Page 53 of The Clause in Christmas
From page one, Cassie was completely engrossed in Charles Dickens’s world of hope, kindness, and redemption. And by the end, she’d long finished her coffee and dampened the corner of the quilt with her tears.
One line in particular stayed with her, even as she turned the very last page.
“No space of regret can make amends for one life’s opportunity misused.”
The sentiment sank deep into her heart, touching her soul.
Had Cassie been given an opportunity in Poppy Creek? A chance to change her life and become part of something greater than herself. Part of a community who loved and cared for one another. Even part of… a family.
A tear slid down her cheek, seeping into the page. Cassie quickly dabbed the blemish with the edge of her sleeve before gently closing the book.
Unlike Scrooge, Cassie didn’t have a ghost to show her the future. But she didn’t need one. She knew in her heart that if she didn’t try everything in her power to stay in Poppy Creek, with Luke, she would regret it for the rest of her life.
* * *
Luke stared at the tiny blocks of wood waiting to be pieced together. Usually working in his shop brought him a sense of calm. But right now, Luke didn’t think anything could dispel the ache in his chest.
He’d thought about calling Cassie all day. Even driving over to the cottage to talk. But what would he say? He’d already poured out his heart. A part of him had been so sure she felt the same way. But when she broke their kiss, running away without an explanation, she’d broken his heart, too.
He peered at the shapes again, wondering why he should even bother to finish her surprise. But then, he knew the answer to that. While he wasn’t sure what he should do next, he had to do something.Anything.Even if it meant…
The grating sound of the barn-style door sliding open startled Luke from his thoughts. To his surprise, his mother entered the shop carrying a casserole dish wrapped in foil.
“Hey, Mom. I wasn’t expecting to see you tonight. Is everything okay?”
Ignoring his question, Maggie took in the workshop, her eyes widening as they passed over several pieces of furniture in various stages before completion. “It’s been a while since I’ve visited.” She set the casserole dish on his workbench before running a hand along the rough surface of the unfinished rocking chair. “This is beautiful.”
“Thanks.” Luke smiled, particularly pleased with that piece.
“I knew you enjoyed this hobby, but I didn’t realize…” Maggie paused, once again taking in the scope of the space. Turning to face her son, her features softened. “Luke, do you ever wish that you had more time to—”
“Mom,” Luke cut in quickly. “Is something wrong? I didn’t miss your phone call, did I?” Luke reached for his back pocket in search of his cell phone. His mother rarely came to his house, preferring to have Luke visit her. Luke suspected she enjoyed being surrounded by all of the memories.
“No, nothing’s wrong,” Maggie assured him. “I wanted to drop off some leftovers from last night. And ask how things went with Cassie after I went to bed.”
Luke sighed. “Things could have gone better.” Dragging out a stool, he perched on the edge, gesturing for Maggie to take the rocking chair. It still needed a little work, but it was functional. Plus, it sat closest to the space heater.
“What happened?” Maggie rocked slowly, concern creasing her forehead.
“I asked her to stay in Poppy Creek once the Calendar is over,” Luke said simply, not ready to divulge everything. Especially not their kiss.
“And what did she say?”
“That she hasn’t decided what she wants to do yet.”
“Did you tell her that you’re in love with her?”
Luke’s head shot up as color rushed to his cheeks.
Maggie laughed. “Don’t look so surprised. We’ve all known for a while now.”
“Who’s ‘we’?”
“Myself. Dolores. Eliza. Jack—”
“Okay, okay!” Luke groaned. “I get the picture. The problem is I don’t think Cassie feels the same way.”
“Did you ask her?”
