Saving Noel

Epilogue

Benjamin- 1 Year Later 

Benjamin opened the back door to A Cuppa Cheer, dropped his bag onto a chair, and headed out to the front. The air was heavy with spice and coffee, and as always, he paused to draw in a deep breath while flattening his palms against the sparkling counter top.

Rolling up the sleeves of his red sweater, he flipped on the lights in the bakery display and grabbed the beans for the hopper. They sounded like rain falling from the bag, rattling down into the bin until it was filled to the top. Tossing the now empty bag into the trash with one hand, he used the other to remove the pitchers the wands were soaking in.

"Oh, almost forgot," he muttered, bending down to the radio. With a small twist, Christmas music filled the cafe, and he found himself humming along with the merry song.

He was pulling his first test shot when the front door jingled open. "Hey boss," Gerrie called. Holly sat on her hip, only the tops of her tan cheeks and dark eyes visible through the scarf wrapped around her head.

Benjamin set the shot down and hurried to her side. The toddler reached for him with a giggle, and she snuggled into him while Gerrie shed her coat and gloves. "Hello angel," he said, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

"Ben Ben," the little girl shouted before squirming to get down. "Tree!"

"How quickly they grow tired of us," he quipped, following her to the Christmas tree by the fireplace. The lights flared to life- a rainbow of Christmas magic around the deep green boughs. Holly waited expectantly. He pressed the button that made them twinkle and she clapped.

"At least she hugged you. This morning I had to chase her all over the house because she didn't want to wear her boots."

"I don't like boots either," he confessed.

"I would've thought you'd be more civilized these days." Gerrie finished pulling the shots. Satisfied with the length of the pull, she put the portafilter back beneath the tamper and pressed the button to grind the beans. "Having a woman in your life is supposed to do that."

Benjamin laughed so hard the tray in his hand shook as he slid it out to load the pastries on it. He set two danishes aside. On second thought, he grabbed a third. "That might be true if said woman was also civilized. She spends all day on her feet. She doesn't like shoes much either."

"Well, you two are just going to have to suck it up. Winter has finally arrived out there. That snow the weatherman was talking about is going to be here tonight, not tomorrow."

Despite the talk of the cold, Benjamin warmed at the thought. Over the last few months, he and Noel had become ships passing in the night. Her late hours at the hospital and his early hours at the shop made things complicated, but as soon as the snow rolled in, he had plans to put a stop to that- at least for a little while.

The doors would be locked. The fireplace would be lit, and he'd make the same sandwiches and lattes he made that first day she stayed with him. A goofy grin spread across his face. He might even cut the power.

"Wipe that smirk off your face," Gerrie grunted, shoving two lattes into his hand. Chocolate and peppermint wafted up to him. "I heated up the danishes while you were daydreaming over there. Best take them upstairs before they're cold. Holly and I can finish opening up the place."

"Thanks, Gerrie- oh, and I forgot to ask. Did you get the guest list finalized? I know it's Christmas day and all, but I really want everyone to be there."

Gerrie threw the towel at him. "You asked me that yesterday. Worry wart."

"She's never had a birthday party before. This will be her first. It was always just her and her mom on Christmas morning. And last year, I was still in the hospital."