Bridget peered out the front window of Brewed Awakening on Saturday morning. A crowd was gathering along the sidewalks in anticipation of the parade. And there, on the corner of Third Street, was Riley and her coffee/hot cocoa cart all decked out for Christmas. It looked like it had come straight out of a made-for-television movie. Bridget craned her neck to see if anyone was in line.
Yep. A woman was laughing as Riley handed her a small white cup, and several people stood behind her.
Bridget slunk away. She was counting on high sales today to add to her used-car fund and, hopefully, attract people who hadn’t been here before. The coffee stand could give her some serious competition. But what could she do about it?
Either people liked Brewed Awakening or they didn’t. To be fair, it might be more convenient to get their drinks from a stand today. Or they might miss having Riley as the coffee shop proprietor. It wasn’t as if Bridget was all that chatty with customers. She preferred to listen, and oftentimes, they seemed to want to share their troubles with her. A few still acted suspicious when she sidestepped their probing questions, though.
If she kept thinking about Riley, she was going to give herself a headache. She plugged in the twinkle lights around the front window, then straightened the plaid bows on the wreaths nearby.
“Bridget?” Joe called from behind the counter. “I’m not seeing the reindeer stirrers. Am I looking in the wrong place?”
Bridget hustled back to the counter and found the box of brown plastic stirrers with reindeer faces as the bell clanged. She looked up to see an older couple stroll toward her with their grandson.
“Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Bloom. This must be Junior.” She’d been working hard to learn people’s names, and Shirley Bloom loved to talk about her seven-year-old grandson. Bridget leaned forward to speak to the boy. “Hey, there. Are you excited about the parade?”
“Yes!” Holding his grandmother’s hand, he jumped up, his eyes sparkling. “Last year I got lots of candy. And I got to pet the horses after.”
“Oh, wow.” She grinned at him. “You must like horses.”
“I do. Grandpa and I ride every weekend, don’t we?” The kid was cute, she’d give him that.
The Blooms gave her their order, selected several baked goods and chatted with Joe briefly before leaving with their grandson skipping next to them.
No one else was in the shop.
Okay, so people obviously knew it was open. What had she done wrong? Bridget looked around—she’d worked so hard to make it festive and inviting.
Maybe the town liked Riley’s coffee better than hers.
And maybe they liked Riley more, too. They might not really like Bridget all that much. Brewed Awakening was simply their last resort because they had nowhere else to get a cup of coffee.
“Well, Bridget, enjoy this while it lasts.” Joe smiled at her, his eyes twinkling.
“No customers?” She hadn’t meant to sound snarky, but what was she supposed to enjoy? No sales? Riley winning?
“The lull before the storm. It’s about to get real busy.”
She wanted to believe him but... “I don’t understand why we’re not busy now.”
“Oh, don’t worry about that.” He waved dismissively. “People are still getting their spots. The ones who didn’t bring their own coffees will want one soon. Once they’re settled, they’ll be sending a family member in with orders.”
“Looks like they’re sending the orders down to Riley’s coffee stand.” She hated sounding jealous. She hated being jealous.
“I’ve had her coffee.” He grimaced. “It’s better than nothing, but not much.”
“Then why are they buying it?” She nibbled on her nail, realized what she was doing and forced herself to stop. This was getting ridiculous.
“Well, the Sampsons are well-liked around here. No one wants to snub her, because it would hurt her folks. You understand.”
Yes, she did understand. Bridget understood perfectly well that she wasn’t from around here. She didn’t have folks people wouldn’t want to hurt. And it was perfectly okay for them to snub her since she didn’t count.
“Mark my words, this place will be full within the half hour.”
“How can you be sure?”
“Easy. You make great coffee. And people like you.”
His words slid down her core like rich, warm cocoa. Of all the kind things Joe had done for her, those words were needed the most.
“Thanks, Joe.” She gave him a quick hug. “I needed to hear that.”
“It’s the truth.” He nodded sternly.
“You’re a good friend.”
“I am?” He seemed genuinely perplexed, and his face grew red.
“Of course.” She gave him a smile. It hit her that maybe she wasn’t the only one who wasn’t sure of her status in town. Did Joe feel like an outsider at times, too? Even though he’d lived here his entire life? “How many afternoons have you stayed to help me out when you didn’t have to? And all these Saturdays? You’ve really been there for me, and I, well, I enjoy having you around. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You’re a good friend, too.” He looked a bit choked up. The bell clanged, and Bridget turned to see who was coming in. To her surprise, a large group of people entered. She inwardly grinned. Joe was right. It had been the lull before the storm.
Hopefully, the storm would bring in new customers and a flood of sales.
“Welcome to Brewed Awakening...”
“I wish you could have seen the parade.” Kaylee addressed Bridget as she took a seat at the counter near closing time.
Mac sat next to her. It had been a long but fun day. After the parade, he’d taken Kaylee and Lydia out to lunch, then around all the shops. They’d bought some Christmas presents and stopped by the high school to walk around the holiday art fair. When Lydia left with her parents, he and Kaylee had decided a coffee break was necessary.
As usual, he couldn’t look away from the beauty behind the counter. This desire to see Bridget, to spend time with her, was getting too strong for him to ignore.
“Our float was awesome. And Tanner was my partner to throw candy to the kids.”
“He was?” Bridget raised her eyebrows and leaned in. “Anything new I should know about?”
Mac tried to look like he wasn’t eavesdropping.
“No.” Kaylee looked down shyly. “He texted me last night to see where Lydia and I were meeting this morning, though.”
“See? That’s something.” Bridget nodded briskly. “It won’t be long before he starts texting you all the time. Wait—” she snapped her fingers “—do you have any high school dances coming up?”
“No.” Kaylee stuck her bottom lip out. “Bummer, huh.”
“Yeah.” Bridget looked disappointed.
Not in his book. This was his little sister. The girl he gave piggyback rides to and taught how to ride a horse. She wasn’t old enough to date. She wasn’t ready.
Or maybe he wasn’t ready.
“All day I’ve heard a lot of compliments about your singing.” Bridget straightened the few remaining cookies on the tray next to him. Mac liked watching her fingers move—everything she did had a purpose.
“From who?” Kaylee straightened.
“Members of the choir. One even suggested you should do a solo.”
Mac was taken aback. Kaylee? A solo? He doubted she’d be up for it.
“A solo?” she said breathlessly. “Really?”
She looked excited, not worried. Hmm.
“Really.” Bridget grinned.
“That would be amazing. But...” She winced. “I don’t know.”
Mac cleared his throat. “Even if they ask you, you don’t have to say yes.”
“True,” Kaylee replied. Was he imagining it or did she seem to shrink at his words?
“Or you could say yes.” Bridget nodded brightly before sending a glare his way. What was that look for?
“I could, couldn’t I?”
The front door opened and Joe Schlock walked in. “Are you almost ready?”
“I sure am. Will you give me a few minutes?” Bridget beamed at the man.
“Take your time,” Joe said. “Want me to lock the front door?”
“Yes, please.”
“Oh, hey, Mac. Kaylee.” Joe flipped the Open sign to Closed and turned the deadbolt. “Did you enjoy the parade? I heard your class’s float was a hit with all those snowmen.”
“It was fun.” Kaylee swiveled on the stool and smiled. “We thought one of the snowmen’s heads was going to fall off for a minute, but Ginger held on to it. I don’t know what would have happened if it wasn’t for her. Oh, by the way, I saved you these.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out two suckers.
“How did you know cherry’s my favorite?” His eyes twinkled as he accepted them.
“I had a hunch.” She winked. “What are you and Bridget doing?”
Yes, Mac wondered the same. He knew Bridget thought a lot of Joe, but he hadn’t realized they spent time together outside of work.
“Joe, here, is taking me to his buddy’s place to look at a used car.” Bridget, positively glowing, hurried back to them. “And since everyone in town came in today to buy coffees and treats, I’m feeling much better about my prospects of having my own vehicle soon.”
“Oh, wow, that’s great!” Kaylee clapped her hands. “Did you get your license yet?”
“I haven’t.” Bridget turned her attention to Mac, causing his veins to thrum with energy. “I’m hoping I can sneak in some more driving time this week during choir practice. If you’re up for it?”
He was up for it.
But he also wasn’t.
He was spending so much time with her. His feelings weren’t neutral—they were overheated—and being in a small space together, his truck, wasn’t helping. Every time she drove, he’d catch a whiff of her perfume. And his heart would thump when she gave him that wry smile of hers. He’d reach over and touch her hand to direct her attention to something, and his hand always wanted to linger.
“Yeah, I’m up for it,” he said gruffly. Then he turned to Kaylee. “And you, why don’t you drive us home? Let Joe and Bridget wrap things up?”
“Okay.”
Wait...had she just agreed to drive? He’d barely gotten her to drive more than a mile this week.
“Why aren’t you fighting me on this?”
She blinked up at him. “I need to get my license. What if Tanner asks me to meet him at the Barking Squirrel or something?”
“Tanner? You’re getting your license for a guy?” He’d done everything he could to ease her into driving, and this Tanner kid was the reason she was finally willing to learn?
“It doesn’t matter why you’re getting your license,” Bridget said. “The important thing is that you’re getting some driving practice.”
Well, this was great. Now Mac was going to worry about her being on the road and some high school punk putting the moves on her.
“All set back here.” Joe breezed in from the back room with Bridget’s coat in his hand. She took it from him and put it on. The four of them headed to the entrance.
“I hope you find a car.” Kaylee waved.
“Me too.” Bridget shrugged happily. “See you Monday.”
He and Kaylee headed to the truck. He should be happy. Bridget would get a car. She’d get her license. There’d be no reason for them to spend all this time together anymore. And Kaylee was on track to eventually get her license. She’d be able to drive herself home, which would free up his afternoons to get more done on the ranch.
His life would go back to normal.
But what if he didn’t want it to?
“Hop in.” He sighed.
First things first. Surviving Kaylee driving them home.
The Tuesday before Christmas, Bridget could barely contain her excitement. The past two weeks had flown by in a flurry of Christmas prep. Come on, Mac, get here already! She couldn’t wait to tell him her big news.
Kaylee had choir practice and had asked Bridget to make a peppermint mocha for Mac to pick up for her before closing the shop for the night. When Bridget thought of Kaylee, she couldn’t help but smile. The girl had been asked to sing “To Shepherds as They Watched by Night” for the Christmas Eve service, and Bridget was thrilled when she’d agreed.
Kaylee had taught Bridget how to harmonize with her while they closed every Monday and Wednesday. Sometimes Mac would be waiting and would join them, too.
His voice did something to Bridget’s heart. As did his clear love for Jesus when he sang. And the fact he was willing to sing with Kaylee to make her feel more comfortable about having a solo? What guy did that?
Mac was a good man. She’d known it for some time. It was getting harder to ignore her feelings for him. Especially since they’d spent so many hours together driving while Kaylee was at practice. Enough hours to give Bridget the confidence to make the appointment she’d gone to this afternoon.
The front door opened and a gust of wind blew in snow around Mac. He shivered as he shut the door behind him, then he looked up and met her eyes. The gray flashed to silver. They had a gleam she wouldn’t even pretend to deny.
He enjoyed seeing her as much as she did him.
Inhaling a shaky breath, she rounded the counter to greet him.
“I have Kaylee’s peppermint mocha ready. I made something for you, too—honey graham. Decaf.” She stopped a foot away from him, aware of how tall he was, the smoothness of his shaved jaw and the broadness of his chest.
“Good, I need my beauty sleep.”
“Sure, you do.” She shook her head playfully. She couldn’t wait a minute longer. She had to show him what she’d gotten earlier. Whipping the small card out of her pocket, she held it up to him. “I did it!”
He squinted as he studied the card. Then his lips curved into a wide grin. “Congratulations!”
To her shock, he wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off the ground in a half circle before setting her on her feet and taking a step back.
“Thanks, Mac, I don’t know how I could possibly ever thank you enough.” Holding her driver’s license in her hand filled her with the best feeling. She had the freedom to drive. Independence. She could go anywhere. Do anything.
But being in his arms just now? Even better.
“You can officially drive.” He let his fingers trail down the back of her hand. “How does it feel?”
Feel? All she could feel was his tender touch. And she wanted him to pick her up and twirl her again. To feel those strong arms around her.
“It feels amazing.” She tucked her license back in her pocket.
“You worked hard for it. And you’re definitely ready to get out there on your own. You’ve got more confidence now.”
“All because of you. I couldn’t have done it without you.” She gazed into his eyes, and her breath caught at the intensity in them. This chemistry they shared had been simmering for a while. With every new insight she learned about him, she wanted to be around him even more.
“You’re welcome.” The words came out low, so low she leaned in. She wondered if he wanted to kiss her. It sure seemed like he did.
It had been ages since she’d been kissed. If she could have one thing right now in this moment, it would be his lips on hers.
As if he could read her mind, he bent his head and kissed her.
It was like a Christmas dream. The minty taste of his lips brought a tingle to hers. She relaxed into the gentle strength of his arms around her. As she kissed him back, the sensation of being special, being the one Mac thought was special, filled her with headiness.
For the briefest moment she had the feeling this was exactly why she’d moved to Sunrise Bend.
For this kiss.
This man supported her but didn’t cage her in.
Bridget stepped away abruptly, bringing her hand to her mouth. She was playing a dangerous game, one she couldn’t bear to lose.
Mac only saw what she’d chosen to show him. He didn’t know the truth.
“What’s wrong?” Doubts circled in his eyes—along with insecurity. Could he feel insecure, too? Impossible. Not him.
“Nothing,” she said brightly. “It’s been a while since I’ve kissed anyone.”
“It’s been a while for me, too.” The raw honesty in his gaze made her want to take a chance and share some of the secrets in her past, but she could only stare. He traced his finger down her cheek. “Did someone break your heart?”
“My stepmother.” The words were out before she could lock them in. She winced. “Sorry, that came out wrong.”
“I was thinking more along the lines of a boyfriend.” The corner of his mouth quirked.
“Yeah, I know.” She backed up another step, rubbing her forearms. “No, I haven’t gotten serious with anyone.”
“Really? You?” He looked surprised. “I haven’t either.”
“Why not?”
“I’m complicated.”
“How so?”
“Live in the shadow of your father long enough, and you become a shadow.” He grabbed the coffees she’d set out. “Forget I said anything.”
“Mac, wait.” She grabbed his arm. “You’re not a shadow. You’re solid. Real.” She stared up into his eyes. “You’re the most solid man I’ve ever known.”
His eyes shimmered as he stepped toward her once more. He reached around and set the cups on the counter, then eased his hand behind her neck and drew her to him, kissing her slowly, thoroughly, as if he wanted to savor every moment.
She’d be savoring the memory later that night.
When he ended the kiss, he moved his hands to her lower back. “What did your stepmother do to break your heart?” His voice was husky.
Frost chilled her from his words. What didn’t her stepmother do would be the better question. After Bridget’s father died, she’d been little more than a servant. She’d spent her adolescence riddled with anxiety from being told she was worthless every day. She’d been separated from her friends, taken out of the school she loved and emotionally abused by her stepmother and stepsister.
No one had cared. No one had seen what was happening. No one had rescued her.
Bridget tried to push away the bad memories. Her early teen years had been a nightmare she’d been trying her best to forget.
“She wasn’t a kind woman.” She didn’t want to discuss it. “What about you? Why haven’t you gotten serious with anyone?”
He massaged the back of his neck, looking like he had no clue how to answer. “Haven’t met the right person, I guess.”
She wasn’t buying it. From his expression, she was certain he knew exactly why he’d avoided having a serious girlfriend. Clearly, they both had things in their pasts they wanted to hide.
“You better take these. They’ll get cold, and Kaylee will wonder where you’re at.” She handed him the coffees, wishing the warmth of his kiss could have lingered.
He hesitated, clearly wanting to say something else, but he didn’t. “I’ll see you later then.”
She followed him to the front door.
“What are you doing for Christmas?” he asked before opening it.
“I’m having lunch at Sawyer and Tess’s.”
“What about Christmas Eve?”
“Well, obviously I’ll be at the Christmas Eve service to listen to Kaylee sing.”
“Come to my house after. We’ll have a fire and hang out. The three of us. I can take you home later.”
“I’d love that, but I’ll drive myself. I’m getting my new ride tonight. Joe and I are picking it up. It’s an older model SUV with low miles. He has a friend in a nearby town whose wife no longer drives, so they decided to sell it. I got a really good deal.”
“That’s great.” His smile couldn’t get any wider. “So you’ll come over after the service? It’s hard to believe Christmas Eve is this Friday already.”
“Yeah, I’ll be there.” She locked gazes with him for a long moment. Then he left.
Christmas Eve with Mac and Kaylee. She couldn’t imagine a better way to spend the holiday. Sooner or later, though, she was going to have to either fill Mac in about the reality of her teen years or distance herself from him.
Eventually, he’d want to know more about her past, and if she told him, he might be embarrassed to find out how she’d been forced to live. Even if he wasn’t, he was sure to view her differently—pity her—which would be just as painful.
Making tough decisions was part of life, though. She owed it to him to tell him the truth.