Page 1 of Love in Mission City
Chapter One
Johnson
Ieyed my supply of fresh cider. Sales were hopping this morning at the Mission City Christmas Market, and running out felt like a possibility. I had more at home, but getting them would be impossible.
If Mark were still in your life, you could’ve asked him.
Right.
Wrong thought.
My ex was the last person who should be on my mind this morning. He’d have hated this place, while I was completely entranced.
Festive wreaths and garlands hung from every booth. Although this market featured primarily crafts, plenty of food abounded.
The smell of roasted peanuts mixed with the aroma of popcorn from a machine at the other end of the hall, and I scented…cinnamon? Perhaps from the beaver’s-tail booth two over from me.
I eyed the booth directly across from mine.
Henry Martin.
His reputation around town was that he was a great guy…if a little odd. Very quiet, kept to himself, not chatty.
And yet, he sold the most exquisite fairy figurines. So delicate. Made of porcelain with the finest detail.
Which stood in stark contrast to the man. He was over six feet tall, burly, and had the most glorious red hair and a beard with flecks of silver. I was reminded of a lumberjack, and his plaid coat did nothing to dispel that image.
I’d spotted another ginger with a beard in town, a guy by the name of Maddox. Who had a husband and twin babies, so I could look longingly, but kept any thoughts of romancing the guy far from my mind.
That being said, I had a thing for gingers.
Mark was blond. Maybe that should’ve been my first clue we weren’t meant to be together.
Except being that shallow didn’t suit me.
Tate and Wyatt Phelps waved as they passed by.
I cocked my head.
Wyatt guided his husband over to greet me. “We sold out of the pumpkin pies. I didn’t bring any bok choy, but I’ve been asked about it. I’m going to run home and get some. Not exactly Christmassy, though.” The blond man offered me a sheepish grin.
Tate kissed his cheek. “Whatever makes the masses happy.” He turned his dark-blue gaze to me. “This is your first Christmas with us, right?”
“Uh, yeah.”
“Well, it’s only my second here as a seller. I used to come as a kid, though.” He squeezed Wyatt’s hand. “Different to be on the other side of the table.”
“But you love it,” Wyatt pointed it. He met my gaze. “My husband is a flirt.”
“Hey, I’m a salesperson.” Tate’s mock affront was adorable.
“Excuse me.”
We turned to find a stunning woman with the palest-blue eyes I’d ever seen.
Wyatt patted my arm. “Drop by and I’ll give you some bok choy.”
Tate waved. “Later.”
