“What about those bad guys breaking the windows?” The little girl furrows her brows.
“Yes, Miss. We’re working hard to find them,” Andrew replies confidently.
“You can wrap them up in Christmas lights,” suggests a boy, eliciting giggles from the children.
My gaze shifts to Andrew, who is watching the children with a fond expression on his face. He truly has a heart of gold, always making me laugh and charming everyone he meets. And every moment we spend together, I find myself falling even more deeply for him. What I imagine true love would feel like is the way I feel with him. It’s like being in a romantic holiday movie, except it’s my own reality.
With a resigned sigh, I break away from the enchanting scene before me. “I suppose I should get back to work,” I murmur. “And so should you, detective.
Unfortunately, the thieves struck again last night, making it the fourth or fifth shop to be targeted now. Every few days, a new store falls victim to their crimes, and the whole town is on edge about catching them.
“Yes, ma’am,” Andrew replies, already standing up and reaching for my hand. “I need to take Angus home first and then head back to the station. You be safe now.”
As our hands briefly intertwine, a jolt of longing shoots through me. “I’ll see you tonight?” I ask hopefully.
“You bet.” He nods with a warm smile. My hand slips out of his grasp, and I find myself yearning to hold onto him just a little longer.
I turn toward the cluster of children, their faces eager and restless. “Are you all ready for our craft today?” I ask, trying to infuse enthusiasm into my tone.
A few kids shout “Yeah!” while others groan in protest.
One little boy’s face falls as he asks, “Is it going to be fun, Miss Jane?”
“I think you’re going to have a blast,” I reply with a reassuring smile. “Have any of you ever made a snow globe before?”
He shakes his head, his eyes wide with curiosity.
“Well, get ready, because it’s going to look something like this.” I pick up the example craft and shake it gently so that the fake snow inside begins falling. “And the best part is, you can put anything you want inside.”
Excited now, the little boy exclaims, “Okay, let’s do it!”
“All right, everyone, sit at the table, and we’ll get started,” I announce. “Ms. Tandy will be helping with our craft today too.”
Just then, the bell above the door chimes. “Jane!” my mother’s voice calls out.
I turn to see her entering the bookstore. “Hi, Mom. I didn’t know you were coming by today.”
“I thought you might need an extra hand with being low on staff and all.” She smiles.
“Yes, with Dee on maternity leave and Erin on vacation, it’s just Tandy and I.”
“How can I help?” my mom asks eagerly, exuding her natural enthusiasm and love for children.
I consider for a moment. “Do you want to work on crafts with the kids or put these books back on the shelves?”
A wide smile spreads across her face. “You know me, always ready to be creative.”
With that settled, I direct my mother over to the crafting area where Tandy is giving the kids instructions. As Iwatch them interact with the children, my heart swells with pride and gratitude for having such supportive and capable women in my life.
With a stack of books in hand, I make my way through the aisles, carefully placing each one in its designated spot.
I peek over the bookcase, watching my mom and Tandy help the kids. Parents are scattered throughout the store looking at books or assisting with the craft.
I take a moment to admire the festive decorations adorning the store. The garland draped across bookshelves, twinkling lights, and colorful ornaments scattered throughout—it all adds to the holiday season, feeling even more special.
Settling behind the counter, I watch as a few kids curl up by the faux fireplace I had set up in the kids’ section. I put a small speaker near it to play crackling fire sounds and added a festive rug and pillows for maximum coziness.
A sense of wonder washes over me. This bookstore is mine, a dream turned into reality.
