed. It was like being enfolded in a gentle hug and Caroline’s whole body relaxed.
“Forgive my husband.” Elizabeth shot a warning look at Charles before switching her shrewd gaze to Caroline. “We can take a little getting used to. And he is right,” she continued, leading Caroline to wonder how good Elizabeth’s hearing was. “You are a delightful surprise. Welcome.”
Caroline found herself in the woman’s soft, perfumed embrace and wondered exactly what they’d expected Simon to bring home. When Elizabeth released her and turned to hug her tall son, Caroline’s head spun with relief at their easy acceptance of Simon’s surprise guest. “You simply must tell me every detail of how you and Simon met. Has he swept you off your feet?”
She didn’t want to lie to Charles or Elizabeth. They were genuinely nice people and deserved to meet a woman that Simon really did love and want to marry. Why couldn’t Simon explain about Francine? Caroline sensed that both his parents would understand.
“You could say that.” With the engagement ring scorching her finger and the truth trembling on her lips, Caroline was prevented from saying anything more by Simon’s interruption.
“We have something we need to tell you.” He must have seen her crumbling because he came to take her hand in his and stare down at her. “Don’t we, darling?”
Tell them what? The truth? That her being here was all a fabrication? In a flash Caroline realized she wanted to keep pretending. As much as her chest hurt from the lies she’d told, a part of her was dying for some rest and relaxation, and seeing his parents’ delight that Simon had brought home a fiancée, Caroline didn’t want to ruin their Christmas.
“Tell us what?” Elizabeth looked from one to the other.
Simon lifted Caroline’s left hand and kissed it. “We’re engaged.”
Dead silence greeted his announcement. Caroline was positive her heart stopped as she held her breath and waited for his parents’ reaction.
“Well, I’ll be damned.” Charles’s quiet declaration shattered the frozen moment.
“Charles!” Elizabeth swatted at her husband’s arm and missed. Her entire focus was trained on Caroline, who gulped and opened her mouth to babble some sort of explanation only to have Elizabeth beat her to it. “Oh, Simon. This is the best Christmas present ever.”
To Caroline’s everlasting horror, she spotted a glint of tears in Elizabeth’s eyes. No. No. No! Every misgiving she’d had about lying to Simon’s family multiplied by a thousand.
“I’m glad you’re pleased,” Simon said, a frown flitting across his face as his mother hugged him.
Could he be seeing the error of his ways at last? Too late. They were committed now. No way they could end this farce and return to Atlanta with his parents none the wiser, and as first Elizabeth, then Charles hugged her and welcomed her into the family, Caroline began to forgive Simon for convincing her their playacting was harmless. It wasn’t fair to blame him for something she was equally guilty of. With a sigh she focused on what Elizabeth was saying to her son.
“We’re going to have a full house for Christmas. Your Uncle Jerry and Aunt Delores are visiting from Florida and they brought Harold. I’m not sure what the boy does for a living. He seems to have a lot of free time on his hands. I think you know Francine will be arriving on Monday and Dane’s already here.” Pride glowed in the blue gaze Elizabeth turned on Caroline. “Last year he had a big case that almost kept him from coming at all. His schedule forces us to be flexible. Two years ago we had to celebrate Christmas three days late.”
“Yes, it’s all about Dane,” Simon muttered.
Sympathy tugged at Caroline. Many of Simon’s stories involved him besting his brother or losing out on one contest or another. Francine had alluded to the competitive relationship between the brothers.
