Page 28 of This Christmas

“I’m just doing my job.”

Corey frowned. “Yeah? Well, my job is making sure my customers feel safe. You’re making them uncomfortable. This is private property, and I think it’s time for you to leave.”

Corey’s brother, Carter, was watching from the counter and called over, “You want me to call the police?”

The bell chimed again, and, as if on cue, the door opened to reveal two officers stepping inside.

“Speak of the devil,” Carter muttered.

Aiden’s gaze immediately went to Ally and Charlotte. His jaw tightened after seeing them holding onto one another tightly. “Is everything okay here?”

She had met Aiden on several occasions in the past. He was not only the law in Pride, he was a good friend of Juliette’s.

Peterson straightened, clearly realizing he was outnumbered. “Fine,” he said, his fake calm cracking at the edges. “I’m just leaving.”

He grabbed his coat and strode out without another word. The moment the door shut, Ally exhaled shakily.

Aiden came over to them and rested a reassuring hand on the table. “Are you all right, both of you?”

She nodded, though her pulse was still racing. “Yeah. I guess we were just startled.”

Charlotte leaned against her side. “It was that mean man again, Mama.”

“Again?” Aiden asked, looking toward the door, then nodded toward Nick, who followed Peterson outside while Corey crouched beside the booth.

“You don’t worry about him, kiddo. He’s not welcome in here again,” he said in a soft tone.

Ally managed a small, grateful smile. “Thank you.”

Aiden stayed long enough to eat a few slices as the pizzeria filled up for lunch. People around them were going about their normal day while she sat worrying. Even Charlotte seemed to relax and enjoy the meal as she chatted about her letter to Santa, which they had just dropped off in the big red mailbox that sat outside of Town Hall.

They were just about to leave when she spotted Joe’s car pulling up outside.

She didn’t want to admit it, but her heart did several jumps in her chest at seeing him step out of the car. She saw him stop and talk to Aiden as he was leaving.

They seemed on good terms. How did Joe know him? Had they talked before? Her curiosity got the better of her and, since they were done eating, she quickly got Charlotte ready to leave just as Joe headed into the Brew-Ha-Ha across the street.

“Hey,” she called out a little breathless as she dragged her daughter to catch him in time.

He turned and gave her a smile. He seemed unsurprised to see her.

“Hey.” His smile was quick and had her heart racing for different reasons. “Hey, Charlotte.” He crouched a little. “Have you taken any more pictures?”

“No, it’s too cold. Mama says we might go out later today and walk to see the horses. My uncle Nate is taking care of them in the barn.”

He nodded and chatted with her about the two horses her brother and sister-in-law had on the property.

“I was just heading in for a cup.” He motioned to the coffee shop and glanced back. “How about you come in and I’ll buy you a cup of hot chocolate and your mama some coffee?”

Charlotte glanced up at her. “Mama?”

“Sure,” she nodded, wanting desperately for a moment to talk to Joe alone. Maybe she could convince Charlotte to go read a book in the children’s section for a few moments?

Inside the Brew-Ha-Ha, warmth and the rich scent of roasted beans hit her quickly. The windows were fogged slightly from the contrast of the warmth inside and the cold outside. There was soft Christmas music playing from the speakers, which reminded her that she still had shopping to do for her sister and brother-in-law. Charlotte’s pink hat was dusted with snowflakes, and her cheeks glowed pink.

Faye smiled at her while making a coffee and signed that she’d be right over with hot chocolate and to get their coffee order.

She noticed that her sister’s eyes landed on Joe for a moment before turning away.