Friday Romance: Christmas Brunch (Part 1 of 4)
To bring everyone together for the holidays, Jennifer had invited the whole family to stay at her home, and even made the declaration that she'd prepare brunch for everyone on Christmas Eve morning…
Jennifer entered the grocery store as the sun was setting behind the mountains. A last-minute visit, and one she was trying to avoid, for eggs and orange juice. Her family, mother and father, along with her brother and his children, were arriving first thing in the morning (assuming their flight remained on time).
To bring everyone together for the holidays, Jennifer had invited the whole family to stay at her home, and even made the declaration that she’d prepare brunch for everyone on Christmas Eve morning.
Within all the planning it took to make sure her home, a modest ranch with a guest room (for her parents) and a living room with a couch (for her brother) and space for his kids to “camp out” would be the bed-and-breakfast of a lifetime, if only she could get everything in order.
As she perused the aisles for anything else she might need, she noticed a man setting up garland by the soup cans. He had a beard down to his shirt collar and his dark hair, cut short on the sides, slicked back. He turned to her and waved. Did they know each other?
“Hello,” she said, walking toward him. “I have an odd question.”
“Those are my favorite kind,” he replied. He ripped a piece of tape and stuck it over the garland.
“Wonderful job,” she said. “I come here all the time and haven’t seen you. Are you new?”
“Something like that. I’m visiting for the holidays and noticed there weren’t any decorations up. The shop owners used to do such a wonderful job. I wanted to pay it forward, if you will, and bring back some of the holiday cheer they showed me. Luckily, there’s a Christmas store in this plaza so I could stock up. I’ve been working on this all day, hoping I can finish it all before Christmas Eve.”
“Well, you’re doing great.”
“What was your question?”
“Are you sure you have time?”
He smiled and tore off another piece of tape.
“Of course,” he replied. “If it’s related to the location of something, I’m not sure how helpful I can be. They seemed to have moved everything around since I left.” He shrugged.
“I know my way around the store. I was wondering if you had any ideas for a Christmas themed brunch. Since you’re clearly in the holiday spirit. I bet you love caroling, too.”
“I’m not much of a singer. Holiday treats, on the other hand, I’m quite good at. Gingerbread cookies would be a great place to start.” He tapped his chin. “I noticed a mix in the aisle next to us.”
“That’s a wonderful idea. Can I ask one more question?”
“What’s that?”
“Where do I know you from?”
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The sequel to The Centennial Courtship (The Centennial Engagement) is available on Kindle! Get it today
I hope you’re excited to visit Brooks Landing during the holidays.
If you haven’t visited my Amazon Author Page lately, it’s been updated with my Kindle Vella series! The Centennial Engagement is COMPLETE on Kindle Vella. Check it out and look out for the eBook version coming to Amazon soon!
More Friday Romance Stories:
Coffee Pot Conversations:
The Centennial Engagement (The Centennial Series Book 2)
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 Courtship (Book 1) is also available on Smashwords and Nook.