Christmas in Twinkle Falls, page 8
Liam pulled the door open as she walked inside. She hadn’t been here at Christmastime. Decorations filled the room, giving the place an air of warmth.
The hostess seated them near the natural stone fireplace that sat in the middle of the room and took up about a third of the space. Sophie’s dinner partner pulled her chair out for her before sitting beside her, facing the fire.
“This is a nice place. Have you been here before?”
“The kids and I have eaten here a few times, usually with Bridgette or with mom and dad. Their food is wonderful.” She studied his hazel-blue eyes wondering what was going through his head.
As their waitress came by for their drink orders. Liam asked Sophie, “Do you like white wine?”
“Yes, it’s my favorite.” Sophie answered, wringing her moist hands.
He turned to the waitress. “We’ll take a bottle of your chardonnay, please?”
She nodded and walked away.
“I had the house chardonnay the last time I was here and it’s very good.” Sophie disclosed.
“So, are your parents the reason why you choose to live in Twinkle Falls?” He asked with his arms resting on the table and hands folded in front.
“After we decided to move and start fresh, I did an extensive search of bakeries for sale along or near the East Coast. I narrowed it down to three towns within two hours of where my parents live. I wanted to be close to them, mostly because of the kids. Something kept drawing me back to Twinkle Falls. And when the bakery became available, I took it as a sign. I’m happy with my decision.”
“Everyone in town seems to think a lot of you and the kids.”
She smiled at his words, feeling more relaxed the longer they talked. “Thank you. I’ve grown quite fond of the people here.”
He eyed her neck. “That’s a pretty necklace. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you without it.”
Sophie absent-mindedly touched it, something she was told she did frequently. “It was from Jamie, my husband. It uh—” She held it up looking at the two kissing doves laying in her hand. “It was given to me on our wedding day. From that day on, I never went without it.” Looking at him for a split second, she noticed a focused squint in his eyes.
Letting go of the necklace, she gazed at him. “Someday I’ll take it off… when it feels right.” She shrugged when the bottle of wine was brought to the table.
The waitress opened it and poured a taste for Liam. He swirled it in the glass and sniffed it before sipping. When he nodded, she filled their glasses halfway as the sound of a tray falling to the floor had Liam jumping at the noise.
He exhaled sharply and changed the subject, “Do you have sisters or brothers?”
“No, I don’t. I always wanted a sibling but mom had a hard time during delivery so the doctor advised against it. How about you?” She sipped the wine.
“Yes, a younger brother, Blake. He lives in Connecticut. We see each other when we can, but it’s been almost a year.”
She glanced at her glass before asking, “I assume you don’t have a girlfriend, but have you been married?” Sophie saw his jaw tighten.
He adjusted himself in the chair and leaned forward, running his finger over the rim of his glass. “No girlfriend. And yes, I was married once. It was a long time ago. She said after a few years of being married that we wanted different things. It was obvious she made up her mind so I didn’t fight her on the divorce.”
Seeing the hurt still in his eyes, she muttered, “I’m sorry, Liam.”
“Thanks. At the time I thought we would be together forever. She was my high school sweetheart and first love. But now I know it would have ended eventually. So, I guess she did me a favor.”
Sophie asked, “So how are things going at the Pet Rescue? I bet it’s hard to leave all of those cute faces.”
“It’s going good, but have you met the special guests Noel has there?”
“Why no, I haven’t.”
He leaned forward again. “So, right after I met Noel, she told me most of the guests were cats and dogs but she also had what she called their special guests.”
She was curious, raising her brows. “Do I want to know what they are?”
His face brightened. “When she said special guests, I looked around for any signs of what she might be talking about. She grinned at me and headed down a hallway where we exited the side door. Halfway to the back of the building Noel stopped and looked at me pointing to Salty and Porky.” He chuckled.
“Those sound like the perfect name for pigs.”
“Yep. The previous owner obviously had a sense of humor. Those pigs were huge too, which was why the owner couldn’t keep them. They thought they’d bought little pot belly pigs. Then she walked to the next cage where I was face to face with a black and white animal. I have to admit when she petted Stripe, the skunk, I almost ran in the other direction.” They laughed.
“That is hilarious! She never told me about them.”
“Well, I also met Sweetie Pie… the squirrel. And I have to admit, she was pretty cute.”
Her jaw dropped. “Are you kidding me? My goodness. Don’t tell the kids because they’ll want to go see all of them.”
They talked about life and family over dinner, keeping it light. Once Sophie relaxed, she realized laughing seemed to come easy with them. She found it both refreshing and daunting at the same time.
On the short ride home to her cabin she told Liam, “Thanks again for dinner, and the invitation. I’m glad we could put the last week and a half behind us. I had a nice evening. It’s been a really long time since I went anywhere with a guy that wasn’t my husband.”
She allowed her head to rest against the seat. Letting it fall to the side, she eyed Liam. His face seemed full of kindness and mischief, but she sensed something more. There was a hint of pain. She knew the look all too well. Then she remembered what Zoey told her.
“What?” An amused grin covered his face as he briefly turned his eyes to her.
“I’m still trying to figure you out, Liam James. There’s something… mysterious about you. Something I haven’t figured out yet.”
Slowing to make the turn to cross the covered bridge, he glanced at her. “Are you a psychic or something?”
She smiled and decided to use some of her daughter’s words. “It’s my super power, along with being a mom, of course.” Sophie teased, batting her eyes as she wondered what got into her.
He drove down her snow covered driveway stopping by the stairs leading up to the porch. Before she could open her door, he grabbed the handle, swinging it wide for her. “I’ll walk you to the door, if you don’t mind?” Liam smiled appearing nervous.
“I’d like that.” She stepped forward waiting as he shut the door and walked a step behind her.
Stopping at the porch, she grinned and scanned his face. His gaze met hers and her heart jumped at the tenderness he exhibited. Without thought, her fingers fluttered to her neck as she turned away.
“Maybe we can do this again?” He asked, biting the inside of his bottom lip as she fumbled for her key.
Pulling it out of her bag, she looked up. “Maybe.” She fought a smile before unlocking the door.
Turning back to Liam, his grin spoke volumes. “I’m coming by the cafe tomorrow morning. Will you be there?” he asked.
“Yes, I will.” Trying not to give him false hope, she put one hand on the door knob and turned to him. “Goodnight, Liam.”
Turning the handle, she suppressed a smile as he muttered teasingly, “Goodnight, Sophie Beck.”
She heard his boots clomping down the steps. With one foot inside, she glanced over her shoulder as he did the same. Whipping her head back around, she stepped her other foot inside and gently closed the door. As much as she didn’t want it to happen, excitement filled her. But when she walked through the foyer, reality set in and the anxiety returned.
Chapter 10
(Liam)
Liam parked behind the Christmas tree lot in the Town Circle near Kris’ antique truck. For such an old truck, it was pretty neat with a wooden frame built around the bed, and looked like it was from the 1940’s. Since he’d be working for Kris at the tree lot after the General Store, Liam had a full day ahead.
When he told Sophie he would stop by the cafe, it was important to him to keep his word, and he didn’t want to give her more reason to doubt him.
"Hey Kris." Liam raised his left hand at him. "I'll be back this afternoon, okay?"
"That sounds good, Liam. I'll see you later.”
Walking through the gate to the sidewalk, he followed it over the stream. He paused taking in the view Sophie told him about. Twinkle Falls sat perched in the corner of the huge lake. He saw its rushing water splash over the top of the rocks and how it appeared to twinkle—just like Sophie pointed out. He grinned knowing he’d never seen anything like it, feeling bad for doubting her word.
The stream flowed in from the lake going through a pipe underneath the circle in the center of town. It filtered into a pond on the far side of the park.
Taking a breath of the fresh, cold breeze, he grinned and continued on his way. Passing town hall, he saw Mayor Parker at the top of the steps talking to someone. He smiled and waved.
Mayor John Parker was at the book club the other night, which was where they met. He seemed like a nice guy, John explaining how he grew up here, was divorced with no children, and had been the Mayor for eight years.
Liam was constantly reminding himself that he was in a whole new world here in Twinkle Falls. Not everyone was as welcoming to a stranger in a small town, but the longer he stayed, the more hospitable some people appeared.
Being a military brat, Liam’s family moved around a lot. Joining the Air Force fresh out of high school, he’d lived in some not so friendly places and this town reminded him of the good things people were capable of.
Crossing the road, a smile erupted on his face. Liam paused at the curb looking into the middle of Town Circle, marveling at the large white gazebo surrounded by trees, wooden candy canes and a white picket fence. White lights lit up the roof and icicles hung down from around the edges—it stood out like a beacon in the center of town.
Three steps led to the center where a fully decorated Christmas tree stood. The gazebo was adorned with thick green garlands and white lights. Red bows were attached to the garlands which were swagged at the railing, and to top it all off vibrant poinsettias trimmed every step.
Each day here left him feeling more at peace, something he welcomed at this point of his life. A brisk wind whipped up bringing a chill with it. He slid his hands in his pockets picking up the pace to the front door of Angelcakes Gourmet Cupcakes Cafe, or AGC according to the locals.
Anxiety rushed through him. He had known Sophie for just over a week and she made him feel different to how any woman ever had—but there was no way he could have real feelings for her already. He was here for three more weeks and wasn’t looking for a relationship.
“Good morning. One for breakfast?” A perky woman inquired, donning a long black braid with the name of Candy on her shirt.
He smiled. It’s something he had come to do more of since he arrived here. “Yes, ma’am.”
Candy froze and yanked her head back looking at him as if he was from another world. “Honey, I’m not even thirty years old so please don’t call me ma’am.”
She plucked a menu from the pile near the door when he said, “Sorry, blame my parents for instilling it in me at a young age.” He followed her to a small table in the front corner by the window near the reading nook.
“You must be visiting us for the holidays,” she said matter of factly setting the menu in front of him as he sat.
He nodded. “I am.”
“Well, welcome to Twinkle Falls. What can I get you to drink, hon?”
“Coffee please.” He scanned the Cafe for any signs of Sophie.
“Coming right up.”
When Candy went to the coffee bar, he saw Bridgette taking orders behind the bakery counter. She and a customer laughed out loud. Her laugh amused him, he hadn’t heard one quite like it. As she rang up an order, she glanced at him for a nano-second.
Candy brought him a bistro style coffee mug filling it full of steaming coffee before he ordered. The aroma was bold like the coffee served at the book club. He could get used to Sophie’s coffee.
“Thanks.” He grabbed the canister of sugar near the window. As he picked up his spoon, someone sat down across from him.
Looking upwards, his face lit up despite him trying to muffle the smile tickling his cheeks. “Good morning.”
“Good morning,” Sophie grinned. “You made it.”
Stirring his coffee, he set the spoon down still smiling. “I told you I would.” She smirked, looking out the window. “You didn’t doubt me, did you?”
He watched as her hand pushed a strand of hair from her face while her gaze returned to him. “I have no reason to doubt you… yet.”
Seeing her bite the inside of her lip, he simpered. “Yet, huh? You sound pretty sure I’d give you a reason.”
“Mmm. This might be the best coffee I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a lot of coffee.”
“It’s taken me time but I’ve finally found the perfect coffee. Everyone seems to like it.”
He put his hands on the table wondering if she had any more sarcasm for him. Liam liked a woman with a sense of humor.
“How late are you working?”
“Why? Are you keeping tabs on me now?” Sophie glared at him with a slight grin.
Liam squinted, wondering if she was messing with him. “Maybe.”
“Normally, I try to leave by 3:30 so I can spend a little time with Zoey and Cam before I cook dinner. But today I want to leave by 2. After an early dinner, I promised them we would get our Christmas tree.” Sophie smiled.
“That’s great. I’m working for Kris at the tree lot this afternoon. I can help you guys out if you want me to.”
Candy stopped by with his breakfast, placing it in front of him. She turned to Sophie. “Sorry Sophie but Bobby needs your help.”
She nodded as Candy walked away. “I think that’s my cue. I guess I’ll see you at the tree lot this afternoon then?”
The smile was unavoidable. “You sure will.”
Sophie turned to leave. As he watched her, she turned around with a whimsical grin. She called out, “Bye”.
He beamed, straightening his shoulders and savoring the moment. As his stomach growled, he picked up his fork to eat. Shoveling his food in his mouth, he surveyed the cafe hoping for another glimpse of Sophie, but he didn’t see her again.
Walking through the door of the General Store at 8:30, Hank grumbled. “I thought you’d never get here. It’s going to be another busy day. I think I lost some business the past two days because I wasn’t able to keep up with all the customers.” He pursed his lips.
Full of energy despite Hank’s unhappy comment, Liam approached the service counter with a grin. “Hey Hank. You can rest assured I will be here every day possible until I leave town if you need me. As I said, I have to be at the tree lot at 5:00 and I help Noel a few days a week but only for a couple of hours.”
“Well, we can use the help.” He smirked at Liam. It was obvious Hank still didn’t trust the new guy in town.
“Alright, just tell me what you need me to do.” He propped his hand on the counter while Hank explained the basics to him.
At 5:00 he took his apron off and found Hank in the back storage room. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning, Hank.” He yelled from the doorway. “Francis is at the register and there’s only one customer looking around.”
Hank glanced at him and called out, “Thanks.”
Liam nodded and left.
As Liam crossed Twinkle Falls Lane, which closed down for the month due to community events, he looked as far as he could see. The street was lined with decorated Christmas trees and red and white candy canes. Booths were filled with holiday wares and games. With the colorful decorations, he couldn’t help feeling good about Christmas.
Liam had only just begun to realize what he’d been missing out on all these years. This was the kind of town he saw in movies that simply weren’t real.
He passed the sports complex and entered the tree lot from the entrance off of Church Road. The parking lot was already half full. As soon as Kris saw Liam, he waved him over.
“You got here just in time, Liam. It seems everyone decided to come at once.” He let out a hearty laugh. “Can you help these fine folks to the car with their tree?”
“You bet.” He pulled the gloves from his pockets and picked up the tree, carrying it for them.
A while later, most of the customers were merrily on their way with the tree of their choosing. He strolled in and out of the rows looking for anyone that needed help until he heard a familiar voice.
“Liam!” Cam grinned and made a beeline for him from the end of the row.
Liam gave him a cheery smile. “Hey, buddy. Don’t tell me you’re here to get a tree.”
“We are. Mom said we can bring it home tonight but we have to wait until tomorrow to—to decorate it. We have to go to bed early on school nights.” He looked disappointed.
“Ahh, I see.” He peeked behind Cam. “Hi Zoey.” She gave him a slight wave.
Turning to Sophie, their eyes met. “You made it.” He smiled, making the same remark she made to him at breakfast.
“Yes, I did. We did.”
“I’m glad. I think a tree will brighten your house.” He moved in step with Sophie as they followed Cam and Zoey through the rows of trees.
They no sooner rounded the corner of the next row when the kids ran to an eight foot blue spruce on the left. “This one, mommy!” they yelled in unison.
She looked at him with raised brows. Liam and Sophie eased closer and did a once around inspection. He leaned even closer to her. “It is a really nice tree. If you don’t buy it, I might have to.” He winked before stepping next to Cam.
