leave the day after Christmas after fulfilling his promise to Georgie—a day that was sure to guarantee even more sales, when she marked down the items that she didn’t plan to resell next year, and everyone stopped in for a good discount? It was both an exciting day and a disappointing one, too. Decorating for Valentine’s Day just didn’t hold quite the same appeal….
Although, when she thought of that moonlit kiss, she had to consider that maybe this year she’d have more to celebrate than just a good excuse to eat too much chocolate.
Amelia was at the counter when Cora arrived, happy for the warmth and the smell of fresh coffee.
“You look happy today,” her sister said as she approached.
Cora gave a little shrug. “It’s Christmas week.”
Amelia arched an eyebrow and reached for a to-go cup. She didn’t need to ask Cora her order. “Is that all? Here I thought it might have something to do with you spending time with the Keatons’ grandson. We all saw you two canoodling at the carnival, you know.”
“Canoodling?” Cora lifted an eyebrow.
“I know! I know!” Amelia could only shake her head. “I’ve been spending way too much time with Candy.”
Cora glanced to the left and then the right, careful that they wouldn’t be overheard by the woman who had an ear for anything involving romance or gossip. She leaned across the counter and whispered, “He kissed me.”
Amelia’s eyes went so huge with surprise that Cora was almost afraid she might spill the coffee pot she was holding. Instead, she smiled broadly and said, “About time, Cora!”
“There you again. You sound as bad as Candy!” Cora teased, but she was pleased, and Amelia was right. It was about time. She’d just almost given up thinking that her time would ever come. She’d accepted her life for what it was. She had her shop. And it had been enough.
Until now.
“What can I say? I spend more time with Candy than my boyfriend.” Amelia gave a weary shake of the head and they shared a laugh. “Speaking of which, I should go make sure she isn’t burning that quiche. I’ll be right back with your egg sandwich.”
“You know me too well,” Cora remarked.
“And for that reason, I won’t be telling Candy that you and Phil are an item. Yet.” Amelia winked and then disappeared through the swing door.
“Cora!” Cora turned to see Lanie Thompson coming toward her, smiling broadly. They’d always gotten along well.
“Lanie! Merry Christmas!”
Lanie extended a large breath and set a leather-gloved hand to her chest. “I’m happy to see you in such good spirits, Cora.”
Cora blinked at her. She assumed by now that it was common knowledge in Blue Harbor that Christmas was her absolute favorite time of the year. “Of course!” She looked at Lanie quizzically. “I do run a holiday shop, after all.” She laughed.
“So you’re staying open? Good.” Lanie fished into her pocket and retrieved a card that she thrust in her direction. “You know that I can help you find another space, just call me. Anytime.”
Cora blinked down at the creamy white slip of cardstock that was being handed to her, unable to take it, much less understand what Lanie was saying.
“Another space?” she asked. “I’m pretty happy where I am.”
Lanie winced. “I know, and I thought about that, too. Why not just rent from the new owner? Or buy it yourself, if you have the funds, right? But with the interest I’ve already received with investors looking to open an inn…”
Cora’s heart was beginning to pound and she wasn’t finding any of this funny anymore. She’d lost her polite smile somewhere through Lanie’s speech and now she held up her hands, stopping her.
“Wait. An inn? Where my shop is? Where…my home is?”
Now it was Lanie’s turn to pale. “You didn’t know? Oh, Cora, I assumed you knew. That’s why Phil Keaton came to town. He’s handling his grandparents’ estate. He’s unloading their properties and cutting ties with this town.”
Cora could feel the blood rushing in her ears, drowning out everything Lanie was still saying, now with clear concern in her eyes and a hand on Cora’s wrist.
“I thought you knew. You and Phil have been spending so much time together and all…”
Of course that hadn’t gone unnoticed. By anyone, it would seem.
Cora shook her head, feeling like a fool. “No. I had no idea. I thought…I guess I thought…”
She’d thought that he was spending time with her because despite all glaring evidence to the contrary, that he might