The Clause in Christmas (Poppy Creek, #1)

by Rachael Bloome

Loving someone means accepting the bad with the good. It means pursuing them, no matter what. Love always hopes and always perseveres.

Before Luke could talk himself out of it, he brushed his hand against Cassie’s. Their pinkies grazed, sending shivers up his arm. He held his breath, waiting for her to pull away, but she didn’t stir. Heart pounding, Luke let his touch linger, relishing the intimacy of such a simple gesture.

“Sometimes it takes the right person to inspire a change of heart.”

“Having a son means being worried about his safety ninety percent of the time.”

Their toes nearly touching, Luke gazed into her stunning green eyes—the ones that made him feel like the best version of himself, as though she could see all the good in him and all the greatness he could become.

When their lips met, all the emotions Luke had been trying to control since the instant he laid eyes on her erupted in their kiss, a burst of passion and tenderness that nearly knocked him over.

“No space of regret can make amends for one life’s opportunity misused.”

Besides, you know what I saw? I saw a man who pursued me, even through pain.”

“Marriage might be a bed of roses, but sometimes those roses have thorns. And when times get tough, you want someone by your side who will fight with you and for you. When you have that, differences seem a whole lot smaller.”

“You know, I’ve always thought hope cured heartache.”

“When people are afraid,” Maggie said slowly, “they tend to do things they wouldn’t normally do.

I think your grandmother was terrified she and your mother couldn’t give you the life you deserved.” Cassie nodded, although her heart physically ached. The life she deserved? What did that even mean? All she wanted was a family—someone who loved her. What more did she need?

“Fear can make a person do foolish things.” “Fear of dying?” With a look of sadness, he shook his head. “Fear of pain.”

“I didn’t know if I could survive the war only to die of a broken heart.”

The embrace lasted mere seconds. But the moment would stay with Cassie forever. Imprinted on her heart as a banner of hope.

Love always hopes and always perseveres

If life had taught him anything, it was that some things were out of your control. And when the difficult times arose, having someone by your side made all the difference in the world.

Resting her chin on top of his head, Cassie closed her eyes, hoping to capture the moment in her memory.