Page 42 of Unexpected Gifts

“It’s not allowed these days. Back in my dad’s day, they lost some folks when the ice cracked, so they made it illegal. However, every winter, a temporary ice-skating rink is put up in town. That way, no one’s tempted to try it.”

As they continued along Rabbit Run Road, the open fields began to give way to homes and small cottages on the outskirts of town, their rooftops still covered in snow. Chimneys puffed out little clouds of smoke rising into the cold air. Luke could almost smell the woodsmoke, a scent he thought of as home.

“Oh, Luke, did you hear about the snowball fight?” Sophie asked. “The new owner of the toy store said it would be early this year because of all the snow. And guess what? He’s giving a really cool sled to the winner.”

“The one that looks like a pirate ship?” Jack asked.

“Yep, that’s the one. All the boys at school were talking about it,” Sophie said. “Like on and on, as if it’s the only exciting thing to ever happen here.”

“It is pretty exciting.” Luke grinned at Sophie from the rearview mirror. “Do you want to participate?”

Sophie shook her head. “No way. Not even for a sled.”

“I’m with you, Sophie,” Abby said.

“What about you, Jack?” Luke asked.

“I’m thinking about it,” Jack said. “Iwouldlike that sled. But I don’t know if I want to risk anyone messing up my pretty face.”

This made them all laugh as Luke slowed the vehicle to turn onto Maple Street—the main street of Sugarville Grove. Snowhad been shoveled into neat piles along the sidewalks, and the brick storefronts were festively decorated for the season, with wreaths hanging on doors and lights already twinkling, even in the bright daylight.

Luke turned down Moose Avenue and then took a left on Red Oak, immediately coming upon Ford’s Animal Hospital. He found a spot in front of the building. “This is it,” Luke said. “And the dance studio’s just another block up on Red Oak.”

“Next to the bookstore,” Sophie said. “The two best places in the whole world. Miss Edna always knows what books I’ll like.”

“Edna’s the owner. She’s been running the place since I can remember. Great lady.” Luke turned off the engine and wrapped his left arm around the steering wheel. “I could take the kids up to the bookstore and let them pick out a book while you’re in your interview. If that helps?”

“Tremendously,” Abby said. “Doc Ford said to bring them, but it would be better for all of us if they were with you.”

“My ballet class starts at one,” Sophie said. “We can’t be late.”

“We can go to lunch afterward,” Luke suggested. “At The Moose. They have great burgers.”

“I feel so nervous I can’t even think about food.” Abby dug through her purse and pulled out a lipstick. “But sure. That sounds great.” She took in a deep breath and pulled down the mirror that hung on the sun visor, then dabbed her lips with a soft pink shade of gloss. She snapped the visor back into place, dropped the lipstick in her purse, and gave all three of the children a smile before turning back to Luke. “Thank you for driving me. I’m a wreck. Wish me luck.”

“You can do it, Abby,” Jack said.

“Do your best,” Sophie said, sounding remarkably like her mother.

“You’ve got this,” Luke said. “And we’ll be waiting for you when you’re done.”

She thanked him again and then shoved open the car door and stepped down to the concrete. Luke watched her smooth her coat and then walk through the doors of Ford’s Animal Hospital.

He twisted around to talk to the kids, all three of them sitting in a row, looking totally adorable. “You ready to pick out a book?”

The question was met with cheers.

They walkeddown Red Oak Street toward Clever Fox Books. The younger children chattered away in high-pitched voices, exclaiming over the lights and decorations. Sophie stayed quiet but kept pace with Luke, surprising him when she slipped her gloved hand into his. Soon, they were in front of the bookstore, with its brightly lit bay windows displaying new and best-selling books. Housed in a quaint brick building, the front gleamed in robin's-egg blue, with several chairs inviting people to sit, read, and sip a warm beverage nestled on the sidewalk. Festive white lights twinkled around the windows and under the roof's awning.

The bell over the door jingled as he ushered all of the young people inside. They quickly headed to the children’s section.

Luke breathed in the scent of new paper and freshly brewed coffee. Soft lighting made the room feel inviting, as did two cozy armchairs nestled in one corner. A table near the front showcased staff picks, signed editions, and seasonal recommendations. Bookshelves lined the walls, each one packed with a well-curated selection of books.

Edna took care of her customers from a central desk near the back. At the moment, she was gift-wrapping a book for an older woman he recognized from church. He waved to them bothbefore heading to the thriller section, the wooden floor creaking softly underfoot.

He perused book descriptions for something of interest and settled on a spy thriller set during the Cold War. Tucking his pick under his arm, he wandered over to check on the kids. The little ones were looking at picture books at one of the short tables. Sophie sat cross-legged with a book open in her lap, already lost in the pages. Seeing as they were occupied, he went over to say hello to Edna.

Edna was a good friend of his mother’s. They’d gone to school together and to this day spent a lot of time together. He waited for her to finish with the other customer before approaching.

---