Cranberry and popcorn garland was strung around the branches. A beautiful, six-foot-tall tree filled one corner of the living room. Red plush stockings hung from the white brick fireplace’s wood mantel covered with boughs, holly, white candles, and miniature teddy bears wearing Santa hats. The scents of pine and cinnamon lingered in the air. She’d dated, but still hadn’t found anyone to bring her home.Īnything she lacked would be filled with the holiday spirit, something overflowing here. Something Caitlin missed since her parents moved away. Jay and Jen Patterson had created a home. She glanced around the living room, with its wide slipcovered chairs for reading with the kids, knick-knacks, photographs, and a wood painted sign that read: Life takes you to unexpected places. Warmth settled in the center of her chest. Bet the sink never backed up and all stove burners worked in this house. Much more festive than spending winter break in her above-a-garage studio apartment on the wrong side of town. Spending a week in this house would be like winning the blackout jackpot at the St. She’d babysat the kids many times, but she’d never spent the night. She loved this old house, full of character and charm and within walking distance of Marietta’s Main Street. Still, she rubbed her thumbs over her fingertips, her excitement growing over housesitting for friends. The idea of waking up to a stocking full of goodies and a mysterious present under the tree brought a smile to her face. Unless he wanted to leave something for Caitlin. Nicholas would deliver the kids’ gifts to their grandparents’ house in Idaho, rather than slide down the chimney in Montana. Not that Santa needed to stop by here tonight. Going away for the holiday hadn’t stopped them from decorating the house.

Caitlin Butler hummed along to the merry tune, waiting for Jay and Jen Patterson and their children, Justin and Jasmine, to finish packing and leave on vacation.

On December twenty-fourth, a rousing rendition of Deck the Halls played on iPod speakers in the living room. Stay social! For new release updates, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, and reader giveaways: Keep Up with your Favorite Authors and their New Releasesįor the latest news from Tule Publishing authors, sign up for our newsletter here or check out our website at

Mistletoe Magic by Melissa McClone