Page 92 of The Clause in Christmas
“It suits you,” Cassie said, smiling fondly.
Frank grunted, but his gray eyes twinkled. “Merry Christmas, Cassie.”
“Merry Christmas, Frank.”
She embraced him warmly, content with his awkward back-pat.
As they broke apart, Eliza looped her arm through Cassie’s, leading her to the sofa. “It’s time for presents.”
“Oh! Let me get—”
Before Cassie could retrieve the gifts she’d set under the tree, Eliza gently shoved her into the plump cushions. “Sit. You’re opening first.”
Cassie laughed. “You’re a little pushy for Santa’s helper, aren’t you?”
Eliza smirked, her face glowing with excitement. “Sorry, but none of us can wait another second.”
Touched, Cassie’s throat tightened as they all gathered around the crackling fire, festively-wrapped packages in hand.
“Me first! Me first!” Ben skipped toward her, thrusting a thin, flat rectangle into her hands. “I wrapped it all by myself.”
Cassie hid a smile, noticing Ben had secured several mangled scraps of wrapping paper together with way more tape than necessary. But as the pieces fell away, Cassie’s hand flew to her heart.
A stunning silver frame displayed a colorful drawing.
Ben curled up next to her on the couch, proudly pointing to his masterpiece. “That’s me. And that’s you. We’re building a snowman. See?”
Cassie nodded, tears stinging her eyes.
“That’s the pen we used for his nose.” Ben’s finger tapped the glass above a bright orange streak depicting the highlighter pen. Tilting his pink-cheeked face to look at her, he asked, “Do you like it, Aunt Cassie?”
Swallowing past the lump in her throat, Cassie draped her arm around Ben, pulling him into a hug. “I love it. It’s perfect.”
Ben beamed, throwing his arms around her.
Resting her chin on top of his head, Cassie closed her eyes, hoping to capture the moment in her memory. She couldn’t imagine any present topping the one she’d just received.
“It’s my turn next.” Dolores eagerly placed a large gift bag on Cassie’s lap.
Setting Ben’s picture frame on the coffee table, Cassie removed the red and green tissue paper. Laughter spilled from her lips as she withdrew a knitting starter kit. “I was just thinking the other day since I’m staying in Poppy Creek, I’d better learn how to knit.”
“Now, I can teach you.” Dolores’s eyes gleamed behind her glasses.
“I can’t wait.” Cassie smiled her appreciation, surprised to find she actually meant it.
“Our turn!” Eliza cheered from her perch on the arm of the couch. She nudged Maggie, who sat beside her.
Reaching across Ben, Maggie handed Cassie a small red stocking. Her fingers curved around Cassie’s for a moment, squeezing gently before pulling away.
Turning the stocking over, a long brass key fell into the palm of Cassie’s hand. Confused, Cassie searched Maggie’s face.
Maggie smiled with motherly affection. “It’s the key to the bakery.”
Cassie stared at the aged metal, its sheen dull and scratched from wear, still uncertain what it meant. Was Maggie making her a manager? The thought that she trusted her to open and close the shop touched Cassie’s heart. “Thank you, Maggie.”
“It’s really a gift from both of us.” Maggie reached for Eliza’s hand. “When I hired Eliza, the intention was she’d take over for me one day. I wasn’t sure when that day would be, but…” Misty-eyed, she patted the top of Eliza’s hand. “When you girls took over for me the other day, I realized I enjoyed having some time for myself. So, after a lot of consideration, I’ve decided to retire. And I can’t think of two better women to take over the business for me.”
Dumbstruck, Cassie’s gaze darted between Maggie and Eliza.
