A Goblin for Christmas: A Cozy Slice-of-Life Holiday Romance for Men (Romance 4 Men - Fantastic Love) by Peter North

Author:Peter North [North, Peter]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-12-20T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Cocoa and Marshmallows

After securing the hole in the cellar with sturdy boards, Aiden stood back to survey his handiwork. The satisfaction of completing his first project in the cabin washed over him. Even with the brighter flashlight he’d bought at the hardware store, Aiden hadn’t seen any sign of rats or other animals living in the tunnel, but he set a baited trap inside before boarding it up as well as two alongside the wall next to the makeshift door. It was a small task, but it was one of the first steps in the beginning of his journey toward making the cabin truly his own.

Especially given the possibility of trespassers on his property, it felt good to have the cellar safely sealed and secure.

Feeling a chill from his time in the basement, Aiden decided to warm up with something comforting. He made his way to the kitchen to prepare a cup of hot cocoa—a treat he hadn't indulged in for years, having given it up for black coffee once he was an adult.

On a whim, he’d purchased a mason jar layered with powdered milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and marshmallows, which Albert Jennings had proudly told Aiden that his granddaughter had made for a fundraiser at school.

Aiden had always had a weakness for hot cocoa—though he had broken himself of the habit in college after getting teased by his peers.

To hell with them, he thought, pulling the mason jar from the cupboard where he’d stashed it, still half-ashamed of the childish treat. This is my life, and I want cocoa. With marshmallows. With extra marshmallows.

While Aiden had never made the drink from scratch before, a quick glance at the little hand-written label had told him he could probably handle this kind of cooking. He warmed a pot of water on the stove, watching as it began to steam, then whisked in the ingredients from the jar, setting the marshmallows aside for later. Soon, the rich, chocolatey aroma filled the kitchen, stirring memories of childhood winters. Some of the few happy memories he had of the winter season.

Aiden had always loved his cocoa with marshmallows, but as a kid, he only had access to the prepackaged kind with tiny, dehydrated nuggets that dissolved into nothingness. Now, as he added a handful of plump mini marshmallows to the top of his drink, he felt a childlike joy. This was the way hot cocoa was meant to be enjoyed—rich, warm, and topped with marshmallows that melted into a sweet, creamy layer.

Cup in hand, Aiden moved to the living room and settled into a comfortable chair by the fire. The flames crackled and danced, casting a warm glow throughout the room. He took a sip of his cocoa, the heat and sweetness a perfect counter to the cold outside.

As Aiden sat there, savoring his drink and the warmth of the fire, he looked around at his cabin. It was simple, furnished with the basics—a sofa, a couple of chairs, a small dining table, and the few items he had brought with him.

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