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“I can’t.”
“Of course you can. Call it an early Christmas present or a welcome to Whispering Winds.”
I don’t know what to say. I’ve been in town for less than half an hour, but it feels like home. “Thanks, Quinn. You’re so kind. And if everyone is as friendly as you, it’s going to be hard to leave in a week.”
“Can’t say there’s a person nicer than Quinn,” the man says, “But I suppose I’m a little biased.”
Quinn’s cheeks flush a deep red, and I’m beginning to think I’ve taken far too much of Quinn’s time.
“The town seems to have that effect on people,” Quinn says.
“Thanks again. I hope to see you around.”
“The town’s small so I expect you will. Besides, now you’re hooked.” She nods to my drink.
“Drugs,” I mutter.
“I prefer Christmas in a cup.”
I take another sip and then turn around to head out of the shop as Michael Bublé croons about having a merry little Christmas.
I think I will, Michael. I think I will.
* * *
By the timeI make it up the mountain to my cabin, I’m hopped up on Mistletoe Madness and Mom’s peppermint bark. If this isn’t a drug, I don’t know what is because holy hell I’m amped for Christmas right now. And I’m wondering why my family never rented a cabin in the woods for Christmas. Tall, snow-capped, coniferous trees surround the cabin. And with all of the exterior finishes, it resembles a real-life gingerbread house.
Crap. In my hurry to leave, I forgot to pack a gingerbread house. I think. I better double-check. If I did, I’ll simply make the gingerbread and icing from scratch. I’ll have one baked, assembled, and decorated beforeElffinishes.
I park my car, take the final swig of Mistletoe Madness, and crush the cup against the dashboard.Whoa.This stuff is dangerous. Is it legal? I try not to think about it. All I know is that when I step outside, it doesn’t feel as frigid. I’m warm and energized as I trudge through the winter wonderland.
I take another look at the cabin. It must be the only building left in Whispering Winds that isn’t decorated. I asked Juliet to make sure it wasn’t decorated so Evan and I could do it together. It’s too bad he couldn’t make it, but I’m not letting it dampen my Christmas cheer. Nothing could dampen it in a place like this. It’sgorgeous,and once I finish decorating it will be perfect.
I might have to put in an offer and hope Juliet sells it because I could see myself living in Whispering Winds. It could be the kick I need to get my own interior design company going or open up a Christmas store. That’s therealdream. But I’m getting ahead of myself. I’m blaming it on the Mistletoe Madness.
I head up the steps of the front porch and find the lockbox. After entering the code, the box opens and reveals… Nothing. There’s no key inside the box.
I take another look but there’s nowhere for the key to hide. Did they forget to replace it? I’d cleared everything up with Juliet this morning. She’s going to help me find another match.
I take my phone out and call Juliet but there’s no service, so I heave myself onto the porch swing with a sigh, waiting for some Christmas miracle to fix everything.
But I can’t sit here and wait. And I don’t want to go back into my car and drive back to Whispering Winds. I won’t accept defeat. I hop back to my feet and try the door. To my surprise, it’s unlocked.
“Thank you, Whispering Winds.”
I head inside and am completely blown away. The pictures did not do this cabin justice. It’sgorgeouswith all its wood and stone finishes. And when I deck these halls? I’ll never want to leave.
They forgot to clean up though. There’s a plate in the sink and some food in the fridge, but it doesn’t bother me. Nothing could bother me in a place like this.
After taking a quick stroll, I select the best place for the Christmas trees. Both of them, because having one feels inadequate for this space. It’s my Christmas this year so I’m going all out.
I take out my phone, load up my Christmas playlist, and let it blast. I’ve got work to do. And task number one? Remove theDieHardDVD from the coffee table and hide it in a box.
Christmas movies only.
Chapter3
Nick
