Letter
Holly River, Texas
My Darling Colt,
Guess what showed up at the house today?
! Your LLC paperwork! You’re officially a business owner, you handsome, delectable man.
Soon, all of Holly River, and then all of East Texas and beyond will learn what those hands can do.
Though I imagine they’d be scandalized if they knew what those hands do to ME.
Speaking of hot sex, I bought something while you were gone.
It’s red, velvet, and trimmed in white fur.
I’m sorry to say that it’s far too short.
And dips far too low up top. In fact, I look like a horny Mrs. Claus in it.
Shall I return it, my darling? Or shall I wear it for you when you return?
I’m told you’ve been a very naughty boy.
I can’t wait to spend our first Christmas together!
I feel like I’m still stuffed from Thanksgiving, and I fear June will go even more overboard for Christmas dinner.
Do you think Warren might come? I tried to visit him yesterday, but he wouldn’t open the door.
I can’t believe he’s still at your mom’s house and that the sale fell through.
I thought I might invite him to lunch with me and Maggie, though I could tell Maggie didn’t like the idea.
It’s odd, because she’s usually more forgiving than this.
I think there’s something complicated there, but I won’t press.
Roxanne is doing great at the bookshop and seems thrilled to be there.
She created these surprise book bundles, wrapped in holiday paper, and added June’s chocolate peppermint bark to each one.
We’ve already sold a half dozen of them.
And she’s rented out your boats twice since you’ve been gone!
Maggie was absolutely right about hiring part-time help.
Two more days, and you’ll be home. Remember, you promised we could visit the Holiday Market.
It looks so beautiful. White twinkling lights everywhere, the smell of gingerbread in the air, and those rustic little huts offering everything from handmade ornaments to candied pecans.
Every shop in Holly River is playing Christmas music, and you know I started doing that well before Thanksgiving.
It’s such a peaceful, magical time of year, isn’t it, Colt?
And I can’t wait to spend it with you. So hurry back, my builder of dreams. My chicken nugget thief. My bird lover and quiet protector.
I miss you, and I love you.
I LOVE you.
Forever,
Your Alice