Christmas, Colorado
Present Day
Cat walked toward the man sitting in front of the outdoor
brick fireplace. Grayson turned his head and gave her a smile that made her
knees weak and her heart flutter.
"How
long do you think we have before they figure out we're not there?" he
asked, as she settled in the chair beside him.
She
spread the blanket over them and glanced at the kitchen window. "Ten
minutes, if we're lucky."
"We
better make the most of it then," he said, opening his hand to reveal a
sprig of mistletoe. He waggled his eyebrows and held it over their heads.
She laughed
and curved her hand around his neck, drawing his mouth to hers. "I like
the way--"
"Time
for the birthday cake, you two. You can go back to canoodling later."
Nell's voice cut through the cold night air.
Grayson
groaned against Cat's lips. "That wasn't even ten seconds."
Cat
felt like groaning too, but she didn't want to miss her niece's reaction to her
first birthday cake. "Leave everything here. We'll come back as soon we're
done. Promise," she said when Grayson gave her a skeptical look.
The
first thing Cat noticed as they walked into the great room was the bearskin rug
in front of the floor-to-ceiling fireplace. Her sister-in-law Skye was an
animal rights activist. With today's excitement, they hadn't had time to hide the
rug when her brother and his family arrived at the ranch. They'd taken turns
sitting on it to keep it concealed, but someone had obviously fallen down on
the job. Thankfully, Skye was nowhere in sight.
Cat, with Grayson in tow, made a beeline for
the rug. She pulled Ty and Annie down with them. Her brother, who was sitting
on a wingback chair with Evie on his lap, frowned. Then his eyes went wide when
he realized what they were hiding. He opened his mouth but didn't get a chance
to say anything because his wife, wearing a sparkly purple dress, lilac wings,
and a cupcake tiara on her head, walked into the room carrying a sugar plum
cake and singing "Happy Birthday." They all joined in, laughing when
Evie squealed with delight and grabbed two fistfuls of cake. Which she promptly
tried to shove in her father's mouth.
Cat's
mother and her stepfather retrieved the cake while Skye attempted to cleanup Evie
and Ethan. Grayson leaned into Cat. "Why is she dressed like that?"
"She's
the Sugar Plum Cake Fairy."
"Of
course she is," he said, looking like he thought he'd fallen down the
rabbit's hole.
"Madison
came up with the idea. She's a silent partner in the Sugar Plum Bakery. Grace's
cake is pretty famous now," Cat explained.
"Because
it comes with its own fairy?" he asked with a glint of amusement in his
pale-blue eyes.
"No,
because the wishes in the chocolate sugarplum come true. Maybe you'll get one,"
she said, nodding at the piece of cake her mother had just handed him.
"Other
than some time alone with you tonight, I got my wish, love."
She
kissed the underside of his stubbled jaw. "Me too."
"Make
mine a big one, Mommsy," Chloe called from where she sat between Nell and
Easton on the couch. "I want to increase my chances for a sugarplum wish."
Easton
cast a nervous glance at Chloe, no doubt concerned he was the reason her sister
wanted a wish. Nell must have been as nervous as Easton because, a few minutes
later, she nudged Chloe and whispered in her ear. As soon as Chloe turned her
head, Nell switched her piece of cake with Chloe's. "Would you look at
that, I got a chocolate sugarplum," Nell announced seconds later.
Chloe
looked at her plate and frowned. "My piece of cake shrunk." She
narrowed her eyes at Nell who was opening the sugarplum.
The
older woman pulled out a thin strip of paper.
"What
does it say, Aunt Nell?" Cat's stepfather, Paul McBride, asked.
Lips
pursed, Nell cast Chloe a sidelong glance. "That my match has been made in
heaven, and I'll get my happy-ever-after very soon."
Chloe
released a disheartened sigh, then went back to her cake. A moment later she
cried, "I've got one too!"
Both Nell's
and Easton's panicked gazes shot to Chloe.
Her
sister frowned as she read her sugarplum wish. "I think Grace made a
mistake. This is a birthday wish for someone named PJ."
Everyone
was trying to figure out who PJ was when Nell snapped her fingers. "I know
a PJ. Debbie talks about her all the time," she said, referring to the co-author
for her Christmas, Colorado romance series. "Says she's one of the sweetest
ladies she's ever met. Besides me, of course. PJ has a romance review blog, the
Romance Dish, and always has nice
things to say about our town and you kids. But I thought her birthday was in September,
so it's a little late . . . Wait a minute, Cat and Grayson's book is releasing next
September. We can--"
"Am
I ever going to get a book, Nell?" Chloe asked.
Nell ignored
her. "Come on, everybody. Let's take a picture for PJ by the tree. We'll
send it along with a copy of Snowbound at
Christmas."
Ethan
widened his eyes at Grayson and Cat, nodding at the rug.
Grayson
dug in his pocket, pulled out the sprig of mistletoe, and tossed it to her
brother. While Ethan distracted his wife with a kiss, Grayson and Cat scooped
up the bearskin rug. When they returned from throwing it out the patio doors,
Annie, Ty, and Lily were kneeling on the floor making a sign. Her sister was
hunting through the presents under the tree.
Cat
walked over to Chloe. "What are you doing?"
"I
bought Evie a fur coat for Christmas," she whispered, then stood up as
everyone crowded around the tree. She brightened. "I'll put your name on
the card instead of mine. Skye will forgive you. She likes you better."
Before
Cat had a chance to respond, Nell held up her cell phone and made a face. "We
need one of those selfie sticks."
"I
have one," Chloe said and started to walk to away.
"Of
course you do," Easton muttered.
Anxious
to get back to canoodling with the man she loved, Cat grabbed her sister's gold
lame top and reeled her in. "Let's just take the picture."
They
all squeezed together and smiled for the camera while Annie and Lily held up a
sign that read Happy Birthday, PJ!
Nell
snapped the picture. She had to take three more before Chloe was satisfied with
how she looked.
When
everyone finally began moving away from the tree, Cat grabbed Grayson's hand.
They sprinted for the mudroom and headed outside, then stopped short. Her
mother and Paul were sitting in their chairs, kissing under the mistletoe.
Grayson
looked down at her, then leaned back and opened the door. "Hey everybody,
NORAD just announced that Santa's flying over Colorado. Come on out and see if
we can spot him." Once they were all gathered outside looking up at the night
sky, Grayson pulled Cat inside and locked the door behind them.
Awww... Thank you, Debbie! That was awesome!
Readers, want to read more about Cat and Grayson's story? Pick up a copy of Snowbound at Christmas (out Sept. 29th)!
Do you enjoy reading Christmas-themed romances?
When do you start reading them? Do you wait until December or (like me) dive in as soon as they're released?
Have you read Debbie Mason's Christmas, Colorado books yet? Do you have a favorite story? I confess, I love them all!
If you were lucky enough to get the chocolate sugarplum in one of Grace's cakes, what would you want the wish to say?
Two randomly chosen people who leave a comment will receive a package of books from my prize stash. (U.S. only)
One randomly chosen person will receive a copy of Snowbound at Christmas by Debbie Mason. (open to all addresses serviced by bookdepository.com)
Snowbound at Christmas
By Debbie Mason
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: September 29, 2015
Surviving the holidays will take a Christmas miracle . . .
Ex-cop Cat O'Connor is bored working for her sister, Chloe, as a personal assistant on the set of her soap opera. Until Chloe gets an opportunity to audition for the role of a lifetime and asks her identical twin to substitute for her on the soap with no one the wiser. It's a perfect switch-until Cat attracts the attention of the mysterious Mr. Tall, Dark, and Way-too-handsome leading man.
Grayson Alexander never thought being snowbound in the charming town of Christmas, Colorado, for the holiday would get so hot. But between working with sexy, tough Cat on set and keeping his real reason for being there under wraps, he's definitely feeling the heat. And if there's one thing they'll learn as they bring out the mistletoe, it's that in this town, true love is always in season . . .
Awww... Thank you, Debbie! That was awesome!
Readers, want to read more about Cat and Grayson's story? Pick up a copy of Snowbound at Christmas (out Sept. 29th)!
Do you enjoy reading Christmas-themed romances?
When do you start reading them? Do you wait until December or (like me) dive in as soon as they're released?
Have you read Debbie Mason's Christmas, Colorado books yet? Do you have a favorite story? I confess, I love them all!
If you were lucky enough to get the chocolate sugarplum in one of Grace's cakes, what would you want the wish to say?
Two randomly chosen people who leave a comment will receive a package of books from my prize stash. (U.S. only)
One randomly chosen person will receive a copy of Snowbound at Christmas by Debbie Mason. (open to all addresses serviced by bookdepository.com)
Snowbound at Christmas
By Debbie Mason
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: September 29, 2015
Surviving the holidays will take a Christmas miracle . . .
Ex-cop Cat O'Connor is bored working for her sister, Chloe, as a personal assistant on the set of her soap opera. Until Chloe gets an opportunity to audition for the role of a lifetime and asks her identical twin to substitute for her on the soap with no one the wiser. It's a perfect switch-until Cat attracts the attention of the mysterious Mr. Tall, Dark, and Way-too-handsome leading man.
Grayson Alexander never thought being snowbound in the charming town of Christmas, Colorado, for the holiday would get so hot. But between working with sexy, tough Cat on set and keeping his real reason for being there under wraps, he's definitely feeling the heat. And if there's one thing they'll learn as they bring out the mistletoe, it's that in this town, true love is always in season . . .
I love Christmas reads & look forward to them coming out. I generally start reading about this time.
ReplyDeleteI think I'd like the wish to say something about peace on earth. We need all the good wishes we can muster.
That's a good wish, Mary!
DeleteI used to wait until late November to start reading Christmas romances but, nowadays, most publishers start releasing them in late September and there are some that I just can't wait to read. I guess I'm a "Christmas all year" kind of girl. ;-)
Debbie, I love your books can hardly wait for your new book to come out. Hope you are writing plenty more of these since they are one of my favorite series...
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy Snowbound at Christmas as much as I did!
DeleteI love the town Christmas. I've only read two of the books but I'm definitely going to catch up.I read Christmas books usually when they start coming out unless they are books that have been out . I'll red them whenever.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
You have lots of great stories to look forward to, Carol!
DeleteI really enjoy reading Christmas romances. It is a yearly tradition for me to start reading them sometime in November.
ReplyDeleteIt's now my tradition to start reading them in late September. ;-)
DeleteI love Christmas stories and start reading them around October and I have read Debbie's series.
ReplyDeleteIf I got the plum, would wish for good health for my family and friends and world peace. I know it may be corny, but what is more important that that.
ladbookfan
I think it's a lovely wish.
DeleteI'd like to spend the holidays with Debbie's family. They're so much fun - a lot like the families in Christmas, Colorado! Great scene, Deb - can't wait for the next book to come out! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI think that's a wonderful wish! Looking forward to welcoming you tomorrow, Vanessa!
DeleteI'm a very big fan of Debbie Mason's, every time I pick up one of her books I never want it to end. If I got the sugarplum, I would want the wish to say that my Husband was Cancer free & we would have a long & happy life together for many years to come. Thanks for this amazing chance. Linda May
ReplyDeleteI'll add my wish for your husband as well.
DeleteI love Christmas-themed romances,I haven't read any book by Debbie Mason,but I'm planing to read this fall,keep especially for reading this fall,when I start with reading Christmas romances :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wonderful excerpt :)
I hope you'll give Debbie's books a try, Bube. I highly recommend them! :)
DeleteI love reading Christmas themed books starting in the fall--don't need to wait until December. Heck, I watch the Hallmark Christmas movies out of season. LOL
ReplyDeletebluedawn95864 at gmail dot com
I love the Hallmark Christmas movies!
DeleteNormally I start reading them after Halloween or when the first flakes fly but I have made exceptions for authors that are on my auto buy list. Unfortunately, I have not read Debbie Mason's books as yet. So many wishes but my husband was laid off and we really need for him to find a job or me for that matter but I've been out of the work force for 30 yrs.
ReplyDeleteSo many people are in the same position, catslady. Adding my wishes to your own!
DeleteI like Christmas-themed romances. (I'm in the US)
ReplyDeleteI do too!
DeleteChristmas books are captivating and special. I love any of Debbie Mason's memorable novels.
ReplyDeleteMe too. :)
DeleteChristmas themed books give me hope. I would wish for a life filled with happiness but mostly great health.
ReplyDeleteChristmas themed books give me hope.
DeleteI like that. They do, don't they?
I enjoy reading Christmas starting in the fall into New Years. Unfortunately I have never had the pleasure of reading any of Debbie's books. I really enjoyed Debbie's story and with them wishing you a happy birthday, PJ. If I could make a wish I would wish for world peace and health for my family and friends.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the scene, Cathy!
DeleteI love Christmas themed romances and read them year round! I's want my sugarplum to say: good fortune will befall all you love". Yes, I love Debbie Mason books and am going to be getting this one...one way or the other! ;)
ReplyDeleteKathleen Bylsma h5apby@yahoo.com
Good wish!
DeleteI think that reading romances set during Christmas is just part of the seasonal joy, though I also love to read them in the heat of summer when I sometimes wish for snow. This is a new to me author and I enjoyed the brief story shared here. If I were lucky enough to get a chocolate sugarplum from the cake, I would wish it to say "Your retirement fund will grow phenomenally through the years and you will retire in contentment with plenty of time to read and funds to keep your habits."
ReplyDeleteThat's a great wish and, I'm sure, one we would all like to have come true!
DeleteI do like Christmas books; and ususally start reading them in November. I have not read any of Debbi'es books.
ReplyDeleteKaren T.
Thanks for stopping by, Karen!
DeleteDo you enjoy reading Christmas-themed romances? yes. When do you start reading them? as soon as they are released. Have you read Debbie Mason's Christmas, Colorado books yet? yes. Do you have a favorite story? like all of her books. If I got the plum, I would wish for good health for my family and friends.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy Debbie's new one, Emma!
DeleteThis is such a cute series! I can't wait for the new one next week. I usually start reading Christmas books as soon as it starts getting cooler, and that cannot come any time too soon.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Nikki! I'm more than ready for cool weather this year.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSorry for the duplicate post. ;)
DeleteI LOVE this series! I admit I read Christmas themed romances any time of the year. :-) I usually make sure I've got a few new ones to read around Christmas too, but I'm not always good about waiting. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm really enjoying all the stories written for your birthday, PJ! Thanks for the birthday gifts to us!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Thanks, Glenda. I'm glad you're enjoying the stories. And the gifts! :)
DeleteI read and enjoyed Christmas in July last year. The last few years, I've celebrated "Christmas in July" by reading a couple of Christmas-themed books while Hallmark was running holiday movies and introducing this year's ornaments. Otherwise, I start reading Christmas-themed romances at Thanksgiving and continue until January. I'll start buying them when as they are released and this year I may be tempted to read one or two early.
ReplyDeleteI like your Christmas in July reading tradition. I think I need to adopt that!
Deletesometimes read them
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy the ones you do read.
DeleteI'm always happy to read Christmas themed books anytime of the year!!
ReplyDeleteAnother reader with the Christmas elf spirit, I'm thinking. :)
DeleteWedding Bells at Christmas was the first book I read by Debbie. I enjoyed it so much I had to go back to read the others. So that is my favorite. I tend to read Christmas books in November, December and January. If I were lucky enough to get a chocolate sugarplum cake, I would wish for good health for people in my family.
ReplyDeleteI loved Vivi and Chance! If their book is your favorite then you'll enjoy their scenes in next week's Snowbound at Christmas.
DeleteI do enjoy reading stories set at Christmas! Especially as we move into the fall. I remember reading the Harlequin Christmas anthologies many years ago - I still pull them out to re-read them.
ReplyDeleteI do too, Di. Some of those Harlequin Historical holiday anthologies contained stories that are on my all-time Christmas favorites list.
DeleteI love reading stories with a Christmas setting. I'll read them all through the year. Thanks for visiting, Debbie.
ReplyDeleteI've been known to pull a few out at other times of the year when I need that Christmas lift.
DeleteI absolutely like to track down new Christmas themed books this time of year. The perfect time to start reading them is before the actual craziness of the holidays arrives and helps set the mood for the holidays! Looks like a fun read!
ReplyDeleteThey do set the mood, don't they? Last year, I set aside an hour every evening during December to read holiday stories.
DeleteI love to read Christmas novels - any time from now thru January.
ReplyDeleteI have not read Debbie's books, but will have to give them a try.
If I got the plum, would have to say joy, good health to all.
Patty B43
Oh it sounds so good and perfect for a holiday read! These are my favorites to read around Christmas and always bring such holiday spirit! Christmas and romance always go together! I cannot wait to read!
ReplyDeletelandfjacobson @ charter .net
I have loved reading this series!!!
ReplyDelete