The Clause In Christmas (Poppy Creek Series Book 1)

by Rachael Bloome

  Luke scooted closer, placing his hand on her knee as her fingertips gripped the red satin cord.

  Slowly, Cassie withdrew an exact replica of the cottage, each intricate detail of the ornament carved by hand. “Oh, Luke,” Cassie breathed.

  “I thought we’d continue your grandmother’s tradition,” Luke said softly. “And there’s something else inside.”

  Cassie’s gaze flickered to Luke’s face. Could it be?

  He gestured toward the miniature red door.

  Drawing in a deep breath, Cassie eased the door open and peered inside.

  Her breath caught, and as she tilted the ornament, a glittering gold necklace slid into the palm of her hand.

  “I thought you could use a new one.” Lifting it gently, Luke held it up for her to see. Light reflected off the charm shaped like a tipped coffee cup. The delicate chain appeared to loop through the handle and tiny diamonds sparkled along the rim.

  But the engraving in the center garnered all her attention.

  Two simple letters that made her heart sing like a Christmas choir.

  Ru.

  “Do you want to put it on?” Luke asked.

  In response, Cassie pressed her lips to his, lacing her fingers through his hair.

  Tenderly cupping the side of her face, Luke returned her kiss, speaking the depths of his love without a single word.

  * * *

  Contentment filled Cassie’s heart as she topped off her coffee mug, once again admiring the colorful poppies splashed across the smooth, white porcelain. Laughter and chatter carried into the kitchen from the living room, along with the triumphant notes of Andy Williams’s “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

  Cassie would have to agree. Oh, how things had changed.

  “There you are.” Luke strode across the kitchen, scooping her into another kiss.

  As their lips parted, Cassie chuckled. “Miss me already?”

  “More than you know. And I have another gift for you.” Luke handed her a plain manila envelope. “The last day on the Calendar was Celebrate with Friends and Family. I think you’ve accomplished that, don’t you?”

  Cassie met Luke’s gaze, her pulse pounding in her ears. Her fingers trembled slightly as she peeled open the seal. Even though she’d been working toward this moment all December, she couldn't believe it had actually arrived. She hesitated as her fingertips met the sharp edge of the paper.

  Luke bent and kissed her forehead. “Do you want a minute alone?”

  Reaching for him, Cassie shook her head.

  Luke slid an arm around her waist and lovingly brushed aside a loose curl.

  After taking a couple of deep breaths, Cassie slid the top sheet from the envelope. As she gazed at the deed to the cottage, her vision blurred. She’d finally received her inheritance. Yet, holding the deed in her hand felt so surreal. As if, in some strange way, Cassie had already received her inheritance. And it had nothing to do with the four walls surrounding her.

  “There’s more,” Luke said, as though reading her thoughts.

  Cassie withdrew a second sheet of paper, her breath faltering as the handwritten letter came into focus. Wiping her damp cheeks with the edge of her sleeve, Cassie blinked back the impending tears, not wanting to miss a single word.

  My dearest granddaughter,

  You’ve made it. Of course, I knew you would. You’re a Hayward. Which means you’re too stubborn to quit a challenge. I just pray you’re not too stubborn to have a change of heart. Christmas is a gift. But like any gift, you have to accept it. Call it a clause, if you will. You can have the tallest tree or the brightest lights, but if you don’t have Hope in your heart, it’s all for naught. But then, I suspect you know that by now.

  Merry Christmas, my dear. Until we celebrate together one day. In the meantime, I’ll leave you with words paraphrased from our good friend, Charles Dickens.

  May you keep Christmas well.

  All my love,

  Grandma Edie

  PS ~ Give Luke my love

  Cassie heard Luke sniffle, and glancing up, caught him wipe a stray tear from his eye.

  Her own eyes glistening, Cassie gently set the letter on the butcher block. “She sure was special, wasn’t she?”

  “She was.” Luke turned Cassie to face him, brushing a tear from her cheek. “You okay?”

  “I only wish I could have met her. Or, at least, thanked her somehow.” Every word from her grandmother’s letter had permeated Cassie’s heart. As she’d carried out the different tasks over the last few weeks, something had changed inside her. And Cassie knew it had nothing to do with the activities themselves.

  “Come here.” Taking her hand, Luke led Cassie to the doorway.

  “What are you doing?” A smile teased Cassie’s lips as she gazed up at him.

  Holding both of her hands in his own, Luke tipped his head toward the ceiling.

  “Mistletoe?” Cassie laughed. Then, suddenly, her eyes widened. “Wait. How did you…”

  Luke flashed an impish grin. “I may have snuck a peek at your wish. ‘Finally kiss Luke beneath the mistletoe.’”

  Blushing, Cassie made a move to swat his arm, but Luke wouldn’t release her hands.

  “Excuse me, but I believe I have a wish to fulfill.”

  As he lowered his lips to hers, Cassie closed her eyes. The sensation of his deep, tenderhearted kiss flooded her with warmth, and vivid images flashed through her mind.

  Luke rescuing her from the attic.

  Their bodies sprawled in the snow.

  The comfort of his strong, steady embrace.

  A stolen kiss in swirling snowflakes.

  So many memories shared.

  And Cassie hoped, so many more to come.

  “Wow,” Luke breathed, finally pausing to catch his breath. “Can we keep the mistletoe all year?”

  Laughing softly, Cassie nudged his shoulder playfully. “Since you cheated, you have to tell me your wish now.”

  “Sorry, no can do.”

  “But that’s not fair!” Cassie tried to pout, but she couldn’t stop smiling.

  Eyes twinkling, Luke held her gaze. “I promise, you’ll find out soon.”

  Something in Luke’s expression caused Cassie’s heart to flutter. Or maybe it was the tender way he ran his thumb along her finger. Whatever the reason, Cassie tilted her chin toward Luke and closed her eyes as he kissed her once more.

  But this time, different images flashed before her.

  Visions of hope for the future.

  Epilogue

  Eliza loved New Year’s Eve. Especially this year.

  She could practically smell the tantalizing aroma of fresh starts and endless possibilities carried on the crisp winter night air.

  Pulling the collar of her plum-colored peacoat tighter around her neck, she shivered, more from excitement than the cold. A combination of space heaters, two bonfires, and nearly every resident in Poppy Creek huddled together in the town square, created a cocoon of warmth. All eyes were on the clock tower of the courthouse, counting down the seconds until midnight.

  The dulcet notes of “Auld Lang Syne” complemented the collective expressions of hope and nostalgia, and Eliza swayed along with the melody.

  The coming year would be different. She would be different.

  Although Poppy Creek embraced her and Ben, showering her with love and support even during her unexpected pregnancy, she saw the way people looked at her. Their smiles could never quite hide the pity in their eyes.

  In high school, she’d spouted all her grand plans with the confidence of youth—go to culinary school and study abroad in Paris under the tutelage of a renowned pastry chef before opening an artisan bakery in San Francisco.

  Then, one wrong choice had changed everything.

  Not that Eliza regretted Ben for a second.

  Catching sight of a little boy tugging his father’s arm, begging to be lifted onto his shoulders, Eliza’s stomach churned with doubt. She’d
debated bringing Ben tonight. But he could rarely stay up this late. And since Sylvia preferred watching the New York City ball drop on television, Eliza let Ben stay home with his grandparents.

  Home… Eliza’s feelings regarding that particular word were complicated. She’d lived in the two-story, periwinkle-blue farmhouse all her life. But she never expected to raise her family there. Or to still be living with her parents going on twenty-seven-years.

  Her chin instinctively raised a little higher as the thought of owning her own bakery sprang to mind. Finally, she’d make something of herself! No more “poor Eliza.” She’d be a businesswoman, able to stand on her own two feet. Maybe then everyone would stop trying to fix her up with older, more stable men. If she wanted a relationship—which was a huge if—she could find one on her own.

  Yep! Look out, Poppy Creek! The next year would be full of changes!

  And not only for her…

  Eliza stole a glance in Luke and Cassie’s direction.

  Cassie stood in front of Luke, leaning against his chest while his arms were wrapped around her, holding her close. Eliza couldn’t help a small sigh, noting the way Luke rested his chin on top of Cassie’s head. The two lovebirds seemed to melt into each other, as though they existed as one person.

  Jealousy niggled at Eliza’s heart, but she forced it aside. She was happy for her friends. Truly, she was. But whoever said it was better to have loved and lost was a cold-blooded liar.

  Eliza took a deep breath. She couldn’t entertain that line of thinking.

  Tonight was about Luke and Cassie.

  Eliza noticed a few more heads turning in their direction. Okay, more than a few. The entire town seemed to shift focus from the clock tower to the blissfully unaware couple.

  Heat crept up Eliza’s neck, coloring her cheeks. She shouldn’t have said anything. Luke told her in confidence. But then, he should have known better than to share a secret with her. She’d only been able to keep one secret her entire life. Solely because she didn’t have a choice.

  With only a few minutes left until midnight, the townspeople collectively held their breath in anticipation.

  Luke slid his arms from around Cassie and cleared his throat.

  “What’s wrong?” Cassie turned to take in Luke’s nervous expression.

  Maggie and Dolores sniffled, linking arms as they gazed on with the rest of the crowd.

  “Is everything okay?” Cassie glanced from Maggie and Dolores to Frank, then Eliza.

  Flashing a reassuring smile, Eliza surreptitiously slid her cell phone from her coat pocket, swiped open the camera app, and pressed record.

  Luke took both of Cassie’s hands in his. “Everything is more than okay. In fact, I can only think of one thing that could make this evening better.”

  The crowd gasped as Luke dropped to one knee.

  Cassie’s hand flew to her throat, her fingertips curling around the necklace Luke had given her for Christmas.

  Reaching into his coat pocket, Luke withdrew a tiny velvet box. “I realize we haven’t been together long, but I couldn’t envision another year without you as my wife. Cassie Hayward, would you make my Christmas wish come true by saying yes?”

  Luke slowly lifted the lid, revealing a stunning antique diamond ring.

  Eliza stole a glance at Frank, whose steel-gray eyes glistened with unshed tears.

  Dabbing at her own eyes with her scarf, Eliza had trouble keeping the phone steady.

  The first time Luke shared the touching story, Eliza cried for five straight minutes. Luke offered to purchase Edith’s ring at any price, but Frank refused payment, insisting the ring was meant for Cassie.

  Cassie’s green eyes sparkled as brilliantly as the tiny emeralds encircling the oval cut diamond as she held out her hand. “Yes, of course! Yes!”

  The final yes came out as a sob as Luke scooped her into his arms.

  Their lips met as the clock struck midnight.

  Cheers and applause erupted as large confetti cannons burst, shooting rice paper poppy petals into the air.

  Other couples joined Luke and Cassie in ringing in the New Year with a kiss as the string quartet once again performed “Auld Lang Syne” in concert with the chime of the church bells.

  Eliza slipped her phone back inside her pocket as others around her recited lines from a classic Alfred Loyd Tennison poem:

  “Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow; The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true.”

  For the first time since hearing the age-old adage, the words struck Eliza at her core.

  Ring out the false, ring in the true.

  And that’s when she saw him.

  A dark figure blurred by bright red petals fluttering to the ground.

  It couldn’t be…

  Her heartbeat stilled as she peered closer, desperate for a definitive view.

  But as suddenly as the figure appeared, he vanished from sight.

  You can read the rest of Eliza’s story, and learn more about your favorite Poppy Creek characters (including what happened to Donna Hayward), in The Truth in Tiramisu.

  Eliza Carter can’t keep a secret. Except the one she’s been hiding for over eight years. And it’s not the recipe for her world-famous tiramisu…

  Bonus Story

  * * *

  Dear Friends,

  Thank you for reading The Clause in Christmas. If you enjoyed Luke and Cassie’s story, I would be so grateful for an honest review.

  And if you’d like to spend more time with Frank and Beverly, you can sign up to read their bonus love story by joining my newsletter at www.rachaelbloome.com/secret-garden-club. You may even recognize a few key characters from my sweet, friends to lovers novella, Puzzle Pieces.

  Thank you again; you truly make writing these stories worthwhile. As always, I would love to hear from you. You can reach me anytime at hello@rachaelbloome.com.

  Until next time,

  Blessings & Blooms,

  Acknowledgments

  * * *

  My deepest, heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make The Clause in Christmas come to life, particularly my husband, parents, and constant cheerleaders: Lynn, Melissa, Rachel, Savannah, and Starla.

  A huge thank you to my critique partners, Dave and Gigi. You not only helped shape this story with your wonderful insights, but were a consistent source of support and encouragement. Your friendship means the world to me.

  I would also like to thank the kind and generous online writing community, especially my close-knit writing family on Instagram. You brought me into your circle of knowledge and friendship, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

  This novel wouldn’t be what it is today without the incredible skills of my editor, Beth Attwood; proofreader, Krista Dapkey with KD Proofreading; and cover designer, Ana Grigoriu-Voicu with Books-design. You ladies made this story shine.

  A final thank you to everyone who invited me into their home by reading this story. You’ve made this dream possible.

  Edible Kindness Recipe

  * * *

  This recipe is near and dear to my heart.

  Every year, my kind and generous mother-in-law makes several batches of this delicious fudge and hand-delivers festive tins to each of her neighbors. It’s become a treat they look forward to eagerly and inspired one of the tasks on the Christmas Calendar.

  This year, I’m sharing the recipe with you. And I hope it will inspire a similar tradition of spreading kindness and Christmas cheer… along with a scrumptious, mouth-watering treat!

  Ingredients

  3 cups sugar

  ¾ cup butter, room temp

  5 oz evaporated milk

  12 oz chocolate chips (can substitute peanut butter chips or other flavors)

  10 oz marshmallow crème OR 7 oz marshmallow crème and 3 oz small marshmallows

  1 tsp vanilla

  1 cup chopped walnuts, if desired

  Instructions


  Line 9 x 13 pan with foil. Extend foil over edges an inch or so. Place in freezer.

  Combine sugar, butter, and milk in a large glass bowl. Microwave 8 minutes, stopping every 2 – 2 ½ minutes to stir. Remove from microwave.

  Drop a little of this mixture into cup of ice-cold water. Mixture should be at the soft ball stage. If not, return to microwave for 30 seconds and test again.

  Remove from microwave.

  Stir in chocolate chips until melted.

  Add marshmallow crème/marshmallows. Stir until blended.

  Add vanilla.

  Because fudge is creamiest when it cools quickly, stirring is of utmost importance. If you have a KitchenAid or other industrial strength mixer, pour the fudge mixture into the mixing bowl and blend for several minutes on a medium speed. Otherwise, stir by hand until mixture cools a bit.

  Add nuts.

  Remove pan from freezer and spray with cooking spray. Spread fudge mixture into cooled pan, and return to freezer for several hours. Remove from freezer. Lift foil from pan and place on cutting board. You may need to left it soften for 5–10 minutes.

  Using a straight edge (not serrated), cut fudge into squares.

  Fudge can be frozen for months, to enjoy whenever you get that craving or need a special treat.

  Bon Appetit!

  * * *

  Christmas Calendar

  * * *

  December 1

  Decorate the House

  December 2

  Cut Down a Christmas Tree

  December 3

  Decorate the Christmas Tree