Chapter 35—Nat

Nat was arranging a section for the gingerbread house competition and wondering to herself exactly how she’d gotten roped into more free labor. She blamed Andi—who had insisted but still wasn’t there herself. And who also insisted Nat not tell Jackson she was coming.

“How many of these houses do we need?” Nat called to Jackson.

“Let’s do five at each table,” he said. “But seriously, you don’t have to stay here and work. I can handle it from here. You guys did so much.”

“It’s no problem,” she said, her attitude softening a bit. Sometimes it was just nice to be acknowledged.

The Christmas Eve Festival was set to begin in 20 minutes. All the lights downtown—including the huge tree in the square—were already on and sparkling. And unlike the first time she’d walked into the shop with Andi, The Cozy Cup was just as festive as the rest of the shops on the block.

She would definitely have to come back to this place more often—even if she didn’t want to live here, she could appreciate the holiday aesthetic.

Tess came bursting through the door then, an older man that Nat didn’t recognize in tow. He was in a suit, and his cheeks were flushed from the cold. “Jackson!” Tess was squealing like a schoolgirl.

Jackson looked up and greeted them both.

“Hi again, Mr. Cyprus,” Jackson said. “Are you here to check the basement for more stuff? I think Tess and Andi looked pretty thoroughly, but you’re welcome to see for yourself—”

“No,” the older man said, holding up a hand. “That isn’t necessary. I checked the records, and everything you and Tess brought me earlier seems to cover what was missing. I came to give you a bit of good news.”

Nat thought for sure that Tess was about to actually jump up and down. She kept bringing her clenched fists up to her face. It made Nat buzz with excitement just to watch Tess. What was this guy about to say? And what were they talking about?

“Tess tells me that it’s pretty important that this piece of information not wait,” the man went on. “So, I’ve come to tell you before the place gets busy with tonight’s celebrating.”

“Okay,” Jackson said, walking closer to the man and offering him a seat. The man thanked him and took it.

Nat tried to busy herself, but eventually, she just sat down, too, so she could watch what was going on.

“My father set aside reward money for those jewels you found. I’d like you to have it.”

“You still have reward money from that long ago?” Jackson asked. “And that’s not necessary. Returning them was the right thing to do.”

“No, no,” the man insisted. “You don’t understand. He already got the insurance payout for the robbery. He put some of that aside, hoping that they would be found one day. He never believed they were gone for good. When I called to tell him what you found, he insisted that I give you the reward. It’s yours.”

Jackson nodded. “Okay, sure. Thank you. That’s very kind of you.”

“Tell him how much it is,” Tess said, nudging the older man.

“Well, he put about $15,000 away,” the older man said.

Nat watched all the color drain out of Jackson’s face.

“You’re kidding me, right?” he said to the man.

“No, that broach was a very expensive piece,” the man said. “Very expensive.”

“So, you’re telling me that you’re going to give me $15,000?” Jackson asked. “Just for returning a piece of jewelry?”

“No,” Tess interjected. “He’s telling you that he’s going to give you over $150,000. It’s been invested for nearly 40 years.”

She looked to the man, who nodded back. “That’s right,” he said with a kind smile.

Jackson gripped the table, probably to steady himself. Nat felt like she might faint. She couldn’t imagine what Jackson was feeling.

Nat pulled out her phone and dialed Andi. “I’m on my way,” Andi said before Nat could say anything.

“Hurry up,” Nat whispered.

“Don’t tell Jackson,” Andi said.

“Don’t worry,” Nat said, shaking her head in amazement. “Jackson is busy.”