“You cooked for me,” Stewart spoke up.
A few looks were exchanged, but before Stewart began to feel uncomfortable, Charlotte replied. “I did cook for you, and you never did tell me how you liked it.”
“It was very good. I also never said thank you. So, thank you,” Stewart said simply.
“I’d like to help you cook,” Emmy said. “We should decide whose house we are going to start at and then we can figure out how much time we’re going to have and what everyone likes to eat.”
“How about we start the furthest away at Burt’s house, and end with Stewart’s or mine since it’s the closest to Charlotte’s?” Hannah suggested.
“We don’t need to decorate my house,” Stewart commented.
“Nonsense. Of course we do!” Gabby Raye exclaimed. “it’s the very least we could do for Charlotte.”
“I don’t mind if not everyone wants to decorate,” Charlotte said, defending Stewart. She liked the man, and appreciated that he’d come for her. That was more than enough.
“I don’t think you understand. Would everyone mind coming with me?” Stewart asked, standing and looking utterly annoyed that no one else had gotten up yet.
“Where are we going?” Emmy asked.
“Please, follow me.” Stewart led the group out of Hannah’s, down the sidewalk and directly in front of his house. He stopped, stared toward his house, and gave a satisfied nod.
“Uhh, Stewart. What are we looking at?” Norm asked, eyes narrowed.
Stewart pointed toward his house. Everyone looked, and some moved around to get a better look, but still, it wasn’t clear.
Sighing, Stewart walked up the pathway to his home, stopping so abruptly that Emmy crashed into him.
“Sorry, sweetie.” Emmy put her hand on his back.
Stewart tilted his head, giving Emmy the first real smile Charlotte had seen him give. “Okay. Do you see it?”
Emmy looked around, spotting what Stewart was so proud of. “I see it.”
Emmy gestured for the group to follow her.
“Stewart! You didn’t!” Charlotte squealed.
A small, red ribbon with gold wire was attached to the handle of Stewart’s screen door.
“See. I’ve already decorated.” Stewart turned to the group, offering them another smile.
“It looks fantastic,” Charlotte told him, meaning every word.
Teddy and Hannah had a lot to work out, but with a little time and a lot of honesty, Charlotte believed they could make it happen.
Burt and Norm were chatting with Gabby Raye about how to decorate their homes, and everyone was smiling. No one seemed bothered by Gabby Raye and that made Charlotte glad. Once she was gone, she’d need Gabby Raye’s help to keep the holiday cheer alive.
Emmy and Stewart, who seemed to be getting along rather well, made Charlotte’s heart warm. She may not have the chance to stay in Partridge Point forever, but it looked as though those two could use her matchmaking skills
Charlotte saw the excitement in Stewart’s eyes. There really was something in the air after all. Partridge Point was overflowing with more Christmas Magic than Charlotte had ever seen.
Also by Gretchen Allen
Sundae Afternoon Series
Book 1: Triple Dipped Murder
Book 2: Melt Down Murder
Book 3: A Twist of Murder
Book 4: Caked in Murder
Book 5: Shivers of Murder
Book 6: A Flurry of Murder
Book 7: Two Scoops of Murder
The Day and Night Diner
Book 1: Pancakes and Pleas
Book 2: Burgers and Bodies
Book 3: Steaks and Suspects
Book 4: Breakfast and Bedlam
The Cozy Tales of a Professional Mermaid
Book 1: Criminals and Coral
Holly and Evergreen
Book 1: The Final Sleigh
Author’s Note
I’d love to hear your thoughts on my books, the storylines, and anything else that you’d like to comment on—reader feedback is very important to me. My contact information, along with some other helpful links, is listed on the next page. If you’d like to be on my list of “folks to contact” with updates, release and sales notifications, etc.… just shoot me an email and let me know. Thanks for reading!
Also…
… if you’re looking for more great reads, Summer Prescott Books publishes several popular series by outstanding Cozy Mystery authors.
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