I have learned so many things since the morning I ventured out alone for a hot cup of coffee in the dark before dawn. I was a ghost then—the ghost of Erin Sinclair.
Now, I am Mrs. Claus, and I am not a folktale. I am real.
Reason wraps the dog leash loosely around a light-post. He straightens and smiles at me.
As I look in his sweet face, I know there is truth in fiction, and magic in miracles.
“Shall we?” He holds out his arm toward a sign painted in the window. There is a large picture of a steaming cup of coffee with the words: Early Birds Get Half Price.
“Absolutely. I can’t turn down half-priced coffee.”
He pulls the door open and the string of bells jingles. The lush aroma of coffee spills out. As I step toward the door, I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the glass, and I pause to adjust the small sprig of holly that is tucked behind my ear.
Whoever says Santa doesn’t exist should keep an eye out for early bird coffee specials. You just might find us there.
About the Author
Kristine McCord was born and raised in Georgia. She earned a BA in religion and pursued graduate studies in marriage and family therapy. Kristine now lives in Idaho with her family and Sphynx cat. She adores soul-food, the sound of bagpipes, peach rings, and key lime pie.
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Acknowledgements
Novels are like children. They drag you far beyond the ragged edges of exhaustion and frustration then charm their way right back into your good graces. And they require lots of patient helpers. My biggest thanks goes to the Giver. Without him, I’d have nothing.
Mama, thank you for raising me to be a person who was weird enough to write and comfortable enough with that to like it. Not only that, your feedback is always spot-on. I am blessed
Becky, Heather, Hilarey, and Lisa, you all inspire me to the page again and again. It was in our group that this little story of mine breathed it’s first real breath—creative midwifery at its finest. And Lindsey, I am so glad I found you. Thanks again for what you bring, both to my words and to my family.
And to my husband and children, you deserve a very special “thank you” for all the patience, encouragement, and understanding you have given to me and my writing. I love you guys.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. 5
Chapter 2. 3
Chapter 3. 6
Chapter 4. 8
Chapter 5. 10
Chapter 6. 12
Chapter 7. 14
Chapter 8. 16
Chapter 9. 18
Chapter 10. 20
Chapter 11. 23
Chapter 12. 25
Chapter 13. 28
Chapter 14. 31
Chapter 15. 34
Chapter 16. 36
Chapter 17. 38
Chapter 18. 40
Chapter 19. 44
Chapter 20. 47
Chapter 21. 49
Chapter 22. 51
Chapter 23. 53
Chapter 24. 55
Chapter 25. 59
Chapter 26. 60
Chapter 27. 62
Chapter 28. 64
Chapter 29. 66
Chapter 30. 68
Chapter 31. 70
Chapter 32. 73
Chapter 33. 76
Chapter 34. 78
About the Author 78
Acknowledgements 2
The Santa Society Page 25
