“True.” Penny tapped a finger to her lips.
They stood in silence, each deep in thought, for several minutes until Penny said brightly, “Why don’t we get some breakfast? We might think better on a full stomach and I don’t open the shop for another hour.”
“That’s a good idea.” Kat slipped out her phone, wondering how she would tell Fern her secret mission had been delayed yet again, perhaps for an indeterminate amount of time. “Is there somewhere I can get a strong cup of coffee? I could use a jolt of caffeine.”
“I know just the place.” Penny grinned.
* * *
As Kat took a languid sip of the aromatic brew, her worries melted away. The blend—aptly named Christmas Morning—had hints of cinnamon, gingerbread, and caramel. “This tastes incredible,” she murmured, not wasting any time before taking another generous gulp.
“I’m so glad you like it.” Cassie Davis, the café’s owner, beamed. “It’s a new blend. I’m playing around with adding flavored syrups to the coffee after it’s been roasted. Have you met Frank yet?”
Kat shook her head, barely removing her lips from the rim of the mug.
“Oh, I do hope you get a chance to meet him while you’re in town. He taught me how to roast coffee,” she explained. “He’s a purist through and through and claims flavored coffee is worse than decaf. But, as I frequently remind him, he’s not always right. Although, he usually is.” She laughed in a way that highlighted her obvious affection for the man.
“Well, I’m on your side,” Kat told her. “This has just become my new favorite blend. Do you sell by the pound? I’d love to bring some home with me.” Kat knew it would be an instant hit with Hope Hideaway residents and would pair perfectly with Fern’s Milagros.
“Of course! I’ll grab you a pound. On the house.”
Before Kat could politely decline her generosity, Cassie had spun on her heel, heading toward the other side of the room where one-pound coffee bags were neatly arranged on a display shelf.
Kat looked on, completely incredulous. How did anyone make a living in this town if they always gave everything away?
“If you think the coffee is good, wait until you try the cinnamon roll.” Penny tore off a soft, gooey chunk and popped it in her mouth. Her expression bordered on euphoric as she licked the cream cheese icing off of her fingertips.
A quiet yet unsettling realization stole over Kat as she savored her pastry and coffee—she could easily make a home for herself in a town like Poppy Creek. So far, she loved everything about it, especially the cozy café. Between the creative menu offering festive delights like Sugar Plum Fairy Pie and Kris Kringle Cappuccinos, and the chalkboard display listing some sort of countdown of holiday traditions, the place exuded a sense of Christmas magic she’d never experienced before. But she could certainly get used to it.
There was just one not-so-insignificant problem—every time she looked at her sister, it was as if their mother stared back at her. And with each glance, distressing memories overshadowed every ounce of joy; Helena’s lingering presence affected Kat even after her death.
“Here you go.” Disrupting her melancholy thoughts, Cassie set the kraft bag on the table.
“Thank you so much. I’m happy to pay for it.” Kat reached into her coat pocket for her wallet, but Cassie dismissed her offer.
“Don’t be silly. Consider it a souvenir.”
Kat was about to insist on paying for it one last time, but the bell chimed above the entrance, stealing her attention.
As Jack Gardener strolled through the front door, she instantly forgot about everything else.
* * *
Jack could’ve sworn he felt her presence even before he spotted Kat at the table by the window. Sunlight glittered through the frosted glass, making her red hair sparkle.
Relax, Jack. Keep your eye on the prize.
The prize being a triple-shot chai latte with an extra dash of cardamom.
“Jack!”
He froze as Cassie called him over to the table.
“Good morning, ladies.” He tried to keep his focus on Cassie as he crossed the room, but his stubborn gaze kept drifting in a different direction.
“Have you come up with an idea for your display yet?” she asked.
“Not even close. But I need to start working on it today. Which is why I’m here. I figured a little caffeine would bolster my pitiful creativity.”
