Page 68 of Evergreen Christmas

The crowd had left the town square, and cold night air settled over Noel as the Nanas trudged to the parking lot where Carol Belle’s car was parked.

“I can’t believe it,” Carol Belle said, her expression dazed as she rubbed her forehead. “I can’t believe Jordyn actually withdrew Fabio Fraser and refused the Christmas Crown.”

“I know.” Eve groaned. “Trees as perfect as hers don’t come along often, and since Nate’s tree had the second highest score, he’ll win the Christmas Crown by default. Not to mention the uproar and disappointment it caused the other participants.” She shook her head and sighed. “This is a tragedy for our competition! Just unbelievable.”

“Not really.” Kandy, trailing behind the other women, stopped in the center of the empty parking lot and shoved her hands in her pockets. “I don’t think this is a tragedy at all. As a matter of fact, I think it’s the best thing to ever happen to our Christmas competition in all the years we’ve hosted it.”

Carol Belle and Eve halted mid-step, turned and stared at Kandy, their mouths agape.

Kandy smiled. “Don’t you agree?”

Carol Belle scoffed. “No! I don’t agree at all.”

“How could any of this possibly be a good thing?” Eve asked, propping her hands on her hips.

“For three reasons.” Kandy lifted her hand and counted off each reason on her fingertips. “One, tonight’s turn of events was dramatic and unexpected. Nothing fuels gossip better than unexpected drama and nothing spreads interest in an event as well as gossip does.” She winked. “I guarantee participation will increase next year. Two, Jordyn took our advice—our best advice—and chose to live her life the way she wanted. Not only that, but she did so in front of everyone without hesitation, knowing how much her decision would disappoint the town. She’s making her own choices and doing what makes her feel happy and secure regardless of what others think or say.”

“She’s right,” Holly said, nodding at Eve and Carol Belle. “On both counts.”

Carol Belle crossed her arms over her chest. “Well, what about the third reason?”

Kandy glanced at Holly, then Eve, and finally, Carol Belle. “What Jordyn did tonight has inspired me to do the same. I’m going to pursue what makes me happy no matter what others think.”

With that, Kandy spun on her heel and walked to the sidewalk, following Noel’s festive Christmas decorations toward the town square shops.

“But Kandy . . . wait!” Carol Belle bellowed across the parking lot.

“Where are you going?” Eve called.

“It’s cold,” Holly yelled. “You’ll freeze your buns off!”

Kandy smiled, picked up her pace and shouted over her shoulder, “I’m going where I should have months ago, and I’m warmer than I’ve been in a long time!”

And it was true. The surge of excitement pulsing through her veins heated her cheeks and made her smile wider.

It wasn’t long before she reached the string of shops lining the road in downtown Noel and, thankfully, the sign was still on in front of the business she planned to visit. A bell over the entrance chimed as she opened the door and walked inside.

Immediately, the sweet aroma of chocolate and baked goods enveloped her, stirring a sense of nostalgia within her.

“Kandy.” Max Reynolds emerged from his back office and strolled toward her behind a counter stocked with goodies. He smiled, his eyes full of surprise. “After the long day you’ve had wrapping up the Christmas competition, I expected you to be at home with your feet up by now.”

“No.” She smiled. “I had something important to do. And you told me I could stop by anytime.” Hesitating, she glanced around at the empty café, then bit her lip. “Have you closed for the night? Am I too late?”

He studied her for a moment, remaining silent. Then he opened a wooden door at the back end of the counter and walked over, stopping as he reached her. “No,” he said. “You’re not too late.”

The affection in his blue eyes as he stared down at her made her breath catch. He was so close she could feel the warmth emanating from his broad chest. She longed to place her palms against it and feel his heart throb beneath her touch.

The tender attraction surging through her was thrilling and unexpected and she wondered where it might lead if she allowed herself to . . .

“Do you have time for a cup of hot cocoa?” she asked softly.

He grinned. “With a tablespoon of espresso, five mini-marshmallows and crushed peppermint on the rim?”

She laughed. “You know me so well. But I don’t want to keep you from closing if you—”

“I always have time for you. And I’m glad you came. I’ve been waiting for you to decide to stop by for a long time.” He smiled and held out his hand. “Shall we sit by the front window?”

Kandy slipped her hand into his, but her smile faded as she studied her flesh against his. At fifty-eight, his skin was still smooth and youthful whereas hers—

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