Winter Love Read online

  Copyright © 2020 by the Winter Love Collection authors

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  Contents

  Christmas with You by Kennedy Fox

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  About the Author

  Midnight Diamonds by Amelia Wilde

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  About the Author

  Merry Always by Nicole French

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  About the Author

  Snowflakes and Country Songs by Bethany Lopez

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  About the Author

  Mountain Melt by Alta Hensley

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  About the Author

  The King’s Wicked Christmas - Vivian Wood

  Author’s Note

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  About the Author

  Countdown to a Kiss by Piper Rayne

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  About the Author

  Holiday Dealmaker by Brighton Walsh

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  About the Author

  Christmas in Paris by SL Scott

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  About the Author

  Candied by Jenika Snow

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  About the Author

  The Secret Santa Crush by Lisa Suzanne

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  About the Author

  A Navy SEAL for Christmas by Zoe York

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  About the Author

  Chapter One

  SARAH

  The fresh Vermont air is something special this time of year. As I walk to my rental car, I realize how much I’ve missed it. Inhaling a deep breath, I take in my surroundings and smile at the decorated wreaths on the light poles.

  After six years of living in Chicago, it feels strange to be back home. My parents typically visit over Thanksgiving, but I had to work, so it would’ve been a wasted trip. Since we missed one big holiday together, I decided to fly home for the first time in six years since I have two weeks off for Christmas. My mom and dad love to participate in the town’s festivities, so I knew they wouldn’t want to miss out.

  During the hour drive from the airport, I sing along with the Christmas classics on the radio. When I finally make it to Snow Port and cruise through downtown, my eyes light up at the holiday displays in the shops. Everything about this place screams cute snowy town, and Santa is basically their local hero. Growing up here was amazing, and I didn’t want to move, but my career choice made that decision for me. Being a news anchor meant going wherever a job took me, even if it was hundreds of miles away.

  As much as the offer to work in a big city excited me, it meant leaving my parents and my first love behind. Cole Massen and I were in the same kindergarten class and started dating in high school, then through my college years. Everyone thought we’d get married, but after struggling to maintain our relationship over a long distance, we called it quits after six months.

  I haven’t seen or talked to him in over five years, but he’s crossed my mind dozens of times.

  There’s a good chance I’ll run into him, but I’m not sure if I’m fully prepared. My mom has kept me updated on everything about him and this town, not so subtly reminding me I can always move back and marry Cole. While she means well, real life doesn’t work like that. After all this time, we don’t know each other anymore.

  “Sarah!” my mom screeches from the porch as I step out of the car. The driveway looks recently plowed, which means I just missed a snowstorm.

  “Hi, Mom,” I greet with a beaming smile.

  My dad walks toward me. “Hey, kiddo. Let me grab your bags.”

  Though I’m twenty-eight, he’ll always call me that.

  “Hey, Dad,” I say as he wraps me into a hug.

  Mom follows and squeezes me next. “How was your flight, sweetie?”

  “Just fine, smooth and safe.”

  As the three of us walk toward the house, I realize how excited I am to be home. I grew up here, but since I moved away, they’ve been slowly updating things.

  “You finally get to meet Golden,” Mom tells me as we step into the kitchen.

  I snort. “I still can’t believe you named your Golden Retriever that.”

  “Your mother’s idea,” Dad whispers, snickering.

  “I’ve got coffee brewing and muffins in the oven,” Mom rattles on.

  “You didn’t have to make a fuss over me,” I tell her, but she quickly waves me off.

  “I’ll take your luggage to your room.”

  “Thanks, Dad.” I smile at him, then look around the house. “Wow, it looks great in here.”

  Kinda like Santa’s workshop threw up inside, but beautiful, nonetheless.

  Golden rushes toward me, and I kneel. “Well hey, girl.” I pet her while she licks my face. She’s only a few years old and still full of energy.

  Mom hands me a mug, and I go upstairs to unpack my bags before dinner. Though they’ve been remodeling, my bedroom looks like a time capsule. The first time I’d lived on my own was when I moved to Chicago. After I graduated at twenty-two, I worked a side job until I landed the news anchor position a year later.

  “Hey, kiddo. Settled in okay?”

  “Yeah, just fine. I can’t believe you guys kept my room the same.” I smile, looking at the lavender walls I painted when I was twelve.

  “Your mother
didn’t want to change anything. Thought it’d make you feel like we’d forgotten about you.”

  I give him a sad smile. “Of course not. So many memories in this place, though.”

  “I imagine so.” He grins, then thumbs over his shoulder. “I was told to let you know dinner’s ready.”

  We walk downstairs and chat about all the things they have planned this Christmas. I’m actually looking forward to it and need a break from my hectic schedule back in Chicago.

  “Mom, this smells delicious,” I say as I take my seat.

  “Pot roast with potatoes and carrots, your favorite!” she sing-songs.

  I can’t remember the last time I ate that. “You remembered.”

  “Of course, silly. You only requested it once a week since you were eight.”

  Once we say grace, we dive in, and they fill me in on what I’ve missed since we last chatted. It feels good to be with my parents again. I’ve missed them more than I realized.

  “I saw Cole’s mother at the market today,” Mom casually says halfway through dinner. “I told her you were flying home, and her whole face just lit up. You should stop in and say hello. She misses you too.”

  Though I know she means well, the disappointment in her tone isn’t lost on me. Cole and I were inseparable, which meant our families bonded as well. I know Mrs. Massen was devastated when we broke up.

  “Yeah, I’ll have to pop in and visit at some point,” I say softly. Not that it wouldn’t be weird or anything, no…not at all.

  After we finish eating, I help clear the table and rinse the dishes. Afterward, Mom catches me up on some of the town gossip, and I give Golden belly rubs. I wish I could have a dog at my apartment or hell, even the time to take care of one.

  At eight thirty, my parents say good night and kiss me on the cheek. They’re early risers and are in bed before the nine o’clock news.

  “I’m going to take Golden for a walk,” I tell them. “Grab a hot chocolate from the cafe. I’ve been craving one all day.”

  “Okay, sweetie. Be careful. It’s icy,” Mom warns.

  “I will.” I layer on my coat, hat, and scarf before grabbing the dog leash.

  Golden and I walk a few blocks to the town square, and I immediately smile at the memories that flood my mind. Christmas music plays, lights sparkle, and couples stroll hand in hand down the sidewalks.

  Fred & Wilma’s café, where I’m headed, has been around since I was a teen. One of the many perks of a small town means they allow dogs inside. Once I’m through the door, I feel as though I’ve walked into the past. Most of the wall décor remains the same, the familiar aroma of cinnamon and vanilla floats in the air, and the same friendly smile greets me at the counter.

  “Sarah Rose, is that you, honey?” Wilma rushes around and engulfs me in a hug.

  “It’s so good to see you.” I give her a grin. I’m surprised she’s working this late since she and Fred typically work the early morning rushes, or at least they used to. “You’re here late.”

  We break apart, and she straightens her apron, then pets Golden’s head. “One of the kiddos is sick, so I covered their shift. No biggie, though. Means I got to see you.” She acts like it’s perfectly fine, but I see the exhaustion in her eyes. “I can’t believe you’re back.”

  She moves behind the counter, and I frown. “I’m not back. Just visiting for the holidays.”

  “Well, I’m sure your parents are delighted to have you. Do you want your usual?”

  I tilt my head in amusement. “You seriously remember?”

  “Peppermint hot cocoa with extra whipped cream. How could I forget?” She smirks.

  We chat the few minutes it takes for her to make it and ring me up. It feels so comfortable and familiar; it’s like I never even left.

  “Now don’t be a stranger while you’re here,” she says.

  “Oh, I definitely won’t. You have the best drinks and snickerdoodles in town, Wilma. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.” I flash her a wink.

  “You’re too kind.”

  “C’mon, girl,” I tell Golden as she begs Wilma for a treat. “You have some at home.”

  “Oh, she knows the drill.” Wilma hands me a little piece of a cookie.

  I chuckle, then give it to her. “Thank you. See you later.”

  Spinning around, I nearly twist my ankle when I run into a hard body. Firm hands grip my elbows, keeping me upright to allow me to pull my cup away from my body just in time.

  “Whoa,” a deep voice echoes. The smooth baritone is one I haven’t heard in almost six years. “You okay?”

  Looking up, I meet intense green eyes, and neither of us blinks for what feels like an eternity. It’s not until Golden barks that we break apart.

  “Sarah,” he finally speaks. “You’re—”

  “Visiting,” I confirm. “Yes, for Christmas.”

  Cole Massen looks almost the same as he did the day I last saw him, but older and buffer. His facial hair is thicker but still neatly trimmed. His dark hair is longer, messier, and not as clean-cut as he used to keep it. But if there’s one noticeable difference, it’s his build. His biceps are nearly bursting out of his coat, and if my smacking into him is any indication, his chest is more muscular too.

  “Wow, that’s great.” He shoves his hands into his pockets as if he’s stopping himself from reaching out to me again. The tension in the air is so thick that I wouldn’t be surprised if Wilma feels it too. “I bet your folks are excited to see you.”

  “Yeah, they are. But mostly to show me all the updates they’ve done to the house because it looks different in person,” I say, chuckling nervously.

  “You look really great, by the way,” he beams, which causes me to blush. “I can tell the city life really suits you.”

  “Thank you,” I respond. “You too. Mom said you’re now Sheriff Massen now. Must be working out a lot then, huh?”

  He shrugs modestly. “Gotta do something between paper pushing and patrolling.”

  Before we can say another word, a woman barges into the cafe and immediately lights up when she spots Cole. She’s blond and busty—the opposite of me—and it takes me a second to find my bearings when Cole introduces us.

  “Sarah, this is Gretchen. Gretchen, this is Sarah. We grew up together.”

  Grew up together? We dated for years! What the hell?

  I blink hard, then realize Gretchen’s shoved her hand my way.

  “Lovely to meet you, Sarah.”

  Finally, I take it and smile. “You too.”

  “Did you order?” Gretchen asks Cole, looping her arm through his and removing the space between them. She looks at him as if he’s her whole world, and he smiles.

  Well, it’s official. I need to dig a six-foot-deep hole and fall into it so I can die from embarrassment.

  Of course, he’s not single after all this time. I moved away and have no right to be jealous. I should be happy he found someone. Cole’s handsome, has a great job, and is the kindest man I’ve ever known. Someone scooped him up, and based on her tight grip, she doesn’t plan to let him go.

  “Not yet,” he tells her.

  “Well, I should get home,” I stutter, sidestepping to get around them.

  “See you around,” Cole blurts out, but it sounds more like a question than a statement.

  “I’m here through New Year’s, and it’s a small town, so I’m sure we’ll run into each other again.” I shrug with a laugh.

  “Have a good night.”

  “Thanks, you too.”

  Finally, I escape into the cold night air and release a deep breath to calm my racing heart.

  Those same butterflies he used to give me came rushing back as soon as I saw him again, which is the last thing I need right now.

  Chapter Two

  COLE

  I thought my mind was playing tricks on me when I saw Sarah here. At least a million times, I’ve replayed what I’d say to her the first time I saw her again, but all those words left
me as soon as our eyes met. She looked beautiful, better than I remembered, and I almost had to pinch myself to make sure it was real.

  So many unspoken words streamed between us. Over the past six years, I’ve been tempted to reach out to her and tell her how much I missed her, but I didn’t want to make being away harder. So I busied myself with work and moved up the ranks. Of course, her mother kept her updated with my life, so it didn’t surprise me that she knew I’d been promoted to sheriff. Our parents are still close friends, so nothing stays secret. I wished I would've had more time to talk to her before Gretchen arrived, but I took it as a sign.