Mia's Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Series Book 1) Read online

  Mia’s Gift

  Small-Town Christmas Wishes

  Series Book 1

  by

  Cindy Flores Martinez

  USA Today Bestselling Author

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Mia's Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes, #1)

  A Word from the Author

  About the Series

  Books in the Series

  About Mia’s Gift

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  About the Author

  Contact

  Cover Design by Cindy Flores Martinez

  Copyright © 2019 by Cindy Flores Martinez

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

  A Word from the Author

  When I first thought of the idea for Small-Town Christmas Wishes, I never imagined it would become a multi-author series. The story came to me one night while I was trying to sleep, and the ideas kept coming. All of a sudden, I had created a lovely fictional town called Snowflake, Colorado.

  I’m still amazed at how quickly and easily the series came together and how smoothly it flowed from beginning to end. It feels like a dream. I want to thank Jean, Jackie, Kimberly, Josie, and Pat for joining me in this exciting venture and writing such beautiful stories.

  About the Series

  Welcome to Snowflake, Colorado—a small town where wishes come true! When six old high school friends receive a letter that their fellow friend, Charity Hart, wrote before she passed away, their lives take an unexpected turn. She leaves them each a check for $1,500 and asks them to grant a wish—a secret wish—for someone else by Christmas. And she wants it to be special.

  It sounds like fun. It reminds them of when they were secret angels in high school together. That’s why Charity chose them. But the friends soon discover that it isn’t as easy as it seems. With the clock ticking, will they make it happen in time?

  Join Mia, Caro, Nate, Sara, Holly, and Taye on their journey to make a wish come true—and find love along the way.

  Books in the Series

  Mia’s Gift by Cindy Flores Martinez

  Caro’s Gift by Jean C. Gordon

  Nate’s Gift by Jackie Castle

  Sara’s Gift by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  Holly’s Gift by Josie Riviera

  Taye’s Gift by Pat Simmons

  About Mia’s Gift

  Mia Rosa is thinking of leaving Snowflake, Colorado for good. Her cupcake shop on Main Street isn’t doing well and seeing her ex-fiancé around town is awkward. When she receives a letter and a check for $1,500 from her old high school friend, Charity Hart, asking her to be a secret angel for Christmas, she’s convinced she can’t go through with it. But Mia soon learns that handsome Jesse Quinn and his fifteen-year-old niece, Kristi, are in desperate need of a miracle. The group home where Kristi lives is shutting down, and no other foster homes are available in Snowflake. Will Mia be able to secretly grant Jesse and Kristi’s wish for Kristi to stay in the small town she calls home?

  Chapter 1

  This is Kelly from Green and Sons Law Firm. I’m calling to confirm your appointment here at the office today. Would you give us a call?

  Mia Rosa lowered her phone and tapped the voicemail icon to end the message. She moved her finger over the number to return the call.

  “Mia? Your order’s ready.”

  She glanced up at the barista. “Thanks.” She gazed back at her phone. Her finger hovered there. She couldn’t press the key.

  She slipped the phone in her shoulder bag, grabbed two disposable cups of coffee from the counter, and dashed out into the chilly autumn morning.

  Pristine snow sparkled beneath the radiant sunlight that blanketed Main Street. The jingle of a Christmas tune, the clang of bells, the pounding of a hammer, and the chatter of voices—lots and lots of voices—sang through the air. The thrill of Christmas danced across the picturesque small town of Snowflake, Colorado.

  “Good morning, Mia.” Sheila’s perky voice rang out in front of Sheila’s Gourmet Chocolates. If anyone could wear thin leggings in near-freezing temperatures and still smile, it was her.

  “Hi, Sheila.” Mia stopped on the sidewalk.

  Sheila glanced at her from head-to-toe. “I hardly recognized you in those glasses.”

  “I know. I didn’t put my contact lenses in today.” Mia fidgeted in her thick jacket. Compared to Sheila’s tailored coat, hers looked like bubble wrap. But hey, it kept her warm. Her gaze traveled across the Christmas decorations in the window. “Wow. Your shop looks great.”

  “Thanks. I decorated it myself.” A proud smile lifted Sheila’s fire engine red lips. “I posted pictures on Facebook and got over a thousand likes and shares. I got even more on Twitter.”

  Mia’s eyes widened. “That’s amazing.”

  Sheila glanced across the street at Cupcakes on Main. “How are you and Diane going to decorate your shop?”

  “Oh, um, we haven’t decided yet.”

  Sheila stretched her long neck and narrowed her smoky eyes. “Are you open today?”

  Mia turned.

  The shop was empty, except for Diane who stood behind the counter.

  “Yeah, we’re open.”

  “Hmm.” Sheila turned and glanced inside her chocolate shop. Customers filled it from one end to the other. “Well, listen, if you need any tips on how to decorate your shop for Christmas, let me know. Someone on Instagram said they thought I had hired Martha Stewart to decorate mine.” She let out a hearty laugh. “Martha Stewart. Imagine that!”

  Mia smiled. “Imagine that.”

  Two customers stopped at the door, and Sheila greeted them.

  They entered the shop.

  Sheila peered through the window. “Look at the line at the register! If I don’t hurry in there and help, people might have to wait outside, and it’s so cold out here.” She faked the shivers. “I’ll see you.” She pulled the door open and strolled inside the shop.

  Her snow boots captured Mia’s attention. Fluffy fur surrounded the top, and the slick boot hugged her delicate foot.

  Mia glanced down at her own snow boots. You would think she was on her way to combat. As she crossed the street, the loud thump they made sounded somehow louder.

  She entered Cupcakes on Main, her home away from h
ome. The warmth from inside embraced her like a warm blanket. “The coffees have arrived.”

  Diane’s gaze remained focused on her phone. “Hold on. I’m almost finished.”

  Mia strolled behind the counter and set the coffees on top. She peeked at what Diane was doing. A game of solitaire filled her phone screen.

  “I’m trying to beat my old record.” Diane’s fingers moved with amazing speed. Her face tensed. Her jaw clenched. Was there sweat on her brow? “No!” She stomped her foot.

  “What happened?”

  “I didn’t make it.”

  Fireworks and a kaleidoscope of whimsical music sang through the phone like after every game.

  Diane’s shoulders slumped.

  “Sorry. Maybe next time,” said Mia.

  Diane twisted her mouth and set her phone on the counter with a loud thud. She reached for her coffee. “So, what were you and Sheila talking about? I saw you out there just now.”

  “The same old thing. You know. Sheila. What else does Sheila ever talk about?”

  Diane snorted.

  Mia pulled her gloves off and strolled to the office beside the kitchen.

  “They sure are busy over there,” said Diane. “Are they giving away free chocolate?”

  “I don’t think so.” Mia unzipped her coat.

  “Are they having a sale?”

  “I didn’t see any signs in the window. I think they’re just popular.” Mia slipped out of her coat.

  “I don’t get it,” said Diane. “Have you seen the chocolate they sell? They have things like kale and chia seeds in it. How can anyone eat chocolate with kale and chia seeds in it? Gross.”

  Mia hung her coat on the coatrack. “Maybe that’s why they’re so popular. Because they’re different.”

  “I guess,” said Diane, not sounding very convinced.

  Mia stuffed her gloves in her shoulder bag and returned to the storefront. She swiped her coffee from the counter.

  They both stood there gazing at the chocolate shop.

  More customers piled inside. Happy customers. A couple walked out with bags that were filled with all the chocolate things that they had bought.

  “I’ll bet they’re having a sale,” said Diane.

  “Yeah, probably.” Mia sipped her coffee and glanced around at her own shop. Her empty shop.

  She gazed at the cupcakes in the display case. Traditional flavors lined the shelves—red velvet cheesecake, lemon buttercream, and salted caramel to name a few.

  And each one sparkled. Colorful swirly frosting and different toppings—sprinkles, colored sugars, crushed candy—adorned each one. And the taste? Like heaven on Earth.

  But it wasn’t enough. Not anymore. Mia sighed. “Maybe we need to be different too.”

  Diane jerked her head back. “If you mean we should put kale and chia seeds in our cupcakes, you have lost your mind.”

  “Not kale and chia seeds,” said Mia. “But something. I don’t know what.”

  Diane shrugged and sipped her coffee. “Hey, isn’t that Jesse?”

  Mia shot a glance at the window. There, behind the embellished hand-painted Cupcakes on Main sign, his face came into focus. Her heart skipped a beat.

  He waved with his gloved hand and flashed a perfect smile.

  Oh, that smile. Mia waved back.

  “It’s funny how he always passes by the shop,” said Diane.

  “What do you mean?”

  “There must be hundreds—if not thousands of roads in this town, but he always ends up at the cupcake shop. And it’s always when you’re here. Why is that?” She raised an eyebrow at Mia.

  The meaning behind her words thundered. Mia’s face heated. “Maybe because our shop is right by the parking lot. He has to pass by here.”

  Jesse reached for the door.

  “Right,” said Diane. “But he doesn’t have to come inside it.”

  Mia’s legs turned to Jell-O. She wobbled toward him.

  By the time Jesse pulled the door open, his fifteen-year-old niece, Kristi, and her friend, Amy, joined him.

  A gust of frigid air blasted inside the room and tossed a wisp of Mia’s caramel brown hair across her face and over her ebony eyes—and glasses. She swept her hair aside and tucked it behind her ear. “Good morning, everyone.”

  “Good morning to you,” said Jesse.

  The three of them piled inside the shop.

  “It’s so warm in here,” said Kristi.

  “And it smells so good,” said Amy.

  The teens gravitated to the cupcake display case like it was a giant magnet and their bodies were made of metal.

  “Hey, everyone,” said Diane. “I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.” She swiped her phone from the counter and disappeared in the next room.

  Mia gazed up at Jesse. Handsome Jesse. The knit hat and heavy jacket that covered his tall, slender body and part of his face couldn’t hide his good looks. They shone like the Colorado sun in the height of summer. His hazel eyes glistened. “I didn’t know you were in town,” she said.

  “Yeah. I came to spend Thanksgiving with Kristi.” He pulled the thick gloves off his masculine hands.

  “How was it?”

  “It was good. I mean, as good as could be expected considering the circumstances. We had dinner and watched TV.” He stuffed his gloves in his coat pocket. “What about you? How was your Thanksgiving?”

  “It was quiet.”

  And lonely.

  She turned and watched Kristi, who bent down to see the lofty cupcakes on the bottom shelf. “I really admire the way you always find time to be there for your niece.”

  “I’m all the family she has now. How could I not be there? Especially on her first Thanksgiving without her mom.”

  Mia’s gaze met his. The ache crept in his eyes. The sympathy welled in her chest. “But still,” she said. “Not everyone would care the way you do.”

  Jesse gazed into her eyes.

  She gazed into his.

  “Uncle Jesse,” said Kristi, “can we have two cupcakes each? I’m dying to have the birthday cake and cinnamon roll flavors. And Amy wants the French vanilla latte and salted caramel.” She clasped her hands together. “Please? I won’t ask for anything else for the rest of the year.”

  Jesse laughed. “Sure. Two is fine.”

  Kristi clapped her hands. “Thank you!”

  Amy’s sweet face brightened. “Yeah, thanks.”

  The teens clamored around the display case and chattered about the cupcakes.

  Mia couldn’t help but smile. The excitement on their faces made the hours spent in the kitchen worthwhile. “I’ll get their order.” She strolled behind the counter.

  Jesse approached the register and pulled his leather wallet out of his navy-blue jeans pocket.

  “So, what are your plans for today?” asked Mia as she gathered their order.

  “Well,” said Jesse, “we’re going to the diner after this and then we’re driving out to Denver.”

  “Denver? That sounds like fun.”

  “I’m not so sure,” he said. “We have to meet with Kristi’s caseworker at the child welfare office.”

  “Oh?” Mia stopped. “Is everything okay?”

  Jesse shrugged. “She wouldn’t tell me anything over the phone.”

  Mia reached for a cupcake and placed it in a pastry box.

  “She wanted to meet with me before Thanksgiving,” he said, “but I couldn’t fly out here because of my job. And then she was on vacation for the holiday. So, she agreed to meet with me today.”

  “I see.”

  “I’m sure it’s nothing,” he said. “Otherwise, she wouldn’t have waited this long.” His perfect lips lifted in a grin.

  That smile. Mia gazed it. “I’ll say a prayer for you.”

  “Thanks.”

  She added the last cupcake to the pastry box and folded the lid.

  Diane exited the kitchen. “I can handle the payment.” She stopped at the cash register and
tapped the keys.

  Mia placed both pastry boxes inside a pink bag with the Cupcakes on Main logo on the front.

  “Uncle Jesse,” said Kristi, “can we go to the mall in Denver after the meeting? I just want to window shop.”

  “Sure,” he said and handed Diane a credit card.

  Mia swiped a small pastry box from the shelf, slipped a chocolate ganache cupcake in it, turned away, and scribbled “Jesse” on the cover with a black marker.

  The front door swung open.

  Sheila barged into the shop. “Jesse Quinn, I thought I saw you come in here.”

  Mia’s smile faded.

  Sheila sauntered across the room. “How are you?”

  “Hey, Sheila,” he said.

  “I brought samples of our chocolates for you and the girls.” She held up a small gold-colored bag with a fancy logo on it.

  “You didn’t have to do that,” he said.

  “I know how much you like chocolate.”

  “You’re right. I do.” His face beamed.

  Sheila handed him the bag. “Believe me, you’ll love these. They’re dark chocolate and rose petals.”

  Kristi and Amy traded funny glances.

  Jesse brought his dark eyebrows together. “Did you say rose petals?”

  “I sure did.”

  “Are they edible?” he asked. “It doesn’t sound like it. I wouldn’t want us to end up in the ER.”

  Diane snorted.

  Sheila let out a hearty laugh and placed her manicured hand on his arm. “Oh, Jesse, you’re so funny. Of course, they’re edible.”

  Mia watched Sheila’s hand and gritted her teeth.

  “And now that Christmas is almost here,” said Sheila, “they’re the perfect gift for a wife or a girlfriend.” She raised her painted eyebrows. “Do you have a wife or a girlfriend?”

  “No,” he said.

  Sheila’s smile widened.

  “But I’ll keep it in mind. You never know.” He flashed a sheepish grin.

  Mia walked out from behind the counter with the cupcakes tucked inside the bag. “Here you go.” She handed it to Kristi. “Enjoy your treats.”