A Kiss in the Snow (Kindle Single) (Fool's Gold) Read Online Free PDF Page A

couple. “Hey, you two. Shopping for Christmas?”
    The woman nodded. “We’re just looking at some of the handmade things.” She turned to Nancee and frowned slightly. “I know you. I know you. OMG! Nancee Smith? Is that you? I’m Madeline Krug.” Madeline laughed. “Or I was. I’m Madeline Blaze now. You’re here! Gladys said something but wasn’t sure if or when and here you are!”
    Nancee found herself being hugged, which was really nice. She and Madeline had hung out when they’d been teenagers. They’d always gotten along.
    “Welcome home,” Madeline said.
    “Thanks. It’s fun being back.”
    Madeline released her, then linked arms with the man next to her. “My husband, Jonny.” She turned to him. “Nancee spent a few summers here with her great-aunt Gladys.”
    Jonny shook her hand.
    Nancee found herself reeling slightly. Not only was the Madeline meeting unexpected but, despite everyone’s calm demeanor, it seemed that, yes, her husband really was Jonny Blaze.
    “How long have you two been married?”
    “Just a few months.” Madeline gave a little bounce. “I’m pregnant.” She clapped her hands together. “Two months. I know, I know, I shouldn’t say anything yet, but I can’t help myself.”
    “Congratulations,” Nancee told her.
    Shep hugged her. “I know you’re going to be a great mom.” He and Jonny shook hands. “Nervous?”
    Jonny grinned. “You know it. But I’m over the moon.”
    They chatted for a few more minutes. As they said goodbye, Madeline promised to be in touch.
    “They’re a great couple,” Shep said.
    “How do you know them?”
    “Jonny’s done some volunteer work with the search and rescue teams. We became friends. He has a big ranch outside of town. I bought some land from him for my house.”
    They turned down another aisle. There were people all around and the sound of holiday songs. Still, all Nancee heard was a weird buzzing sound as her mind reeled with the new information.
    “You bought land?” she asked. “For a house?”
    “Uh-huh.”
    “Because you’re really staying here?”
    “That’s the plan.” He pointed. “What about that one?”
    She turned and saw a beautiful polar bear carved out of pale wood. The work was exquisite, as if the small animal were going to come to life. But the beauty of the piece couldn’t distract her from what Shep had said.
    He had a house. Here. A house implied permanence—at least for a man who had always been moving.
    She wanted to ask him a thousand questions. She wanted to let herself believe that he really was different. That it was okay now—that he wouldn’t leave her again. But she was so afraid. What if he’d been wrong before? What if he really had been leaving her? She couldn’t get hurt by him again. She couldn’t allow herself to trust him. They were going to just be friends. She would be safer that way.
    She bought the polar bear and a few minutes later found a beautiful handmade lap quilt for Gladys. They continued to walk around the event and found themselves at the animal adoption. A large fluffy cat with tiger stripes on his face caught her attention. For a second, her chest tightened. Without warning tears filled her eyes, and she had to look away.
    “What’s wrong?” Shep asked.
    She shook her head and walked quickly toward the exit. He followed.
    “Nancee?”
    “That cat looks like Calvin. I miss him so much.”
    “The cat your boyfriend kept?”
    “Ex-boyfriend and yes. Technically Sean is the one who adopted him.”
    “So take him back.”
    “I can’t walk into his house and take the cat.”
    “That’s the lawyer in you talking. What’s Sean going to do? Physically stand in your way?”
    “I don’t know. I’ve sent him a few emails. To be honest, I can’t force him to do anything. Not legally.” She looked back at the cats in the adoption area. “And before you ask, I don’t want a substitute. I want Calvin.”
    “I’m sorry.”
    “Thanks.” She held