Small Town Christmas (Blue Harbor #4) - Olivia Miles Page 0,48

all you wanted for Christmas,” he teased Georgie.

“I need to tell Santa where I’m going to be, so he doesn’t go to Mommy’s old house in California. That would be a disaster.”

They had reached the toy store by now and managed to wedge their way into the door. Inside, a line of people had already formed, most of them former classmates, most a few years older, all of whom had found love in this small town, settled down, and started families.

It was possible, she reminded herself. She could almost hear her mother’s words. Anything is possible, Cora, especially at Christmas.

The line moved quickly, not that Cora minded waiting. Everyone was sandwiched together, so less people had to stand outside in the cold, and more than once she had the perk of Phil’s body pressing against her. The heat of his proximity made her senses go on high alert and she let the feeling linger, not wanting to inch away.

Did he feel it too? She didn’t dare look him in the eye.

Eventually, their turn came up, and Cora was pleased to see that old Mr. Davidson had worked hard on growing his beard this year. He always trimmed it back during the spring and summer, partly because he didn’t want to give away his cover and partly because Mrs. Davidson apparently liked a cleanly shaven face. His suit was the same velvet costume he sported every year since she was small enough to sit on his knee, complete with gold embroidered tassels and polished boots.

His kind blue eyes sparkled as Georgie walked over to him, her outgoing demeanor suddenly turning a little shy.

Santa patted his knee, but he looked relieved with Georgie sat beside him on the tufted bench instead. She wasn’t exactly a toddler, and Cora was pleased to see that she still believed.

And that Scrooge here hadn’t told her otherwise, she thought, glancing at Phil.

“Now,” Santa said kindly. “I don’t think I’m used to seeing you here in Blue Harbor. Remind me again where you usually come visit me?”

“Usually in California,” Georgie told him.

“Ah, yes, that’s right. And what brings you all the way here?”

“I’m spending the holidays here,” Georgie told him. “With my dad.”

Mr. Davidson glanced at Phil and then shifted his gaze to Cora, giving her a little smile of approval.

Cora felt her cheeks flush.

“And what would you like for Christmas this year? A new doll? Perhaps…a bike?”

Georgie studied the list in her hand, and bit at her bottom lip. “I have a list…but if I just ask for one really special thing, do you think it will happen?”

Santa gave a little glance at Phil again, whose nod was almost imperceptible.

“I think that can be arranged. Now, let me see that list.” He skimmed it over, commenting on her excellent choices, and then handed it back. “You hold onto that. Or maybe let your dad hold onto it. I have it all stored right here.” He tapped his head.

Georgie giggled.

“Now, before you go, why don’t you tell me what that one special gift is?”

Georgie carefully tucked her list back into her pocket and then leaned over to whisper in Santa’s ear. Cora watched as Mr. Davidson’s expression changed, his brow knitting for a moment, before he gave Georgie a kind smile.

“That’s all I really want for Christmas,” Georgie said as she stood up.

“Think we’ll ever know what it was that she asked for?” Phil asked as he led them out of the store through the side door.

“If you don’t find out, I can always ask the big guy.” She grinned at Phil. “He and my dad play poker once a month.”

Phil laughed. “I might hold you to it. Now, where to next?”

Cora tried to think of a place that would capture all the holiday memories she cherished so much and said, “Is it too cold for ice cream?”

*

Like every other establishment in Blue Harbor, Harborside Creamery had been transformed into a winter wonderland, and the menu reflected the season. Cora usually went for the frozen hot chocolate, or the peppermint sundae, but she had a feeling Georgie would prefer the double scoop snowman sundae, complete with an edible top hat made from a chocolate-dipped marshmallow.

“Look, there’s even a topping bar over near the back wall if you want to add some sprinkles for snowflakes.”

Georgie ran off without needing further encouragement and Phil and Cora settled into a table near the window.

“Georgie’s having a good time. Thank you. Between us, I didn’t know how I was going to