BOOKSDRAMA Chapter 38
After a bit, she remarked, "I've made way too many dishes. Why don't you invite that young officer for dinner tonight?"
Jonah was caught off guard for a second but then nodded. They were talking about Officer Cooper.
Officer Cooper was practically a regular, showing up most evenings. Sometimes he'd bring over a bag of veggies he grew himself, other times fresh
fruits from the market, and occasionally even some plush toys he'd snagged from claw machines.
Jonah always told him to just swing by without bringing anything, but Officer Cooper insisted. He'd say that even though he wasn't raised by his
parents, he knew good manners.
Oddly enough, Marie was usually the epitome of warmth and hospitality, but kept her distance from Officer Cooper. It was almost like she was
wearing her reluctance like a badge.
At first, when she met Officer Cooper, she had praised his good looks. But once she learned he was Jonah's old classmate and now a cop, she
cooled off considerably.
Officer Cooper noticed this change but didn't let it bother him. He kept visiting the shop with his trademark grin, helping Marie pick fresh produce at
uniform.
In short, he had a special kind of respect for Marie.
When Officer Cooper showed up that evening, he was loaded with gifts.
Marie said, "Cooper, you really don’t need to bring anything."
His face changed, almost like panic was written all over it.
Marie quickly added, "I mean, we're like family here. Relax."
He let out a sigh of relief and quipped, "You almost gave me a heart attack. I thought tonight's dinner was my last meal!"
This cracked Marie up.
After dinner, we all gathered around to watch TV.
Marie handed out three gifts, giving one to each of us. With a smile, she said, "May every year bring peace and safety."
Meet Me Where the Oak Tree Grows
Chapter 37
Under the Veil I Rule
"Thanks, Mom. Happy holidays," Jonah replied, used to the tradition.
"Thank you, Mom! Merry Christmas!" I chimed in, thrilled as it was my first time receiving receiving Christmas gifts.
"Thanks, Aunt Marie! Merry Christmas!!" Officer Cooper exclaimed, nearly jumping out of his seat with excitement over the unexpected gift.
With the mood just right, I slipped away to fetch the presents I had prepared.
For Marie, I had a scarf and a pair of gloves. She often sat out on the porch deep in thought, and with the cold setting in, these would keep her cozy.
For Officer Cooper, I'd picked out a snug knitted hat. The small town's winters were brutal, and he'd need something to keep his head warm while on
duty.
Marie admired her gifts, amazed by my handiwork.
Officer Cooper, eyes glistening, said he wasn't expecting any gifts.
The only one who hadn't said a word was Jonah. He stared hopefully at my empty hands and, realizing there was nothing for him, cleared his throat.
I pretended not to notice, focusing back on the TV.
The throat-clearing grew more insistent. Then, the cushion next to me dipped a little.
I felt warm breath near my ear, "Everyone else got something. What about me?"
I turned to him, feigning innocence, "Jonah, didn't you say you weren't into these kinds of things?"
I’d already asked him before, and he mentioned that he never wore scarves or stuff like that. He had said, with a chuckle, that men should focus on
working out instead of bundling up with accessories.
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