Page 52 of A Second Chance Christmas Kiss

A spotlight was cast on her, illuminating the tears that streamed down her face.

“We can vow to try and make the way easier for others. This cancer wing in Jewel Cove will not only help the people in this town and their loved ones; it will help all the surrounding areas. It is something that I want for others. For their spouses, loved ones, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, parents and grandparents. This cancer wing will help so many. Please consider donating tonight. Give for yourself. Give because tonight, of all nights, our hearts can be a little more tender when we think of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the sacrifice he made for all of us. He laid down his life for us. I’m so grateful to be here tonight, and for all of you. Thank you for coming.”

The crowd stood and clapped. I had tears on my own face, and I felt such comfort as I slipped into Melody’s arms. I wouldcome back to her arms for the rest of my life, if she would have me. I wanted to be with her forever.

The MC was back onstage. “Thank you, Mr. King.” The band started playing loudly. “It’s time for dancing. Please enjoy yourselves.”

I whispered into Melody’s ear, “Dance with me.”

She pulled back, and there were tears on her cheeks. “Of course.”

I took her out to the dance floor, and everyone seemed to melt away. It was just Melody and me getting lost in each other’s arms. The beat of the music and her body pressed against mine felt like the most natural thing in the world.

Melody pulled back from me and tugged her phone out of her little purse. “Sorry, someone is calling.”

“Of course.”

She frowned as she answered the call. “It’s Bill.”

I really wanted to take the phone and throw it across the room.

“What do you mean, someone broke into the store?”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Melody

When we showed up to the store, I was shocked to see police lights.

“It’s going to be okay,” Charles said.

Much to my chagrin, Bill was waiting for us. He only spoke to me. “We got a call about thirty minutes ago. I called you several times before you answered.” He looked at me as if I belonged to him.

“What’s going on?” I moved toward the front of the store.

Bill sidestepped to block Charles from following. “We noticed the front door was already open, so we went inside and looked around. That’s when I called you.”

I glanced around and it didn’t seem like anything was amiss.

“Is this related to the other break-ins?” Charles asked.

Bill swung around to face him. “Technically, you can’t ask those questions.”

“Bill, please answer him.”

Bill rolled his eyes. “Fine. We assume this is connected to the other break-ins.” He turned to face me. “Is there someone who would be after you? Do you have something they want?”

I was slightly freaked out. Why would someone keep breaking into my mother’s home and now the doll shop? I paced the shop, trying to figure out what could’ve been taken.

Charles asked Bill a bunch of questions about how many policemen were on duty and who had noticed the break-in. My mind whirled, trying to figure out what they could’ve wanted. Did Peter want something from me? That didn’t make sense. I couldn’t even get him to call me back about the 401(k). Plus, if he wanted something, he would negotiate for it.

“Are you okay?” Charles returned to my side and took my hand.

“I’m okay.” I wouldn’t tell him I was afraid.

Bill banged on the side of the door. “We have another call, and we have to go.”

“Thank you, Officer.”

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