The Clause in Christmas

by Rachael Bloome

  Luke slapped his palm against the table, rattling the china dishes. “You’re kidding! What did you say to that?”

  “I said he’d better try his darndest to stay alive, then. ’Cause no girl wanted to lose her fiancé overseas.”

  Luke leaned back against the chair, shaking his head in amazement. “How did you two know so quickly?”

  “It’s different for everyone, of course. Arthur said he fell in love when he saw me fall on the ice fifty times and get right back up to try again.” She laughed at herself. “I’d never been ice skating before, but Arthur wasn’t the only determined one.”

  “And you?”

  “I knew any man who’d be that bold on my behalf was a man worth keeping.” Dolores met his gaze with warmth and affection. “You’re a lot like my Arthur, you know.” Placing a hand over her heart, she tapped her fingers. “Here. Where it counts.”

  Luke swallowed, feeling tears prick his own eyes.

  That’s the kind of story he wanted with Cassie, except their own unique version. But he knew it would never happen if he didn’t follow Arthur’s lead.

  Tonight, he would have to be bold.

  Chapter 16

  Cassie didn’t wait for Luke to say hello before grabbing his hand and tugging him through the doorway. “You have to try this!” She pulled him into the kitchen, bubbling with excitement.

  “Hello to you, too,” Luke chuckled.

  “I know we’re meeting Eliza and Ben at the ice rink, but you have to taste this first.” Rocking back and forth on her tiptoes, Cassie held out a mug brimming with freshly brewed coffee, nearly sloshing it over the rim in her eagerness.

  “Don’t tell me you raided more of Frank’s coffee supply,” Luke teased, bringing the mug to his lips.

  Cassie placed one hand on her hip, rolling her eyes playfully. “Once again, I didn’t technically steal it. And this time he gave it to me.”

  “When?” Steam wafted toward Luke’s face, carrying a rich, heady aroma that seemed to instantly catch his attention. “Wow, this smells good!”

  “Doesn’t it?” Cassie couldn’t contain her delight, grinning like an overly enthusiastic elf. “I took him a jar of Eliza’s fudge yesterday, and he invited me inside.”

  Her revelation caught Luke off guard, causing him to sputter in surprise as hot liquid shot up his nose.

  “Are you okay?” Cassie asked.

  “Fine, thanks. Just singed my sinuses.” Luke swiped at the coffee dribble on his chin. “Cantankerous and reclusive Frank Barrie invited you inside? What did he want?”

  “He wanted my opinion on one of his blends. Well, two, actually. I tried one at Frank’s. And he sent me home with the one you’re drinking right now.”

  “That’s strange.” Luke tried a second sip. And if his expression was any indication, the sultry flavors lingered on his tongue long after he’d swallowed. “This tastes incredible! Even better than the first cup I tried the night of Pajama Christmas.”

  “I know!” Cassie beamed, pleased he had a similar reaction to her own. “I’ve been thinking about this all day. You know how I mentioned Frank’s writing a second edition of his book?”

  Luke nodded, taking another sip.

  “What if…” Cassie drew in a breath, wondering if her thought would sound crazy when she finally said it out loud. “What if Frank is working on new blends for his book? And he wants my help?”

  “That would be great…” Luke trailed off, his brow knit together. “But why do you think he’d ask for your help?”

  With a heavy sigh, Cassie slouched against the edge of the counter. “Yeah, that’s the one thing I can’t figure out, either.”

  Luke set the mug down and reached for her hand, giving it a squeeze. “Hey, if Frank’s half as smart as you say he is, he can probably tell natural talent when he sees it. I don’t even know why I asked.”

  “Thanks.” Cassie waited for him to release her hand, but he didn’t move a muscle, except to apply another gentle squeeze.

  His touch sent a shiver up her arm, and she slowly lifted her gaze to meet his. The heat simmering in his hazel eyes startled her, and she subconsciously parted her lips.

  “Cass…” His voice barely above a whisper, Luke leaned across the counter.

  Cassie didn’t dare answer—or breathe—and simply tilted her chin.

  But the sharp trill of her cell phone wrenched them from the moment.

  Luke’s eyes mirrored her surprise as he scanned the kitchen for the source of the interruption.

  Heart hammering, Cassie yanked her phone from her back pocket. “Hello?”

  “Were you running or something?” Eliza asked. “You sound all weird and breathy.”

  “Uh, no. I—what is it?” Cassie mouthed, It’s Eliza, to Luke, who nodded in understanding.

  Was she imagining things or did he look disappointed? Cassie turned away from his sightline, smiling to herself.

  “Where are you guys?” Eliza asked. “Luke said to meet at the rink at seven thirty and Ben’s getting antsy to get out on the ice.”

  “We’re leaving now,” Cassie said. “Don’t wait for us.”

  “Are you sure?” Eliza sounded relieved.

  “Absolutely. We’ll be there soon.” After saying goodbye, Cassie hung up the phone, suddenly conscious of the awkward undercurrent rippling across the room. “That was Eliza,” she said lamely.

  “I know.” Luke smiled. “Shall we get going, then?”

  “Sure.” Slipping her phone back in her pocket, Cassie grabbed her insulated thermos. Pouring the remaining coffee inside, she said, “Can’t waste stuff this good.”

  “Definitely not.” Luke flashed the kind of grin that made Cassie feel a little light-headed.

  While she screwed the lid on tight, the butterflies in Cassie’s stomach drifted about in a forlorn flutter, as if mourning an opportunity lost. As much as she tried to fight the longing, there wasn’t any way around the truth.

  Bad idea or not, Cassie wanted Luke to kiss her.

  And preferably, tonight.

  Cassie adjusted the collar of her peacoat, pulling it tighter around her neck as they approached the ice rink. “It’s an actual rink.” Her breath escaped in a filmy white cloud as she rubbed her gloved hands against the cold.

  Luke chuckled. “Were you expecting a frozen lake?”

  “Truthfully, yes.”

  “It doesn’t usually get cold enough to freeze an entire lake suitable for skating.” Luke hesitated, stealing a glance in her direction. “Are you disappointed?”

  Cassie warmed at the tentative edge to his voice. “How could I be disappointed with something this beautiful?”

  While not a lake, the man-made rink was nestled in the center of a field, surrounded by the neighboring forest. Snowcapped mountaintops towered in the distance, silhouetted by the silvery moon and multitude of stars. Large old-fashioned bulbs stretched above the rink, casting a shimmering glow across the ice, where skaters swirled and spun like dancers on a stage.

  “Do you know how to skate?” Luke asked, standing in line at the makeshift rental booth.

  “I used to rollerblade. Which is basically the same thing.”

  “I admire your confidence,” Luke said with a laugh.

  Once they laced up their skates, Cassie hobbled toward the edge of the rink, close behind Luke. She noticed his furtive glances over one shoulder, as though he were ready to catch her at any moment. “I’m fine,” she assured him. “These skates are easy to balance on.”

  He didn’t look convinced, grasping the railing while offering Cassie his free hand. “It’s slippery on the ice.”

  Out on the rink, Ben caught sight of them and hollered, “Uncle Luke! Cassie!” He waved as he zipped past, the fringe of his scarf fluttering behind him like a cape.

  “My goodness, he’s fast!” Cassie said in awe.

  “He’s been skating since birth,” Eliza said, skidding to a stop. “Have you been ice skating before?”

&n
bsp; “She’s rollerbladed,” Luke offered, joining Eliza on the ice. He made the transition from dry land look effortless.

  “I see.” Eliza smirked. “This should be fun, then.”

  Cassie’s bottom lip puckered as she eased herself across the divide. “I don’t know what you’re both so worried about.” She pushed off the wall, smoothly sailing a few feet before slowing to a stop. “See? I’m fi—” Her balance faltered, along with her words. Arms flailing fruitlessly, she plopped—bottom first—onto the cold, hard ice.

  In an instant, both Luke and Eliza were by Cassie’s side, lifting her back on her feet.

  “You were saying?” Eliza teased.

  “Ha-ha,” Cassie mumbled, wiping the flecks of shaved ice from her gloves. But she couldn’t help a laugh at herself. “Okay, so it’s harder than it looks.”

  “Are you okay?” Luke asked, steadying her with one arm around her waist.

  Cassie nodded. “Yes. And I’m determined to learn, no matter how many times I fall.”

  “That’s the spirit!” Eliza cheered, patting Cassie’s shoulder. “I’ll leave you in Luke’s capable hands while I go check on Ben. He’s probably looped past us a dozen times by now.”

  Eliza flashed a wink at Luke before she sped off. But when Cassie glanced up to see if he noticed, she found him staring at her with a spine-tingling expression. And if she hadn’t been holding on to his arm, she would have toppled over a second time.

  Luke marveled at the events of the evening thus far. Except for the double date, the night mirrored Arthur and Dolores’s meet-cute right down to Cassie falling on her backside. And then, those incredible words of determination spilled from her lips, reminding him—for the millionth time—why he’d fallen hopelessly in love with her.

  “Should we try that again?” Cassie asked, steadying herself on his arm.

  Luke suppressed the urge to confess his feelings right then and there. “Absolutely. We’ll start slow, almost like a shuffle. Then we’ll transition to a gentle glide. Sound good?”

  Cassie nodded, tucking her arm through his, gripping it tightly.

  Luke smiled, savoring her nearness and the scent of her perfume, which had become a fragrance that was at once familiar and alluring.

  As Luke guided Cassie around the rink, he did his best to remain present in the moment. But his thoughts kept drifting to when and where he would make his move. Definitely not on the crowded ice. Somehow, he’d have to steal her away to somewhere more private. If only he could—

  “Luke, look out!”

  Startled, Luke glanced up to see a child paused in the middle of their path. Swerving quickly, Luke dragged Cassie with him. They swayed and staggered for several seconds, struggling to remain upright. When they finally stopped teetering, Cassie’s hands were draped around Luke’s neck while he grasped her waist.

  Suddenly, it didn’t matter that dozens of people swirled around them, their skates swishing across the ice. Even the cacophony of their shouts and laughter faded into the background.

  To Luke, Cassie was the only other person in existence.

  Brushing a loose curl from her cheek, he let his touch linger, and her sharp intake of breath sent ripples of heat through his body.

  As he searched her face looking for a sign, her eyelashes fluttered and her lips parted ever so slightly.

  Finally seizing his opportunity, Luke lowered his mouth to hers. But before he could taste her lips, Ben’s voice shattered the thin veil of intimacy surrounding them.

  As if he’d been yanked from a dream, it took Luke a moment to focus on Ben’s blurred figure as it sped toward them, sliding to a stop.

  “Here ya go.” Ben grinned as he thrust a cell phone toward Cassie. “I found it on the ice in the spot where you fell.”

  “Th-thank you.” Cassie sounded as frazzled as Luke felt.

  Luke glanced around, scanning the rink for Eliza. When he spotted her near the edge chatting with Penny Heart, he felt a surge of irrational irritation that she hadn’t stopped Ben from rushing over and ruining the moment.

  Ben didn’t seem to notice he’d interrupted something monumental. “I know it’s yours because the message has your name in it.” Ben grinned as if proud of his deduction.

  Without glancing at the text, Cassie stuffed her phone back inside her coat pocket.

  “I didn’t know all of the words,” Ben admitted. “But I know it’s about a job. Are you getting a new job, Cassie?”

  Luke’s gaze darted to Cassie’s face.

  Her cheeks were tinged pink, and Luke could tell it was from far more than the cold.

  Chapter 17

  Please call me back.

  I’ve decided to sweeten the deal.

  Forget the job offer.

  Let’s be partners. 50-50.

  I need you, Cassie.

  Cassie read Derek’s text for the hundredth time, but she still couldn’t believe it. Fifty-fifty partners? It didn’t make any sense. Why would Derek want to share his business with her? Between his lucrative job as a coffee buyer and his trust fund, he didn’t need her financial contribution. Even if she had enough money to make one. So, why give her equity? What exactly did he want in exchange?

  The questions swirled in her mind as her finger hovered over the delete button.

  Before Cassie could make a decision, the shrill cry of her cell phone interrupted her thoughts, nearly causing her to tumble out of bed in surprise.

  Derek’s message disappeared as Eliza’s glowing, pink-cheeked face flashed across the screen.

  Cassie smiled, recalling the moment Eliza had snatched her phone the afternoon they went sledding, programming her number with the title of New Bestie.

  Cassie hadn’t bothered telling Eliza she didn’t need the “new” modifier, since Cassie didn’t have a best friend. Or any friends, really. Sure, she made friendly acquaintances all the time. She’d even grabbed coffee once or twice with a few coworkers. But an honest-to-goodness friend—the kind you confided in and trusted explicitly? They seemed as mythical as Saint Nick himself. Or, at least, they had before Poppy Creek.

  “Cassie!” Eliza’s cheerful warmth resonated through the speakers. “Sorry if I’m waking you, but I didn’t think you’d want to miss this.”

  “Miss what?”

  “Penny’s here. And…” Eliza dragged out the syllable for dramatic effect. “The espresso machine is working!”

  Cassie couldn’t get dressed fast enough, even slipping on mismatched socks in her haste. She flew down the staircase, pausing only when she remembered she hadn’t checked the Christmas Calendar for the day.

  Racing into the kitchen, she flipped through the pages until she reached December 11, crossing her fingers the activity would be quick and easy.

  Make Eggnog.

  Relief flooded her. Definitely quick and easy! And decidedly more pleasant than making mulled wine.

  Snapping the book closed, Cassie spun on her heel.

  She’d check off the task later.

  As she dashed past the pantry, she halted abruptly. Yanking the door open, she snatched the bag of Frank’s coffee beans before resuming her sprint.

  Heart fluttering in anticipation, Cassie pushed through the entrance of Maggie’s Place, welcoming the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls.

  “Good morning, sweetheart.” Maggie stepped from behind the cash register to envelop Cassie in a hug. “We have a surprise for you.” One arm draped around Cassie’s waist, Maggie led her to the end of the long display counter.

  Nestled in the back corner sat the gleaming copper espresso machine, flanked by Eliza and Penny, arms splayed like Vanna White.

  “Ta-da!” they cheered in unison.

  Cassie’s breath caught as she took in the sight. Not only was the machine operational, Maggie had designated an entire space for it, arranging a stack of white ceramic mugs and an assortment of other items Cassie would need, including portafilters and tamps.

  Following her gaze, Maggie said, �
��We found those in an old tin canister labeled Coffee in the basement. I’d forgotten all about them.” She smiled warmly, her hazel eyes shimmering with delight. “What do you think? Is this enough space?”

  “Enough space for what?” Cassie’s voice hummed with equal parts anticipation and hesitancy.

  “For you to serve lattes!” Eliza blurted, unable to hold back her excitement. “And whatever else you do with this thing.”

  Cassie gaped at Eliza, then Maggie. “Wait… what exactly are you saying?”

  Maggie grinned. “If you’re interested, we’d love to have you serve specialty coffee drinks here at the bakery. For a few hours in the morning, to start. I can’t pay you much, but I’ll purchase all the supplies. And, of course, all the pastries you can eat.” She laughed brightly, Eliza and Penny joining in.

  But Cassie couldn’t make a sound past the lump in her throat. After a pause, she murmured hoarsely, “I… don’t know what to say.”

  “Say yes!” Eliza encouraged.

  “But…” Cassie trailed off, barely able to string two thoughts together. “What coffee would I use?”

  “We’ll have to figure that out,” Maggie admitted. “But I’m sure we’ll come up with something.”

  “Our sister town, Primrose Valley, is bigger than we are,” Eliza pointed out. “Maybe we can find something there?”

  Cassie’s heart swelled at their use of “we.”

  “I travel to all of the surrounding towns looking for stuff for my shop,” Penny added. “I can ask around for you.”

  “Perfect!” Eliza hugged herself as if she might burst with happiness any second. “But for now, do you have any of Frank’s coffee left?”

  Reaching into her purse, Cassie took the opportunity to blink back her impending tears. Overwhelmed with emotion, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to laugh, cry, or hug all three of them at once. Never in all her life had she been so fully embraced and accepted by anyone, let alone an entire town.