Mistletoe and Fire Glow: A Holiday Romance Short Story by Nicole R. Locker

Author:Nicole R. Locker
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: short story, sweet, happily ever after, clean romance, holiday romance, hopeful, third person pov

Chapter 4

Jake and Marta’s home was covered from one end to the other in tinsel, garland, candles, and snacks of various sweet and savory varieties. A fire was blazing in the fireplace, radiating warmth throughout the large living room as their friends made their way in from the cold, some in twos and some, like Cordi, alone.

When Cordi entered the front door, she took in the scents of cinnamon and warm pastries, taking in a deep breath to let the comforting aromas fill her. She shrugged out of her coat and winter scarf, handing them to Jake as she greeted him with a nod and a smile, which he returned.

She loved this time of year. It had a sort of sweet sadness to it. She was surrounded by friends and family and all the beauty that Christmas held. But still, she couldn’t shake that all-too-familiar feeling of being alone. She found that with each passing year, her hope was waning. She never thought she would be that girl who, at thirty-two, was still single. No husband or companion to kiss beneath the mistletoe. No laughter of children to spread the Christmas cheer with.

She walked around the party, maneuvering between the other guests who stood conversing, holding their flutes of champagne. She found Marta, and shimmied up to her as Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree played softly in the background.

“Your party is beautiful, Marta. I love what you’ve done with the place,” Cordi said to her friend as she smiled and they hugged.

“You made it! When did you get here?” Marta squealed in excitement before handing Cordi her own bubbly glass.

“Just now. Don’t act so surprised! I told you I would come, didn’t I?” Cordi said as she took the glass and brought it to her lips for a sip.

“Yes, but I had my doubts.” Marta said with a raised brow. She shook her head and waved the thought away to segue into a new topic. “I have a surprise for you!”

“What? What kind of surprise?” Cordi asked, feeling guilty that she hadn’t brought a gift for Marta, as well, if Marta had gotten her something.

“Keep an open mind, okay? It’s a guy.” Marta took Cordi by the elbow and pulled her around to face the crowd that had accumulated in her living room and throughout her home. She looked around, checking to see if Graham had arrived yet.

“A guy? Haven’t you already tried to set me up once this week? We both know how that turned out,” Marta said, the skepticism evident in her voice.

“I know, I know, but just give it a chance. I talked to Graham a couple of nights ago, and he said he felt like a jerk for standing you up and wanted a do-over.”

Cordi didn’t utter a word, but gave her friend an unamused glare.

“I know what you’re thinking, but trust me. I wouldn’t have went to all this trouble to set you two up in the first place if I didn’t think you two would really like each other,” Marta explained in defense.

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