Ryan grasped her forearm, and they rose together. Heather tore her gaze from the key and searched her husband’s expression. “Is this –?”
“Come to the window and find out,” he replied.
Together they strode to the living room window. He tore back the cream curtains and sunlight flooded the room. Heather blinked in the sudden change of light.
She gasped. Her heart skipped two beats.
A bright red, Chevrolet Spark sat in their driveway, topped by a glittering silver bow.
“Merry Christmas, darling,” Ryan said and kissed her again.
Heather’s stomach dropped from her body. She couldn’t believe this. She lifted the key and clicked the button on its side.
The car’s lights flashed once.
“Are you serious?”
“It’s not just from me, even if the label said so. Everyone at Donut Delights, Amy and Eva included, chipped in,” Ryan said. “We thought you’d like a revamp after what happened to your old car.”
“I – don’t – I –”
Lilly grabbed her waist and hugged her tight. Eva patted her on the back and Ames slung her arm around Heather’s shoulder.
“Now, I know you don’t like receiving gifts,” Amy said and wiggled her eyebrows up and down. “But you’re not allowed to complain, this time.”
“Are you kidding?” Heather burst out laughing. She lowered her arm and gave Lilly a hug, as best she could. “This is the best Christmas ever.”
“Yeah!” Lilly said, and didn’t let go. “Best ever.”
They stared out at the car, parked in front of their house, in their street in the best town in the world, their view only partially marred by the reflections of their smiling faces in the window.
The Christmas tree lights flashed behind them. More presents awaited their greedy fingers, but now, this moment was the only gift Heather would ever need.
This memory was her treasure. She’d unwrap it for years to come.
“Merry Christmas,” she said.
Voices hummed around her, warm with love. “Merry Christmas.”
THE END
A letter from the Author
To each and every one of my Amazing readers: I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Let me know what you think by leaving a review!
I’ll be releasing another installment in two weeks so to stay in the loop (and to get free books and other fancy stuff) Join my Book club.
Stay Curious,
Susan Gillard
Christmas Donut Murder: A Donut Hole Cozy Mystery - Book 31 Page 7
