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Chapter 20
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Christmas Cove Chapter 21
He looked into her eyes, his heart wrenching. There was no way that he would ever hurt her purposefully. She was such a wonderful person and vulnerable, it would be like hurting a puppy. And somehow, when she hurt, he hurt. Never had he ever felt that with anyone else before."Everything all right?"When Caden looked up, his father was standing a few yards away, obviously not wanting to intrude on a moment. "Yes, Dad. We're fine. Just a little misunderstanding."Jocelyn pulled back and wiped her eyes and gave Caden a slight smile."Well, pick up the bags and let's eat before the ants get it." Noah turned around and walked back to the tent. There were a few customers on the lot, but nothing that the other workers couldn't handle.Caden and Jocelyn picked up the bags and Caden whispered over her head, "I'd better warn you. My mother has a worried look on her face. Translated, that means that you're about to face the inquisition."Jocelyn laughed. "Come on. Let's go."When they wal
Christmas Cove Chapter 22
Multi-colored lights began to light up the night as they drove to the church. Jocelyn loved spending time with Caden. After spending the day with him and his parents, she knew she could never be just friends with him. He had ruined her for all other men at a very young age. And now that he was back, it was solidified. Soon, Caden pulled the car to a stop in front of the church and turned off the engine. "We're here."Jocelyn looked over at him and grinned. "So, are you ready for this?"Caden laughed. "As ready as I'll ever be.""Let's go." Jocelyn smiled, enjoying his discomfort a bit too much. She was glad that he had agreed to go caroling with her, not quite ready for the day to end. After the pageant and parade, Mallory would have more time to spend with Caden and Jocelyn's time with him would end. But she intended to enjoy spending time with him while she could.When they walked into the church, people were wearing their hats and scarves, ready to go. Red ribbons adorned the
Christmas Cove Chapter 23
As the night wore on, it grew colder and soon they headed back to the church. By that time, Jocelyn's hands were nearly frozen. She shoved them into her coat pockets, knowing she should have worn her gloves."Come here." Caden took her hands into his own and began rubbing them. "Your hands are freezing." He leaned down to blow on them and warmth filled her body. When she looked up, her eyes met his. He had the most beautiful green eyes she had ever seen. Then he looked down and continued rubbing her hands."Thank you, but I think I'm fine now."She looked up, but he didn't let her hands go right away. Her heart fluttered, wondering for a moment what it would be like to have a life with him. But she pulled her hands away and shoved them back into her pockets, knowing it could never be.Turning, she continued walking toward the church and he placed a hand on the small of her back protectively. Heat rushed through her body from his touch and her heart went out to him. Although she kep
Christmas Cove Chapter 24
"What's wrong?" Caden asked, his eyebrows pulling together in concern.Jocelyn shook her head. "Nothing."He reached across the table for her hand, but she pulled back, leaning back casually. "Oh, come on. What is it?""Caden, why did you go away?" she asked, ignoring his question.Caden sighed as he leaned back against his seat, sitting across from her. "To serve my country."She raised her eyebrows. "Is that the only reason?""Here you go!" Angela chirped, setting down two cups of coffee in front of them. Then she pulled out a pencil and sketchpad. "What can I get you for dinner?"Jocelyn forced herself to look at the menu, even though she had it memorized. "I'll have the Rudolph burger and some fries."Caden closed his menu. "I'll have the same.""Okay!" She shoved the pencil back into her pocket. "I'll have those out to you in a jiff!" She walked away with an actual bounce in her step. Viewing her personality, Jocelyn could see why she got the job at Santa's Café, where ev
Christmas Cove Chapter 25
He ate a few fries, chewed, and swallowed. "You didn't answer the question.""What question?""Do you believe in love at first sight?" He casually took another bite of his burger, as if it was the most natural question he could ever ask. And with Caden, she guessed that it was. Everything was natural with him. They had always been able to talk about anything."Sure. Why not?"He smiled. "I think you can be attracted to someone, but true love happens over time."She nodded. "Yes, I think you're right." After seeing Caden again, she was more in love with him now than she had ever been, but she knew she could never act on it. It wouldn't be fair to him or Mallory. "Well, let's finish our burgers before they get cold."After that, the conversation turned to lighter topics. But Caden shied away when she asked him what he did while he was away and what countries he had visited. He only told her the lighter things, never anything serious."In Saudi Arabia, you had to be careful of the
Christmas Cove Chapter 26
Caden woke up early the next morning. Having tossed and turned for most of the night, he finally decided to get up. Thoughts of Jocelyn rushed through his mind, making it impossible to sleep. And even though he had told her he was sorry that he had kissed her, he really wasn't. But now he had to figure out what he was going to do about it.After showering and dressing for the day, he hurried out the door and to his car, hoping to catch Jocelyn before she left the house. As quickly as he could manage without getting a ticket or endangering anyone, he rushed over to her house. Within minutes, he pulled in front, parked the car, and turned off the key. Then he hurried up the stairs, taking two at a time. But just when he was about to open the door, it opened. When he saw Mallory standing in the doorway, his heart sank."Caden! Just in time!" She turned and locked the door behind her. Then linked her arm with his and looked up at him expectantly. "So, what would you like to do today?"C
Christmas Cove Chapter 27
"Well! I'm so glad to see you, Caden!" Mrs. Mitchell chirped happily. Caden liked her. She had always been a pleasant woman. "I heard you were in town.""Yes. I arrived a few days ago." He looked down at the colorful rolls of wrapping paper and tape and smiled. "We thought you might be able to use a little help.""Volunteers!" Mrs. Mitchell exclaimed. "Hey, Alice! We have some new recruits! Could you set up a spot for them?""Sure!" a younger woman that Caden recognized waved to them. "Come on over here, Caden and Mallory! I didn't know you two were back together!""We're not," Caden corrected her flatly. He and Mallory had gone to high school with her. "Alice, it's good to see you." He pulled her in for a quick hug and looked down at her stomach. She was visibly pregnant. "So, it looks like there's been some changes since I've been away."Alice rubbed her stomach happily. "Yes, the baby's due any day now. I married Jeff Carmen eight years ago.""You and Jeff Carmen?" Caden's eye
Christmas Cove Chapter 28
But Caden didn't regret going away. He had done a lot of good in the world while he was abroad and had saved a lot of people's lives. If he went back, he knew he could save more, but was that what he really wanted to do? After all, he had had enough of war, famine, and heartbreak to last a lifetime."Here you go!" Angela chirped. When Caden turned around, she was holding three paper bags and a drink carrier with the drinks. "You can pay at the register.""Thank you. Here's a little something for you." Caden shoved a bill into her hand. "Why, thank you!" She shoved the bill into her apron without looking at it. "Please, come again! Enjoy your day at Christmas Cove!"She could be a spokesperson for the town, Caden thought as he headed over to the register. Tammy took his money without a word.Caden gave her a broad smile, unable to resist. "Have a nice day!" He turned around and walked out the door, not waiting for her reaction. Then he looked both ways and hurried across the stree
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