Christmas In July: Staying Warm
Samantha creaked down the steps. She knew her boyfriend Mark had already made his way downstairs. It wasn't often that she woke up after him. For him to wake up so early on Christmas morning meant...
Samantha creaked down the steps. She knew her boyfriend Mark had already made his way downstairs. It wasn't often that she woke up after him. For him to wake up so early on Christmas morning meant only one thing...
He was up to something.
She entered the living room and her eyes grew wide. The night before, they'd each placed their gifts for one another. The tree they’d decorated together, adorned with ornaments acquired throughout both of their lives, had danced in her head as she went to sleep. Mark had placed a giftbag, and a present wrapped in holiday paper, which she suspected to be a bottle of wine underneath the tree. Since last night, her gifts had doubled! What did Mark have in store?
"Good morning," said Mark. "How did you sleep?"
"I don't know that I would've slept at all had I known what you were planning," she replied. "What's this?"
“Oh, nothing.” He smirked. “Take a seat. Which one do you want to open first?”
“Open? First? It’s Christmas morning. We need the music playing and hot chocolate in our holiday mugs.”
“You’re absolutely right. My mind must’ve been on something else.”
What was he planning?
Samantha and Mark met at a bar for their first day. Christmas decorations lined the counter, tinsel hung above the liquor bottles. They’d met on a dating app, and after a month of talking, she felt comfortable enough to meet up.
The night had been especially cold. She’d lost her scarf the week before when out with friends. Mark must’ve noticed she was hesitant to walk outside after their date ended.
“Here,” he’d said. “Take my scarf.”
Since then, she’d worn his scarf whenever going out. It felt like no matter where she was, a part of him was always with her.
After making the hot chocolate, Samantha handed a mug to her boyfriend. A holiday classic played on the stereo. She nestled down on the couch, the mug warming her hands.
“Which do I choose?” she asked. “How about that one?” She pointed to one of the new giftbags underneath the tree.
“Are you sure you want to start with that one?” he asked.
She nodded.
Mark placed the giftbag beside her. Her heart fluttered. What could be inside? She placed her mug on the side table and dug into the bag. Red and green tissue paper obstructed her view. What was it?
“A scarf!” She grinned.
“Be careful when you pull it out.”
“Oh?” She slowly pulled it out of the bag.
“Now, slowly unfold it.”
“What are you up to?”
She unfolded the scarf. He eyes grew wide. Placed into the scarf was a stunning diamond ring.
“Samantha… Ever since I handed you my scarf, I knew your neck was cold.” He smiled, his big cheesy grin. “I knew you were special. I knew I wanted to keep you warm. Samantha, will you marry me?”
“Yes!”
Did you guess the surprise in story for Samantha?
Thank you for reading this entry in Christmas In July (Friday Romance edition). Do you know anyone who celebrates this holiday during the summer? Consider sharing this story with them.
Have you heard? The residents of Brooks Landing are back for another harrowing mystery. Join Abigail, Colin, Hunter, and a returning resident, in The Centennial Wedding on Kindle Vella.
This story will be made available on Kindle December 1st! (Which is a lot closer to Christmas)
Find love on Kindle. The Centennial Courtship is now just 99 cents! Grab a copy for Kindle or Nook (it’s also an easy way to show your support for my writing).
Abigail Bloom's life is thrown into a sweeping romance when a new deputy rolls into the small town of Brooks Landing, but when her ex-husband enters back into her life, she's unsure if she can hold onto her new chance at true love. A break-in in the small town causes Abigail's ex to suspect the new deputy - Can she trust her new love interest or is he using her as an alibi?
Book a room at the bed-and-breakfast and return to Brooks Landing during the holidays. Abigail and Hunter's relationship continues to grow, but are they ready to make the next step? Meanwhile, Colin finds himself in a blooming love triangle. Unfortunately for Hunter, and Colin, their love lives are uprooted when the neighboring town of Peak Creek calls on the help of Officer Robinson (and his crime-stopping partner Colin Bloom) to solve a mystery once again-This time before Christmas.
The Centennial Wedding (available on Kindle Vella):
Abigail and Hunter are looking forward to their wedding, and so is the rest of Brooks Landing. When a friend offers his cottage for the weekend, they jump at the chance to enjoy a break from all the planning. Unfortunately, news of a housefire cuts their trip short. Was it an accident? Who is responsible? Colin, Faith, and George welcome the couple to stay at Carver House until their home repairs can be completed. Will Hunter solve the case before their wedding day?
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