Page 89 of The Clause in Christmas
Cassie’s lips twitched as she imagined Eliza gleefully pointing Luke in the right direction. A truer friend than Eliza didn’t exist. And Cassie couldn’t wait to thank her in person.
Nestling the gown back in the box of tissue, Cassie hummed softly.
The hurt and disappointed slipped away as easily as the silky lace slid from her fingertips. She’d spent a lifetime wallowing in the pain and rejection of her past.
This Christmas, she would choose a different path.
One she wouldn’t walk alone.
* * *
That evening, Cassie doubled-checked her appearance in the mirror above her grandmother’s dresser. Although it wasn’t full-length, it was the largest mirror in the house.
To her delight, the gown fit like a dream, hugging every curve as though it were made for her. Paired with simple black heels, on loan from Eliza, the delicate lace gently grazed the floor.
The elegant cap sleeves draped off her shoulders, drawing attention to Cassie’s bare neck. Her fingertips brushed her collar bone where the heart charm had once rested. Its absence represented a lifted burden. And Cassie almost regretted covering up with her grandmother’s vintage mohair stole, but the soft ivory fabric paired perfectly with the gown and provided a modicum of warmth against the chilly winter night.
Twisting a strand of hair between her fingertips, Cassie tucked her grandmother’s pearl-studded comb behind her ear, sweeping her long dark curls off to one side. Taking one last glance in the mirror, Cassie couldn’t help a satisfied smile. Her thick black lashes and berry-red lips gave her an Old Hollywood style appearance reminiscent of Vivien Leigh. A resemblance her date would certainly appreciate.
The deep rumbling of a vehicle outside drew Cassie to the front door, her heartbeat skipping in anticipation.
Tugging the stole around her shoulders, Cassie beamed as she threw open the door.
Frank’s Chevy convertible gleamed in the moonlight as he climbed from the driver’s seat.
“Merry Christmas Eve.” Cassie smiled, suddenly feeling shy as Frank blinked in awe.
“You look just like your grandmother,” he murmured, holding out his hand. He stood tall and gallant, clothed in full-dress uniform, complete with shimmering medals pinned above his left breast pocket.
Cassie accepted his outstretched hand and placed a kiss on his cheek. “You look very dashing.”
“It’s the only formal wear I own,” he mumbled.
But Cassie noted the pleased glint in his eye as he escorted her through the crunching snow.
When they approached the car, Cassie reached for the door, pausing in confusion. “Frank, there isn’t a handle.” Cassie hoped he wasn’t about to remove the canvas top and make her climb over the side of the car in her gown.
Frank chuckled, bending to access a hidden button in the chrome trim.
The door popped open.
Her eyes sparkling, Cassie smirked. “Well, aren’tyoufull of surprises?”
“This car was my first purchase after my book hit the best-seller list.” Frank helped her slide onto the buttery upholstery. “Have you thought about how you’re going to spend your advance?”
“Not yet,” Cassie admitted. Deep down, she longed to open Poppy Creek’s first coffee shop. But there wasn’t a single space for sale or rent.
“You’ll think of something.” Frank shut the door, shuffling around to the driver’s side.
Cassie pushed all thoughts of her dream coffee shop aside.
Tonight, she only wanted one thing.
To see the look on Luke’s face when she entered the dance wearing his gift.
* * *
Luke nearly choked on his chilled apple cider the moment Cassie waltzed into the room arm in arm with Frank. She looked... stunning? Radiant? Breathtaking? He couldn’t think of a single word that would do her beauty justice.
