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It turned out Katie had been right—and wrong—about Christmas with the Robinsons. Their annual traditions began on December twenty-fourth when the Robinson family met at the church to box up food for those in need. At least fifty townspeople pitched in, forming a massive assembly line in the fellowship hall.
Once the boxes were full, the drivers, including Katie and Cooper, delivered the food to neighbors in need. It was Katie’s first time meeting most of the families, many of whom lived out in the hills, away from the valley. It did her heart good to know that those families would have what they needed for a nice Christmas supper.
It was dark by the time she and Cooper had unloaded the last box from the bed of his truck. They had just enough time to shower and change before the Christmas Eve candlelight service. At the church Katie took her candle and filed into the packed pew with the Robinson family.
A string quartet played Christmas music, and children dressedas shepherds and angels acted out the Christmas story in a way that was both adorable and reverent. In the manger lay an infant, a symbol of the Christ child who would later make the ultimate sacrifice for all humankind.
As the story unfolded before her, she reflected on this, the greatest Gift of Christmas, and whispered a prayer of gratitude. Because of that miraculous gift, she’d one day see her brother again.
Last Christmas Spencer had just passed away. Grief swallowed her whole, and she only wanted to survive the holidays. Her life had changed so much in a year. Her brother was gone, but she’d been reunited with her mother. She’d found a place to call home, and she’d found true love.
In the quiet glow of the sanctuary, peace settled over her soul. She reached over and took Cooper’s hand in hers. She loved the rugged feel of his hands, so big and warm around hers.
His gaze connected with hers, growing more intense as the moment drew out.
The past seven weeks with him had been wonderful. They hiked and talked and got to know each other better. On mild days they went on long motorcycle rides in the mountains. When they’d passed the spot where her car hung on the edge of the cliff, he pulled over and gave her a memorable kiss. Then he whispered, “I knew that day you were the one for me.”
A shiver passed over her as the music swelled, and love for him filled her to overflowing. All her life she’d been searching, and she’d finally found her home. As hard as she’d fought it, she’d also known from the very first meeting that Cooper was the one for her.
As if he could read her mind, his lips lifted at the corners. He squeezed her hand and she squeezed his right back.
After the service Cooper took her to his place to exchange gifts. A week after Thanksgiving she’d bought a small artificial Christmas tree for his apartment, and they’d decorated it together.The red and silver glass bulbs made for a somewhat generic-looking tree, but the colorful lights gave the room a beautiful glow.
They settled in front of the fireplace, and Cooper unwrapped his gift: a pair of work boots he’d been wanting. His hours as sheriff were long, and though he rarely complained, his feet sometimes ached at the end of the day.
“Kate...” He removed a boot from the box. “These are so expensive.”
“You’re worth every penny.” She would empty her bank account to see his eyes light up like that.
His gaze practically caressed the weatherproof leather exterior, the dense rubber sole, the lace-up front and the side zipper that would get him out the door quickly in an emergency.
“I saw you eyeing them online.”
“I decided they were too expensive.”
“And I decided they weren’t.”
His hand glided over the leather, then he turned and brushed her lips with his. “I love them. Thank you. Myfeetthank you.”
After taking a few minutes to appreciate the boots’ workmanship, he stood. “Your turn. You have to close your eyes.”
“Okay...” She did as he asked and listened to his footsteps retreat. Sounds came from down the hall. She was so tempted to peek, but she kept her eyes closed. A moment later footsteps sounded again, growing nearer.
“Don’t open them yet,” he said from someplace close by. “I hope you like it.”
“I’m sure I will. You have exquisite taste.”
“I do, don’t I? Okay, you can open your eyes.”
Cooper stood in the middle of the living room. And standing right next to him was a bike. A mint-green bike with a white seat and a white basket.
Oh.It was just like the one she’d coveted as a child. Katie’sbreath caught and tears stung her eyes. She pressed a hand to her chest. “It even has a bell.”
“Do you like it?”
She couldn’t respond; there was a catch in her throat. A tear escaped and trickled down her cheek.
“Hey... It’s not supposed to make you cry.”
