Christmas Cove

Chapter 6

She and Caden spent the next hour looking at rings together. When customers came in, Kiki graciously helped them, allowing Jocelyn time with Caden. A few times, Kiki looked over and raised an eyebrow and then looked over at Caden when he wasn't looking. But Jocelyn shook her head, hoping beyond all hope that Caden hadn't seen.

Finally, Caden narrowed his choices down between The Christmas Ring and another engagement ring. "I wish I knew what Mallory liked now-." Then he looked into her eyes. "You're her sister. Which one do you think she'd like?"

Jocelyn's heart sank, but she plastered a smile on her face. She would give anything to be picking out a ring with Caden right now, but she guessed it just wasn't meant to be. Get a grip, she thought to herself. He's picking out a ring for your sister! She looked at the two rings, trying to be as objective as possible, and tears came to her eyes, threatening to spill over. Not only was Caden going to ask her sister to marry him, he could quite possibly give her the ring that Jocelyn loved.

"I couldn't tell you," she finally replied. "That's a decision you'll have to make."

After pondering for a moment, Caden sighed. "I think I'll take this one." When Jocelyn looked down, he was pointing to the other ring- not The Christmas Ring, much to her relief.

"Excellent choice. Shall I wrap that up for you?"

Caden shook his head. "No, I'll just take it in the box." Then his eyebrows pulled together in concern. "So, is Mallory at home?"

"I'm not sure, but I think so. She's involved with the Christmas pageant and parade, so I'm not sure what she has planned."

Jocelyn slipped the ring he purchased into a box and then put The Christmas Ring back into the case. Since their parents died, she and Mallory had gone their separate ways, even though they lived in the same house. In fact, they were more like roommates than actual sisters- and not good roommates, at that. Their interests were as far apart as one could imagine. While Mallory liked the glitz and glamour, Jocelyn was happy sipping hot cocoa by the fire at home. No, Jocelyn had always had a hard time understanding her sister. Although she had tried over the years, Jocelyn knew it wasn't going to happen anytime soon.

Jocelyn slid the white box across the counter to Caden. "Here you go." Then she looked into his eyes. "So, are you staying with your parents while you're here?"

Caden shrugged. "Probably, but I'm not sure yet. I'm going to head over there and see."

"You'd better," Jocelyn teased. It was easy with Caden. No matter what happened, they had always been friends and, in many ways, were more suited for one another than he and Mallory. But she quickly pushed the thought aside, knowing that was a dangerous direction for her heart to take. "Your parents would have your hiney if you came to town and didn't at least go see them."

"You always did have a way with words." He smirked. "So, how are your parents?"

Jocelyn let out a deep breath. He hadn't heard. "They both died not too long ago. Mom died first of cancer and then Dad died a year later. I assume, of a broken heart. He couldn't live without her."

Jocelyn secretly wished for a love like that. After her mother passed away, Jocelyn had tried everything she could think of to bring her father out of his funk, but nothing worked. Even Mallory had tried, offering to take him to the movies or shopping, but he had always refused. Then one day, they found him in his bed. He had went to sleep the night before and just never woke up. Jocelyn had always wished that she could have done more for her father, but she knew in her heart that they were together and happy now.

"I'm sorry to hear that. I always liked your parents," Caden replied, bringing her from her reverie.

"Thanks." Jocelyn looked up and gave him a weak smile.

Caden reached over and squeezed her hand. "Thanks, Jocelyn. I owe you."

Jocelyn didn't tell him what she'd like him to owe her. For some reason, her thoughts betrayed her when she was around Caden. "Think nothing of it. I hope she likes it." She gave him a genuine smile, truly meaning it. After all, he had waited all this time for Mallory, hadn't he?

A broad smile spread across his face. "Thanks! I hope so, too." He smiled, melting her heart. "It was good to see you again, Jocelyn. I'll see you later."

"See ya." When he was almost out the door, she added, "And Caden, welcome home." He nodded as he gave her a heartbreaking smile. Then he turned and walked out the door. Kiki walked up beside her and Jocelyn sighed as they both watched Caden walk away. "There goes a brave man."

"How so?" Kiki seemed to be enjoying the view a bit too much.

"He's going to ask a girl to marry him that he hasn't seen in eight years."

Kiki nodded, watching Caden appreciatively. "You should go for him."

Jocelyn pulled back to look at her, her eyebrows pulling together in concern. "What are you talking about?"

Kiki raised an eyebrow. "I saw the way you were looking at him."

"No I wasn't."

"Yes you were."

Jocelyn sighed. "And how was I looking at him?" she asked, wiping down the showcase glass for the hundredth time that day.

Kiki nudged her shoulder not so gently and gave her a knowing smile. "You know."

Jocelyn let out a deep breath. Outside, Caden gave her one last wave and then slid into his Corvette.

"Hey. All's fair in love and war," Kiki observed, leaning onto the glass case. Then she looked up at Jocelyn. "By the way, who's the lucky girl?"

"My sister."

As Jocelyn watched him drive away, she knew he was as far from her now as he had been over the eight years since he had been away. At that moment, she wondered how long he was going to be in town- and if her heart would survive it.