Multi-colored lights began to light up the night as they drove to the church. Jocelyn loved spending time with Caden. After spending the day with him and his parents, she knew she could never be just friends with him. He had ruined her for all other men at a very young age. And now that he was back, it was solidified. Soon, Caden pulled the car to a stop in front of the church and turned off the engine. "We're here."Jocelyn looked over at him and grinned. "So, are you ready for this?"Caden laughed. "As ready as I'll ever be.""Let's go." Jocelyn smiled, enjoying his discomfort a bit too much. She was glad that he had agreed to go caroling with her, not quite ready for the day to end. After the pageant and parade, Mallory would have more time to spend with Caden and Jocelyn's time with him would end. But she intended to enjoy spending time with him while she could.When they walked into the church, people were wearing their hats and scarves, ready to go. Red ribbons adorned the

"What's wrong?" Caden asked, his eyebrows pulling together in concern.Jocelyn shook her head. "Nothing."He reached across the table for her hand, but she pulled back, leaning back casually. "Oh, come on. What is it?""Caden, why did you go away?" she asked, ignoring his question.Caden sighed as he leaned back against his seat, sitting across from her. "To serve my country."She raised her eyebrows. "Is that the only reason?""Here you go!" Angela chirped, setting down two cups of coffee in front of them. Then she pulled out a pencil and sketchpad. "What can I get you for dinner?"Jocelyn forced herself to look at the menu, even though she had it memorized. "I'll have the Rudolph burger and some fries."Caden closed his menu. "I'll have the same.""Okay!" She shoved the pencil back into her pocket. "I'll have those out to you in a jiff!" She walked away with an actual bounce in her step. Viewing her personality, Jocelyn could see why she got the job at Santa's Café, where ev

Caden woke up early the next morning. Having tossed and turned for most of the night, he finally decided to get up. Thoughts of Jocelyn rushed through his mind, making it impossible to sleep. And even though he had told her he was sorry that he had kissed her, he really wasn't. But now he had to figure out what he was going to do about it.After showering and dressing for the day, he hurried out the door and to his car, hoping to catch Jocelyn before she left the house. As quickly as he could manage without getting a ticket or endangering anyone, he rushed over to her house. Within minutes, he pulled in front, parked the car, and turned off the key. Then he hurried up the stairs, taking two at a time. But just when he was about to open the door, it opened. When he saw Mallory standing in the doorway, his heart sank."Caden! Just in time!" She turned and locked the door behind her. Then linked her arm with his and looked up at him expectantly. "So, what would you like to do today?"C

But Caden didn't regret going away. He had done a lot of good in the world while he was abroad and had saved a lot of people's lives. If he went back, he knew he could save more, but was that what he really wanted to do? After all, he had had enough of war, famine, and heartbreak to last a lifetime."Here you go!" Angela chirped. When Caden turned around, she was holding three paper bags and a drink carrier with the drinks. "You can pay at the register.""Thank you. Here's a little something for you." Caden shoved a bill into her hand. "Why, thank you!" She shoved the bill into her apron without looking at it. "Please, come again! Enjoy your day at Christmas Cove!"She could be a spokesperson for the town, Caden thought as he headed over to the register. Tammy took his money without a word.Caden gave her a broad smile, unable to resist. "Have a nice day!" He turned around and walked out the door, not waiting for her reaction. Then he looked both ways and hurried across the stree

Jocelyn went to work early the next day, eager to get out of the house and away from Mallory's incessant bragging about having spent the day with Caden. Jocelyn internally smiled when Mallory told her that, although they had volunteered at the gift-wrapping booth, they had a great time at the movie. It had been the first time that Mallory had volunteered anywhere, especially at a Christmas wrapping booth. Secretly, Jocelyn wondered how much work she had actually done. But she quickly pushed the thought aside.Jocelyn was the first one at work, and she started polishing the jewelry right away. When she came to The Christmas Ring, she held it reverently. Too bad life wasn't as romantic as it was in movies. As she looked at the ring, the image of Mallory kissing Caden came to mind. She sighed and put the ring away. It wasn't good to dream of things that would never be.No, the only way her heart was going to survive intact was for her to stay away from Caden. After all, he came back hom