A Christmas Family Miracle. Rebecca Winters

next year, or didn’t you mean what you told Philippe earlier about not going back to Colorado until then.”

      After a pregnant silence, she said, in a dull voice, “I meant it.”

      “Then give it some serious thought. You could buy a house here and get your old things out of storage. Several times a year you could fly to Colorado to be with your parents and they could come here. The important thing is that Philippe will have that sense of belonging he’s been missing since you left, and you will capitalize on all your years of training.”

      “That’s a very generous offer, Raoul,” she said, sounding far away. “I realize other skiers would kill for such an unprecedented opportunity. Have you spoken of this to anyone else?”

      “No.” Except for Des. “If you decide to do this, then I’ll tell Papa, who will be overjoyed, not only from a personal standpoint but a business one. Whatever Philippe intends to do with his life after he’s grown up, such a legacy will ensure his future.”

      His proposal appeared to have put her in more turmoil. He hoped it was tearing her apart. If she turned him down, that would be the answer he was praying for.

      “Speaking of your son—” He put his hands on his hips. “I told him we’d all be together after school to welcome his Grand-père home. I’ll go with Maman to bring him back from the hospital.”

      “I’ll pick up the children so Vivige can go with you.”

      “Bon. Later you and I can talk some more. What do you say we make this a memorable Christmas for the whole family? We all need a release from grief.”

      He watched the struggle she was having before she lifted her head and gave him a smile that masked whatever she was really thinking. “That’s exactly what we need. With the weight of the whole company on your shoulders right now because of Jules’s illness, it’s a miracle you could take the time to fly to Colorado. You brought Christmas to Philippe. For that I’m very grateful.”

      But I didn’t bring it to you. Is that what you’re saying, Crystal? Was Raoul wrong thinking what he’d been thinking? He’d given her a lot to ponder and knew better than to help her on with her parka or ask her to stay longer.

      “There’s the whole holiday ahead of us,” he reminded her. “Thankfully, I’m pretty much off until the New Year unless an emergency arises.”

      After a slight hesitation she said, “That has to be a great relief for you. I’ll see you at your parents.” In a jerky motion, she reached for her hat and parka. “Now, I’ve got to get home.”

       “Bonne nuit, Crystal.”

      His good-night followed her out the door. Crystal had prayed he wouldn’t walk her out to the car. To her profound relief she’d gotten her wish. Whenever they were together, wherever they were—be it inside or outside—she had trouble taking a deep breath and walked around with a suffocating feeling in her chest that refused to go away.

      The memory of the way he’d looked when he’d walked into the living room a little while ago wouldn’t leave her alone. In the semidark interior, he’d stood near the coffee table with one hand casually resting on the back of a chair. Wearing a white sweater and dark slacks, his virility had been too potent for her.

      Taking a job that would keep them in contact with each other on a daily basis was unthinkable. Even though it would mean the world to Philippe, her instinct was to get as far away as possible from Raoul.

      During the short drive to her in-laws’ house, she had to admit a part of her was in shock he’d actually offered her the position. He really was trying to get her interested in her career again. Was that all he was interested in?

      She pulled up in the drive with a shudder and buried her face in her hands. She really was a walking disaster and couldn’t go on like this much longer. After a few minutes she pulled herself together and let herself in the house. The place was quiet. Arlette must have already gone to bed. Tomorrow was going to be a big day with Jules coming home. It served as a reminder that he was the reason she and Philippe had come back to France in the first place.

      Now that he was getting better, it was important that peace reigned in the Broussard household. She hurried up the stairs to the bedroom. Until she took Philippe back to Breckenridge, she wouldn’t fight her son. Hopefully she could get Philippe to go skiing with her. She’d take all the kids. It would be fun.

      Once Christmas was over, she’d find a way to convince Philippe that the world hadn’t come to an end because they were going back to Breckenridge. Maybe she’d take him to a travel agency and have the agent make out two round-trip tickets for her and Philippe—to prove that she’d be bringing him back over the Easter break. If he had something tangible in hand like an airline ticket so he could plan for the future, it just might work. It had to.

      But it would require Raoul’s cooperation, too. Since he’d insisted that he’d always be there for her and Philippe, she would put him to the test. He would have to help her convince Philippe that he’d be very busy until Easter and wouldn’t have the time to spend with his nephew. They would have to make him see that Christmas had been different because Jules had been ill and everyone in the family had taken time off.

      Crystal got ready for bed, but she spent a restless night tossing and turning. In the morning she awakened early in order to greet Philippe when he came home to get dressed for school. At seven-thirty he arrived with Raoul.

      “Mommy?”

      “In the kitchen.” A totally happy boy came running and hugged her.

      “Did you have a fun sleepover?” The question was unnecessary, but she asked it anyway.

      “Yes! Can I do it again tonight with Albert?”

      “If it’s all right with your uncle, but right now you need to change. Your clothes are laid out on your bed.”

      “Okay. I’ll be right back.”

      Once again she was alone with Raoul, who’d dressed in one of the company’s dark green parkas with its alpine logo. Every color suited him. “Would you like some coffee? I made it fresh.”

      “I’d like it if Philippe and I hadn’t just finished breakfast.” His dark blue gaze slowly appraised her in her jeans and knit top. “You’re really all right about him staying at my house again tonight?”

      She darted him a glance. “It’s where he wants to be.”

      “Thank you, Crystal. Philippe’s being here has made a huge change in Papa, in everyone.” His eyes darkened with emotion. “Last year I didn’t bother with a tree.” She heard a bleak tone in his voice that was so disturbing she couldn’t bear it.

      Avoiding his eyes she whispered, “Last year was a painful time for everyone.”

      “Would it surprise you to know Crystal Broussard has made my Christmas by being here?”

      His words started a tremor inside her.

      “Bonjour, tout le monde.” Crystal lifted her head in time to see Arlette walk in the kitchen with Philippe.

      Raoul kissed his mother. “I’ll be by for you at eleven-thirty and we’ll bring Papa home.”

      “Hooray! Tell Grand-père I’ll see him after school.”

      “Of course I will. He’s living for it.” Arlette gave Philippe a big hug, then helped him on with his parka and ski hat. “Have a wonderful day.”

      “I will. ‘Bye, Mommy.”

      “See you later, honey.”

      Crystal was shaken as she watched them leave. “What can I do to help you?” she asked Arlette after they were alone. She needed physical activity to deal with the excess energy Raoul had created with that last comment.

      “I thought we’d