Page 26 of Holiday Reunion

He peered over the edge of the paper with a frown. “I said you have free rein. You don’t have to worry about my company breathing down your neck. You’ll have complete oversight. There isn’t anything you need to worry about?—”

Sarah placed a finger to his lips and smiled. “You were right.”

“About what,” he murmured through his muffled lips.

“About the café. You were completely right. In this list, there are no coffee shops. The closest one would be out of the village and even if you’renotcharging an admission, people aren’t going to be thrilled about having to leave to get the coffee or hot chocolate. And they definitely will expect some kind of warm beverage in a place called Lake Harbor Christmas Village.”

“We can hire a coffee cart. It could travel up and down the street.”

Sarah shook her head. “No. The bakery should be a café. I love baking the kinds of pastries that would be sold right along-side the drinks. It’s not much trouble to offer those beverages. I’m sure I can learn a thing or two about being a barista.” She tilted her head, her smile growing. “You have such a good eye for business. I should’ve accepted that sooner.”

James slipped his arms around her waist, pulling her close once again. “Yeah?” Inch by inch, his mouth dipped closer to hers. “Tell me more.”

She laughed and pressed her fingers against his chest. “I don’t want you to get conceited. It’s already twice the size it should be.”

He chuckled. “I don’t think it’s possible for me to get a big head around you. Out of everyone I’ve ever met, you’re one I can count on to tell me what you really feel. It’s what made me fall in love with you.” His eyes traced over her face, making her feel more vulnerable than she thought possible. James’s low, husky voice was the only thing keeping her from pushing him away and escaping back into her bakery. “Does this mean you might consider taking me back?”

“Taking you back?” she scoffed. “Do you honestly think I couldconsidertaking you back after you did something like this?”

He frowned, uncertainty in his gaze. “But I thought?—”

“Because there is no way I can say no to such a proposal.” She tugged at his satchel and shoved the papers inside. Then she framed his face with her hands. “No one has ever shown me such love like you have. No one has once offered me a more perfect gift. Pushing you away has been the single biggest mistake of my life. I was blinded by so much I couldn’t allow myself to see what I really had. I’m so sorry, James. You deserved?—”

This time he placed a finger to her lips. “Shh. No apologies. No dwelling on what happened. Promise me right here, right now one thing.”

“Anything,” she murmured. “Everything.”

A smile tugged at his lips. “Do you have any idea how much I love you?”

“I might have an idea,” she whispered, inching closer. The heat from his body mingled with hers. “But maybe you should show me.”

He let out another low, rumbling chuckle. Goosebumps rose on her arms and she shivered. Before she knew what he was planning, his mouth captured hers. The warmth turned into a searing heat that made her forget the subzero temperatures surrounding them. Sparks exploded behind her closed eyes, matching the explosions taking place where her heart used to be. She felt lightheaded and that was okay.

Sarah wrapped her arms around the back of his neck, the world and all of its problems forgotten. It wasn’t until she felt something cold prickle at her cheeks, that she forced herself to pull back from the kiss that could have knocked her off her feet if she weren’t clinging to James like life itself depended on it.

She blinked as she peered upward at the grey sky. White flakes danced around them, swirling with the slight breeze. A laugh bubbled up from her chest as she brought her gaze back to James. “I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you more.”

EPILOGUE

One Year Later

James enteredthe café and let his gaze sweep through the renovated lobby. There were small tables now. They’d had to figure out a way to add some seating room for those who didn’t want to take their treats outside.

Sarah was the creative one on that front. She reduced her display case and installed a smaller one with samples on the side of the bakery with a larger variety in the back. The whole place was decked out like it belonged in the North Pole. Red and white tile, white tables with red chairs, and pictures of snow-covered hills were just the start of her obsession. She had mistletoe hanging above the door with the bell and occasionally her guests would kiss on their way out.

Out of everyone in their merry slice of heaven, Sarah had been the one to embrace the theme the most. The café was as busy as ever. It had only taken about six months for news to spread about the Christmas village. Lake Harbor had curious people poking around well before they were ready to cut the ribbons for their official opening.

It was thrilling to say the least.

James hovered back by the door, waiting to catch sight of his girlfriend. She only emerged when she sent her employees off for their breaks. But today would be different. Brie would see to that.

Even though the ring wasn’t as big and flashy as some might prefer, it still weighed his pocket down with the expectation for how this afternoon would go.

Christmas Eve had turned into one of the busiest days of the year and he couldn’t see Sarah wanting to close up at their agreed-upon time for the holiday. Then again, she was always full of surprises.

He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, watching for any sign Brie was ready and waiting.

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