Page 30 of Secret Santas and Holiday Dances

“That leaves Cash’s, Sticky and Sweet . . .”

“Winslow Books, the elementary school with Caroline, and her loft,” Liam finished.

“Right,” Ryan said. “She’s most likely to be with Jessie, so you check the bookstore and her loft in case Jessie’s working with Emma today.”

“And you’ll get Cash’s, the honey shop, and the elementary?” Liam asked, his nerves growing by the moment.

“Yeas. Whoever finds her first calls the other.” Ryan pointed to the paper in Liam’s hand. “Did you read it?”

Liam nodded.

“I just saw it myself,” Ryan said. “Liam, I know you’ve got other things going on, but Grace can’t be taking this well.”

“I know.” Liam walked to the nearest trashcan and chucked it in.

Ryan walked backward toward the fairgrounds. “Just keep that in mind when you find her, brother.”

“I will,” Liam said. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” Ryan said. “Let’s find your girl first.”

* * *

Liam was in and out of Winslow Books in minutes, and on the road to the Bradford Estate. He tried Grace again but was sent straight to voicemail this time. He breathed a sigh of relief when he pulled up her driveway and saw her Bug parked out front of the barn like a powder blue, rusty beacon of hope. He slid to a stop on the snow and gravel, threw his truck into park, and sprinted to the barn.

“Grace.” He pounded on her door. “Please, can we talk?”

There was no answer.

He knocked again. “Grace.”

Footsteps descended the inside stairs, headed his way. Liam held his breath until the door swung open.

Jessie stood there, hand on her hip, scowl on her face. “What are you doing here, Liam?”

“Where’s Grace?” He peered up the stairs, hoping to see her, but she wasn’t there. “I need to talk to her.”

“Don’t you think you’ve done enough damage?” Jessie asked.

“Is she here or not?” Liam snapped.

Jessie folded her arms over her chest and leaned against the doorjamb.

“It wasn’t what it looked like.” He ran his hands through his hair.

“Really? so you didn’t kiss Charlotte?”

“No,” he hesitated. “Not really. She kissed me. I stopped her.”

Jessie lowered her voice until he had to strain to hear her. “Grace would kill me for telling you this, but she would never say anything because she takes the commandment to honor your mother and father seriously, but you need to know. Charlotte is charming and fun, and beautiful, but she’s also selfish—she’s never cared about anything or anyone more than herself. I get that you didn’t know that, but you knew she was Grace’s mom.”

She might as well have slapped him; it would’ve been less painful.

“The best you can do now is leave.” Jessie went to close the door, but he shoved his foot in the jamb.

“Move,” Jessie said.

He shook his head. “Not until I talk to her.”

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