Cody Laughman, a lonely firefighter in New York City, gets a blast from the past when his late father’s lawyer approaches him with news. It has been three years since Cody’s father’s death, the family house needs to be sold. Although Cody is glad to get rid of this part of his life, there is one final thing he needs to do -- fly home to Muffin, Alaska, and make the property presentable.<br><br>He expects this to be a quick visit, just cleaning up some old memories he usually ignores. But memories are stubborn, and on top of everything else, he finds a real Christmas elf living in the attic of his house. Not a tiny fairy, but a full-grown, deliciously handsome man. He doesn’t even have pointed ears.<br><br>But can Cody open up to the possibility of finding love, when the ghost of Christmas past is still haunting him?

The Firefighter in the Snow

Terence continued, “It hit us all. Everybody was a bit in love with her. But your father…He was never the same. For what it’s worth, boy, we’re sorry it was so hard on you.”


Cody looked up from his chocolate pie. Perhaps there were tears in the old man’s eyes, or perhaps it was the flickering light of the fireplace. For what it’s worth, he had said. For what it was worth, Cody thought, it made a world of difference. “Thank you,” he said and meant it. Then, maybe just because he wanted to say it out loud, he added, “For what it’s worth, I’ve forgiven him.”


It felt good to hear the words spoken; he felt lighter.


Gladys’ hand landed on his, patted it like only old women can pat a young man’s hand. She didn’t speak, and Terence only muttered that he needed to check on something in the kitchen and shuffled out of the room.


After tea, he wrapped himself up in his coat, scarf, mittens, and hat. Gladys pressed a Tupperware container with leftovers into his gloved hands.


Chapter 14