Jim Reynolds, newly divorced, is headed to Sutter’s Bay just before Christmas. Wanting a new start after the broken marriage, Jim has accepted a new attorney position at a law firm after the holidays. He’s leaving behind Los Angeles, but also his new baby daughter, Hope. He’ll miss her first Christmas.<br><br>Edward Cross came back to Sutter’s Bay a few years back after a relationship grew abusive. A fire at the salon where he worked sends him to Mabry’s restaurant with a chance to begin again. There he runs into Jim, who just happens to be a former lover from LA.<br><br>Both men are seeking another chance at life, and maybe with each other. Can they reconnect over the Christmas holidays?

A Sutter's Bay Christmas

Never mind that Mabry rolled his eyes at Ryan’s choice of words. “What Ryan means is we’d like to offer you the position of full-time head bartender. You’d work eight hours a day until close. We’d need you on Fridays and Saturdays for sure, as those are our busiest nights. You could have Sundays and Mondays off, or some other days, if you prefer.”


Ryan nodded. “And you have to make those killer martinis. They’re going to be a huge hit the rest of this season.”


“We offer benefits,” Mabry said. “Health insurance. A small dental plan.”


“We’re working on getting a 401K, too,” Ryan put in. “I know all that might be unusual for locally owned restaurants, but we like being different.”


Mabry smiled at Ryan. “Yes, we are.” He turned back to Edward. “You’re very quiet, Edward. I hope that doesn’t mean no?”


Edward shook his head. “Oh, no, sir.”


Chapter 17