24

Cass

Friday: 1 Day Until Christmas . . .

Starlight Peak

“Are you sure you’re up to this?” Miguel reached out to hold Cass’s hand at her small kitchen table. She squeezed Miguel’s hand, appreciating his concern, and with gentle fingers touched the still-tender area at her temple, where a colorful bruise had formed around the stitches.

“You made a face just then,” he said, a frown going across his own gorgeous face. “I think you should rest tonight, Cass. Let me make you dinner and tuck you in, okay?”

“As tempting as that sounds,” Cass said, winking at Miguel to try and soften his worried expression, “this party is important to Woodburn Breads. It’s important to me. Especially this year.”

“I won’t be able to change your mind, will I?” Miguel asked, sighing and shaking his head, albeit good-naturedly.

“No, you won’t,” Cass replied. Then she stood, pulling on the parka that had been draped over the back of the chair. “But I could use your help.”

“Anything you need. I’m yours for the night.” Miguel was already getting his winter gear on in anticipation of the chilly evening in front of them. Luckily the skies were clear, the storm over. Despite the cold temperatures it was a beautiful night for the town square party. As Cass watched Miguel zip up his coat, she still couldn’t believe he was here, in Starlight Peak, with her. Or that he’d driven—through a blizzard—to come to tell her he wasn’t going to give up on this thing between them.

“Just for the night?” Cass teased, tying up her winter boots.

“You have me for as long as you want, Cass Goodwin,” Miguel said softly as he pulled her to him. Their coats were bulky between them, so she pulled him closer.

“Promise?” she whispered. “I mean, I know we have a lot to work out, not the least of which is how I can be here running Woodburn Breads while you’re in L.A. saving lives.”

“We will figure this out, together. I promise.” He kissed her then, and though Cass knew they had plenty yet to discuss, and more urgently had to get to the Starlight Eve party, she allowed herself a few extra moments with the man who had helped her see anything was possible.

• • •

“My girls!” Thomas Goodwin gathered Cass and Charlie into his arms, kissing each one atop the head, through their hats, twice. He was a touch gentler with Cass, because of her stitches. “We are so glad you’re both okay. What a week this has been for the two of you!” Charlie and Cass grinned at each other, used to their father’s effusive nature—even though they had already been through a heartwarming reunion with their parents earlier, they were happy for the endless hugs. The twins were also thrilled to be past the chaos of the last week, and that their parents had been delighted, if not a touch surprised, to learn there would be two more place settings needed for Christmas dinner this year.