Chapter One
Twenty Years Later
CHRISTMAS HUNG IN THE air like the promise of something wonderful.
Landon could smell it all around him as he walked down Main Street with his older brother, Caleb.
Grabbing a smoothie before the workday began was always a good idea.
As they walked into the smoothie shop, decorative pine wreaths hung on the door and the smell of peppermint permeated the air.
A small Christmas tree sat in the corner of the shop, decked out with all the trimmings.
The low hum of holiday music flowed through the speakers.
He tapped his foot to the beats of Donny Hathaway crooning “This Christmas,” one of his personal favorites.
Yes indeed, he thought, Christmas was coming. Soon there would be nothing but tinsel, Yule logs, festively wrapped presents, and the strains of Mariah Carey’s most famous song—“All I Want for Christmas Is You.” And he was here for it—Christmas oozing from every shop window and home in Moose Falls.
The quaint Alaskan town was located on Kachemak Bay in the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula.
Although fishing had been one of the town’s main industries for generations, Yukon Cider, the hard cider company created by his grandmother, had become a hot commodity with customers, tourists, and the townsfolk.
This time of year the downtown area was booming with tourists who stayed at the local inns and sought out an authentic Alaskan holiday experience.
“We’ve barely gotten past Thanksgiving,” Caleb grumbled. “Let’s slow it down a little bit. I want to enjoy my pumpkin phase, thank you very much.” His lip stuck out in a dramatic pout.
Landon grinned. It wasn’t a secret in his family that he loved Christmas more than most people.
It was the time of year when good cheer and happiness were in abundance.
His philosophy was to bring on the festive season rather than slow it down.
Full speed ahead as far as he was concerned.
“Yeah, you know how that works. Christmas is the happiest time of the year, and folks just want to embrace it. It’s called joy, Caleb. Pure, unadulterated joy.”
His brother twisted his mouth and scrunched up his nose.
It did nothing to mar his classic good looks.
Caleb’s chiseled facial features and pearly-white smile had captivated women all over the globe.
Now his brother was a one-woman man. Hopelessly devoted to Sophia, a beautiful single mother who was a brilliant photographer currently employed at Yukon Cider.
Their first official meet-cute had happened when they’d gotten locked in Hattie’s attic during Xavier’s engagement party to his wife, True.
Spirited and stunning, True had met Xavier at the tavern she now owned, Northern Exposure.
“In my book it’s called rushing the season when we should be savoring the last moments of fall. It isn’t even December yet,” Caleb said, scowling the same way he’d done when they were kids.
Landon shook his head at his brother. It was hard for him to object to anything Christmas related.
Even though he’d felt a bit restless lately, celebrating his favorite time of year served as a huge pick-me-up.
There was something very nostalgic about spending Christmas here in Moose Falls.
Although some memories of his childhood in Alaska were indistinct, Landon had a myriad of holiday remembrances.
At the moment, Caleb was hankering for a pumpkin smoothie, the same type he’d been enjoying ever since September 1 rolled around. But this morning he’d been told by the barista at the Juice Spot that they were packing away the pumpkin for the season to make way for holiday flavors.
“Wait. I’m confused,” Caleb said to the barista named Zion. “Isn’t Thanksgiving a holiday? And isn’t pumpkin a Thanksgiving flavor?”
Zion held up his hands. “Don’t blame me, Caleb. I don’t make the rules, just the smoothies.”
“Chill, Caleb. It’s not the end of the world,” Landon said, shaking his head before ordering his usual cherry-and-blackberry smoothie. “Deep breaths.”
“I’m trying,” Caleb muttered. “But losing my pumpkin smoothie is heart-wrenching.” He placed his hand over his heart and made a face. “It brings me so much joy.”
“I’m sure Sophia will help you recover,” Landon said.
Caleb and Sophia were in the loved-up phase, constantly kissing and being touchy-feely.
Caleb was going to be a stepdad to Sophia’s daughter, Lily, which would make them a true family.
Although Landon was happy for both his brothers, a part of him was envious.
He’d never had anything like what they shared.
Matter of fact, he’d never had a serious girlfriend.
At times he wondered whether there was something wrong with him.
As soon as their order came in, they grabbed their smoothies and began heading toward the door.
All of a sudden a whirl of motion grabbed his attention.
A flash of curly dark hair and mocha-colored skin smattered with freckles came into view.
The woman was tall and wearing a puffy coat and big clunky boots that were probably the latest trend.
She looked slightly familiar to Landon, but he couldn’t place her. Why was she standing so close to him?
“I’m sorry about this,” she said in a low voice before grabbing his hand and linking hers with his.
“It’s so good to see you,” she said in a raised voice.
“I’ve missed you.” She leaned toward him and swept her lips against his cheek.
The scent of vanilla and apples rose to his nostrils. Her long hair brushed against his face.
Confusion swirled around him. “You’ve missed… me?”
She threw back her head and let out a roar of laughter, curls bouncing in the process.
“Of course you, silly. Who else?” Her voice was light and airy, with a hint of teasing that was typically used between friends or couples.
They were neither. He didn’t have a single idea who she was, although he thought she might be the most gorgeous woman he’d ever seen.
“I think you might be confusing me with someone else,” he said in a low voice. He didn’t want to embarrass her in front of all the other patrons. Caleb was gawking at them as if he were watching a trapeze artist at the circus.
“Just play along,” the woman said through clenched teeth as she leaned toward him, whispering the words in his ear.
A strong floral scent rose to his nostrils due to her proximity.
She sent him a pointed look just as a tall, built man approached them.
Her lips were so close to Landon’s that for a moment he thought she might kiss him.
The idea of it wasn’t unwelcome either. He hadn’t been kissed in quite some time.
Kissing her would definitely get him out of his slump.
“Bailey. Why haven’t you returned my calls?” the man asked, scowling at Landon. “Who’s this?” He jerked his chin in Landon’s direction.
Caleb took a step closer toward Landon, clearly ready for anything. That was the thing about the Stone brothers. All for one and one for all. If this guy started anything, Landon wouldn’t be handling the situation on his own. He’d had backup since the day he was born.
“He’s none of your business, Jamie,” the woman, presumably Bailey, answered. “All you need to know is that I’m not interested in being with you. Like I’ve told you dozens of times. Please stop all the texts and calls. Stop following me!”
“Because of him?” Jamie asked. All of a sudden he appeared to be on the verge of tears, with trembling lips and moisture pooling in his eyes. All his bravado evaporated in a single second.
Bailey let out a sigh. “Let’s just say I’m otherwise occupied.” She looked over at Landon and shot him an oversize grin. Her grip on his arm tightened, and she moved a little bit closer until there was barely an inch between them. They were practically hip to hip.
Landon’s heart almost stopped beating. Her smile threatened to make his knees buckle. She was incredibly convincing in this role she was playing. For a second he almost believed they were an item. Maybe it was wishful thinking on his part.
“Got it,” Jamie said, practically grunting. “I won’t bother you again.” He stormed away, letting the shop door bang behind him.
“Thanks, Landon. I owe you one,” Bailey said, squeezing his hand tightly before turning and heading out of the shop.
Landon’s gaze trailed after her. She had swept in like a mini tornado and pulled him into her tangled web.
He almost wanted to follow after her, but what would be the point?
Landon had no idea what he would say to her.
What had just happened? he asked himself. He knew he’d never met Bailey before, yet she clearly knew him by name. He shouldn’t be surprised, since the entire town had rolled out the red carpet when he and his brothers arrived in Moose Falls.
Caleb was shaking his head. “So you’ve been holding out on us, huh?” Caleb asked him, his gaze narrowed as he looked at Landon. “You are seeing someone.”
“N-no,” he sputtered. “I have no idea who she is. That man called her Bailey, but I don’t know her. I swear.”
His brother rolled his eyes. He could tell that Caleb didn’t believe him, and he couldn’t really blame him. His story sounded suspect. Bailey had been very up close and personal with him.
“Well, the two of you looked pretty cozy back there,” Caleb remarked.
He raised an eyebrow. “Sure there’s nothing you want to tell me?
I’m all ears,” he said with a mischievous grin.
Both his brothers were constantly advising him to put himself out there and find a romantic partner, so he knew Caleb would eat up the details (if there were any) and come back for seconds.
Then quickly tell Xavier, True, and Sophia. Maybe even Hattie and Daisy.
Landon shook his head. “There’s nothing to tell. Seriously.”