The Clause in Christmas Page 22

  “Really. And I have you to thank for it.”

  Cassie threw her arms around his neck, burying her face against his chest. Her heart swelled with happiness. She knew it must have been a difficult decision, and she couldn’t be prouder. “I’m so happy for you, Sprinkles.”

  Luke laughed softly into her hair. “We make a good team, don’t we?”

  “The best.”

  “Speaking of teamwork…” Luke released her so he could let down the tailgate of his pickup. “Ready to see the project we worked on?”

  Cassie gasped as Luke lowered a stunning walnut rocking chair, the fresh polish gleaming in the sunlight.

  “Luke! It’s gorgeous.” She ran a hand along the headrest, her fingers grazing the delicate carvings.

  “Let’s just hope Frank likes it,” Luke said, grabbing one side. “Ready to show him?”

  “Ready!”

  She couldn’t wait to set the two rocking chairs side by side, already hopeful a special person, one day soon, would come along to balance the pair.

  Chapter 31

  December 22 flew by like a flurry of snowflakes. And everything in Cassie’s life finally seemed to be falling into place. She’d decided to cash Frank’s check and had paid Derek back, much to his annoyance. He whined and complained, even though Cassie had emailed him a list of her top five food vendors, links to all the equipment he needed to purchase, plus the résumés of three ideal candidates for the management position.

  With the uncomfortable conversation behind her, Cassie then spent the afternoon with Luke going over ideas to expand his office into a studio to display his work. Even though they hadn’t been picking out grinders and espresso machines, Cassie felt content simply being in Luke’s company.

  To end the evening, everyone in town—including Frank—converged in the cafeteria of Poppy Creek Elementary to watch the kids perform A Charlie Brown Christmas. Which happened to not only be the annual Christmas performance for the entire elementary school but also the Calendar’s activity for the day.

  So far, Luke had been giving Cassie’s tasks to her one day at a time. But on this particular morning, two days before Christmas, he’d called to say he wanted to keep it a surprise.

  As Cassie waited for her morning cup of coffee to steep in the French press, she idly tapped her fingertips against the countertop. Checking the Christmas Calendar used to fill the four-minute brew time. But now, Cassie realized how much she missed it. And Luke’s photocopied pages simply weren’t the same.

  Her fingertips grazed a nick in the butcher block, tilting the corners of her lips into a smile. She still wondered how the groove had come to be. Was it the slip of a knife? Or something else?

  As her gaze traveled the rest of the kitchen, she observed other small details. How one gingham curtain was slightly longer than the other. And the tiny dent near the bottom of the white, retro-style refrigerator. So much life had taken place in the cottage. So many memories lingered in the nooks and crannies. Memories that didn’t belong to her.

  In a matter of days, the house would become Cassie’s. And even though the cottage had already become her home, she realized very little in the space was actually hers. At least, not in the usual sense. For the first time, Cassie wondered what she would keep exactly as it was, and what she would make her own.

  Perhaps she would spend the day figuring some of it out.

  While she waited for Luke’s surprise.

  Cassie stood in front of the vintage hall stand, peering past the aged patina of the antique mirror to assess her appearance.

  She’d left her hair down, falling in loose waves around her shoulders, topped with her red knit cap, which made her lips and cheeks look even rosier.

  Sticking with her basic black peacoat, she paired it with a red-and-green plaid scarf and a bejeweled poinsettia brooch she found in her grandmother’s jewelry box. Somehow, she thought her grandmother would approve of the festive addition.

  Cassie wasn’t sure why she’d paid so much attention to the little details, except something told her the evening would be special. Ever since she’d received Luke’s text that simply read, Pick you up at 7. Dress warm, she’d been buzzing with anticipation.

  Cassie glanced at her phone, noting the clock denoted seven o’clock on the dot. Trying not to be impatient, she stuffed it back inside her coat pocket and fidgeted with a few wayward curls.

  The faint jingle of bells outside drew her to the door. Swinging it open, Cassie’s breath stalled in her throat.

  Luke hopped down from a…

  Cassie blinked. A sleigh? A real honest-to-goodness sleigh? Pulled by two magnificent Clydesdales, their reddish coats gleaming in the moonlight.

  Luke grinned as he leaped up the porch steps to greet her. His gaze traveled from her beaming face to the brooch on her coat lapel, and he didn’t bother to hide his admiration. “You look beautiful.” Slipping his hand around her waist, he bent to kiss her softly, stealing her breath for the second time.

  When their lips finally parted, Cassie gripped his shoulders, still a little wobbly on her feet. “We’re going on a sleigh ride?”

  “Technically, it’s a carriage. Sleighs don’t do so well without snow.”

  As soon as the words left his mouth, large feathery snowflakes drifted from the sky, as if on cue.

  “You were saying,” Cassie teased.

  “Wow. I don’t think snow was in the forecast for tonight.”

  “Grandma Edith probably ordered it just for us.”

  Luke laughed. “You’re probably right.”

  “It won’t ruin your plans, will it?”

  “Not at all! I always plan ahead, just in case.”

  As Luke helped Cassie climb into the carriage, she saw what he meant. Several thick, heavy blankets lined the seat and she spotted a thermos filled with what she suspected to be Sadie’s famous hot chocolate.

  “Ready?” Luke asked, climbing in beside her.

  Cassie beamed her approval. “I can’t believe a carriage ride was on the Christmas Calendar!”

  “It’s not.” Luke grinned, tapping the reins to signal the horses.

  They whinnied, whipping their black manes as they trotted forward.

  “It’s not?” Cassie echoed in confusion.

  “We’re on our way to the Christmas Calendar’s activity. The carriage was my idea.”

  Touched beyond words by his gesture, Cassie planted a kiss on his cheek.

  “I guess it was a good idea,” Luke chuckled and Cassie snuggled in closer, pulling the blanket around them.

  As they traveled down a quiet one-lane road, the soft jingle of bells complemented the peaceful silence of their surroundings. Moonlight reflected off the bright white snowflakes, transforming them into glitter cascading from the sky. Enraptured by the sight, Cassie didn’t even notice the sting of the cold air against her cheeks.

  “We’re almost there.” Luke transferred the reins to one hand so he could slide the other around her shoulders, pulling her into the warmth of his body.

  A contented sigh escaped Cassie’s lips, her wispy breath disappearing into the stillness of the night as she cuddled closer.

  As they rounded a bend in the lane, the pines grew denser until one final curve in the road led them to a small clearing in the trees.

  Cassie clutched Luke’s hand, unable to believe the spellbinding scene before her.

  In the distance, hedged by a thick forest, a single pine stood draped in golden twinkling lights.

  “What is it?” Cassie whispered.

  “It’s called the Wishing Tree.” Luke hopped down and looped the reins over the hitching post. Reaching inside his pocket, he withdrew two slips of paper and a pen before climbing back into the carriage. Handing one slip to Cassie, he said, “You write down your wish, roll it into a scroll, and tie it on the tree.”

  Cassie stared at the blank white space. What could she wish for? All her wishes were already coming true.

  Luke passed her th
e pen and pulled two strings of twine from his coat pocket, using one to wrap his scroll.

  “You already finished yours?” Cassie asked.

  “Yep. I knew exactly what I wanted.”

  As he gazed into her eyes, Cassie shivered.

  Attributing it to the cold, Luke said, “Write yours down and we can head back home. The snowfall is getting heavier.”

  Cassie pressed the pen to her lips in thought, smiling as a silly idea sprang to mind. Hastily, she scribbled down her wish, then rolled the slip of paper as directed.

  “You stay here, where it’s warm.” Luke held out his hand for her scroll. “I’ll go tie these to the tree.”

  Cassie snuggled beneath the pile of blankets while Luke trotted through the snow and hung their wishes on the sparkling branches.

  Glancing around her fairy-tale surroundings, Cassie savored the crisp scent of pine and freshly fallen snow, attempting to capture every exquisite detail of the moment.

  So far, the evening had been beyond perfect.

  And she had a feeling the magic had only begun.

  After a serene ride back, stealing kisses along the way, Luke pulled up in front of the cottage. Extending his hand to help Cassie down from the carriage, Luke’s heart hammered against his chest.

  As he led her toward the cottage, he paused a few feet from the front steps, gazing at the enchanting Victorian adorned in ethereal, shimmering lights.

  “Remember the first evening we ever spent together?” Luke asked.

  Cassie smiled, her eyes soft and dreamy. “The day you helped me decorate.”

  “That’s the day I started falling in love with you.”

  Luke heard Cassie’s sharp intake of breath, and he turned to face her.

  Her stunning green eyes peered up at him, searching, as snowflakes gathered on her long lashes.

  “Ru…” Luke said, his voice husky.

  But before he could say another word, a sharp trill startled them both.

  “I’m so sorry!” Cassie fumbled inside her coat pocket. As she withdrew her phone, the color drained from her face.

  “What’s wrong?” Luke asked.

  “It’s… the rehab center.”

  “At this time of night?” Luke glanced at his wrist, realizing he wasn’t even wearing a watch.

  “I’m so sorry,” Cassie repeated. “I’m worried it’s—”

  “It’s okay. Answer it.” Luke reached for her free hand, in case she received bad news on the other end.

  Squeezing back, she answered the call on speakerphone, a gesture of trust and intimacy that warmed Luke’s heart, even in the falling snow.

  “Hello?”

  “Cassie Hayward?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m sorry to call you so late. I’m the night receptionist at Snyder Sobriety Center, and it’s just come to my attention that no one has contacted you regarding your mother’s belongings. Seeing that it’s almost Christmas, I thought you’d want to be notified as soon as possible.”

  “My mother’s belongings?” Cassie wavered slightly, and Luke gripped her hand a little tighter.

  “Yes, your mother left all of her belongings behind. We haven’t been able to reach her, but you’re listed on all her forms.”

  “I don’t understand.” Cassie pressed a hand to her forehead in confusion.

  Luke’s stomach flipped as the pieces clicked into place.

  “Is my mother no longer at your facility?” Cassie didn’t seem to notice the snowflakes collecting on her phone screen, so Luke gently brushed them aside, careful not to disrupt the call.

  A rustling of papers filled the speaker before the receptionist spoke again. “Let’s see...your mother checked out on December 20, during her seventy-two-hour trial period.”

  Cassie’s lower lip trembled and she squeezed her eyes shut.

  Luke wanted to do something—anything—but he didn’t know how he could help. Wrapping his arm around her, he slowly led her up the front steps, out of the cascading snowflakes. He sat on the top step, easing her down beside him.

  “Ma’am? What would you like us to do with your mother’s belongings? Would you like to pick them up?”

  “Um,” Cassie started, her voice shaky. “No. That’s okay. You can keep them. Or give them away. It doesn’t matter.”

  A brief pause preceded the woman’s response. “Very well. Thank you for your time. And have a merry Christmas.”

  “Merry Christmas,” Cassie said hoarsely before the call ended.

  Leaning her head against Luke’s shoulder, Cassie cried in his arms.

  Luke didn’t tell her it would be okay. Or that it would all work out in the end. He simply held her, letting the tears fall.

  If life had taught him anything, it was that some things were out of your control. And when the difficult times arose, having someone by your side made all the difference in the world.

  Chapter 32

  Waking up the morning of Christmas Eve evoked bittersweet emotions for Cassie. Although she had countless reasons to celebrate, the news of Donna’s departure from rehab left an ache in the pit of her stomach. She’d tried calling her mother, but each attempt went straight to voicemail.

  However, there was a silver lining in the darkness.

  Since Donna left rehab within the seventy-two-hour window, except for the deposit, the fee would be credited back to Cassie’s account. Leaving Cassie with more money than she’d ever had in her entire life. Such news would have elicited excitement, were it not for the painful situation surrounding the sudden windfall.

  Throwing back the covers, Cassie slipped out of bed, determined to break through the cloud of sadness shadowing an otherwise perfect day. She had plans to meet Eliza, Penny, Maggie, and Dolores at Sander’s Farm to prep the enormous barn for the Christmas Eve dance later that evening. Which was also the Calendar’s activity.

  The dance!

  It suddenly occurred to Cassie that she didn’t have a single thing to wear! Her thoughts drifted to the elegant, emerald green gown displayed in Penny’s shop. What were the chances it was still for sale now that Cassie could actually afford it? She made a mental note to stop by Thistle & Thorn on her way to Sander’s.

  Her mood slightly lifted, Cassie padded into the living room to restock the fire, when her gaze fell on a beautifully wrapped package resting on the coffee table. Intrigued, Cassie removed the note tucked inside the red satin bow.

  Merry Christmas Eve!

  Don’t wait to open it.

  ~ Sprinkles

  Grinning like a child on Christmas morning, Cassie tore away the red-and-green striped wrapping paper. Luke left her a present! And it wasn’t even Christmas yet.

  Lifting the lid of the white gift box, Cassie’s breath faltered as a corner of emerald-green lace hid beneath the tissue paper. The thin paper rustled as Cassie flung it into the air like confetti, revealing the breathtaking gown underneath. How had Luke known?

  Cassie’s lips twitched as she imagined Eliza gleefully pointing Luke in the right direction. A truer friend than Eliza didn’t exist. And Cassie couldn’t wait to thank her in person.

  Nestling the gown back in the box of tissue, Cassie hummed softly.

  The hurt and disappointed slipped away as easily as the silky lace slid from her fingertips. She’d spent a lifetime wallowing in the pain and rejection of her past.

  This Christmas, she would choose a different path.

  One she wouldn’t walk alone.

  That evening, Cassie doubled-checked her appearance in the mirror above her grandmother’s dresser. Although it wasn’t full-length, it was the largest mirror in the house.

  To her delight, the gown fit like a dream, hugging every curve as though it were made for her. Paired with simple black heels, on loan from Eliza, the delicate lace gently grazed the floor.

  The elegant cap sleeves draped off her shoulders, drawing attention to Cassie’s bare neck. Her fingertips brushed her collar bone where the heart charm had once re
sted. Its absence represented a lifted burden. And Cassie almost regretted covering up with her grandmother’s vintage mohair stole, but the soft ivory fabric paired perfectly with the gown and provided a modicum of warmth against the chilly winter night.

  Twisting a strand of hair between her fingertips, Cassie tucked her grandmother’s pearl-studded comb behind her ear, sweeping her long dark curls off to one side. Taking one last glance in the mirror, Cassie couldn’t help a satisfied smile. Her thick black lashes and berry-red lips gave her an Old Hollywood style appearance reminiscent of Vivien Leigh. A resemblance her date would certainly appreciate.

  The deep rumbling of a vehicle outside drew Cassie to the front door, her heartbeat skipping in anticipation.

  Tugging the stole around her shoulders, Cassie beamed as she threw open the door.

  Frank’s Chevy convertible gleamed in the moonlight as he climbed from the driver’s seat.

  “Merry Christmas Eve.” Cassie smiled, suddenly feeling shy as Frank blinked in awe.

  “You look just like your grandmother,” he murmured, holding out his hand. He stood tall and gallant, clothed in full-dress uniform, complete with shimmering medals pinned above his left breast pocket.

  Cassie accepted his outstretched hand and placed a kiss on his cheek. “You look very dashing.”

  “It’s the only formal wear I own,” he mumbled.

  But Cassie noted the pleased glint in his eye as he escorted her through the crunching snow.

  When they approached the car, Cassie reached for the door, pausing in confusion. “Frank, there isn’t a handle.” Cassie hoped he wasn’t about to remove the canvas top and make her climb over the side of the car in her gown.

  Frank chuckled, bending to access a hidden button in the chrome trim.

  The door popped open.

  Her eyes sparkling, Cassie smirked. “Well, aren’t you full of surprises?”

  “This car was my first purchase after my book hit the best-seller list.” Frank helped her slide onto the buttery upholstery. “Have you thought about how you’re going to spend your advance?”