A Cold Creek Christmas Story. RaeAnne Thayne

was one thing in the abstract to know people enjoyed her work. It was something else entirely to watch someone reading it—surreal and gratifying and a bit uncomfortable at the same time.

      “I’m glad you think so.”

      Olivia finally seemed to register that she had on her coat. “Do you really have to go?”

      “I’m afraid so. I have to take Linus home or Lucy will be lonely.”

      To her surprise, Olivia set aside the book, climbed down from the window seat and approached to give her one last hug.

      “Thank you again for the books and for the stuffed animal,” she said. “It was the best birthday ever—and I haven’t even had it yet!”

      “I’m so glad.”

      “Goodbye, Linus,” Olivia said. She knelt down to scratch the Yorkie again and Linus obliged by licking her face, which made her giggle.

      When Celeste turned to go, she found Flynn shaking his head with astonishment clear on his handsome features. She remembered what he had said about Olivia not warming to many people since her mother’s death, and she was deeply grateful she had made the small effort to come visit the girl.

      “I hope we see you again,” he said.

      Oh, how she wished he meant for his sake and not for his daughter’s. “I’m sure you will. Pine Gulch is a small place. Good night.”

      She walked out into the snowy December night. Only when she was halfway back to the Star N did she realize she didn’t feel the cold at all.