Cody Schaefer loves the Christmas season and a benefit to working from home means that he gets to be surrounded by his decoration collections all the time. And as a bonus, he starts getting deliveries from a local café containing holiday treats flavored with gingerbread. The notes aren’t signed, but they clearly come from someone who knows him.<br><br>Out of all of Cody’s friends, Jason van Buren is the only one level-headed about the mysterious treats, and Cody begins talking to him daily. Cody enjoys their chats, and the two men grow closer. One Christmas Eve, no delivery appears. But Jason shows up on his doorstep, ready to back gingerbread cookies. It’s then Cody realizes just who is behind the deliveries. And perhaps, Cody will get Jason as his Christmas gift this year.

Gingerbread and Good Tidings

I’d just admonished myself to finish my work when a car door slammed shut and Pippa lifted her head. I was up and jogging toward the door, telling myself I’d just peek out and see when my dog jumped up and trotted to the door. My heart leapt into my throat, and I couldn’t contain my smile even as I picked up the pace. The knock filled me with joy, and I did a little butt wiggle and took a deep breath before I opened the door.


Same delivery guy, same box, same big smile, this time accompanied by a little bow as he handed over my prize.


“Here you go, Mr. Schaefer. Happy Holidays!”


“Happy Holidays!” I shouted back, laughing a little as happiness bubbled up. I waved, even though he couldn’t see, then practically slammed the door and carried my treat down the short hall and to the corner of the living room where I’d set up my home office space, Pippa lumbering along beside me.


Chapter 7