Sara's Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Book 4) Read online

  SARA’S GIFT

  Small-Town Christmas Wishes Series, Book 4

  By

  Kimberly Rose Johnson

  Sara’s Gift

  Published by Kimberly R. Johnson

  U.S.A.

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereinafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission from the author.

  This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Scriptures marked KJV are taken from the KING JAMES VERSION (KJV): KING JAMES VERSION, public domain.

  Copyright © 2019 Kimberly R. Johnson

  Edited by Fay Lamb

  Cover Design by Cindy Flores Martinez

  Formatting by Cindy Jackson

  Printed in the United States of America

  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 one thousand five hundred dollars and asks them to grant a wish—a secret wish—for someone else by Christmas. And she wants it to be special.

  The request sounds simple. After all, 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, Taye, Sara, and Holly as they travel down the road to making a wish come true—and take a detour that leads to finding love.

  Books in the Series

  Mia’s Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Series Book 1) by Cindy Flores Martinez

  Caro’s Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Series Book 2) by Jean C. Gordon

  Nate’s Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Series Book 3) by Jackie Castle

  Sara’s Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Series Book 4) by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  Holly’s Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Series Book 5) by Josie Riviera

  Taye’s Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Series Book 6) by Pat Simmons

  About Sara’s Gift

  Time is not on Sara’s side. It shouldn’t be hard to spend fifteen hundred dollars on someone in need at Christmas, should it?

  To make matters worse, something is up with Gabe. They were long-time best friends. What did he mean when he said, “If I didn’t love you, I’d disown you?” He can’t possibly mean what Sara thinks he means. He loves her? Now more than ever she needs her friend, not a romantic entanglement.

  Author Acknowledgements

  Writing this story was such a treat. I would like to extend thanks to Cindy Flores Martinez coming up with the secret angel premise and story world location. Christmas stories are my favorite to write. Although I’ve never been to Colorado beyond the Denver Airport, I had fun looking at all the inspiration pictures Cindy posted to the group writing this series.

  I hope you enjoyed getting to know Sara and Gabe as much as I did.

  As always, no book is a sole venture. It takes a lot of people to produce a quality book. Special thanks to my proofreaders: Jan Geihsler and Becky Dempsey, and Melissa Lemaire.

  I also want to thank my amazing critique group. You ladies are awesome! Thank you.

  Chapter One

  “I have no idea who or what should get Charity’s fifteen hundred dollars. All I know is that I want to honor her request.” Sara Benson’s old friend from high school really lived up to her name, even in death. Sara blinked back tears. Gabe Jacobson, her best friend, was the grounded and practical one in their relationship. “You have to help me figure this out.”

  “Let me get this straight,” Gabe said. “A friend you haven’t seen in years died, and in a letter that she left with her attorney, she let you know how much she enjoyed playing a secret angel in high school and has continued doing it all these years?”

  “Yes, but she died before she could spend the money she’d saved for this year. My old Bible Club friends and I are her backup plan. She wants us to each play secret angels with her money. I can’t believe she saved up nine thousand dollars in a year, especially when she was sick. ”

  “So the money was split six ways?”

  Sara nodded. Clearly, Gabe couldn’t fathom someone being so generous, but that was how Charity had been. Even though she and Gabe had been friends since forever, he had not belonged to the Bible Club and never knew Charity.

  “And if you don’t want to do this?”

  “Then her attorney donates it to a worthy cause.”

  “Why not let him? It’s a win-win. You don’t have to be dragged into this and someone still benefits.” Gabe furrowed his brows.

  “I know, but helping someone directly is so much more fun. Stop being a curmudgeon.” Normally, Gabe would go out of his way to help her. Why was this time different?

  “I’m not a curmudgeon, but it’s so close to Christmas. You have your store to run and all the extra holiday workshops you’re teaching. I don’t know how you have time to tackle something else.”

  “I’ll make time. This was important to Charity.” Her voice cracked, and she coughed to cover it. She reached for her water bottle. Breaking down at work was not an option. Gifts N’ More was her home away from home. She loved her little shop and her customers and didn’t want to scare them away with tears.

  Gabe rubbed the dark scruff on his face. “I’m sorry about your friend. Losing someone, even a person you haven’t seen in a while hurts.”

  Sara nodded and refused to give in to the tears burning her eyes. “Thanks. Charity was too young to die.” She cleared her throat. “Will you help me think of someone who could use a secret angel this Christmas?”

  “I’ll try, but I’m a helicopter pilot, not a philanthropist. I’m clueless about this kind of thing.”

  He had a point. In fact, he was probably one of the least creative people she knew, which made their friendship even odder, considering she loved crafting and decorating.

  The bells on the front door of her Gifts N’ More shop jingled, announcing a customer. Emily Smith walked in, her dark hair flowing straight down her back and in desperate need of a good washing. At least her distressed jeans and Christmas sweater looked clean.

  Sara waved to the teenager.

  “You don’t have to decide about the gift right this minute, do you?” Gabe asked. “I mean Christmas is what, four weeks away?”

  “We can talk later.” Sara gave his forearm a squeeze. “Can you come over to my place tonight to help me brainstorm ideas? I’ll pick up a pizza on my way home.”

  “Deep dish with the works?” He raised a brow.

  “Fine.” She much preferred thin crust, and he knew it. She nudged him toward the door.

  “See you later.” A grin lit up his handsome face.

  She shook her head—she couldn’t think of Gabe that way, or she would fall for him once again. They might be opposites in every way, but they worked as friends, sometimes too well for her heart’s sake.

  Emily walked in her direction. “Hi, Sara. Where’s Annabelle?”

  “In her crate. I held a sign-making workshop this afternoon and haven’t let her out yet.” She m
otioned to the example sign she had hanging near the register.

  “Really? That sounds like fun. I wish I could’ve gone.”

  “I’m teaching a wreath-making workshop this Saturday. You’re welcome to come. Maybe you and your mom can make one together.” From what Sara could tell, there was no way Emily could afford the sixty-dollar price tag on the class, but she could offer a scholarship to the girl and her mom.

  “That’d be awesome. Thanks! I’ll talk to my mom tonight and let you know tomorrow. Is that okay?”

  “Of course. And don’t worry about the fee. I’m giving you the welcome-to-town special.” Some days, the fifteen-year-old reminded Sara of herself at that age, minus the poor hygiene. She’d have to find a way to help the girl without offending her. Her gaze landed on the fancy soaps and shampoo section of her store, and an idea began to percolate.

  “Cool. Can I let out Annabelle?”

  “Sure. Her leash is on top of the crate. Would you like to take her for a walk?”

  “Really?” Her face lit with excitement. “Can I give her a treat too?”

  “Only one. You know where I keep them.”

  “My mom said that labs love to eat too much.”

  “Ah, so it’s not just mine. Good to know.” Sara was aware of the breed’s propensity to overeat but wanted to help boost her young friend’s self-esteem. When Emily first stopped in three weeks ago, she’d been timid and shy. Though still quite reticent, she’d connected with Annabelle and came in everyday after school to see her.

  Three women wandered in. The shortest one brushed snow from her coat.

  Sara smiled and made a mental note to dry the floor by the door as soon as they left. “Good afternoon. Please let me know if there’s something I can help you find.” She’d never seen the women before—more than likely tourists. Only an hour from Denver, Snowflake attracted visitors, especially this time of year, but not so many it made navigating the town a pain.

  “Thank you,” the tallest woman with long chestnut-colored hair said. “We were hoping you carry ski gloves. I lost mine.”

  “Absolutely.” She led them to a back corner stocked with cold weather supplies. “Is the snow good right now?”

  “It’s great. We hired a helicopter to take us up to the backcountry tomorrow.”

  “You’re extreme skiers?” They were probably clients of Gabe’s. He dominated the market for transporting extreme skiers.

  Her face glowed with excitement. “Oh yeah. It’s the best. Do you ski?”

  “Not my thing.” She smiled to soften her words. “I’m Sara. If you need any more help, please let me know.” She might live in the shadow of a mountain with exceptional skiing, but this girl liked to keep herself firmly planted on the ground.

  “Will do. I’m Tracy,” the tall woman said. “These are my friends, Beth and Krista. You have a nice shop.”

  “Thanks. I try to stock a little bit of everything, but the main focus is home décor. Take your time. There’s a lot to see.”

  Beth and Krista wandered over to the card rack.

  “That’s for sure.” Tracy picked up an ornament painted by a local artist. “I love this. And it has the town name on it too. It’s the perfect memento for our trip. Do you have boxes?”

  “I do. Would you like me to box it up for you while you look around?”

  “Yes.” Tracy reached for two more. “They’re all different.”

  “A local artist paints them, so each one is unique.”

  She handed Sara the others she’d picked out. “I’ll get these too.”

  Sara carried the ornaments to the register, pulled off the price tags, then wrapped them in tissue and boxed them each individually. Those ornaments had proven to be a hit. She’d have to give the artist a call later and let her know how much the tourists liked them.

  Tracy approached holding a pair of hot pink ski gloves. “I found a pair. Would you cut the tag for me? I want to wear them.”

  “Sure.” Sara snipped it off then rang up the items. “How long will you be in Snowflake?”

  “Until Sunday. We drove in yesterday for a full week of skiing, shopping, and girl time.” She handed Sara her credit card.

  “If you and your friends are interested, I’m holding a wreath-making class this coming Saturday at six. It’s sixty dollars to attend and includes all your supplies, snacks, and goodie bags.” She ran the card then bagged the boxes.

  “Oh, that sounds like a fun way to end our vacation. I’ll go check with them.” She came back a moment later with her friends. “We’re in.”

  “Great! You buy your ticket to the event in advance to hold your spot and so I can be sure to have enough supplies.”

  The women paid, and Sara handed each of them a ticket. “I’m really excited to have you join the class. Maybe I’ll see you sometime during the week. Have fun skiing.”

  “Oh, we will,” Tracy said. “That pilot we hired is hot.” She fanned her face with her hands.

  Her friends laughed.

  “You must be referring to Gabe.” He always seemed oblivious to how women perceived his good looks. His oblivion in that regard was one of his better qualities to her way of thinking.

  “You know him?”

  “Small town.” They didn’t need to know he was her best friend. That would go one of two ways. They’d either despise her out of jealousy or try to be her friend to get close to him—been there, done that, too many times.

  Tracy nodded and slipped on the gloves. “You might see us in here sooner than later. I haven’t started my Christmas shopping yet, and this place is a goldmine for gifts.”

  “Thanks. Gifts N’ More aims to satisfy.” Sara forced a smile.

  The three left, and she quickly dried the melted snow that had been flung beyond the rug.

  Emily walked toward her with Annabelle on her leash. “That’s an expensive class.” Worry filled her face. “I don’t think my mom would be happy about you giving us a class for free.”

  Sara bit down on her bottom lip. “Oh.” She hadn’t thought of that. “Well, how about you come by every day this week and walk Annabelle for me and we’ll call it even?”

  “For real?”

  “Absolutely. Being a dog walker is a legit job.”

  “Cool. All right. We’re taking a short walk. I don’t want her paws to get frostbit.” She hesitated. “Unless you want her to have a long one since you’re paying me with the class.”

  “No, you’re right. Unless she has booties on, a short walk is best. Thanks for thinking of that.” Whew. For a minute, she wasn’t sure how she would get Emily to the class, so she could make sure she received a goodie bag.

  Emily left with Annabelle prancing beside her. That dog was the best thing that ever happened to her, but Sara suspected Annabelle very well might be the best thing that happened to Emily too. She really needed to make it a point to introduce herself to the girl’s mom, especially since she lived in the apartment above the store next door.

  Sara puttered around the shop, returning items to their proper spots. She yawned. The craft workshops always wore her out, but they were worth it. At least she didn’t need to cook tonight since Gabe was coming over. Six o’clock couldn’t get here soon enough.

  Gabe frowned at the computer screen—he hated computers. He didn’t have time for this. He glanced at the clock on the wall—five thirty. He should have left thirty minutes ago, but his computer had been frozen the entire time, and his schedule for tomorrow was on it. He never should have let Sara talk him into switching over to a digital calendar. With a sigh, he did a hard shut off and stood. He’d come in early tomorrow and pray his computer would cooperate.

  He wrapped a black scarf around his neck and shrugged into his extra warm jacket. He didn’t have enough time to run home before going to Sara’s, so he’d go and keep her company at her shop until closing time. She had to be hurting after the loss of her old friend, and he wanted to be there for her. On top of that, visiting her place always p
roved entertaining.

  A short while later, he sauntered into Gifts N’ More. The place smelled of cinnamon and pine—Christmas. He breathed in deeply of the scent and felt his shoulders relaxing. Sara had done a good job making this place a success. He was proud of her. Numbers weren’t her thing, so he helped her with her books. He knew firsthand that all her hard work had paid off.

  Sara walked around the corner. “Welcome to—oh, it’s you.”

  “Thanks a lot. I can leave.”

  “No, don’t.”

  Hmm, she sounded a little desperate. “Everything okay?”

  “Fine. I’m just anxious to get out of here. It’s been a long day.”

  “Give yourself a break and close early.” He looked at his watch. “It’s ten to six. What will it hurt?”

  “You never know. Besides, I had some new inventory come in late this afternoon. Come on back and keep me company while I sort it.”

  He looked around the shop. Where would she put more stuff? He followed after her and gasped at the number of boxes cluttering the backroom floor. “What happened?”

  “What do you mean? I already told you.”

  “I know, but did they get the order wrong? I mean, there’s a lot of stuff here.”

  “Some are supplies for my craft workshops. Plus, it’s Christmas, and I don’t want to run out of merchandise.”

  “I get that, but you’re not the only store in town.” Maybe he’d been too hasty in judging her prowess as a shop owner. She’d bought the store from the previous owner at the first of the year. How could she possibly predict how much inventory she needed? “Is any of this returnable?”

  “Oh, stop. I choose to think positive. Sales on Small Business Saturday were exceptional, so I have plenty of room to display all of this.” She held out her arms, and her brows puckered. “Well, most of it anyway. The rest is for my classes. What do you say I order the pizza and you help me unbox all of this while we wait?”