Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 16622 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16622 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
Christmas is a time for family.
It’s been years since Shane Foster was able to share the season with his.
So, an unexpected snowstorm, rerouted flights, and lost presents aren’t going to defeat him.
In a twist of fate, he ends up in a store run by a woman as alone as he is. She is sweet and warm, and he is captivated by her.
Unable to leave her alone, he convinces her to join him and his family for Christmas, somehow knowing she was meant to be his.
Could he be what she needs as well?
He wants to wrap her in love—not only for the holidays but forever.
Will she make his wishes come true?
Author's Enjoy a merry read while feeding the hungry. Proceeds from the sale of this title are benefiting the Hamilton Food Share.
*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************
1
CALLIE
With a weary sigh, I flipped the sign to Closed, turned off the outside light, and pulled down the blind. I looked around the store, shaking my head at the chaos left behind by the last-minute shoppers. They didn’t buy very much, but they certainly made a mess. I would have plenty to do to keep myself busy over the next couple of days until I reopened after Christmas.
I stepped away from the door and was almost to the counter when the sound of furious knocking on the glass startled me. I turned to see the silhouette of a man in the glass, his hand never ceasing in its rapping.
“Callie James? Mrs. James, are you there? Please be there!” a deep, low, husky voice pleaded.
“Hello?” I called, not recognizing the voice.
“Oh, thank God. Please, Mrs. James, I need you.”
I approached the door with trepidation. “How can I help?”
“My parcels, all my parcels were lost. Please!” He knocked again. “Mrs. Cooper sent me!”
Mrs. Cooper?
Frowning, I flicked on the light, pulled up the blind, and stifled a gasp at the tall man in the window. Wild, thick hair glinted chestnut in the illumination from above. Broad shoulders and a face that made my heart beat faster were framed in the glass. The man staring at me was ruggedly handsome. A sharp jaw was set off with scruff. Full lips smiled, dimples on both sides giving him a mischievous look. But it was his eyes that captivated me. Under thick brows, they glowed green. As green as the evergreens that wound around the wrought-iron railing of the store. They were tired, pleading, but gazed at me with such warmth, it flooded my entire body. Before I realized what I was doing, I had slipped the lock and pulled open the door.
“Your parcels?” I asked, confused. Had he ordered something from me?
He stepped in, bringing the cold with him. Snow dusted the shoulders of his heavy wool overcoat, but his hand was warm as he captured mine within his grasp.
“Thank you for opening the door. I beg of you for help.”
I moved back, allowing him into the store. Never letting go of my hand, he shut the door behind him and introduced himself.
“My name is Shane Foster. I’m traveling to see my family over in Brighton. Do you know it?”
Brighton was a lovely town about two hours away. “Yes.”
“It’s been a day. My five-hour trip has been almost thirteen, and it’s not over. There’s a huge storm by my sister’s, so I had to stop here for the night. When I was talking to her, she told me my Christmas parcels never arrived. All my gifts for the family!”
I stared at him, mesmerized. His face was so expressive when he spoke.
“The closest mall is an hour in the other direction from my family, and they’ll be closed by the time I get there. I asked at the inn, and Mrs. Cooper said there was a chance you’d still be open. She said if anyone could help me, it would be her ‘Callie-dear.’”
I had to smile at his imitation of Sheila. It was perfect.
“Your light clicked off just as I was parking my SUV. I took the chance you might take pity on me, extend the Christmas spirit, and allow me to borrow a few minutes of your time to shop for my family.” He paused, taking a breath. “Please?”
I couldn’t resist his open, honest plea. It wasn’t as if I had anywhere to be, and if I could help him, then it was a good thing.
His hand tightened. “Please.”
I didn’t know why I was hesitating. He already had me. “Of course. Please look around.”
He lifted my hand to his mouth, his breath floating over my skin and making me shiver. His eyes met mine, warm, melting pools of green. “Thank you.”
When his lips touched my skin, I swore I felt an electric shock jolt through my body. His grip on my hand tightened, then he stepped back, releasing me. Oddly, I missed his touch right away.
He shrugged off his coat, laid it carefully over the banister by the door, then turned the lock, and drew the blind at my request. One late-night shopper was enough. Looking around, he ran his fingers through his hair, causing the already unruly strands to lift and ruffle. He offered me a wide smile. “Can you please give me some advice?”
“How many people are you looking for?”
“Six children, six adults, and a cat.” His voice turned teasing. “Any of those you can help me with would be much appreciated.”
I arched my eyebrow. “I think you’re going to need more than a few moments.”
He instantly looked chagrined. “Am I keeping you from your family and friends?” He shook his head. “What a stupid question. It’s Christmas Eve—of course I am. If I could grab a few books, I’ll be on my way. The adults can wait until the parcels arrive.”