Page 11 of Christmas Promises

“Do you have that kind of money?”

Laney warmed yet again, embarrassed to admit how privileged she truly was. “I have a good savings, and my father would probably help me out with the down payment if I asked him.”

“Could you see yourself living here? Running the bookshop?”

Laney thought for a moment. “I never imagined this would be my next season, but yes, maybe. Sinking all my money into one venture feels risky. What if I can’t make it work, and then what do I do?”

“The Fox is very popular here. Your aunt has a loyal clientele.”

“What if they would be opposed to someone new? I remember how it is here.”

“Yes, but you’re her niece. They’ll give you a pass because of that. In fact, they might celebrate it. We’re into family legacies here.”

Laney smiled before poking her fork back into the pie. “It would be a different kind of life than I had in the city, that’s for sure.”

“You have all month to think about it. And look, you already have a friend.”

“You?”

He laughed. That throaty laugh of his had always made her stomach flutter. It still did, apparently. “Of course, me. Not that you won’t find a lot of others here. But you have me and my family, by extension.”

“That’s very kind of you.”

“What are you doing tomorrow evening?”

“Nothing, other than hanging out with Aunt Edna. She’s very fond ofMasterpiece Theatrein the evenings, which I love, but could miss a night if you had something in mind?”

“Well, there’s no shortage of events here in town over the holidays, but I was thinking you could come over for dinner at my house tomorrow? I’d love to show you what I’ve done with it. I could make some pasta. Open some red wine?”

Was he asking her out?No, don’t be silly.This was just an old childhood friend offering kindness to a woman with a broken heart.

“I’ll bring the wine,” Laney said.

“Then it’s a date.”

She must have flinched because he quickly added, “Two old friends getting together to reminisce. What could it hurt?”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

She really hoped she didn’t regret it.

4

NOLAN

The morning after his unexpected reunion with Laney Gray, Nolan stopped on his way to work to buy a coffee from his brother’s country store. Max was by the soda section, restocking energy drinks. Thankfully, it was too early in the day for Santa. By then, the local postman who played Santa every year would be ready to listen to children’s wishes and hand out candy canes. At Christmastime the outside area was transformed into Santa’s workshop. Kids came from miles and miles to visit Santa. Happily, for Max, their mothers and fathers also bought things they needed and didn’t need at the store afterward. By the weekend, there would be a line across the parking lot to visit Santa. But for now, it was quiet.

Max greeted him with his usual cheeky grin. That grin was kind of famous around these parts. Nolan suspected there were many a broken hearts in this town because of Max and his notorious smile. Not to mention the rest of him. Of all four brothers, he was the most charismatic. People flocked to him.

“Hey there. You want your usual?” Max asked, headed toward the industrial-sized espresso machine.

“Yeah, only throw in a little bit of that peppermint flavor for me this morning, would you?”

“Peppermint? That’s new.” Max narrowed his eyes. “You never do anything new.”

“What can I say? I have the Christmas spirit.”

“Hmm…we’ll put a pin in that.”

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