The Christmas Plan - Samantha Chase Page 0,11
scarf. Gabe had advised her to keep her winter coat out of the luggage so it was handy on her way out of the car.
“This is amazing!”
“It’s cold,” he countered, pulling his coat close and zipping it up. “I grew up here and I swear it still hits me hard after living in Atlanta for so long.”
“I think it feels good.” Skipping over to him, Aspen took him by the hand and led him into the ice cream shop. “I’m so glad they stay open year-round.”
“Gabriel Andrews!” someone called out. “It’s good to see you!”
Aspen looked at him curiously as an older woman walked out from behind the counter and gave him a big hug. Then she turned to Aspen and smiled. “And we are so excited that you’re here too, Aspen!”
“Oh, um…”
It seemed weird that this woman knew her name, but she figured Gabe’s mom must have mentioned it or something.
“I’m Nikki,” the woman said with a big smile. “And it’s wonderful to finally meet you! You’re a chocolatier, right? Oh, my goodness, that is something I have always wanted to try but was never brave enough.” She barely paused to take a breath. “Could you imagine the kind of trouble I’d be in if I sold ice cream and gourmet chocolates? Girl, I probably wouldn’t even fit through the door! Still, I can dream, right?”
“Um…”
“Ooh…maybe you can show me a little of how it’s done sometime? Nothing too fancy, but maybe something basic?” And before Aspen could answer, Nikki went on. “Look at me, already trying to claim your time and you just got here! I’m a mess!” She laughed. “Anyway, it is so good to meet you, Aspen, and I hope you’ll come back and say hi while you’re here!”
It was a much friendlier greeting than she’d ever gotten in her life, so Aspen simply smiled and thanked her.
“You must have just gotten into town so let me know what I can get you. I’m sure you have so much to show Aspen.”
Gabe just nodded so Aspen took over. “I can’t wait to see the whole town. And I’m already looking forward to sleigh riding down at the park.”
“Oh, that is definitely a favorite! There’s some snow in the forecast this weekend and if you want my advice, wait until then. It’s much more fun on fresh snow.”
“Good to know. Thanks, Nikki.”
“So what can I get you?”
“How about some of…” She glanced at the wide variety of flavors for a moment. “I’d like the cookies and cream in a wafer cone, please.”
“Oh, how perfect!” She looked over at Gabe. “Your usual for you, too, Gabe?”
He nodded and while Nikki started making their order, Aspen walked over to make sure he was okay.
“What’s going on?” she whispered.
“Nothing. Why?”
“Are you sure? Because you seem a little miffed.”
He rolled his eyes. “I’m not miffed. I just wasn’t sure what to say, so I thought it was safer to just smile and nod.”
“You left out the smiling part.”
“Ha, ha. Very funny.”
“Not funny. Just pointing out the obvious.”
“Here you two go!” Nikki called out. Aspen walked over and gently took the cone she ordered and Gabe stepped up and grabbed his.
They were the same thing.
“Thanks, Nikki.”
“They’re on the house,” she said before looking at Gabe. “Go take her for a walk around the square and tell your mom I’ll talk to her tomorrow.” And with a smile and wave, she moved on to the next customers who had just walked in.
Quietly, the two of them walked outside and Aspen couldn’t remember ever feeling so cold. She seriously considered going to the car to fish out her gloves, hat, and scarf. “I can’t believe I’m eating ice cream outside in this weather!”
“We don’t have to walk around. We can eat in the car and then head to my parents’ place.”
“No, no. I’ll be okay.” But she moved in close and hooked her arm through his and laughed softly. “I’ll just lean on you for a little body heat.”
“O-kay…”
They walked past the hair salon and an Italian restaurant when someone else called out Gabe’s name and she heard him softly groan. Pausing, they turned and Aspen saw a police officer walking toward them.
“Hey, Josiah,” Gabe said, unhooking his arm from Aspen’s and shaking the man’s hand.
“Hey!” he smiled at Aspen and shook her hand after Gabe’s. “I’m Sheriff Josiah Stone. Welcome to Silver Bell Falls.”
“Thank you.” She smiled up at him and was a little in awe of how handsome and rugged he was.
“I