The Meaning in Mistletoe - Rachael Bloome Page 0,59

Hideaway.

A lump rose in her throat, and she couldn’t bring herself to say the words out loud.

Sensing her troubled thoughts, Fern knelt beside her. “This isn’t goodbye, mija. No matter what happens or where you go, you’ll always be my daughter.”

“But I can’t leave. Not now. Not when the shelter—”

“We’ll be okay.” Fern gently wiped a tear from Kat’s cheek. “There’s still hope. But right now, it’s time for you to stop hiding, and go and live your life.”

Before Kat could answer, a faint cough startled them both.

Ann—the newest Hope Hideaway resident—lingered in the doorway. “I’m sorry, Fern. But there’s a man here to see you. He says it’s important.”

Kat followed Fern into the living room, her heart thrumming. For a fleeting moment, she wondered if the mysterious visitor was Jack.

But she didn’t recognize the stout, middle-aged man standing in front of the fireplace, briefcase in hand. He turned when they entered, giving them both a friendly smile. “This is a lovely place you have here.”

“Thank you,” Fern responded with her usual warm, welcoming demeanor. “How can I help you…?” Her voice carried a questioning lilt.

“Paul. Paul Volt. I hope you don’t mind the intrusion, but I have an important matter to discuss with you.” He flipped open his briefcase. “I’m here on behalf of an anonymous donor who’s set up a trust fund for Hope Hideaway. A fixed amount will be transferred to your account every month for as long as the shelter remains open. I’ve done extensive research to ensure the amount surpasses your monthly operational costs, and I hope you find it more than satisfactory.”

Kat’s gaze flew to Fern, who looked as shocked as she felt.

“If there’s a place where we can sign papers,” Paul continued, “I can begin the first transfer of funds.”

As if floating on a cloud, Fern led them into the kitchen.

While Paul laid out the paperwork on the expansive island, Fern arranged cookies on a plate, still in a daze.

Concerned Rich Gardener might be trying to circumvent her refusal of his check, Kat asked, “Mr. Volt—”

“Call me Paul,” he said cheerily, helping himself to a cookie as Fern started a fresh batch of hot chocolate.

“Paul,” she corrected, “is there any fine print that gives the donor input over the way Fern runs the shelter?”

“Absolutely not. My client specifically stipulated that the funds were to be used at Miss Flores’s discretion.”

Kat breathed a little easier, but her mind raced to surmise who the donor might be. Her thoughts kept drifting to Jack, but where would he get that kind of money?

“Is there a reason the donor wishes to remain anonymous?” she asked. “We’d love to thank them.”

Paul hesitated mid-bite. Swallowing, he answered, “No nefarious reason. My client is simply a private man, particularly when it comes to finances and things of this nature.”

“That’s very admirable,” Fern said, speaking for the first time since they entered the kitchen. “Please tell your client that we’re extremely grateful.” Beaming brightly, she handed him a mug of steaming hot chocolate.

“It will be my pleasure.” Paul inhaled the sweet and spicy scent curling from the rim. “This smells incredible.”

“It’s a family recipe, passed down from generation to generation.” Fern turned her smile on Kat, who grinned back, her heart full.

At the beginning of December, she’d left Starcross Cove hoping to find a way to save the shelter.

And now that she had the answer to her prayers, she realized she’d found so much more than she ever imagined.

Chapter 30

Standing on Main Street, gazing at the quaint town in all its fanciful, festive garb, Kat knew she’d come home.

Wrapping her new scarf around her neck, she traced the same path she’d walked her first day in Poppy Creek. Only this time, her footsteps were light, not weighed down by fear and uncertainty.

She hugged the hefty tote bag by her side, eager to see Penny’s expression when she revealed its contents. Not to mention the look on her sister’s face when she announced her good news.

In truth, she’d wanted to tell Jack first. But the items she had for Penny couldn’t wait.

And she and Jack had the rest of their lives.

The mere thought gave her goose bumps.

As she pushed through the front door of Thistle & Thorn, and the welcoming bell jingled overhead, a huge smile swept across her face. Oh, how she’d missed this place.

Penny glanced up from helping a customer, and a gleeful squeal escaped her lips. “You’re back!” Quickly excusing herself, Penny enveloped Kat in a warm, sisterly embrace.

Kat