Read Online Some Kind of Wonderful: A Holiday Novella (The Cupcake Lovers) by Beth Ciotta - Free Book Online Page A

them. Saw them the other day. Tossed them into the Hummer before we left. You never know.”
    “And the utility sled! I can’t believe you thought to pack it, too.” Instead of carrying the heavy thermal care basket stocked with cupcakes, can goods, and a small cooked turkey, Zach had piled the Cupcake Lovers’ “present” on a sled specifically made for hauling hunting or camping supplies. He’d also added the insulated tote packed with “snacks” by Helen and Giselle, along with two blankets, a high-powered flashlight, and a medical kit. “Always prepared!” Maya went on. “Like a Boy Scout.”
    “Or a Marine,” he said with a wistful smile.
    Maya’s heart ached, as she knew Zach was feeling lost now that he was no longer on active duty. How many civilian jobs were there for a sharpshooter? A professional sniper? Not counting a hit man. What if Zach never fully recovered from his injuries? Would he even qualify for a desk job with the police? He was smart, resourceful, and experienced. Surely he could land a job in an advisory or teaching capacity. But would he be happy? Fulfilled? One thing was certain: She couldn’t imagine him hawking houses or cars or running an amusement ride at Disney. Not that there was anything wrong with those jobs, but they weren’t Zach.
    Strapped into the snowshoes she’d owned as a teen, Maya glided over the accumulating snowfall rather than sinking in. Once again she was teleported back to her youth when Zach used to take her and some of their other friends hiking in the winter. He’d always been an outdoorsman, always physical. Even now, even with his stilted gait, he navigated this storm with confidence. Since he was wearing a harness that was attached to the sled, his hands were free, enabling him to utilize the walking stick. He seemed to be leaning on it more than before. Trudging uphill in the deep snow while pulling the added weight of their supplies had to be brutal on his bad leg.
    She wanted to offer to help, but she knew he’d take offense. Instead she held silent, allowing him to concentrate on their trek. She couldn’t see twelve inches in front of her what with the blizzard, but he seemed to know exactly where they were heading. When she finally spied the small log cabin nestled in a copse of evergreens, her heart nearly burst with relief. Finally, Zach could get off his feet and she could warm up. Her cheeks and nose were so cold, they hurt.
    Zach touched her arm as they neared the covered porch. “Hang back.”
    “Why?”
    “In case he comes out packing that rifle and a bad attitude.” Zach narrowed his eyes when she jutted her chin. “Humor me.”
    “Hurry.” Maya covered her face with her gloves and blew into her hands, hoping to unthaw her nose. Her pulse raced as Zach abandoned the harness and snowshoes and stepped onto the porch. Daniel had pegged Rosco Marx as more bark than bite, but who knew? If the man felt threatened …
    Zach whistled and motioned her forward.
    She hurried across the frozen lawn, unsnapped the straps on her snowshoes, and joined him at the door. “What are you reading?”
    “A letter from Marx. It was tacked to the door and addressed to the Cupcake Lovers.” He passed it to her while he tried the door. “Locked.”
    Maya read the scrawled note.
    SINCE YOU PERSIST IN FORCING YOUR CHARITY ON ME, THIS TIME I TOOK MYSELF OUT OF THE EQUATION. GONE HUNTING OVER THE BORDER. WON’T BE BACK TILL AFTER CHRISTMAS. GIVE THAT DAMNED BASKET TO SOMEONE WHO NEEDS IT. –ROSCOE MARX
    “How rude,” Maya commented, then gasped when she noticed Zack picking the lock with some pocket tool. “That’s breaking and entering!”
    “Do you want to freeze to death?”
    “Good point.” As soon as the door gave, Maya pushed into the dank, dark cabin. “Although it’s not much better in here.” She flicked a switch. “No electricity.”
    “I’ll check the generator. Hold tight.” Zach went out front, then around back.
    Maya dragged