Taken aback, Jack didn’t respond for several seconds. He hadn’t expected Ashley to bring up Lucy, let alone with so much concern and affection. Finally, he cleared his throat. “I’ll bear that in mind.”
She offered a thin smile. “Merry Christmas, Jack.”
“Merry Christmas, Tanner.”
Her eyes widened, knowing full well that he only called friends by their last name.
This time, she flashed a broad, genuine smile before striding out the front door.
As he watched her go, Jack’s chest expanded, as if letting go of his bitterness had suddenly made more room in his heart.
And he knew exactly how he wanted to fill it.
* * *
As Kat’s silver Toyota Corolla coasted along the scenic road leading into town, her heart felt light. Both because the picturesque view had become pleasantly familiar and because Fern’s comforting voice crackled through her car’s Bluetooth.
“I’m so happy you’re enjoying yourself, mija,” Fern said warmly. “Your sister sounds like a wonderful woman.”
“She is,” Kat said with complete sincerity. She didn’t add that Penny had turned out to be nothing like their mother, as she’d feared. “I should have responded to her letter sooner.”
She still hadn’t told Fern about the brooch.
Or Jack.
“Well, you’re there now. That’s what matters. Have you met anyone else during your visit?”
Kat shifted her grip on the steering wheel, biding her time. “Um… a few. Friends of Penny, mostly. Some other guests at the inn.” Before Fern could press further, Kat asked, “How is everyone at Hope Hideaway? I should be coming home soon. I miss you all.” Although the words were true—she did miss them—her pulse stuttered at the thought of leaving Poppy Creek.
“We’re doing just fine. A new woman joined us a few days ago. Ann. She’s lovely. And a real wonder in the kitchen. Her second night, she made a big pot of the most delicious soup. Pho, I think she called it.”
“That’s wonderful,” Kat told her, although her chest tightened. They were on the verge of closing and Fern was accepting new women into the shelter. Although arguably unwise, it wasn’t all that surprising.
Fern seemed to read her mind. “Don’t worry. It’s the season for miracles, remember?”
“I remember.” Her thoughts drifted to the brooch. She needed to focus, not fritter away her time with hopeless fantasies about a certain restaurant owner. Fern was counting on her.
She pulled into a parking spot a few spaces down from Thistle & Thorn and shut off the engine.
“It was good to hear your voice,” Fern said, sensing she’d come to a stop. “But don’t you worry about us. We’re doing just fine. Enjoy getting to know your sister. And anyone else of interest.”
Kat couldn’t help a smile at her subtle insinuation. “I will.”
After she exited the car, she paused a moment, taking in the town square. Most of the storefront displays were nearing completion and the entire town looked as festive as the North Pole. Her gaze rested on Jack’s diner and their mistletoe-covered arbor. While still beautiful in daylight, with its dripping greenery and red ribbons and bows, she knew it would look stunning at night, illuminated with hundreds of twinkling lights. And she couldn’t wait to see it.
She couldn’t wait to see Jack, either. But she needed to push those thoughts from her mind. If she wasn’t careful, spending time with Jack would preempt all other priorities.
As she neared the entrance to Thistle & Thorn, Kat admired Penny’s display. Her sister and her fiancé had arranged the front of the store to look like Santa’s workshop, but all the toys were vintage, gifting passersby with a nostalgic glimpse into their childhood.
“How was your date?” Penny asked eagerly the second Kat crossed the threshold.
“I don’t think it was a date, per se….” Her cheeks heated.
“Oh, it was definitely a date. Colt said Jack took you caroling at Clearwater Cavern. How was it?”
“It was breathtaking. I’ve never seen—or heard—anything so beautiful.”
Penny’s eyes took on a dreamy glaze. “It’s one of my favorite spots in the whole world. Colt took me to a classical concert inside the cavern last summer. In fact, it’s where we had our first kiss.”
