At first, it felt like I was an unwanted newcomer to their routine. I tiptoed around it like I’m doing now, putting on my shoes and socks, slowly opening the door.
It only strikes me now how welcome I’ve become. Last night, Jordan begged me to read his favorite book over again, a third time. Amanda lets me do her hair.
Their routine has become mine. I twist and tug at the ring on my finger. It’s still there. Jackson and his family have become mine.
* * *
JACKSON
It feels like the crack of dawn, even though it’s not. Not by a longshot. Jordan climbs into bed and puts his full weight on top of my neck. I can’t breathe.
“Dude. You wanna go wake up Sissy?”
He nods his head, and it clonks into mine. “Ouch!”
Four-year-olds.
Max snoozes on Jordan’s bed. I scoop him up and use him to help wake Amanda. He licks her nose, but she doesn’t stir. Amanda only snorts awake when Jordan elbow drops onto her ribcage.
“Dude!” I say again. “Easy, now. Who wants pancakes?”
With her eyes still closed, Amanda raises a hand. “Not yours,” she says, groggily batting her eyes open.
“Fine. Then let’s get your clothes on.”
I scoot my volunteer firefighter gear out of the way, so Jordan can climb into his car seat. Amanda hops in her booster. And we’re off.
Mable’s Kitchen is still on Main Street. It’s still owned by Eve. Mister Patterson is the nicest guy ever. He didn’t see fit to keep it. He gave it back to Eve on the stipulation that his coffee would be free forevermore. He raises his cup in our direction when he sees us.
It takes a few more minutes before Eve finds us in the usual booth. She smiles and gives Amanda a little wave. Amanda flashes her own smile; one of her front teeth has finally broken through.
Eve saunters over. She pecks everyone on the cheek. Me last. “Oh, good! You brushed your teeth.”
“I might even make it habit,” I tell her.
“The sink in the women’s bathroom needs fixing. You mind looking at it?”
She has the worst landlord. He’s not so good at fixing things. But he doesn’t mind if she’s late on the rent.
And speaking of late, last night she told me something else was late. She smiles when we go in the bathroom. There’s a test waiting on the counter.
Let’s just say, things are going to get interesting over the next few months.
The End (for now)
You know, Santa’s watching, and he’d love if you left a review. It’s all an author wants for Christmas!
Closing on Christmas Review
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Soundtrack
As anyone with a heart for great Christmas movies knows, it’s not a great Christmas movie without a great Christmas soundtrack.
And I’m not talking only Christmas music either. Love, Actually is one of the very best, and half the songs aren’t meant solely for the month of December.
So, here’s a little playlist I made while writing this story. Two of these songs were the main inspiration for the novel; they’re marked with **.
Enjoy!
Chapter One
•“Closing Time” - Semisonic
•“Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop” - Landon Pigg
Chapter Two
•“All I Want for Christmas Is You” - Mariah Carey
Chapter Three
•“Falling For You” - Cobie Caillat
Chapter Four
•“Careful” - Michelle Featherstone
Chapter Five
•“Jingle Bell Rock” - Bobby Helms
Chapter Six
•“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” - Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
•“Hands Down” - Dashboard Confessional
Chapter Seven
•“Rumor” - Lee Brice**
•“Say You Won’t Let Go” - James Arthur
Chapter Eight
•“Happy Xmas (War is Over)” - John Lennon
•“Breathe Again” - Sara Bareilles
Chapter Nine
•“Kiss Me” - Ed Sheeran
Epilogue
•“I Was Made For Loving You” - Tori Kelly with Ed Sheeran**
Acknowledgments
Thanks to Lauren Moore for the excellent edit.
And to the prom couple who this story is very loosely based on, I’m sorry. But not all that sorry. :P
About the Author
Christine Zane is the romance pen name of mystery author Christine Zane Thomas. This is the first of many.
Also by…
As Christine Zane Thomas
Foodie File Mysteries starring Allie Treadwell
The Salty Taste of Murder
A Choice Cocktail of Death
A Juicy Morsel of Jealousy
The Bitter Bite of Betrayal
Foodie Files Box Set (Books 1-3)
Comics and Coffee Case Files starring Kirby Jackson and Gambit
Book 1: Marvels, Mochas, and Murder
Book 2: Lattes and Lies
Book 3: Cold Brew Catastrophe
Book 4: Decaf Deceit
Closing On Christmas (Second Glance Second Chance Book 1) Page 7
