A Curvy Coldwater Christmas by Jenn Roseton
Kate Richmond surveyed the few remaining loaves of bread with satisfaction. Ever since she’d opened her little bakery in Coldwater Springs six months ago, her artisan loaves had sold out almost as fast as she could make them.
A native of Chicago, she’d finally had enough of the big city and her demanding career as a pastry chef in an award-wining restaurant there, and had decided to move somewhere with a slower pace of life.
Although she was an only child, she wasn’t particularly close with her parents. She got on well enough with them, but after a lifetime in upper middle-management, her folks were now enjoying a well-earned retirement almost continuously cruising the world.
Looking out of the window of her small shop, Kate saw people scurrying in and out of the cold, dodging the occasional snow flurry. She smiled, relaxing on the stool behind the counter, grateful for the lull. Although it was just after lunch, the bakery had traded briskly all morning.
Her gaze flickered to a tall man who looked to be in his mid-thirties striding along the pavement. Was it Flynn, Cade Winters’ cousin? No, she didn’t think so. Disappointment washed over her.
Flynn Winters. Every time she thought of him, her cheeks burned. She didn’t know whether it was his tall, sturdy muscular frame, his shock of dark brown hair, or his brown eyes flecked with gold that made her stomach flutter whenever she saw him. Or maybe it was all his features combined in a ruggedly handsome face. Not only was she attracted to him physically, but he also seemed like a nice guy.
Not that he’d ever find out about her feelings for him …
The bell tinkled over the door and a woman in a pale blue, quilted parka rushed in. “Hi, Kate.”
“Hi, Sarah.” She waited while her friend shrugged back her parka hood. “What can I do for you?”
Sarah’s eyes twinkled. “It’s what I can do for you.”
Not long after Kate had arrived in Coldwater Springs, she’d met Sarah. The curvy brunette had taken her under her wing and introduced Kate to her own friends - Cassie, Emma, and Sarah’s cousin Libby. Now Kate had four girlfriends she knew she could count on, as well as have fun with.
Kate smiled at her friend’s enthusiasm. “What’s that?”
“How would you like to be Mrs. Claus in the Christmas parade?” Sarah looked hopeful.
“What? I thought Mrs. James was playing Mrs. Claus.” She frowned. Mrs. James was a fifty-year-old matron who’d played the role for the last ten years. Her husband played Santa.
She didn’t know whether to feel insulted or excited that Sarah had asked her to fill in as Mrs. Claus. Well, she guessed she wouldn’t need much padding to fill out the costume.
At twenty-nine, she had a generous, curvy figure that she’d always thought would look so much better on her if she was a lot taller. Like Flynn. Instead, her curves always made her question whether she should have one more morsel, one more bite of her delicious bread and pastries. At times, she couldn’t avoid sampling her own baking - she had to make sure it tasted how it should. But it was all too easy to indulge in one of her yummy treats when she knew she really shouldn’t.
“Flu.” Sarah scrunched up her face. “Unfortunately, it’s going around. I’d volunteer to play the part myself, but Chase put his foot down.” She patted her stomach, hard to discern underneath the bulky coat. “He says I should be putting my feet up 24/7, even though I’m not due for another four months.” She shook her head. “I don’t know how I persuaded him to be okay with me organizing the parade.” A beatific expression crossed her face. “Oh, yeah, I do.”
Kate hid a grin. Sarah and Chase were so in love with each other, it was ridiculous. In fact, all her friends seemed to have blissfully happy marriages. But would she ever find the right guy and fall in love with him? Her expression sobered. Even if she did, there was no guarantee that this mythical guy - okay, maybe Flynn Winters - would return her feelings.
“Have you decided on a name yet?” she asked.
“No,” Sarah replied. “We looked through a baby name book, but I think that made it even harder to choose. We’ve decided to wait until the baby is born, and then see if a name on our shortlist will suit him or her.” She sighed. “It’s a long shortlist, though.”
Kate made a sympathetic face. “Have you got time for a hot chocolate?” She held up a mug.
“No.” Sarah looked regretful, then clambered onto a stool next to the counter. “All I want to do is get home and put my feet up. I hate to admit it, but maybe Chase is right.” She dug in her purse and pulled out a notebook. “So, what are you doing on December twenty-third?”