Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy - Janice Lynn Page 0,100

I was a bit devastated when you didn’t give any indication that you instantly felt it, too.”

“I felt it,” he assured. “I didn’t want to feel anything, but I knew you were different from any person I’d ever met.”

“But, for all that I felt from reading your journal, getting to know you, seeing your smile, hearing your laugh, witnessing your generous heart, looking into your warm eyes—all of that has made me love you more than I ever dreamed possible.”

“You love me?”

Heart pounding to the point she worried that her heart might burst, she nodded. “I’m so in love with you, I can barely think straight.”

“Christmas really is the most magical day of the year, because none of this feels real,” he admitted, his beautiful pale eyes sparkling like rare blue gems.

She glanced at her watch. It was still Christmas. Barely.

“Because you love me, too?”

“You know I do.” He lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to her fingertips. “I love you more than life itself.”

“That’s almost enough,” she teased softly, smiling up at him.

“Almost?” He laughed. “I’ll keep working on it, then,” he teased, then his face grew somber. “I admit, I worry that the darkness in me will surface from time to time. I hate the thought of you ever witnessing one of my nightmares.”

The raw concern in his voice hurt her heart for him.

“It’ll be okay, Cole. We’ll face whatever happens together.”

He cupped her face. “I never want to hurt you, Sophie.”

“Then don’t ever leave me.”

“That might be the easiest thing you’ve ever asked of me.”

Smiling, Sophie leaned over to where he’d set down the quilt she’d made him, a quilt of comfort and healing and love, and she wrapped it around his shoulders and pulled her very own Santa to her.

As their lips met, Sophie whispered, “Welcome home, Cole.”

Moments later, Cole’s forehead resting against hers, he smiled. “If home is where the heart is, then I am home. Merry Christmas, Sophie.”

The End

Dilly Duchess Potatoes

A Hallmark Original Recipe

In Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy, Cole experiences his first Thanksgiving in Pine Hill. While Sophie regrets not inviting Cole to dinner, Cole spends Thanksgiving with his fellow firefighters at the station…who ask him if he’s sweet on Sophie. It’s a little uncomfortable, to say the least, but the taste of Grandma Ruby’s renowned cooking makes up for it. You can make Grandma Ruby’s Dilly Duchess Potatoes for yourself—it’s the perfect dish to share with your friends, family, and loved ones, and it’s sure to have them coming back for seconds.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Serves: 10

Ingredients

4 large Russet potatoes, peeled, quartered

2 eggs, large, beaten

7 tablespoons butter, melted

1 1/2 tablespoons dill, fresh, chopped

1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and Pepper to taste

3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

1/2 cup or more of heavy cram (to get desired consistency)

1/3 cup butter melted

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400°F.

In a large saucepan, cook the potatoes in boiling water until fork tender, about 25 minutes.

Drain and place in a large mixing bowl to cool, about 20 minutes

Add in eggs, butter, dill, parsley, garlic powder, salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese.

Blend well and add cream a little at a time until it is smooth. Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed.

Spoon the potato mixture into a pastry bag with a large star tip.

Pipe onto a baking sheet or sheets.

Melt remaining butter and drizzle on top.

Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Thanks so much for reading

Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy.

We hope you enjoyed it!

Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy - Janice Lynn Page 0,100

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