Page 62 of The Clause in Christmas
“I’m so sorry, Cassie.” Luke’s voice strained with empathy.
“It’s okay,” she murmured, not meaning Derek’s actions, but rather her own state of mind. Nuzzling her head against his chest, Cassie savored how safe and protected she felt in his arms… howloved.
“Can I ask you something?” he said quietly.
“Anything.”
“Why do you still wear the necklace?”
Cassie didn’t respond for several seconds, the sound of the crackling embers filling the silence between them. How could she explain something so deeply personal? Explaining that a flimsy silver necklace felt like the strongest piece of armor in the world didn’t make any sense. Not to anyone but her.
Finally, she answered in a voice barely above a whisper. “It’s… a reminder.”
“Of what?”
“That hope causes nothing but heartache.” The words slipped from her lips easily and yet… they didn’t quite seem true anymore.
For a moment, Luke said nothing. He continued to run his thumb along her arm in comforting circles, staring intently into the fire. When he finally spoke, his words rang with a gentle truth. “You know, I’ve always thought hopecuredheartache.”
As Cassie listened to the sound of Luke’s strong, steady heartbeat, a slow smile spread across her lips. “You know,” she echoed softly, “I think you’re right.”
Chapter 22
After sharing her past with Luke, Cassie was even more assured in her decision to turn down Derek’s job offer. While the temptation to own a piece of her lifelong dream was strong, it wasn’t strong enough to tie herself to Derek. Besides, by staying in Poppy Creek, a different dream was coming true—one far more meaningful.
Cassie spent the morning making specialty coffees at Maggie’s, using the beans from her last roast with Frank. Once again, a line formed out the door for Cassie’s unique and tantalizing concoctions. While she didn’t have any ownership in the bakery itself, she felt a sense of pride in what she created. And the smiles on people’s faces when she crafted something special just for them gave her a sense of purpose. Whether it was making a decaf gingersnap latte for Dolores or a candied lavender mocha for Penny. She’d even invented a spicy chai latte for Jack, incorporating smoked paprika and cardamom from his signature BBQ sauce.
After several hours at the espresso machine, Cassie felt so exhilarated she didn’t want it to end. But she’d exhausted her supply of coffee, which meant several disappointed customers had to leave with their pastries sans latte.
“All done for the day?” Maggie asked.
Her tone carried a hint of weariness. And considering she’d been on her feet all morning glued to the cash register, Cassie couldn’t blame her for being tired.
“I’m all out of coffee, but I’d love to stick around for a bit. Maybe I could fill in for you for a while?”
“Oh, no. I couldn’t ask you to—”
“You didn’t ask,” Cassie interjected with a smile. “I offered. Honestly, I’d love to help out. I think Eliza and I can manage for the rest of the day.”
“Manage what?” Eliza swooped in with a tray of colossal sugar cookies frosted to resemble brightly colored ornaments.
“Cassie graciously offered to fill in for me, but I—”
“That’s a great idea!” Eliza cut in, refilling the dwindling cookie display. “You deserve a break. You haven’t had one since…” She scrunched her nose in thought. “When did you open this place? Thirty years ago?”
Maggie laughed. “Thirty-one. And I suppose you have a point. Ithasbeen a while. But are you sure?”
“Of course!” Eliza beamed. “I’m done baking for the day, so that just leaves the prep for tomorrow. I can show Cassie how to use the register.”
“Oh, I’ve used plenty of registers bef—” Cassie stopped short when her gaze settled on the bronzed antique register. It had more buttons and gears than the espresso machine! “Never mind.” She grinned sheepishly. “You’d better show me. But I’m a quick learner. Honestly, Maggie, we’ll be fine.Betterthan fine. And considering I’ll be working here after Christmas, I should learn, anyway.”
“Exactly!” Eliza practically shooed Maggie out the door.
“Okay, then.” Maggie slowly tugged the polka dot apron over her head. “It will be nice to have a little time off.” Her hazel eyes glimmered as she appeared to ponder the possibilities. “I have a few presents to wrap, Debbie Macomber’s latest book on my nightstand, and a couple last-minute Christmas cards I still need to send.”
“Oh!” Cassie’s hand flew to her heart. “I almost forgot! I’m so glad you reminded me, Maggie. Today’s activity is Send Someone a Christmas Card. Do you know where I can buy one?”
“Don’t be silly,” Maggie said. “You’ll come by my place tonight and use one of mine. I have dozens of beautiful cards itching to bring a smile to someone’s face.”
