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Chapter 27
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Christmas Cove Chapter 28
But Caden didn't regret going away. He had done a lot of good in the world while he was abroad and had saved a lot of people's lives. If he went back, he knew he could save more, but was that what he really wanted to do? After all, he had had enough of war, famine, and heartbreak to last a lifetime."Here you go!" Angela chirped. When Caden turned around, she was holding three paper bags and a drink carrier with the drinks. "You can pay at the register.""Thank you. Here's a little something for you." Caden shoved a bill into her hand. "Why, thank you!" She shoved the bill into her apron without looking at it. "Please, come again! Enjoy your day at Christmas Cove!"She could be a spokesperson for the town, Caden thought as he headed over to the register. Tammy took his money without a word.Caden gave her a broad smile, unable to resist. "Have a nice day!" He turned around and walked out the door, not waiting for her reaction. Then he looked both ways and hurried across the stree
Christmas Cove Chapter 29
"Mandy! When did you start working here? I thought you had a modeling gig in California!" Mallory chirped, once again ignoring Caden.Mandy chewed her gum loudly. "Yeah, well, that kind of fell through. I just got back into town. I'm only working here until I can find something else.""Good luck to you." She leaned in conspiratorially. "If I hear of anything, I'll let you know."Yeah, that's likely, Caden thought to himself. "If you don't mind," Caden interrupted, "I'd like two popcorns and two large Cokes.""Diet for me," Mallory corrected.Caden let out a deep breath. "Correction: One large Coke and one large Diet Coke."Mandy's eyes traveled over his chest and one corner of her lips curled into a smile. "Well, hello--""We used to date when we were in high school," Mallory cut her off, giving Mandy a warning look.Mandy smirked. "Lucky you." Then she looked back over at Caden. "I'll be right back with your order."A moment later, Mandy placed a large popcorn and the sodas o
Christmas Cove Chapter 30
Jocelyn went to work early the next day, eager to get out of the house and away from Mallory's incessant bragging about having spent the day with Caden. Jocelyn internally smiled when Mallory told her that, although they had volunteered at the gift-wrapping booth, they had a great time at the movie. It had been the first time that Mallory had volunteered anywhere, especially at a Christmas wrapping booth. Secretly, Jocelyn wondered how much work she had actually done. But she quickly pushed the thought aside.Jocelyn was the first one at work, and she started polishing the jewelry right away. When she came to The Christmas Ring, she held it reverently. Too bad life wasn't as romantic as it was in movies. As she looked at the ring, the image of Mallory kissing Caden came to mind. She sighed and put the ring away. It wasn't good to dream of things that would never be.No, the only way her heart was going to survive intact was for her to stay away from Caden. After all, he came back hom
Christmas Cove Chapter 31
Her voice cut off when he walked purposefully behind the counter, picked her up, and threw her over his shoulder. He started toward the door, but she called out, "Wait! My purse!" He stopped and waited for a minute.Kiki dug her purse out from under the counter and shoved it into her hand, laughing. "Have fun," she said in a singsong voice, wiggling her fingers goodbye."Caden, put me down!" Jocelyn yelled as she held on, watching Roxanne and Kiki share a laugh behind them. It was one of the first times she had actually seen Roxanne smile."Not yet." Caden pushed the door open and cold air rushed toward her, along with a few flurries. People on the sidewalk gave them a wide berth, laughing and pointing. He bent down and opened the passenger side of his car and then set her on her feet. "Where would you like to go?"Jocelyn let out a deep breath as she straightened her suit coat. "I can't believe you did that!""Well, what would you like to do?" He looked at her expectantly."Sinc
Christmas Cove Chapter 32
As he drove down the streets headed toward town, she wondered what she was going to do. After all, Mallory was her sister and she'd never do anything to hurt her, no matter how infuriating she was."You're overthinking again."She gave him a slight smile as she sighed.He shrugged. "I'll tell you what. Let's just have fun today. Try not to worry about anything, okay? Let's just enjoy the day."She sighed, relenting. What could it hurt to just have fun? She and Caden could just be walking down the street and have a blast. "Okay. So, what's on the agenda?""How about skiing?" One corner of his lips curled into a cocky grin.She laughed. "Yeah. You're a comedian.""Then how about a carriage ride? I haven't been on one in years. Wanna go? We could see the Christmas decorations."She smiled in disbelief. "You want to see Christmas decorations?""Sure! Why not?" He sighed. "Since I've been gone so long, I guess I've come to appreciate the town and what I've missed. Now, I don't want
Christmas Cove Chapter 33
A few minutes later, they passed by a sign that read North Pole with an arrow pointed toward the woods. "Driver, would you let us out here?""I'll do one better, madame." He looked over his shoulder and grinned. "I'll drive you there.""Where are we going?" Caden's eyebrows pulled together in concern."Why, to the North Pole, of course," Jocelyn replied.The driver looked over his shoulder and smiled again.Jocelyn laughed. "It really has been a long time since you've been back, hasn't it?""Too long." Caden watched the scenery pass by and Jocelyn wondered what he was thinking. The evergreens were covered in white snow, creating the perfect Christmas postcard. In fact, many photographers had used the winter landscape of Christmas Cove over the years for just that reason. Within minutes, the trees gave way to a castle made with huge white stones that shimmered in the sunlight. In the back was what looked to be ski slopes with white snow as far as the eye could see behind it. "Wow.
Christmas Cove Chapter 34
"Are those real, too?" Caden asked, inclining his head toward the presents.Jocelyn nodded, smiling. "Yes, of course. I think even the visitors keep buying presents for the children and putting them under the tree until Christmas.""It's a great way to spend Christmas, especially if you don't have family," Caden replied, taking in the ambiance.Jocelyn shrugged. "Even families come here to spend Christmas together every year. But, yes, it's also great for people who might be alone on Christmas. This way, they aren't alone. And the ones who come here every year get to know one another, becoming a family of their own, of sorts. Some have standing reservations from year to year."A mischievous smile appeared on Caden's lips. "How do you know all of this?""It's a small town," Jocelyn replied, and then added, "Plus, I worked here for a while when I was in high school.""Really?" Caden asked in disbelief."Yes. Is that so hard to imagine?" Jocelyn raised an eyebrow.Caden looked dow
Christmas Cove Chapter 35
"Looks great," Caden announced, bringing her from her reverie. "Let's eat."As they ate, Jocelyn barely tasted the pot roast, even though it was one of her favorite meals."What are you thinking about?" Caden asked, studying her face."That's a favorite question of yours. Isn't it?"He shrugged. "I guess it is around you."Jocelyn thought for a moment. "I was just thinking that this pot roast reminds me of my mother's."Caden reached across the table and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Jocelyn, I'm so sorry about that- that you lost your parents. I had no idea."She nodded, giving him a slight smile. "It was a long time ago.""Not for me." Caden turned his attention back to his food.Throughout the meal, neither Caden nor Jocelyn said much, each lost in their own thoughts. Soon, it came to an end when Caden laid his napkin down beside his plate and sat back. "Wow. That was really good. I haven't had a meal like this in a while."Jocelyn took a sip of her hot chocolate and sw
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