Melodies and Mistletoe by Kasey Stockton

Author:Kasey Stockton [Stockton, Kasey]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Golden Owl Press

Hailey waited on the sidewalk for the teacher to open the door and let the kids out. It was the final day of school and Christmas vacation was about to begin for Kendra. Until they returned later that evening for the Christmas concert, of course.

Hailey had just the perfect thing in mind to celebrate.

If Amber and Luis chose to keep their house mostly minimalist during the holidays, that was their choice, and she didn’t judge them. But Hailey knew there were ways to feel the magic of Christmas without a train around the tree skirt or festive nutcrackers lining the hearth.

And it would start with the biggest tree in New York City.

The front door opened, and the kindergarten teacher stood there, scanning the crowd of waiting parents, grandparents, and nannies. She started sending kids out one at a time to their guardians and eventually made it to Kendra, who hopped down the steps in her tan pants and white polo shirt, covered in a navy sweater and a thick coat. Her cheeks were rosy from the chilly winter air, and her backpack bounced as she walked. “Can we go get hot chocolate at the Corner Bakery?” she asked the moment she reached Hailey, taking her hand.

“No, but I have a feeling you’re going to forgive me.”

“Why?”’

“Because I have an even better surprise planned.”

Kendra grinned all the way to the subway station, guessing every possible treat in Manhattan except for the one they were headed toward. By the time they arrived on the sidewalk outside of Magnolia Bakery, Kendra was stumped. But she took one look at the frosted windows and squealed.

“Cupcakes!”

“Yes!” Hailey clapped her gloved hands together. “Or cheesecake. Or a cookie. Whatever your little heart fancies.”

Kendra threw her little arms around Hailey’s waist. They stepped inside the bakery, the warmth wrapping them in the cozy scent of baked goods. Lining up together, they discussed the treats through the glass display case, purchased their cupcakes, and took them back outside.

Hailey turned to her little charge. “Want to go see the big tree?”

“Yes!”

They made their way toward Rockefeller center, finding a bench free of tourists where they could plant themselves while they ate their cupcakes and took in the majesty of the tree.

“Are you excited for your concert tonight?” Hailey asked before taking a bite of her chocolate cupcake.

“Yeah, I guess so.”

Well, Kendra definitely didn’t have the drive for attention or feed off the thrill of performing like Hailey had as a child. Which was fine. The girl was clearly going to grow up to be an insect scientist. That was probably a thing.

“Did you know my Uncle Ryan doesn’t have a Christmas tree? I think that’s really sad.” Kendra’s gaze was fixed on the giant tree in front of them, every square inch covered in lights. It shined better at night, of course, but this felt safer.

Hailey licked the frosting from her thumb. “I did know that. I was there when he told you.”

“Why do you think he hasn’t gotten a tree?” Her voice lowered.

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