Cassie wondered if reality had hit her mother like a runaway sleigh. This clearly wasn’t a vacation or a spa retreat—it was serious. Donna had seventy-two hours to change her mind. After that, she was on lockdown for thirty days. No Jimmy, Tyler—or whichever boyfriend she chose this month—could visit. And all of her belongings had to fit in a single duffel bag. No wonder Donna looked ready to bolt for the door at any moment.
“Donna Hayward?” the receptionist called out.
Cassie’s features softened as her mother’s eyes widened in panic.
“It’ll be okay.” Cassie offered a reassuring smile as they made their way toward the front desk.
“Did you enjoy the tour?” The blonde, middle-aged receptionist beamed at Cassie as though they’d just visited some world-famous museum.
“You have a lovely facility.” Cassie tried not to fixate on the woman’s bright magenta lipstick. Turning to Donna, she added, “Don’t you think so, Mom?”
Donna responded with a tight-lipped smile.
“Don’t worry,” the receptionist said kindly, attaching a few papers to a clipboard. “Everyone’s nervous on their first day.”
She slid the clipboard across the counter. “Did you understand everything outlined during your tour?”
Donna nodded slowly.
“Excellent,” the woman chirped. “This waiver is simply a confirmation. Please sign here, here, and here.” She placed an X beside the appropriate boxes before handing the pen to Donna.
As Donna reached for it, Cassie noticed a slight tremble in her fingers. She racked her brain for something encouraging to say, but the receptionist spoke first.
“The full amount is due upfront. As stated, you have three days for a refund, minus a thousand-dollar deposit.” She directed her comment at Donna until Cassie pulled out her wallet.
Cassie’s chest tightened as she slid out her credit card. The thin piece of plastic weighed heavily in her fingertips as she passed it to the receptionist.
The entire process only lasted a few minutes, but to Cassie, each minute dragged on for an eternity. She could count every labored heartbeat as it throbbed in her temple. And her stiff hand seemed to resist as she signed the receipt.
“Perfect.” The receptionist collected the clipboard from Donna and attached the receipt at the top. “You’re all set. Joshua will show you to your room.”
A muscular young man with a friendly smile approached, holding out his hand for Donna’s bag.
Cassie sighed inwardly, waiting for one of Donna’s inappropriate comments. But Donna merely handed him the duffel without saying a word.
“Right this way.” Joshua nodded toward a wide corridor. The polished tile flooring gleamed beneath the custom light fixtures. And original watercolors depicting various San Franciscan landmarks dotted the muted blue walls.
But Donna didn’t seem to notice any of the upscale features. Hollow-eyed, she trailed behind, barely picking her feet off the slick floor.
Tears stung Cassie’s eyes as she watched her mother shuffle down the hall, head bent. And before she could think better of it, she leaped for Donna’s hand, pulling her into a hug.
Burying her face in her mother’s long hair, Cassie murmured, “I love you,” as she inhaled the familiar scent of strawberry-scented shampoo.
Cassie clung to her mother, not expecting Donna to hug her back. But to Cassie’s surprise, the tension melted from Donna’s shoulders, and before Cassie realized what was happening, Donna’s arms encircled her waist.
The embrace lasted mere seconds.
But the moment would stay with Cassie forever.
Imprinted on her heart as a banner of hope.
* * *
Standing on the corner of the tiny residential street, Cassie almost smiled at the row of lovely Victorian homes draped in miles of multicolored Christmas lights. But any enjoyment she would normally have experienced ticking off the day’s task on the Christmas Calendar evaporated with the chill of Derek’s voice.
“Hey! Sorry I’m late. It took me twenty minutes to find a parking spot.” Derek rounded the side street, halting mid-stride when he caught sight of Cassie.
Her stomach lurched at the obvious sign of approval plastered across his face.
“You look great,” he breathed, scanning the length of her body.
Cassie squirmed inside her peacoat. She hadn’t gone to any extra trouble, wearing her cinched black coat over skinny jeans and a cream sweater. Although her red knit cap and plaid scarf could be considered festive. She flushed, recalling the first time she’d glimpsed Luke noticing her appearance. But somehow, his appreciative glance felt much different than Derek’s.
“Hi,” she said stiffly, tightening her collar against the cold—and Derek’s unwanted gaze.
“Why exactly are we meeting here instead of the coffee shop?” His breath escaped in a puff of white as he rubbed his bare hands together for warmth.
“Because I want to look at the lights.”
“Since when?”
“Since now.”
Derek tilted his head, narrowing his blue eyes, but he didn’t press her further. “Did the wire transfer go through okay?”
“Yes, thanks.” Cassie dug her hands into her coat pockets as she started down the narrow sidewalk, trying to ignore how closely Derek fell into step beside her. He still wore the same musky cologne, and it irked her that she noticed. “I want to talk to you about that, actually. You understand it’s simply a loan, right? I plan on paying you back soon.”
Derek shrugged, his broad shoulders straining beneath his fitted cashmere overcoat. “Sure. Whatever.”
“Not ‘whatever,’ Derek.” Cassie paused in front of a particularly beautiful three-story Victorian draped in silvery lights. Huge falling snowflakes drifted across the front, cast from a laser projector hidden somewhere in the well-manicured yard. “This is important. Our partnership is only temporary. I’ll work with you for as long as it takes to get the coffee shop open and running smoothly. And I’ll help you hire the perfect manager. Someone you can trust to run the place while you’re gone.”
Derek opened his mouth to protest, but Cassie held up her hand. “We can both agree on a fair wage, but I don’t want equity. When I’ve earned enough money to pay you back, I want out of the arrangement. Understood?”
Derek’s lower lip protruded, as though he were about to pout. But then his lips spread into a boyish grin. “Understood. New businesses can take a long time to set up.”
Cassie groaned, not bothering to muffle the sound as she continued her stride.
Chuckling, Derek caught up with her. “You may not want to admit it, but working together is going to be fun.”
Cassie knit her eyebrows together in response. But Derek was undeterred.
“I’m serious,” he insisted. “I guarantee this will be the best decision of your life.”
Incredulous, Cassie snorted. The man had a lot of nerve! She could guarantee it most certainly wouldn’t be the best decision of her life.
She could only hope it wouldn’t be her worst.
Chapter 28
Sliding his key into the lock, Luke took one last look at the driveway. Cassie’s blue Prius was nowhere in sight, which meant she was still in San Francisco. Only two days had passed since she left, but it felt like forever.
As Luke pushed through the front door, he marveled at how quickly he’d come to view the cottage as Cassie’s home. The once familiar scents of lavender and lemon oil gave way to Cassie’s heady perfume and the lingering aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Her white snow jacket hung from the vintage hall stand, and Luke gently ran his hand over the puffy sleeve, his pulse quickening at the memory of their bodies sprawled in the powdery snow.
Tucking the tiny package under his arm, he stepped into the living room, surprised by how empty the space felt without Cassie’s presence. He also noticed the disarray, as though she’d left in the middle of gift wrapping.
Luke smiled as he to
ok in the stack of presents neatly arranged beneath the tree. Adding his to the pile, he straightened, ready to head home. But as he cast one last glance around the room, he decided to tidy up a little for Cassie’s return.
Whistling as he set to work, Luke lifted the quilt from where it had been thrown haphazardly across the coffee table. As he pulled back the folds of patchwork fabric, the upbeat tune of “Jingle Bells” halted on his lips.
Resting in the center of a large square of gold foil paper sat an antique cuckoo clock.
All the blood rushed from Luke’s head as he fell to his knees in shock. It had to be his gift, didn’t it? Which meant…
Glimpsing the corner of a gift tag protruding from the edge of the wrapping paper, he lifted it gently. Warmth radiated throughout his entire body as he read the four words written in Cassie’s handwriting.
To: Sprinkles
Love: Ru
Luke blinked, not trusting his own eyes. He read the words again and again until tears blurred his vision.
Cassie loved him! Luke didn’t know whether to whoop with joy or cry.
Pushing himself off the floor, Luke stood, filled with urgency.
He didn’t care about the time or the distance.
He had to see Cassie.
* * *
As Cassie collapsed onto the couch in her cramped apartment, a puff of dust escaped the faded gray upholstery. She didn’t know a person even needed to dust a couch! Besides, she’d only been gone for… She tried to count off the days but gave up after she ran out of fingers. Her brain was fried after spending all morning, afternoon, and evening with Derek going over menu options, food vendors, and decor ideas. And although she hated to admit it, she’d relished every minute! Well, not every minute. She loathed spending time with Derek. But the thrill of planning her dream coffee shop gave her goosebumps.
While she reveled in the day’s excitement, Cassie’s stomach growled. She’d forgotten to eat dinner. Padding barefoot into the kitchen, she rooted through her cupboards, stumbling upon a box of microwave popcorn. Not exactly a balanced meal, but it would pair perfectly with the Christmas Calendar’s activity for the day. If she closed her eyes, she could still see it written in her grandmother’s elegant script.
December 19: Watch It’s a Wonderful Life.
Although confident she’d enjoy the movie, the evening elicited mixed emotions. Once the ending credits rolled, the Calendar would be over. It was the last activity Cassie could remember. Which meant, after tonight, she’d have to face the bitter reality. She’d failed, forfeiting her inheritance. While she didn’t fully understand all the legalities, she knew Luke was bound by law to ensure she fulfilled the terms of the will. And without the Calendar…
Cassie shuddered, snuggling deeper into the plush throw blanket. After pressing play, she ripped open the bag of popcorn, barely noticing the mouthwatering scent of butter and salt wafting toward her with the steam.
She missed Luke. He’d texted her a few times to check in, and Cassie had promised to be back in Poppy Creek soon. At the very least, she wanted to return in time for Ben’s school play on the twenty-second.
Then, she’d explain everything.
And hopefully, she’d have a few more answers to give Luke.
* * *
As the ending credits rolled across the TV screen, Cassie ugly cried into the corner of the blanket. Both from how deeply the film had touched her heart and how homesick she felt.
Impulsively, she tossed back the blanket and sprang from the couch.
In a matter of minutes, Cassie had gathered her things and threw open the front door, ready to go home.
Derek stood on the other side.
“Going somewhere?” he asked, eyeing the coat in one hand and her purse and keys in the other.
“Uh, yes,” Cassie stammered, completely caught off guard. “What are you doing here?”
“I thought I’d take you to a late dinner.” Derek sniffed the air, stepping inside her apartment uninvited. “But it smells like I’m too late. Popcorn?”
Cassie left the door ajar, eager to get rid of Derek and be on her way. “I really don’t have time to…”
Derek surveyed the empty bag of popcorn and the blanket puddled on the couch. “Movie night?”
Cassie sighed, slipping on her coat so Derek would get the hint. “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
“Classic.” Derek nodded, smiling slightly as Cassie struggled into the sleeves. “Wait. Your hair is caught on your—” He reached for a strand of hair tangled in her necklace and froze. The blood drained from his face as his fingers coiled around the charm.
“I’ll get it.” Cassie hastily tried to brush his hand aside, but he wouldn’t let go.
Color rushed to Derek’s previously pale face. “Why do you…” His words faltered as if he couldn’t bring himself to say them aloud.
Cassie opened her mouth to explain, but hesitated, realizing her feelings had completely changed. The necklace had lost all ties to her heart. It was merely a thing. A meaningless bauble. And one she no longer wanted. “Derek, let go.”
“Tell me why you’re wearing this.” His tone was sharp, accusatory. And his flush deepened, a mixture of shame and confusion.
“If you would let go…” Cassie took a step back, eager to break Derek’s hold and remove the necklace once and for all.
But as Derek followed, his toe caught on the edge of the rug.
He fell forward, ripping the necklace from around her throat.
Startled, Cassie released a clipped scream.
* * *
Luke’s heart pounded in his chest as the elevator rose to the seventh floor of Cassie’s apartment building. The entire car ride he’d gone over what he planned to say, but when the metal doors slid open, his mind went blank.
All he wanted was to tell Cassie he loved her, kiss her deeply, and never let her go.
The hall light flickered as he approached Cassie’s front door, and Luke was surprised to find it wide open.
Then he heard her scream.
Barreling into the apartment, Luke spotted a man lying on the floor. Cassie stood over him, shock etched across her face.
“Are you okay?” Luke asked.
Cassie nodded, her eyes widening even further at the sight of him.
That’s all Luke needed before yanking the intruder to his feet.
“Easy!” the man grunted, cradling his nose. “Something might be broken.”
“If it’s not, it will be,” Luke growled.
The man narrowed his eyes over his knuckles as if assessing his competition. “And you are?”
“You first,” Luke demanded, one hand still around his collar.
“Derek Price. Cassie’s business partner.”
“That’s a lie.” It took all of Luke’s self-control not to punch him right then and there.
“Ask her.” Derek tilted his head in Cassie’s direction.
Confused, Luke glanced at Cassie. “Cass?”
Cassie dragged her gaze from the floor. It appeared to take great effort for her to look him in the eye. “I can explain.”
Stunned, Luke’s grip slipped from the man’s collar.
Derek straightened and headed for the door, clearly eager to escape further confrontation. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he called out to Cassie over his shoulder before shooting a glare at Luke and storming out, still covering his nose.
The door slammed behind him.
For a moment, Luke didn’t move. Every ounce of energy seemed to have drained from his body with the adrenaline. He didn’t know what to say. Or think.
“Luke, what are you doing here?” Cassie asked, her tone soft, barely above a whisper. And the pleased, hopeful lilt to her question gutted Luke to his core.
He still wanted to wrap his arms around her and shower her with all the love and affection he possessed. But how could he? She’d left Poppy Creek to work with her ex. And didn’t even tell him.
“I…” He paused,
gathering his thoughts. “I came to check on you. To see how things were going with the Christmas Calendar.” Never mind it was almost 10:00 p.m. And he could have waited until morning.
Cassie didn’t seem to notice his illogical explanation. At the mention of the Christmas Calendar, her eyes pooled with tears.
The urge to comfort her overrode all other emotions, and Luke instinctively slid his arm around her shoulder. “Hey, what’s wrong?”
They moved to the couch together, and once they sat down, the entire story spilled from Cassie’s lips between sobs.
Luke listened in stunned silence as Cassie told him everything, from her mother’s rehab to Derek’s job offer to the destruction of the Christmas Calendar. His gut wrenched with each new confession, and he pulled her in closer, wishing she hadn’t tried to carry the burden on her own.
“It’s all such a mess. And it’s all my fault.” Cassie sniffled, wiping her eyes with the edge of her sleeve.
“It’s not all your fault,” Luke said firmly. “But why didn’t you come to us for help?”
“I don’t know,” Cassie said weakly. “I suppose I’m used to figuring things out on my own.”
Luke rested his chin on the top of her head. He could see how Cassie would feel that way. But he wanted her to know, from now on, that she could count on him. “I would have loaned you the money,” he said softly.
Shifting her weight, Cassie tilted her head back, her gaze tender as she whispered, “Thank you.”
Luke’s breathing slowed as he held her gaze.
Before he could speak, Cassie blinked, her attention dropping to her hands. “I still can’t believe the Calendar is gone.”
“Not entirely.”
“What do you mean?”
The Clause In Christmas (Poppy Creek Series Book 1) Page 20
