Page 77 of The Clause in Christmas
Luke smiled as he took in the stack of presents neatly arranged beneath the tree. Adding his to the pile, he straightened, ready to head home. But as he cast one last glance around the room, he decided to tidy up a little for Cassie’s return.
Whistling as he set to work, Luke lifted the quilt from where it had been thrown haphazardly across the coffee table. As he pulled back the folds of patchwork fabric, the upbeat tune of “Jingle Bells” halted on his lips.
Resting in the center of a large square of gold foil paper sat an antique cuckoo clock.
All the blood rushed from Luke’s head as he fell to his knees in shock. Ithadto be his gift, didn’t it? Which meant…
Glimpsing the corner of a gift tag protruding from the edge of the wrapping paper, he lifted it gently. Warmth radiated throughout his entire body as he read the four words written in Cassie’s handwriting.
To: Sprinkles
Love: Ru
Luke blinked, not trusting his own eyes. He read the words again and again until tears blurred his vision.
Cassie loved him!Luke didn’t know whether to whoop with joy or cry.
Pushing himself off the floor, Luke stood, filled with urgency.
He didn’t care about the time or the distance.
He had to see Cassie.
* * *
As Cassie collapsed onto the couch in her cramped apartment, a puff of dust escaped the faded gray upholstery. She didn’t know a person evenneededto dust a couch! Besides, she’d only been gone for… She tried to count off the days but gave up after she ran out of fingers. Her brain was fried after spending all morning, afternoon, and evening with Derek going over menu options, food vendors, and decor ideas. And although she hated to admit it, she’d relished every minute! Well, noteveryminute. She loathed spending time with Derek. But the thrill of planning her dream coffee shop gave her goosebumps.
While she reveled in the day’s excitement, Cassie’s stomach growled. She’d forgotten to eat dinner. Padding barefoot into the kitchen, she rooted through her cupboards, stumbling upon a box of microwave popcorn. Not exactly a balanced meal, but it would pair perfectly with the Christmas Calendar’s activity for the day. If she closed her eyes, she could still see it written in her grandmother’s elegant script.
December 19: Watch It’s a Wonderful Life.
Although confident she’d enjoy the movie, the evening elicited mixed emotions. Once the ending credits rolled, the Calendar would be over. It was the last activity Cassie could remember. Which meant, after tonight, she’d have to face the bitter reality. She’d failed, forfeiting her inheritance. While she didn’t fully understand all the legalities, she knew Luke was bound by law to ensure she fulfilled the terms of the will. And without the Calendar…
Cassie shuddered, snuggling deeper into the plush throw blanket. After pressing play, she ripped open the bag of popcorn, barely noticing the mouthwatering scent of butter and salt wafting toward her with the steam.
She missed Luke. He’d texted her a few times to check in, and Cassie had promised to be back in Poppy Creek soon. At the very least, she wanted to return in time for Ben’s school play on the twenty-second.
Then, she’d explain everything.
And hopefully, she’d have a few more answers to give Luke.
* * *
As the ending credits rolled across the TV screen, Cassie ugly cried into the corner of the blanket. Both from how deeply the film had touched her heart and how homesick she felt.
Impulsively, she tossed back the blanket and sprang from the couch.
In a matter of minutes, Cassie had gathered her things and threw open the front door, ready to go home.
Derek stood on the other side.
“Going somewhere?” he asked, eyeing the coat in one hand and her purse and keys in the other.
“Uh, yes,” Cassie stammered, completely caught off guard. “What are you doing here?”
“I thought I’d take you to a late dinner.” Derek sniffed the air, stepping inside her apartment uninvited. “But it smells like I’m too late. Popcorn?”
Cassie left the door ajar, eager to get rid of Derek and be on her way. “I really don’t have time to…”
