A Merry Bramble Christmas by C.J. Carmichael

Author:C.J. Carmichael
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance
Publisher: The Tule Publishing Group, LLC
Published: 2023-11-21T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

The next morning Candace didn’t want to wait for breakfast before getting on the road.

“I’ll just stop at a Starbucks for a latte,” she said, zipping closed her overnight bag and heading out the bedroom door.

Gemma followed her down the stairs. “Mom, you’ll have to drive for hours before you find a Starbucks.”

“Your daughter is right,” said Amy, passing through with a tray of dirty mugs and glasses. “Do you have a travel cup?”

“Yes. In my car.”

“We can make you a latte here,” Amy said. “How many espresso shots?”

“Mom takes two,” Gemma said. “Give me your keys, Mom, and I’ll run to your car for the cup.”

Ten minutes later, after a hug from her daughter, Candace was on the road with a steaming latte and two homemade cranberry walnut muffins.

Settled in her usual chair at the breakfast table, Gemma realized she felt better for her mother’s visit. Taking responsibility for the canceled wedding, making those calls, and committing to paying off the outstanding bills, had taken a weight off her heart. She still felt badly about Josh, of course. But the huge pressure from the wedding was gone. Even better, she’d actually enjoyed the time with her mother. The dinner at the Graff, then playing Trivial Pursuit with the Caraways. Things would never be easy with her mom—they were too different for that. But Gemma thought they understood each other better, and that was progress.

Oliver came to the table just as Amy and Chet were serving the quiche Lorraine and fruit salad. About a minute later, Kris arrived and took his seat.

“Your mom left already?” Oliver asked.

She noticed he hadn’t combed his hair that morning or shaved. The slightly scruffy look suited him, but she doubted he realized that. More likely he’d just had a bad sleep.

“Yes. It’s a long drive. She wanted an early start.”

“Well, Candace sure kicked our butts last night—you both did.” Kris chuckled. “I wonder what game the Caraways are going to be playing tonight?”

“I hope it isn’t poker,” Gemma said.

Oliver hooted. “I can totally see Viola winning with a bluff every time.”

“What is everyone up to today?” Amy asked.

Gemma automatically glanced at Oliver, then quickly away. “I’m not sure. I might go snowshoeing again. That was good exercise.”

“Just so you know, Chet and I will be out most of the afternoon. We’re volunteering at the fire department’s annual bazaar and bake sale. They’re raising money for a new fire engine.”

“Did you say fire department?” Oliver asked.

Something in his tone gave Gemma pause. What was bothering him? But then Amy was speaking again.

“Yes, it’s at the rec center from two until four. Chet has made some adorable birdhouses to sell, and Kris has kindly donated four dozen of his delicious cookies.”

“If you’d let me use your kitchen, I’d like to bake something, too.” Gemma’s muscles were sore after yesterday’s snowshoe and a few hours in the kitchen sounded like fun. “Is it too late?”

“Not as long as you get your baking to the rec center by two,” Amy said.

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