Page 1 of Savoring Christmas (Sugarville Grove #8)

LOGAN

L ogan Hayes had been planning to ask Mia Bianchi out for exactly eighteen months, two weeks, and three days.

Not that he was counting. The Moose was packed with post-Thanksgiving chaos, but he only had eyes for the dark-haired woman at the corner table who'd been haunting his thoughts since the day she'd arrived in Sugarville Grove.

He was not a man to avoid a challenge. In fact, he loved to challenge himself and everyone around him.

Too much so, according to his brothers. He was an attorney.

He made a living challenging the other side.

Yet, he could not stir up the courage to simply ask the woman out for coffee.

Trivia Night at The Moose on the day after Thanksgiving had become a Hayes family tradition.

The Moose was already humming by the time Logan Hayes and his brothers claimed a booth near the front with the kind of small-town tavern energy that only hit on a holiday weekend.

Tonight was the annual holiday trivia contest, when everyone who’d been trapped in family kitchens the day before needed a stiff drink, a night out, and a few hours of good-natured trash talk.

Locals crowded around high-top tables and mismatched booths, shoulders bumping as they sipped pints and picked at baskets of fries. The sound of laughter rolled through the room, punctuated by the scrape of chairs and the clang of the bell whenever someone bought a round.

Behind the bar, the bartender was already two steps ahead of the rush, sliding beers down the worn mahogany counter.

On the far side of the room, Kris Olaffson, the trivia host for the evening, was busy setting up for the competition.

Good old Kris. He took the gig seriously, as he did playing Santa during the month of December out at Logan’s brother Max’s country store.

Kris was the type of man who did everything at full throttle.

Logan admired him for that. Plus, the rotund postman had a heart as big as his belly.

Holiday buzz was in the air. People were looser tonight than usual, still full from turkey but restless in that in-between space before December really began.

Out-of-towners who’d grown up here mingled with locals, turning the place into one big reunion.

The air smelled of fried food, spilled beer, and the citrus twist of someone’s holiday cocktail.

Strings of mismatched Christmas lights framed the antler-shaped chandelier over the bar, while a battered stuffed moose head wore a Santa hat like he did every year.

Kris held the mic like it was a microphone at the Grand Ole Opry, leaning into the role as if a national audience were tuning in.

“Welcome to post-Turkey Day Trivia Night at The Moose,” his voice boomed over the speakers.

“Now, I know some of you are in a gravy coma, but I still expect to witness a fierce competition on this fine evening. Game starts in ten minutes, so get your food and drinks ordered and prepare for the competition of the year. Tonight the winner gets a dinner for two at Mia’s. ”

Kris gestured toward Mia, who shared a table with her Ma?tre d’, Remi Hart.

Rumor had it Mia had been a big deal in New York City but for some reason had closed her high profile restaurant and moved to Sugarville Grove.

Her family had property and a log cabin outside of town, which she’d turned into a gourmet Italian restaurant.

It was a popular place for special occasions and romance, even though it was only open two nights a week.

His brothers had all taken their wives there when they were courting.

Logan, on the other hand, had never been.

He was the only one not happily married.

Given his cowardice, he couldn’t imagine that changing any time soon.

Mia flushed but gave a small wave. Her dark hair was swept into a loose knot at the nape of her neck, a few tendrils escaping to brush her heart-shaped face.

Warm honey brown eyes flicked around the room, then down to the table as if she wished she could vanish from all the sudden attention.

She looked sweet, shy even. However, there was something in the set of her mouth that hinted she was as tough as she was pretty.

Logan stole yet another glance at Mia. She was dressed in jeans and riding boots, paired with a blue sweater. Nothing exceptional. But it didn’t matter what she wore, the woman was a queen.

He’d found her exquisite the first time he saw her, but Max had expressed interest, so Logan had quickly let it go.

No one could win a woman’s affection if Max was around.

Max had the type of personality that could charm the Grinch into loving Christmas.

However, he’d married Charlie Keene, now Charlie Hayes, last year.

Which meant Logan could ask Mia out without fear of his brother outshining him.

But Logan hadn’t. Every time he thought about approaching her at a town event or a Sunday morning at church, he’d lost his nerve.

There was something intimidating about her, regardless of her petite frame and bashful personality.

Remi Hart was as elusive as Mia. He looked like he belonged at a black-tie gala, not at a corner table in The Moose on the rowdiest night of the holiday weekend.

Even in dark jeans and a charcoal sweater, he carried an effortless elegance.

Logan’s brother, Luke, had once said he reminded him of a movie star from the golden era.

Like Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday , or Cary Grant in his later years.

Oddly enough, no one knew much about either of them.

In Sugarville Grove, this almost never happened.

Especially with Kris around. He was postman, trivia night host, Santa, and the town’s biggest gossip.

Never in a malicious way. He was too kind-hearted for that.

Regardless, he loved being in the know, and he gathered information however he could, but mostly on his postal routes.

“Not only has Mia donated the prize tonight,” Kris went on.

“She’s also hosting a cooking class at the elementary school during the month of December.

Every Tuesday and Thursday evenings at six.

She’s promised to teach us all how to make authentic Italian.

It’s only fifty dollars to attend and she’s donating it all to our local food bank. ”

More cheers.

Kris began to make his rounds, greeting people and passing out score sheets and pencils. When he stopped at their table, he said, “Remember this is all fun and games, boys. Keep it wholesome.”

“Don’t we always?” Nolan asked, eyes flashing with humor.

“I’m remembering last year when things got a little heated,” Kris said diplomatically.

Nolan grinned and poked Logan in the ribs with his elbow. “Our brother hates to lose, so last year was a real blow to him. Just as tonight will be.”

Luke reached for his pint of beer, laughing. “He thinks he’s smarter than the rest of us, but he’s going down tonight.”

“Oh, I don’t think so,” Max said. “We are so ready to take you two down tonight.”

As they always did, Max and Logan paired up as a team, as did Nolan and Luke.

There had been some heated moments in years past, which frankly was a little embarrassing.

But when the four of them were together, their competitive natures reared their ugly heads.

Especially Logan’s. It was true. He hated to lose.

“I hope you’ll all enjoy the evening and, again, keep it cool,” Kris said. “We’ve got some kids here tonight.”

“We’ll play nice, Kris, don’t worry,” Nolan said.

“By nice, does that mean I can’t take pleasure in whipping everyone’s hind ends tonight?” Logan asked, flexing his hands, as Kris wandered over to another table.

“Get ready to be schooled, boys,” Max said.

Luke rolled his eyes. “Famous last words, little brother.”

Logan had been pleased his brothers hadn’t cancelled the evening.

Since they’d all gotten married and domesticated, Logan didn’t see them as much as he wished.

He’d moved back to Sugarville Grove to be close to family, and they’d all abandoned him for true love.

Not that he begrudged them. Of course he was happy for them.

Still, at times, he felt a little left out and that everyone was moving on without him.

He’d remained the same, whereas his brothers were now husbands and fathers.

Not that he’d ever admit it to them or anyone else.

Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Mia approaching their booth.

Was she coming over to them? His stomach clenched and he held his breath. Oh, yes, she was. She was now standing before them.

Logan looked up to meet her gaze. Immediately, his stomach got all fluttery. Her eyes and that full mouth and smooth skin that made him long to see if it was as soft as it appeared. And her cute, curvy little figure in those jeans. Good lord. She was so pretty.

“Hey, guys.” Mia’s gaze landed briefly on Logan before she glanced around at each of them in turn. “Will I see any of you at the cooking class?”

“I’d love to, but December is too crazy for me at the store and everything,” Max said.

“Laney needs me at home in the evenings,” Nolan said. “After being home with a baby all day, she can’t wait for me to get home.”

“My wife’s interested,” Luke said. “She’s always talking about how she wishes she were a better cook.”

“Oh, nice,” Max said. “You told Abby she should take Mia’s cooking class?”

Luke held up his hands, shaking his head. “No, I swear, I didn’t suggest it. She brought it up.”

“I’m happy to hear Abby will be there,” Mia said. “I’m so grateful for what she did for Cannoli last month. I was beside myself when he got sick.”

Luke grinned. “Cannoli’s too quick. Not every dog manages to sneak half a focaccia loaf off the counter.”