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“Did you like the book?”

“Very strange But so is this village today”

She joined her friend at the desk by the fireplace and set the s on top of it

Lisette said, “So not-so-secret Santa” She inclined her head to the left and Jade’s gaze followed

Four boxes of books were stacked in the corner

“Where did they come from?” Jade asked as she wandered over to the new collection

“Found theed the boxes in and now I’ titles”

Jade knelt and sifted through the hard- and paperback books “Not all of them…” She extracted three textbooks fro on her lips “Geoonometry” Under her breath, she muttered, “What a smartass”

Standing, she turned back to Lisette and said, “The Leightons have cranberries and oranges to make muffins with and the coffee shop has a variety of new spices Take a sip”

“It does smell delicious All of this had to have come from the castle” She speared Jade with an inquisitive look “Why is the Deers, I wonder?”

Jade sipped her own coffee, then shrugged “’Tis the season?”

“I’ve lived in this village since it was established, Jade” With an indignant huff, Lisette added, “Don’t be coy with me I know you better than that”

She sighed Again with that reputation of hers “Maybe he’s feeling guilty over the attempts on my life”

“Orto you”

Jade’s stomach fluttered She had to suppress another smile “I wouldn’t make too much out of it”