Page 69 of Evergreen Christmas

“Kandy?” The tenderness in his tone coaxed her eyes back to his. His handsome expression was almost pleading. “There’s a perfect view of the Christmas decorations in the town square from the window. There’s nothing I’d love more than for you to join me.”

She lifted her gaze to his and spoke before she could change her mind. “Okay.”

Chapter Fifteen

Later that week, on Christmas Eve, Jordyn carried an ornate silver tray full of red velvet cupcakes baked fresh by Kringle’s Café across the kitchen of her cabin and set it on her newly purchased dining table.

All four Nanas, each decked out in her Christmas best and seated around the beautiful dining table they’d helped Jordyn pick out, clapped their hands together and squealed with delight.

“Oh, what a wonderful Christmas treat!” Eve said, smiling up at Jordyn. “What made you think of ordering these for tonight??”

“It wasn’t my doing,” Jordyn said. “The owner of Kringle’s Café—er, Max Reynolds was his name, I think—dropped them off earlier this afternoon. He said Kandy had mentioned I liked them and that I should consider them a housewarming gift for our Christmas Eve dinner tonight.”

Carol Belle, seated at the end of the table, narrowed her eyes at Kandy. “And how did he know we were having Christmas Eve dinner with Jordyn?”

Kandy shrugged, her cheeks flushing. “I might’ve mentioned it when I stopped by the café for a hot cocoa. I also mentioned how fond we all were of Jordyn and how much she liked his cupcakes, and I suppose he decided to take it upon himself to formally welcome her to Noel.” When Carol Belle continued staring at her, Kandy continued, “I do stop by the café on my own from time to time, and Max’s red velvet cupcakes are the most delicious Christmas treat Noel has to offer.”

“I don’t know about that,” Holly said, shimmying her shoulders and smiling slyly. “Have you ladies gotten a glimpse of the handsome man that just moved into the house two doors down from me?” She leaned forward, glancing at each of the other women, an excited gleam in her eyes. “Every woman on my block has knocked on his door and tried to get the inside scoop on him. But from what I’ve been told, he’s very private and very mysterious.”

Kandy ran a hand through her pink curls and grinned. “He sounds intriguing. Do you know his name? Names can tell you a lot about a person, you know.”

Holly shook her head. “I know nothing, except for the fact that he’s very easy on the eyes.”

Eve shook her head. “Y’all are the absolute worst. Can’t you let people have their privacy? Not everyone is looking for a romantic entanglement.”

And just like that, the tone in the room shifted.

All four Nanas, avoiding Jordyn’s eyes, lowered their gaze and fidgeted with the Christmas tablecloth Jordyn had spread over the new dining table just hours before.

Jordyn turned away and returned to the other side of the kitchen, then busied herself with carefully placing five Christmas mugs on another decorative tray along with a carafe of freshly brewed coffee. Hands trembling, she slowed her movements, taking care not to damage the delicate Christmas mugs she’d purchased two days ago just for tonight’s occasion.

Hold it together, girl. Just get through tonight.

And tomorrow. And the next day . . .

When she allowed herself to think about it, the future seemed long and lonely without Nate and Roxie in her life on a regular basis. But, hopefully, with time the pain of having to walk away from them would recede and she’d be able to do as she’d promised and form a new relationship with Nate. One that consisted solely of friendship and neighborly concern.

In the future, whenever he drove his truck past her house, she’d wave, and when they bumped into each other in the town square, she would casually say hello, smile politely and asked how Roxie was doing.

That would be the extent of their friendship, and it was for the best. Really. She’d made the right decision.

She took a deep breath, picked up the tray of mugs and coffee and carried it carefully across the room to the dining table, then set it down and took her seat at the head of the table.

The Nanas stared at her now, scrutinizing her expression.

“It’s okay,” Jordyn said, forcing a smile. “I know what all of you are thinking and I promise you, it’s okay.”

The Nanas continued staring and remained silent.

“I mean it.” Jordyn tried to inject a bit of cheer into her voice and expression, but it was more difficult than she’d expected. “I told you that Nate and I have decided to remain friends and neighbors—nothing more. And I’m okay with that. Really.”

“Oh, but Jordyn.” Kandy was the first to break her silent scrutiny. “I thought for sure that the two of you could work things out and that Nate would come around. I’ve never seen him have as much fun in the Christmas competition as he did this year.”

“Me either,” Eve said softly. “After all, he even dressed up for the Sexy Santa contest and drank himself under the table in the Eggnog Nod.”

Holly smiled, her tone bittersweet. “And wasn’t that just a wonderful sight? Not the part where he passed out,” she hastened, “but the part where he strutted across the stage and danced with Jordyn. He was so happy that night and seemed to have such a wonderful time. It was so refreshing to see him enjoy himself for once. I just thought for sure he’d changed his mind.”

“It’s my fault,” Carol Belle said, looking down and picking at the Christmas tablecloth with a fingernail. “I shouldn’t have dragged you into this to begin with, Jordyn. I knew Nate hadn’t gotten over Macy, and even though my intentions were good, I shouldn’t have stuck my nose in, much less dragged you into the middle of everything.”

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