Chapter4
Drew peered through the glass door of Morningside Bakery shortly after six that evening and saw Kacey wiping down the tables while her mother cleaned the counter. Kacey looked beautiful with her blonde hair pulled up in a long, thick ponytail with wisps falling around her face. Excitement coursed through him at the thought of spending the evening with her, talking and laughing like old times.
When he yanked on the door, he found it locked. He rapped on the glass, and her gaze darted to his. Her pink lips turned up in a grin, and she waved as she hurried over. The lock clicked and then she opened the door wide.
“I was just finishing up. I’ll only need a few more minutes.”
He stepped into the store and inhaled the heavenly scents of the baked goods. “Take your time.”
“Drew!” Mrs.Williams hurried over. “It’s so good to see you. How are your folks doing?”
“They’re doing just fine, Mrs.Williams.”
She swatted his arm. “You and Kacey are twenty-six years old. It’s time you called me Monica.”
“That will take some getting used to,” he said, and they both chuckled.
Kacey flitted behind the counter and then returned with a bright-blue bakery box. “I have a gift for you.” She held out the box to him.
He opened it and found it half-full of chocolate chip cookies.
“Your favorite,” she declared, beaming.
Warmth swirled in his chest as he closed the box. “You remembered.”
“Of course!”
“Thank you.” He balanced the box in one hand and pulled his wallet from the back pocket of his jeans. “How much do I owe you?”
“Oh please. I told you it’s a gift.” She waved him off. Then she glanced down at her blue apron, which was splattered with strawberry icing, sparkles, and flour. “I’m a mess. I wish I had a change of clothes here.”
He shook his head. “You look great, Kace.” And she did. She was even more beautiful than he recalled.
“Let me freshen up. I’ll be quick.” She took off toward the back of the bakery, through the doorway that led to the kitchen.
Drew set the box on a nearby table and then nodded at Monica. “How are things at the elementary school?”
“The kids are getting excited about the holidays. I overhear quite a few discussions about making a list for Santa, and it’s not even Thanksgiving yet.”
“The middle school kids are just as excited.”
“Hey there!” Dani walked out from the kitchen. Her blue apron was dotted with even more colorful spills and splatters than Kacey’s, evidence she was the baker. “I hear you’re directing the community choir. How do you like it so far?”
“It’s even more fun than I expected.”
“That’s great. Riley didn’t say much about choir practice, except that she liked it.” Dani wiped her hands on a paper towel. “Thank you for taking over for Mrs.Hansen.”
“You’re welcome, but I’m just grateful that she thought of me.”
Monica’s smile seemed nostalgic as she turned toward her older daughter. “I love the Christmas Tree Lighting Festival. I remember all those times we went when you were little and you sat on your father’s shoulders so you could see the choir. Then when Kacey was old enough, she took her turn on your dad’s shoulders. There’s just something magical when the mayor flips the switch and the giant tree lights up Main Street and all the decorations are glowing on the light poles and the storefronts. It truly feels like the Christmas season is here.”
“I agree.” Dani pointed to the windows at the front of the store. “I’m planning to decorate and give out hot chocolate.”
“Well, I’ll help after I see Riley sing with the choir,” Monica said.
Drew smiled. “I think it’s going to be a magical night like it always is.”
Kacey hurried out from the back room with her purse and coat slung over her arm. Her shiny blonde hair was down, cascading over her shoulders, and her makeup seemed to be refreshed, making her eyes look even bluer than usual. “Well, this is the best I can do. Thank goodness you keep some makeup here, Dani.”
