Page 15 of The White Chocolate Christmas Wish

“You’re a lifesaver,” I said, reaching for the mug like it might somehow warm the hollow ache in my chest.

She perched on the edge of my desk, her eyes flicking to the growing pile of discarded doodles. “How are you holdin’ up?”

I shrugged, forcing a nonchalant tone. “Oh, you know. Keepin’ busy.”

“Uh-huh,” she said, her lips curving into a knowing smile. Her hand found mine, squeezing gently. “You miss him.”

I swallowed hard, avoiding her gaze. “It’s just... a lot. He left, and I know he had to, but what ifall thisisn’t enough to keep him here for the long term?”

Paisley’s face softened as if she knew I’d been wondering if I wasn’t enough. “That man is head over heels for you, Hope. He’ll be back in time to keep his promise, I’m sure of it.”

I wanted to believe her, but the doubts whispered louder.Promises are easy, but life happens.

“Package for Hope Calhoun,” a courier announced, bringing a medium-sized box into the dispatch center.

My brow furrowed as I stepped forward to sign for it, curiosity battling with confusion. Back at my desk, I peeled away the tape and opened the lid—and my breath hitched.

A cookie tin.

Not the old, rusted kind we’d unearthed from myfireplace, but a new one, the kind you’d find in a fancy boutique. The scent hit me first—a heavenly blend of vanilla, cranberry, and chocolate. Inside, dozens of perfectly round cookies were nestled together, each one more beautiful than the last.

“Oh my,” I whispered, plucking one from the tin with trembling hands. I hesitated for a moment, the memory of our failed baking experiment fresh in my mind. But then I took a bite, and the taste was nothing short of magic. The perfect balance of chewy and crisp.

“Who sent it?” Paisley asked, craning her neck to see.

I ignored her, my throat too tight with emotion to speak. Instead, I reached for the card tucked inside the tin. On the front, in Colton’s familiar scrawl, were the wordsvegan, gluten-free,andwhite chocolate cranberry.I flipped it open, my heart thundering in my chest.

Hope,

I know I promised you the perfect Christmas, and I intend to keep that promise. These cookies are just a taste of what’s to come. I’ll be home soon.

Colton

Tears blurred my vision as I clutched the note to my chest. The cookies were perfect. The message was perfect. So why did I still feel that stubborn knot of doubt, whispering that promises don’t always hold upagainst reality?

Two days later, the chill in the morning air bit at my cheeks as I trudged across the parade grounds. The float Colton and I had started loomed ahead, its bright decorations mocking the heaviness in my chest.

“Hope!” Paisley’s voice rang out, cutting through my haze. She strode toward me, her heels clicking on the pavement. “You made it!”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” I said, my smile faltering under her scrutiny.

“Good,” she said, her voice gentle as she looped her arm through mine. “It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

Adam approached, his uniform crisp and polished. “Ready to be a float queen?”

I laughed. “Not on your life, but I’ll be up there wavin’ like I said I would.”

As the first notes of Christmas music drifted through the air, signaling the start of the parade, I climbed aboard, my steps slow and heavy. The cheers of the crowd felt distant, their joy a stark contrast to the ache in my chest.

I told myself not to look for him, but it was impossible not to. My gaze darted from one person to the next, hoping, praying for a glimpse of that familiar grin.

“He’s not here,” I murmured under my breath, the words cutting deeper than I expected.

Paisley leaned in, her hand brushing mine. “The day’s not over yet.”

I nodded, though the knot in my chest remained. When a commotion near Wilson Automotive caught my eye, my heart leaped—only to crash just as quickly. It was just a crowd of Christmas tourists gawking at Gertie, up to her usual antics, gnawing on a wreath.

As we rounded the corner onto Main Street, I traced the patterns on the float’s railing, my finger following the same intricate swirls I’d drawn at my desk. The town square came into view, decked out in twinkling lights and garlands, but all I could think about was that Colton would love this, and I hated that he was missing it.

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