The Clause in Christmas Read online

  The tagline of the antiques store—Curiosities and Collectibles—represented the quirky shop to a T. Every nook and cranny burst with an assortment of oddball items like vintage typewriters, a wooden butter churn, and…

  Cassie lifted a beautiful silver bowl and turned it over in her hands. The way the light reflected off the shimmering surface created a mesmerizing effect.

  “That’s a chamber pot.” A statuesque redhead uncurled herself from a velvet chaise longue and set down her worn copy of Persuasion.

  With a shudder, Cassie hastily shoved the silver pot back on the shelf.

  Eliza chuckled. “Penny, this is my friend Cassie. Cassie, this is Penny.”

  “Pleasure to meet you.” The young woman extended her hand, wrapping her long, graceful fingers around Cassie’s.

  “You, too.” Cassie returned her warm smile, noting the woman’s eyes were almost the same coppery color as her hair.

  “We’re looking for some snow clothes that would fit Cassie,” Eliza said.

  Penny looked Cassie over, estimating her size. A slow smile spread across her lips. “I have just the thing!” Waving for them to follow, she led them toward the back of the shop where a few racks of clothing screened off a section of the expansive room. “What do you think?” Penny held up a puffy white snow jacket with a faux-fur lined hood and matching pants.

  But Cassie didn’t notice. She couldn’t see anything except a stunning off-the-shoulder evening gown draped over an antique dress form. The delicate, emerald green lace clung in all the right places before pooling on the floor in an elegant swirl.

  “Gorgeous, isn’t it?” Penny asked, following her gaze. “I like to imagine it belonged to Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn. Want to try it on? I’m pretty sure it’s your size.”

  “Yes! Try it on, Cass!” Eliza clapped her hands in excitement, but Cassie shook her head. No way could she afford a gown like that, even if it was secondhand. Plus, where would she wear it?

  “Maybe some other time.” She made herself focus on the marshmallow ensemble in Penny’s hands, hoping it wasn’t too expensive. “How much is the snowsuit?” Cassie cringed at the apprehensive lilt to her voice.

  Penny didn’t even glance at the price tag. “Five dollars.”

  Cassie blinked. “That’s it? That can’t be right.”

  Cassie reached for the tag, but Penny sidestepped her, taking long strides toward the cash register. “Winter wear is on sale right now, since we’re halfway through the season already,” she said matter-of-factly.

  Cassie glanced at Eliza for backup, but Eliza merely grinned and skipped after Penny.

  As Cassie followed them to the register, her heart swelled with an unfamiliar feeling of gratitude. In all her life, she’d never experienced so much kindness as she had during her week’s stay in Poppy Creek.

  Which meant leaving at the end of the month would be far more painful than she’d ever anticipated.

  In more ways than one.

  As Luke sat beside Cassie on the lowered tailgate of his pickup, he tried to focus on Ben as he sailed down the snow-covered slope on his plastic toboggan. Not on how close Cassie’s thigh was to touching his own.

  Brushing his hand against hers the previous night had been a one-time thing. An impulse best left in the past. So why could he think of nothing else than scooting closer?

  Luke drew in a breath, inhaling the faintest whiff of Cassie’s sultry perfume with the brisk winter breeze. Golden rays of sunlight stretched across the powder blue sky, and Luke marveled all the snow hadn’t melted yet. By the end of the following day, he imagined most of it would be gone.

  Grasping for an excuse, Luke told himself that’s how he’d been cajoled into coming along. Eliza insisted it would be the last opportunity to sled until the next snowfall and Ben had begged him to come. How could he say no to those pleading brown eyes? But if Luke were honest, it was more than that. A lot more. As hard as he fought against his feelings for Cassie, he couldn’t pass up a chance to spend time with her. Heart thrumming, he stole a glance in her direction.

  Cassie’s gaze remained fixed on Ben as he flew down the hill. “Aren’t you worried he’ll hurt himself?” she asked Eliza.

  Eliza stood off to the side, recording a video of Ben’s descent with her cell phone. She shrugged, a smile tugging the corners of her mouth. “Having a son means being worried about his safety ninety percent of the time.”

  “Woo-hoo!” Ben shouted when he finally reached the bottom of the hill. “Mom, did you see that?”

  “I sure did!” Eliza ended the recording, beaming proudly at her son as he hopped toward them, dragging his bright red toboggan through the snow.

  “Uncle Luke, do you wanna go next?” Ben asked, his round cheeks glowing.

  “I sure do!” Luke set his thermos of hot chocolate on the edge of the truck before lowering himself to the ground. Already the tempting scent of Cassie’s perfume faded, flooding him with both regret and relief. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could sit next to her without making a move.

  “I have a better idea.” Eliza slipped her phone inside the zippered pocket of her neon pink jacket. “Let’s race. Ben and me against you and Cassie.”

  Ben jumped up and down, cheering his approval.

  “You’re on!” Luke grinned at Cassie. “What do you say?”

  Her grip tightened around her thermos. “I don’t know…”

  “Please, Cassie. It’s super fun,” Ben pleaded.

  Cassie hesitated as if trying to contrive an airtight excuse.

  Eliza crossed her arms, raising one eyebrow in a challenge. “I believe the Christmas Calendar said to go sledding, not watch other people sled.”

  Luke snorted with laughter. “She has a point, Ru.”

  Cassie leveled her gaze on him. “Okay, Sprinkles. Let’s do this.” She slammed her thermos on the tailgate before hopping off with a defiant thud.

  Eliza flashed a smirk between the two of them, clearly enjoying their flirtatious exchange. “See you two at the top of the hill. Then at the bottom, when we win.” She took off toward the slope, Ben gleefully following in her sunken footsteps.

  Grinning, Luke reached for the second toboggan in the back of the truck. “Please tell me you’re secretly a gold medalist at the luge.”

  “Actually, I’ve never been sledding before.”

  “Never?” Luke repeated, incredulous.

  “I’ve lived in San Francisco my entire life,” Cassie said, zipping her jacket as high as it would go. “The closest thing I’ve seen to snow is sleet. And on the streets of San Francisco, it’s basically brown sludge.”

  “Then you’re in for a treat.” Luke hoisted the toboggan over his shoulder. “Sledding is a rush.”

  As Luke set his toboggan at the top of the hill, several feet from Eliza’s, he realized this sled run would contain an extra thrill—more physical contact with Cassie than seemed safe.

  Cassie’s gaze flitted to Eliza and Ben as they climbed onto their sled, Ben in front, Eliza tightly curled around him. Her eyes registered her own misgivings about the scenario.

  Luke gestured toward the sled. “I’ll get on first, then you can settle yourself in the front.”

  Cassie didn’t move, toying with a strand of dark hair that had escaped her loose braid.

  Breathing steadily to settle his nerves, Luke situated himself in the back of the toboggan before waving Cassie over.

  She lingered a moment before climbing in front, sitting as far forward as possible.

  “Uh, Cass. You’re going to have to scoot all the way back to balance our weight.”

  Without a word, she slowly slid toward him until she was nestled in his arms.

  Luke cleared his throat. “Great. Now grip the handles in front.” Her scent fully enveloped him now to the point of distraction. Get it together, Luke. “Are you ready?”

  Cassie nodded.

  “Ready?” Eliza shouted, raising her hand in a thumbs-up motion.

&
nbsp; “Ready!” Luke called back. “Count us down, Ben.”

  Ben’s spirited voice carried effortlessly above the stillness of the late afternoon. When he squealed, “Go,” Luke pushed off with both hands, sending them over the edge with a whoosh!

  A scream escaped Cassie’s lips as they plummeted toward the bottom, and Luke pressed himself tighter against her without releasing his grip on the handles. Before he had a chance to ask if she was all right, her scream transformed into ripples of laughter.

  Cassie leaned her head back, resting it against Luke’s chest, and the sweet sound of her gleeful giggles made his heart soar. He didn’t know how it was possible, but in the brief time he’d known this woman, she’d completely captivated him, heart and soul.

  They continued to pick up speed as they rocketed down the slope, and to Luke’s surprise, Cassie let go of the handles, throwing her hands high above her head.

  “Whoa! Hold on, Cassie!” Luke shouted, immediately noticing the shift in balance.

  But it was too late.

  Luke lost control, and the toboggan tipped, sending them tumbling down the hill in a snowball of flailing arms and legs.

  Oomf! Luke landed on his back in a snowdrift, with Cassie sprawled on top of him. Winded, it took him a moment to register the situation. “Are you okay?” he gasped.

  Cassie giggled softly against his chest. “I’m fine.” Propping herself up using his torso for support, she grinned down at him. “Do you think we won?”

  Luke lost his breath again, but this time, it wasn’t from the impact. Her eyes danced with joy, and her lips curled at the edges, ever so slightly, as if a kiss were hiding, waiting to be uncovered.

  Their eyes met, and Luke heard her sharp intake of breath. Their lips were so close. And the kiss was right there, teasing him.

  “Are you guys okay?” Ben’s face peered over them, etched with concern.

  “I think they’re fine.” Eliza smirked, not bothering to hide her delight.

  Cassie quickly rolled off Luke, springing to her feet.

  Luke followed less eagerly.

  “That was an epic crash!” Ben gushed.

  “It was,” Luke agreed. But for entirely different reasons.

  Every ounce of logic told him falling for Cassie was a bad idea. He didn’t have time. He had other responsibilities. She’d be leaving town in a few weeks. But Luke didn’t care anymore. Fighting his feelings for Cassie was a fruitless effort.

  Effort he’d rather spend on convincing her to stay.

  Chapter 13

  Standing on the frenzied streets of San Francisco the following afternoon felt surreal to Cassie. As if, in only a week, Poppy Creek had rewired her brain. The sidewalks seemed more cramped; the energy more chaotic. Even her mother’s favorite restaurant, Salvatore’s Italian Bistro, had lost some of its luster. The sun had taken its toll on the red-and-white striped awning. And the ordinarily slick black paint of the front door looked dull and dreary.

  Cassie gripped the wrought iron handle and heaved it open, slipping in among the jam-packed lunch crowd. After giving her name to the hostess, she squeezed into the only sliver of space not occupied by a hipster, tourist, or haggard assistant picking up eggplant parmesan for their boss.

  Other than the lack of personal space, Cassie didn’t mind the thirty minute wait to be seated. Her mother would never arrive on time for their noon lunch date, anyway. Derek used to joke, If you want Donna Hayward to show up on time, tell her to show up an hour early.

  Cassie fingered the heart charm at her throat, feeling the tension creep up her shoulders. There was another downside to being back in San Francisco. It would be harder to keep her mind off of Derek’s job offer. A small part of her—the one with a penchant for morbid curiosity—couldn’t help wondering where his new coffee shop was located. Not that it mattered. It wasn’t like she’d pop in for a visit.

  Cassie had already been seated for fifteen minutes—enough time to down one glass of water and two breadsticks—before Donna waltzed past the hostess desk, and several impatient patrons, to their small table by the window.

  “Yikes! It’s a madhouse in here.” Donna flopped onto the high-back chair and shrugged out of her wool coat, revealing a V-neck sweater much too tight for a lunch date with her daughter. Or anyone, for that matter. “Good thing you got here early.”

  Cassie offered a thin smile before taking a sip from her empty water glass. A few drops trickled down the side, providing her little comfort—or hydration. Gratitude wasn’t Donna Hayward’s style. Nor was motherly warmth or affection. But Cassie showed up at her beck and call, anyway. Even if it meant dropping everything to drive the three-plus hours back to the city. Although, this time, Donna’s phone call had sounded urgent.

  “What is it you wanted to discuss?” Cassie asked, praying her mother didn’t need to borrow more money. At this point, all Cassie could offer was an IOU.

  Donna pouted over the top of her menu. “No small talk for your only mother?”

  Suppressing a sigh, Cassie obliged. “How was your day?”

  “Fine,” Donna quipped. Then, noticing the waiter approach, she flashed a dazzling smile.

  Even though she was twice his age, Donna’s overt beauty wasn’t lost on the flustered boy, who tried very hard to keep his gaze at eye level. Not that Donna’s inappropriate neckline made it easy. “Welcome to Salvatore’s,” he stammered. “Is this your first time with us?”

  Donna tossed her long, mahogany curls over one shoulder and batted her thickly mascaraed eyelashes. “You must be new. I’m a regular here.”

  “Oh.” The server looked momentarily taken aback, but to his credit, recovered quickly. “I am new. Otherwise, I’d definitely remember you.”

  “Well, isn’t he the sweetest?”

  To a random observer, it might have appeared as if Donna were addressing Cassie. But knowing better, Cassie remained silent, allowing her mother to continue her performance.

  “I’d like to order your finest red wine,” Donna told him with a ceremonious flair.

  “A glass or bottle?” For the first time since arriving at the table, the smitten server acknowledged Cassie’s presence with a curt glance.

  “Oh, what the heck? Let’s order a bottle!” Donna giggled as if they were about to celebrate something monumental. Never mind Cassie had never touched a drop of alcohol in her entire life. And wasn’t about to start now. Or ever.

  “I’ll be back with that in a moment. Don’t go anywhere.” The server grinned before turning on his heel, leaving Cassie holding her empty water glass aloft.

  “They have such lovely service here, don’t you think?” Donna shook out the white linen napkin and draped it across her lap.

  “Is a bottle really necessary?” Anxiety churned in Cassie’s stomach. Both because her mother would have no qualms about consuming the entire thing. And because Cassie would most likely be stuck with the bill.

  Donna narrowed her green eyes. “If you must know, yes, it is. I have great news.”

  Cassie really needed to be hydrated to hear any more of her mother’s ‘great news.’ Usually it had something to do with her latest flavor of the week. And the flavor of men Donna typically chose was a mixture of sardines and antifreeze. “Please don’t tell me you’re eloping with Jimmy.”

  Donna snorted. “As if. I’m seeing Tyler now, anyway.”

  Cassie tipped the water glass, desperate for the few drops of liquid clinging to the edges.

  “Besides, it has nothing to do with men,” Donna huffed.

  That’s a first. Cassie tapped the bottom of the glass, dislodging a chunk of ice.

  “I’ve decided to enter rehab.”

  The ice cube sailed down the slick surface and slammed against the back of Cassie’s throat. She sputtered and coughed, certain she would die right there, facedown on the red checkered tablecloth.

  “Are you okay?” Donna asked, looking more embarrassed than concerned.

  As the ice cube melted, i
t slid down her esophagus, finally giving Cassie a chance to breathe. Eyes watering, she nodded. “What did you say?”

  “I said I’m signing up for rehab.”

  Cassie scanned the crowded restaurant. Where was their server? She needed water. If not to drink, then to splash on her face. Never in a million years—no matter how long she’d prayed for a miracle—did she think her mother would get help for her drinking. Cassie could even overlook the impending bottle of wine if it served as her mother’s last hurrah. “Are you serious?”

  Donna pursed her lips. “A congratulations would be nice.”

  Cassie wrung her hands in her lap, trying to make sense of what was happening. Her mother—who called a Bloody Mary a balanced meal—wanted to go to rehab. Was it court ordered? And at this point, did it even matter? For years, Cassie had longed for this moment—for her mother to finally seek help. Not only for Donna’s sake but for her own. Cassie would do almost anything for a chance at a real mother-daughter relationship, without the caustic influence of Donna’s addiction.

  Cassie smiled, feeling tears prick the back of her eyes. “I can’t believe it. But congratulations, Mom. I’m really proud of you.”

  “Thank you. I even have a specific place in mind. My friend Genie told me about it. Said she got clean in thirty days.”

  “That’s wonderful!” Cassie’s heart swelled with hope. “What’s it called?”

  “The Snyder Sobriety Center.” Donna rearranged the silverware, not meeting Cassie’s eyes. “There’s just one tiny problem.”

  Cassie’s pulse undulated as though she were about to drop off the edge of a rollercoaster. “What?”

  Still avoiding Cassie’s gaze, Donna pressed her lips together before parting them slowly. “The program costs fifteen thousand dollars.”

  Cassie’s heart, along with her hopes, plummeted to the floor.

  “I know it’s a lot of money,” Donna rushed on. “But I promise I’ll pay you back. I need this, Cassie. And…” She drew in a breath before adding, “I don’t have anyone else to ask.”