Page 56 of The Clause in Christmas
“Wait,” Cassie said quickly, placing a hand on her arm. “Not yet.”
“Why not?”
“I, uh, have a few things to take care of first.”
“Like what?” Eliza planted one hand on her hip, both eyebrows raised.
“Well, I’d like to get a few things in order first. Like talking to Frank about serving his coffee.”
“Really?” Eliza’s eyes lit up as though she’d already forgotten all about telling Luke. “Do you think he’ll say yes?”
“Maybe. I hope so.” Cassie hadn’t thought it all the way through yet, but she felt hopeful. “I also have to figure out what I’m going to do about the Christmas Calendar.”
“What do you mean?”
As Cassie glanced toward the front window, her stomach twisted. Rays of sunlight danced across the tabletops, reflecting off the crystal vases filled with holly leaves and red carnations. “I’m trying not to panic yet, but today’s activity is a snowball fight. And we’re fresh out of snow.”
Eliza frowned. “Yikes. That’s not good.”
“To put it mildly,” Cassie agreed.
Eliza steepled her fingers and pressed them to her lips, her eyes scrunched shut in concentration.
Cassie waited patiently until Eliza’s eyes popped open and she grinned mischievously. “I have a feeling this afternoon’s forecast will show heavy snowfall.”
“But how—” Cassie started as Eliza grabbed her hand.
“Come on. I’ll show you my idea.”
* * *
Luke shifted Ben’s Captain America backpack to his other shoulder, grateful Ben’s school let out early, necessitating Luke pick him up for Eliza. Besides giving them “guy time,” hanging out with Ben provided a momentary distraction.
Luke needed to clear the air with Cassie soon. Even though he still had no idea what to say. But aside from his own feelings, he had a job to do. And he couldn’t let another day pass without finding out if she’d completed the necessary activities on the Christmas Calendar.
What Luke needed was some sort of peace offering—a way to move past the awkwardness of the kiss. Then, with a little more time, he could try again.
Luke smiled, recalling his parents’ unconventional love story.
Some things take time…
His mother’s words had looped in his mind ever since their conversation. Luke didn’t mind being patient. But come Christmas Day, he’d be out of time.
“So, are you ready for the pageant in a few days?” Luke asked, diverting his own complicated thoughts. “Did you memorize all your lines?”
Ben nodded, kicking a pinecone across the grass. “Nanna’s been practicing with me. She said acting is in my blood. Gross.”
He made such a comical face, Luke laughed. “She means you’re a natural. Your grandma was a big-time actress before moving to Poppy Creek.”
“I know,” Ben said matter-of-factly. “She tells me all the time.”
Luke stifled another chuckle. Before he could ask Ben to share some of his lines, Ben shouted, “Look! It’s Mom and Cassie!”
Following the direction of Ben’s outstretched finger, Luke spotted Eliza and Cassie waiting for them in the middle of the town square.
Luke froze mid-stride, the mere sight of Cassie turning his insides to mush. What were they doing out here? Squinting, Luke tried to make out the objects they were holding.
“Send us your youngest,” Eliza bellowed in a dramatic, warrior-like tone.
