Falling for Christmas

By Amy L Gale

They made a deal, but falling in love was never part of the bargain. Natalie Watkins, owner of Watkins Tree Farm, the premiere Christmas tree farm in Evergreen Falls, finds her farm as well as half the town’s businesses in jeopardy when big-city businessman, Gabriel Carter, buys the savings and loan. With the residents of Evergreen Falls angered and threating to take their business elsewhere, Gabriel makes a deal with Natalie to help him win over the townspeople and in exchange help her grow business for her tree farm. While attending Evergreen Fall’s holiday events together, they both get more than they bargained for when unexpected feelings emerge. Will Gabriel fall for the charm of Evergreen Falls or will Natalie and Gabriel fall for each other?

• Language: English
• Publisher: 5 Prince Publishing
• Release date: May 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9781631123269

Amy L Gale

Romance author by night, pharmacist by day, Amy Gale loves rock music and the feel of sand between her toes. She attended Wilkes University where she graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. In addition to writing, she enjoys baking, scary movies, rock concerts, and reading books at the beach. She lives in the lush forest of Northeastern Pennsylvania with her husband, six cats, and golden retriever.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

NEWBIE

There’s no way I’m letting him get away with this. I stomp forward, rock salt crackles under my boots with each step.

I’m with you, Nat, my best friend Belle says as she navigates the sidewalk, trying to catch up to me.

The two inches of snow that fell last night turned the town into a winter wonderland. Snowflakes cling to the trees and rooftops creating a picturesque view of Evergreen Falls. Our small town looks like it could sit underneath a Christmas tree.

I march up the steps of Evergreen Savings and Loan like a soldier reporting for duty. Ever since Mr. Hooper, the owner of Evergreen Savings and Loan for as long as I can remember, sold out to some Wall Street hot shot, all the businesses in town are in danger. Mom and Dad built up our Christmas tree farm from nothing and there’s no way in hell I’m going to lose it.

The sound of crumpling paper fills the air, courtesy of my death grip on the heartless one-page letter both Belle and I had received. Increasing interest rates, adding on bogus fees, and doing it two weeks before Christmas? Who is this guy, The Grinch?

Belle takes a second to catch her breath. You’re not on the all-county track team anymore. She hunches over and takes a few more deep breaths.

Sorry, I speed walk when I’m focused. The fires of hell burning through me might have something to do with it, too. If we were still in high school and I was this hyped up I’d probably win the state championship for Evergreen Falls High.

Belle pulls the door handle of the old building. Of course it’s locked. With all these rules you’d think the new guy would be on time. Belle turns around and rests the back of her head on the door. She lets out a sigh. I can’t believe I’m losing my bakery.

I shake her arm. Stop it right now. You are not losing the bakery and I’m not losing the tree farm. We’re going to talk to this Gabriel guy and explain to him what his new rules will do to this town. I’m sure we can negotiate. That’s what these Wall Street guys do, right?

She shrugs her shoulder.

Come on, Belle. You’re acting like we’ve already lost. We’ve got to pull it together. I step to the side and wipe the fog off the window. Okay, so I’ll pretend the red cheeks are from the cold rather than the hellfire rising inside. I tuck a few strands of my long brown hair behind an ear and plaster on a smile.

Belle gives her blonde ponytail a tug and smooths out the make-up under her eyes. She clearly hasn’t gotten much sleep the last few days. None of us have. Who could blame her? She built Sugar Plum Bakery practically all by herself fresh out of culinary school. Everyone thought she’d head off to a big city and become an executive chef in a five star restaurant, but she came back right after graduation. Mr. Hooper loaned her the money to get started six months ago and her dream is finally a reality… for now.

I nibble my lip. We’re ready to take on the world. I try to hide the shakiness in my voice. Truth be told, if this guy doesn’t want to play ball we’ve got serious problems. Mr. Hooper let us slide if we couldn’t make our payments on time. His rates were lower than any I’ve ever seen. He wanted to help everyone in town survive, and live great lives. He is one of us. My family’s Christmas tree farm would’ve gone under last year when Dad passed if Mr. Hooper hadn’t helped us get back on our feet.

Where is this guy? Is everything he does virtual or something? Belle gazes along Main Street. Not a car on the road.

Once Mr. Hooper sold the savings and loan, Joanie, his secretary was fired two days later in an effort to save costs and modernize the business. Now this new guy wants everything done online or through zoom. A face to face meeting is the only way to hash things like this out here. I hate to break it to him, but I’ll stand here until the end of time, if necessary.

Don’t worry, we’ll work on our strategy while we wait. I pull out my candy apple red lip gloss from my pocket and slather it on.

Really? Belle lets out a chuckle.

I shrug. Can’t hurt. I smack my lips together. Okay, should we go in together or attack separately?

Together. Belle flashes a smile. Nat, we were called the Dynamic Duo for a reason.

I roll my eyes. That was a volleyball tournament five years ago. We did beat ten other teams from all over the state. Maybe she has a point. It’s like she can read my mind half the time anyway.

She nudges my arm. Now who’s the Debbie Downer? This guy has no chance against us, remember?

I nod. Definitely, I stand up tall, my shoulders back and my head up. We’re going to walk in there and demand Gabriel talk to us about these new regulations.

Right. Belle stands tall next to me. She’s two inches taller but I wore my platform boots so we’re just about even. She gives the glass a quick rub with the arm of her jacket. Look at us, no way he can resist.

I nod and take a deep breath, gazing at our reflection. This waiting game is killing me. I wish he’d get here already. I look down at the piece of paper that could ruin me. The hours printed at the bottom are the same as they’ve always been; 9am to 5pm. I glance down at my watch, It’s 9:20 am. Either this guy doesn’t care about his new business, or more than we thought has changed. I fold my arms across my chest and rotate from side to side, trying to shake off the cold. Belle covers her nose and mouth with her hands, blowing warm air. Freezing us out is a strategy I didn’t anticipate.

Screeching tires rip through the air. We both jump at the same time. I look over onto Main Street and watch a shiny black Mustang fishtail across the snow-covered road. The rev of the engine blasts through the town like an atomic bomb.

Exhaust fumes flow toward me. I cover my face with my hand,