Operation Destiny

By Sarah Hadley Brook

Living on Snow Hope Island has its perks: it’s beautiful, the community is like a family, and if you’re an elf but find the North Pole too busy, it’s the ideal place. Still, Noel is lonely. He loves running Frosty’s Diner and he has a cat, but he wants more.

When Charlie Claus shows up on the island, Noel is instantly attracted to him. The more time Noel spends with him, the more he falls for Charlie. Would Charlie ever give up his life and move to the island permanently?

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Dec 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9781685506377

Sarah Hadley Brook

Sarah Hadley Brook reserves her evenings for her hobby-turned-passion of writing, letting the characters she conjures up in her mind take the lead and show her where the story will go. She dreams of traveling to Scotland some day and visiting the places her ancestors lived. Sarah believes in “happily ever after” and strives to ensure her characters find their own happiness in love and life. For more information, visit sarahhadleybrookwrites.com.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The bell over the door rang out and Noel groaned. He’d known it was a mistake to start on the grill early, but the night had been slow and he’d been itching to get home and start on the new book that had finally arrived earlier.

He was already irritated that the shipment had taken so long from the North Pole. You’d think the mail from there would run on time, considering once a year they had to deliver billions of gifts within a twenty-four-hour time period. Seriously, the whole operation was known for its speedy delivery service—except when he was looking forward to a good book, of course. Then it took its sweet time.

He made his way back to the counter to greet whomever had decided to brave the night and he shivered at the cold wind that had followed his new customer into the diner. Judging by the sizable puddle at the door, the wind had carried in quite a bit of snow, as well. He groaned inwardly, knowing he would need to mop again. His planned evening of settling in with his new book and Max, his tuxedo cat, was disappearing right before his eyes.

To cover his surly attitude, he pasted on a smile and turned his attention to his customer, currently still standing in the doorway, nearly swallowed up by the massive red parka that hung down to their knees and bunched around the too-small-shoulders of the wearer. The hood hung so far down, their face was hidden. Noel didn’t recognize the red parka, which was odd because he knew every elf on the small island—and their choice of outer wear.

Welcome to Frosty’s. What can I get you?

A gloved hand pushed back the hood, revealing short white-blond hair with longer bangs falling over the eyes. After he’d stamped snow from his boots, the stranger looked up and their eyes met.

Noel’s stomach gave a little flip. It had been a long time since he’d felt an instant physical reaction to someone, but this guy was stunning. White-blond hair swept to the side, cleft chin, and brilliant ice blue eyes. His guest wrinkled his brow at him and heat flooded Noel’s cheeks as he realized he’d just been busted for staring. He pulled himself back to reality and tried to find a way out of the awkwardness.

Uh, yeah. Sorry. So, cold out? Noel’s stomach fell. For God’s sake…so much for game. He was about as smooth as Blitzen crash-landing on an icy rooftop.

The customer let out a quiet chuckle, clearly finding one of his most embarrassing moments amusing. Still, Noel couldn’t help but smile. Stupid question, he admitted, recovering a bit from his idiocy.

"Is it ever not cold here?"

Noel shook his head and let out a deep knowing sigh. If so, I can’t remember, and I’ve lived here on the island—or at the North Pole—all my life. He shrugged and added, You get used to it.

The stranger looked at him like he’d grown antlers on his head. I can’t imagine ever getting used to this! I mean, I expected there to be snow, but seriously…it’s a lot…of snow… His voice trailed off as he removed his gloves and stuffed them into the parka’s pockets.

Noel laughed. "That’s what every visitor says when they arrive. Lots of snow."

He was gifted with a smile that lit up those blue eyes and warmed Noel all the way to his toes. He turned the grill back on and returned his attention to his visitor in time to see him slip out of his parka, revealing a deep burgundy sweater and fitted blue jeans. He was probably no more than five-four with a small frame. Noel watched as he slid onto a bar stool and draped his coat over the one on his right.

I guess you know everyone here, huh?

Snow Hope is kind of like high school. Everyone knows everyone—and whether you’ve been a good elf or a bad elf.

So you probably know who I am?

Noel shook his head. Actually, I must be out of the loop, he explained with a shrug. Overslept and missed the last town meeting, he added with a wink.

The guy laughed and it shot through Noel. He could seriously get used to that sound.

I’m Charles Claus, but my friends call me Charlie.

Claus? Any relation? he asked.

Yep. He’s my uncle.

Interesting. Noel turned back to him and slid a paper menu over to Charlie. The special today was a tuna melt.

Charlie wrinkled his small upturned nose. I’m not much on tuna. He glanced up from the menu and looked at the big clock hanging on the wall near Noel. Oh, wow! I didn’t realize it was so late. I just got busy with my work until my stomach was growling so loudly I figured I’d better eat something. Didn’t even check the time. Are you even still open?

Of course. For another half hour, so no problem. He smiled, trying to put Charlie at ease. It’s been slow all evening, so it’s nice to have some company, he admitted. Crap, did that make him sound lonely? Which he was.

Charlie smiled. Thanks. I have a feeling you’re just being nice, but thank you. I really am starving and haven’t had much of a chance to get things stocked up at the cabin… He paused and wrinkled his brow. I’m sorry, what’s your name again?

No worries. I hadn’t said it yet. The name is Noel Morgan. He held out his hand across the counter and Charlie shook it.

Noel. It fits you, he said, holding Noel’s gaze.

It came out almost a whisper and Noel swore the heat hanging in the air between them would melt the snow surrounding the diner. Was