The Clause in Christmas Read online

  Sniffling, she withdrew the bag of Frank’s latest blend.

  “Yay!” Eliza applauded as though Cassie had just pulled a rabbit out of a hat.

  “What are you going to make first?” Penny asked.

  A smile spread across Cassie’s face as an idea came to her. “I think I’ll make an eggnog latte.”

  Luke couldn’t stop grinning as he gazed at Cassie across the dining room table. When his mother told him she’d invited Cassie to join their weekly family dinner, Luke had been thrilled. But when Maggie also told him about her job offer, Luke felt more elated than the first time he used a power saw. The only problem was, he hadn’t been able to think about anything else all day. He wanted—no, needed—to know if Cassie planned to stay in Poppy Creek.

  “You should have seen the line out the door!” Maggie beamed with pride as she raved about Cassie for the third or fourth time that evening. “People were tripping over themselves to get one of Cassie’s eggnog lattes.”

  Luke stole another glance at Cassie, noting the soft pink flush across her cheeks. She’d remained quiet throughout most of dinner, but she seemed happy, which gave Luke hope.

  “You might be exaggerating a little, Maggie.” Cassie smiled, glowing under the praise.

  “Nonsense! I’ve never seen the bakery more crowded with eager customers. And I hope it was only the first successful morning of many more to come.”

  Cassie’s smile wavered. “Your offer is incredibly generous, but I—”

  Maggie held up her hand. “You don’t have to decide right this minute.” Rising to her feet, she added, “If you two wouldn’t mind clearing the table, I’ll slice the mulberry pie and we can eat dessert in front of the fire.”

  Luke stood and began stacking the plates as his mother disappeared into the kitchen, but he wasn’t willing to let the topic drop just yet. Over the sound of clinking dishware, he asked, “So, what do you think about working at the bakery?”

  Cassie’s lips parted, but before she could answer, the shockingly loud call of a cuckoo bird reverberated throughout the house.

  They both jolted in surprise, and Luke almost dropped his armload of dishes.

  Cassie threw her head back and laughed until tears ran down her cheeks.

  Luke couldn’t help a chuckle himself.

  Catching her breath, Cassie flashed a sheepish grin. “Saved by the bird.”

  After generous slices of mouth-watering mulberry pie, Maggie brought out two mugs of piping-hot apple cider and handed them to Luke and Cassie on the couch.

  “You’re not having any?” Cassie asked, accepting the ceramic mug shaped like a snowman.

  “It’s long past my bedtime,” Maggie said with a twinkling smile. “But you kids stay up and enjoy the rest of the evening.”

  Luke wanted to leap from the couch and engulf his mother in a grateful hug. But he kept his cool in front of Cassie, taking a casual sip of cider instead.

  After bidding them goodnight, Maggie shuffled down the hall, leaving Luke and Cassie alone with little more than the crackling fire and ticking cuckoo clock to fill the heavy silence.

  Cassie stared into her mug as if searching for conversation topics in the amber liquid.

  Luke wondered if her rosy blush meant she saw right through his mother’s ploy to give them time alone. Either way, Luke cleared his throat, intent on not squandering the opportunity. “So, what do you think of Mom’s offer? Do you think you’ll take it?”

  Keeping her head lowered, Cassie ran her finger along the rim of the mug. “I’m not sure.”

  “Didn’t you say there’s not much keeping you in San Francisco? In Poppy Creek you’d have a home, a job, and people who care about you.”

  “It’s not that simple.”

  Luke searched her face, feeling his chest tighten. All of the puzzle pieces were coming neatly together. Why couldn’t Cassie see it?

  “Why not?” he pressed. “What’s getting in the way? Is it the mysterious job offer Ben mentioned last night?” The question left a sour taste in his mouth and he tightened his grip on the mug, waiting for Cassie to dismiss the suggestion.

  But she merely shrugged, setting her cider on the coffee table. “Maybe.”

  Luke winced and swallowed hard. He could sense her slipping away. Setting down his own mug, he took a deep breath, trying to calm his agitated pulse. “Can you tell me about it?”

  For a brief moment, her gaze flickered to meet his. But just as quickly she looked away. “Not tonight. It’s getting late. I should head home.” Without waiting for a response, she rose from the couch and strode toward the door.

  Springing to his feet, Luke followed her. “You called the cottage home, Cassie. Doesn’t that mean something?”

  “It’s an expression, Luke. It doesn’t mean anything.” Avoiding his gaze, Cassie shrugged on her coat.

  “That’s not true and you know it.”

  “We’ll talk about this later, okay?” Cassie flung open the front door, letting in a rush of cold air.

  Watching her step outside into the soft moonlight, panic settled in Luke’s chest. He couldn’t lose her. Not without telling her how he felt.

  Not bothering to grab his coat, Luke ran after her, bounding down the porch steps two at a time. “Let’s talk about it now. What is it, Cass? Is it the money?”

  As soon as the words left his mouth, Luke wanted to take them back. They sounded harsh and judgmental. Not at all how he meant them.

  Halfway to her car, Cassie whirled around, her eyes blazing in the dim light. “And what if it is about the money? Is that so wrong?”

  “No, it’s not,” Luke said hastily, pausing a few feet in front of her. “I just meant…”

  Cassie narrowed her eyes, but he could see the hurt hiding behind her indignation.

  Luke closed the gap between them. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what I’m saying. The truth is I really want you to stay.”

  “Why?” Her voice was barely above a whisper. “Why do you care?”

  Their toes nearly touching, Luke gazed into her stunning green eyes—the ones that made him feel like the best version of himself, as though she could see all the good in him and all the greatness he could become.

  Lost in her gaze, he couldn’t move, soaking up every ounce of magic before it slipped away. Thick, feathery snowflakes began to drift from the sky, swirling around them like they were standing in a snow globe, a perfect moment captured in time.

  “I care,” Luke said, his breath mingling with hers, “because I’m falling in love with you, Cassie.”

  In the span of a single heartbeat, Cassie’s hands slid around Luke’s neck as he encircled her waist with his own.

  When their lips met, all the emotions Luke had been trying to control since the instant he laid eyes on her erupted in their kiss, a burst of passion and tenderness that nearly knocked him over.

  Snowflakes collected on his exposed neck, sending shivers down his spine, but Luke didn’t care. The warmth of Cassie’s lips permeated all the way to his soul. And he would have stood in the snow, tangled up in her kiss, until spring.

  As their kiss deepened, Cassie abruptly broke away. Her eyes wide and startled, she stepped back, covering her mouth with her hand.

  “Ru…” Luke reached for her, but she shook her head, blinking back tears.

  “I—I have to go.” Without looking back, Cassie fled to her car, disappearing in the swirl of snowflakes.

  As Luke watched her slip from sight, his heart wrenched inside his chest, as if he might have just lost a piece of himself… for good.

  Chapter 18

  Cassie lay awake in bed as slender rays of sunlight filtered through the frosted windowpane. Although she hadn’t been able to sleep a wink, she wasn’t tired. Too many thoughts circulated in her mind.

  Gently, Cassie pressed a fingertip to her lips, still able to feel the warmth and pressure of Luke’s mouth on hers—still able to taste him.

  The inexplicable kiss had been everyth
ing she’d imagined it would be, plus so much more. The moment their lips met, everything else fell away. And for the first time, Cassie saw her future with clarity. She wanted to stay in Poppy Creek… with Luke. But as quickly as the realization overcame her, the fears crept in. Could she risk her heart again? And what about the promise to her mother?

  I’m falling in love with you, Cassie.

  Luke’s words were like an anchor securing her to a safe shore. And if she were honest, she wasn’t just falling in love with him. She’d already fallen. But she didn’t have a clue what to do about it.

  Cassie padded softly down the staircase, greeted by the sight of her Christmas tree reflecting vibrant colors across the bay window. The robust branches still permeated the house with the fresh, tangy scent of fir needles. Closing her eyes, Cassie took a moment to inhale the cleansing aroma.

  With comfortable familiarity, Cassie moved through her morning routine, stocking the fireplace with another log, brewing a pot of coffee, and flipping to the day’s activity in the Christmas Calendar.

  December 12: Read A Christmas Carol.

  Cradling her favorite mug, Cassie glanced out the kitchen window. A thin layer of snow coated the ground, creating the perfect atmosphere to curl up and read by the fire. Plus, Cassie looked forward to getting out of her own head for a few hours.

  After topping off her mug, Cassie surveyed the small bookcase in the corner of the living room. Musty leather-bound classics lined the shelves, offering their colorful spines for her perusal. Tracing the etched titles with her fingertip, Cassie’s gaze fell on a thin cherry-red spine with gold lettering. Carefully, she slid it from its resting place.

  Tucked beneath a heavy quilt, a cup of coffee in hand, Cassie cracked opened A Christmas Carol, not knowing what to expect. She’d heard the basic storyline—cantankerous old man who hates Christmas is visited by strange ghosts. But she wasn’t prepared for the experience that unfolded.

  From page one, Cassie was completely engrossed in Charles Dickens’s world of hope, kindness, and redemption. And by the end, she’d long finished her coffee and dampened the corner of the quilt with her tears.

  One line in particular stayed with her, even as she turned the very last page.

  “No space of regret can make amends for one life’s opportunity misused.”

  The sentiment sank deep into her heart, touching her soul.

  Had Cassie been given an opportunity in Poppy Creek? A chance to change her life and become part of something greater than herself. Part of a community who loved and cared for one another. Even part of… a family.

  A tear slid down her cheek, seeping into the page. Cassie quickly dabbed the blemish with the edge of her sleeve before gently closing the book.

  Unlike Scrooge, Cassie didn’t have a ghost to show her the future. But she didn’t need one. She knew in her heart that if she didn’t try everything in her power to stay in Poppy Creek, with Luke, she would regret it for the rest of her life.

  Luke stared at the tiny blocks of wood waiting to be pieced together. Usually working in his shop brought him a sense of calm. But right now, Luke didn’t think anything could dispel the ache in his chest.

  He’d thought about calling Cassie all day. Even driving over to the cottage to talk. But what would he say? He’d already poured out his heart. A part of him had been so sure she felt the same way. But when she broke their kiss, running away without an explanation, she’d broken his heart, too.

  He peered at the shapes again, wondering why he should even bother to finish her surprise. But then, he knew the answer to that. While he wasn’t sure what he should do next, he had to do something. Anything. Even if it meant…

  The grating sound of the barn-style door sliding open startled Luke from his thoughts. To his surprise, his mother entered the shop carrying a casserole dish wrapped in foil.

  “Hey, Mom. I wasn’t expecting to see you tonight. Is everything okay?”

  Ignoring his question, Maggie took in the workshop, her eyes widening as they passed over several pieces of furniture in various stages before completion. “It’s been a while since I’ve visited.” She set the casserole dish on his workbench before running a hand along the rough surface of the unfinished rocking chair. “This is beautiful.”

  “Thanks.” Luke smiled, particularly pleased with that piece.

  “I knew you enjoyed this hobby, but I didn’t realize…” Maggie paused, once again taking in the scope of the space. Turning to face her son, her features softened. “Luke, do you ever wish that you had more time to—”

  “Mom,” Luke cut in quickly. “Is something wrong? I didn’t miss your phone call, did I?” Luke reached for his back pocket in search of his cell phone. His mother rarely came to his house, preferring to have Luke visit her. Luke suspected she enjoyed being surrounded by all of the memories.

  “No, nothing’s wrong,” Maggie assured him. “I wanted to drop off some leftovers from last night. And ask how things went with Cassie after I went to bed.”

  Luke sighed. “Things could have gone better.” Dragging out a stool, he perched on the edge, gesturing for Maggie to take the rocking chair. It still needed a little work, but it was functional. Plus, it sat closest to the space heater.

  “What happened?” Maggie rocked slowly, concern creasing her forehead.

  “I asked her to stay in Poppy Creek once the Calendar is over,” Luke said simply, not ready to divulge everything. Especially not their kiss.

  “And what did she say?”

  “That she hasn’t decided what she wants to do yet.”

  “Did you tell her that you’re in love with her?”

  Luke’s head shot up as color rushed to his cheeks.

  Maggie laughed. “Don’t look so surprised. We’ve all known for a while now.”

  “Who’s ‘we’?”

  “Myself. Dolores. Eliza. Jack—”

  “Okay, okay!” Luke groaned. “I get the picture. The problem is I don’t think Cassie feels the same way.”

  “Did you ask her?”

  “More or less.”

  Maggie planted her feet against the sawdust-covered floor before gently pushing off again. “Did you know the first time your father asked me out I said no?”

  Luke frowned. “No, that’s not right. I remember the story of how you met. At the Fall Flower Festival. Dad plucked a rose off the winning float and gave it to you with some cheesy line about how you were the prettiest rose in the parade.”

  “That’s true.” Maggie smiled fondly. “But that wasn’t the first time he asked me out. It was actually the third. We just like that story better.”

  “Okay… So, what’s the real story, then?”

  Maggie rested her head against the back of the chair, her hazel eyes soft and dreamy. “The first time your father asked me out was a Sunday after church. The second time was on Valentine’s Day three months later.” She chuckled at the memory. “He bought every box of chocolate at Mac’s just so he could fill one box entirely with the caramel-centered ones. My favorite.”

  “Impressive. Why’d you turn him down? Especially after that.”

  “No good reason, really,” Maggie admitted. “I’d just returned from my trip to Europe, and I had the itch to travel the world. Your father was fresh out of law school and was anxious to set up the first practice in Poppy Creek. Seems foolish now, but I thought we were too different to make a real go of it.”

  “What changed your mind?” Resting both elbows on his knees, Luke leaned forward, soaking up every word.

  Maggie’s eyes glittered with wistful tears. “That story about the parade… there’s a part we leave out.”

  “You mean you lied about your lie?” Luke teased.

  Maggie’s lips twitched. “I suppose you could say that.” She planted her feet once more, but this time she remained motionless. “When your father plucked that rose off the float, he got cut by a thorn. Pretty bad. In fact, the blood trickled all the way down his hand, staining his b
est trousers.”

  Luke cringed. “I can see why you left that part out.”

  Maggie released a regretful sigh. “We shouldn’t have. Truth is it was one of the most romantic things your father ever did for me.”

  “What? Bleed all over himself?” Luke asked with a laugh.

  “When that thorn stuck your father’s hand, he didn’t even flinch,” Maggie said proudly. “He stared me right in the eye, got down on one knee, and held out that rose with an invitation to dinner that night.”

  “Wait.” Luke held up his hand. “You turned him down after he gave you an entire box of your favorite chocolate, but you said yes to a rose covered in blood?”

  Maggie’s shoulders shook with laughter. “It wasn’t covered. Besides, you know what I saw? I saw a man who pursued me, even through pain.” Her features sobered as she met Luke’s gaze. “Marriage might be a bed of roses, but sometimes those roses have thorns. And when times get tough, you want someone by your side who will fight with you and for you. When you have that, differences seem a whole lot smaller.” Tears glistened in her eyes, and she sniffled a few times before adding, “And you know what? Your father was the biggest champion of my dreams. From taking me to Paris on our honeymoon to buying the bakery.”

  Luke swallowed past the tightness in his throat. He’d always admired his parents for their love, devotion, and ability to find joy even in the most difficult circumstances. But now he had an even deeper appreciation for their love story. “So, you’re saying I shouldn’t give up?”

  “I’m saying, some things take time.”

  “Like, third time’s the charm?” Luke grinned, adding a little levity before they both wound up in tears.

  “Sometimes.” Maggie smiled softly.

  They sat in silence for a long moment, the low hum of the space heater and the gentle swishing of the rocking chair filling the space between them.