We had so much fun trying to figure out who to give our gift to and what the gift would be. And when we gave it to the person we had chosen, they never knew who it was from. That was the best part of all.

  You probably don’t know this, but I was a secret angel every year after that because I enjoyed it so much. This year, I set aside the money to do it again, but it seems I might not get the chance. If you’re reading this letter, it means that I didn’t.

  So, I’m asking each of you to take the money that I saved and be my secret angels for me. I’ve chosen you because I know you would understand how much it means. I’m giving each of you a check for $1,500. Please use it to grant a wish for someone else in time for Christmas. Make it special.

  P.S. If you’re unable to do this, I understand. Refuse the check, and my lawyer will donate it to a worthy cause.

  Love Always, Charity

  She read the letter three times, but could barely comprehend it, except for the fifteen hundred dollars? Charity had no idea that Taye could use the money to buffer her finances until Taye found employment again. She needed to think, decompress, and breathe, so she wasn’t quite ready to return to the B&B yet.

  A stroll along the snow-shoveled sidewalks of Main Street came to mind. Maybe she could reacquaint herself with Snowflake’s small-town charm. There were some new businesses squeezed between older ones, but they had the same vintage feel. She made her way to Royal Fashions, a clothing boutique owned by Fannie Queen, affectionately known as Miss Queenie. She peeped through the plate-glass display window before opening the door. A bell chimed, announcing her presence.

  Miss Queenie spun around, and her eyes, protected behind glasses with big dark rims, greeted her with opened arms. “My, my. Taye Thomas, you’re a stunning woman.”

  Taye blushed from the compliment. The woman was a couple inches shorter than Taye and had the most beautiful gray hair. “Thank you, Miss Queenie.”

  “It’s been too long since I’ve laid my eyes on you.” She wagged her finger.

  Locals sure knew how to make Taye feel guilty about not visiting more. Maybe once she was gainfully employed again, she would visit more often, maybe a weekend in the summer and winter. “I’ll do better.”

  “You better.” Miss Queenie grinned. “What brings you back?”

  “I just found out about Charity’s death.” Taye choked and shook her head. “I still can’t believe she’s gone. It was cancer.”

  Taye’s grandmother had succumbed to lung cancer, and she hadn’t smoked a cigarette a day during her life. Taye hoped her friend didn’t suffer long.

  “A shame. She was so young, but her funeral was weeks ago in Denver. How long will you be here?” Miss Queenie asked.

  “Flying back to Kansas City tomorrow afternoon.” Taye scanned her nice, neat shop.

  Leaning on the counter, the woman folded her hands, and her metal-and-bead bracelet scrapped against the glass countertop. “I guess you have to be back at work on Monday.”

  “Actually, no, I’m job hunting,” Taye reluctantly admitted, feeling like a failure after all the praise the older woman had bestowed upon her. She was supposed to be successful, married, maybe a baby in tow, living the life in a big city, yet it was the small town that drew her back for a blessing.

  “I’m sure you will get something soon.”

  I’m glad you’re sure. “How’s business?” Taye asked as she scanned the shop, which had only a handful of customers while the sidewalks outside were filled with pedestrians.

  “Busy for others, slow for me.” A chime alerting of a customer made Miss Queenie stand taller. “Welcome to Royal Fashions. I’m Queenie. What brings you in today?”

  The woman shrugged. “I have a gift card, so I wanted to use it before I head out of town.”

  “That’s Sara from Gifts N’ More, always trying to send business my way,” Queenie whispered and smiled. “I have something for every taste.”

  Taye stepped aside and wandered through the store herself. She scanned the prices and noticed things were cheap—too cheap to make a profit. After a few minutes, the customer with the gift card purchased jewelry, another bought a shawl, and then both left.

  “What gives?” Taye approached the counter with a tote bag. “You’ve got bargain prices, and they hardly purchased anything. Look at your fashions.” Taye lifted her arms and spun around. She had spent many Saturday mornings at the boutique to shop for a church outfit with her grandmother.

  Miss Queenie sighed and seemed to look past Taye. “I can’t compete with internet prices or free shipping. I’ve checked out some of those online fashions. I admit they are stylish and eye-catching, but I can’t afford to invest in fresh and more inspiring clothes and accessories.”

  Another one of the town’s longtime business owners, Sam Jackson, strolled by, peeped through the window, then backtracked. His eyes lit up when he connected with Taye’s. Once he entered, she went through another round of hugs, compliments and scolding. She was surprised to hear that his business, Sewing World, off Big Bear Road, was suffering too.

  “If it wasn’t for the monthly quilting circle that meets at my place, I wouldn’t have money to eat. I’ve decided to start a going-out-of-business sale after Christmas.”

  Miss Queenie concurred she was considering a liquidation sale too. Taye’s heart ached. Snowflake had dozens of shops that thrived with or without tourism. If only Taye sewed or was possessed with a shopaholic streak, she could patronize them.

  “No!” Taye sucked in her breath. Not more bad news. Mr. Sam and Miss Queenie’s were Snowflake’s first black-owned businesses, which thrived back in the day when Taye lived there.

  Instead of the warm and fuzzy feelings Taye had hoped for after her visit on Main Street, she left with a heavy heart. Two historic businesses would be forgotten.

  Her steps were slow when she returned to the B&B, and Miss Tessie must have picked up on her mood.

  “I’ve been waiting to hear about the meeting.” She squinted. “I guess it didn’t go well.” She sat on the sofa and patted the cushion after Taye removed her coat.

  Taye gnawed on her lips. If she mentioned the details and how Charity had blessed her, it wouldn’t be a secret. “It felt like Charity’s memorial.”

  “I didn’t make the funeral,” Miss Tessie said. “It’s the busy time of year.”

  “I understand.”

  “Too bad you’re leaving so soon, but I guess work calls.”

  “I wish. I’ve been an IT contractor so long that I felt I was part of the company, which was scaling back. The first to go were the contractors.”

  Miss Tessie tsked. “And right before the holidays. How are your finances?” she asked with no shame.

  Not expecting the bluntness, Taye hesitated before answering. “I’m learning to be frugal.” She shrugged. “I’m collecting unemployment and only dipping into my savings when I have to.” She paused and beamed. “But blessings are pouring in.”

  “Your timing is perfect then.” Clasping her hands, Miss Tessie’s eyes lit up. “My computer system needs an overhaul, and you’re available.” She grinned.

  Taye squinted. “Something tells me this problem just popped up.” Without a doubt, Miss Tessie would do anything in her power to help Taye. “Miss Tessie—”

  “Think about it. You don’t have to rush back.” She stood. “Now, dinner will be served in a half hour.”

  “Okay. That will give me time for a brisk walk—real brisk—on the trail to think about a lot of things.” While strolling through the trees, Taye meditated on God. “Lord, I see Your hand in all this—Charity with her generous monetary gift. Miss Tessie offering me work and whatever other blessings You have for me. Thank You so much.”

  Dinner was prompt. Taye joined the other guests at the dining room table. Seeing the happiness on the faces of young to middle-aged to the elderly couples, she was reminded the B&B catered to anyone who needed a warm bed and hot meal as if they were at home. Her grandmother had hosted many newlyweds.

  Hours later, she found herself in front of the fire, admiring the decorations and Miss Tessie’s collection of black angels. Taye wanted to get into the holiday mood, but it seemed as if a series of events was blocking her. With the bittersweet reasons for her visit to Snowflake, maybe things were about to change. Until then, she needed a real job with benefits.

  Chapter Four

  B ack in St. Louis, Monday morning started off as a good day. After depositing Charity’s check, Taye felt less stressed as she resumed her job search. With Christian Christmas music playing in the background, she began to address cards to mail, only a handful compared to previous years. Even with the check, Taye had to be smart about every dime she spent. She glanced out the window at the snowfall and smiled.

  Who knew when she traveled to Snowflake, a dear friend—one who passed away—had a blessing waiting for her? She wondered if the others were in as much need as she.

  Taye’s holiday woes were ideal, but she guessed it would be worse if it wasn’t for the savings she was steadily draining for minimum luxuries and major bills. Out of nowhere, Mr. Sam and Miss Queenie’s faces flashed in her head.

  A moment of heartache descended upon her, and whenever that happened, she knew the Lord was summoning her to intercessory prayer on their behalf. Going into her bedroom, she slipped to her knees and began to petition Jesus on their behalf.

  I will supply all your needs according to My endless riches in glory, God whispered.

  When she said, “Amen,” she wiped her eyes. Taye knew that passage was from Philippians, so she reached for her Bible. She flipped through the pages until she located the verse in chapter four. “Lord, thank You for supplying my needs. Please extend Your blessings to Mr. Sam and Miss Queenie’s needs after they close their doors. They needed miracles too—a secret angel.”

  Taye couldn’t sew, knit or quilt. She did well to stitch a button that stayed in place for more than a day. Granted, Royal Fashions had an impressive selection of unique jewelry, but the garment selection wasn’t inspiring. Aside from Taye binging on sweaters and scarves, her clothing was simple. Her best friend, Melissa, said Taye should stock up on any shade of blue because it complemented her.

  She sighed as an unsettling thought came over her. “Lord, if this money isn’t my blessing, show me.” Taye waited to hear the voice of God. He was silent, but Mr. Sam and Miss Queenie’s situation was making a lot of noise in her mind.

  Walking into her bedroom, she retrieved the envelope containing a copy of Charity’s letter from her purse. She slowly read it again and blinked. As if it was the first time seeing it, Charity meant for the money to bless someone else in need, which meant Taye’s miracle wouldn’t come from the fifteen-hundred-dollar check.

  Her mind was still heavy on her two friends’ stores. “Great. It’s not like dividing the money would put a dent into either business.”

  There wasn’t much time to come up with a plan if those two were to be recipients of the secret angel project. When Taye boarded the plane home yesterday, everything seemed to be all right in her world.

  Now, she had no master plan on how to fulfill the secret angel request. By late that afternoon, Taye had hung some old Christmas decorations around an apartment she wouldn’t be able to afford to renew the lease on next month. Next, Taye started a round of holiday calls, since many wouldn’t receive cards this year.

  One thing was for certain: She needed another job like yesterday, but the task of applying for positions was draining. Staring at the computer, Taye signed on to see what new positions were available, then diverted to her social media accounts. As she scrolled, fashion ads repeatedly popped up in her feed. Is this what Royal Fashions needs?

  Taye’s fingers froze over her keyboard as a crazy thought formed in her mind. She thought about the fashion-obsessed teenager on her flight. Could Brea design clothes such as these? Taye chuckled at the absurdity before giving it some serious thought.

  Brea did have Taye’s business card, but there was no telling if she would reach out. With less than a month until Christmas, she didn’t have time to wait. Brea said she wasn’t on Facebook, but what about her brother?

  After a few searches, Taye stared at Donovan Edwards’ profile. The Big Bad Wolf was seriously handsome. She clicked on more about him, and her eyes almost crossed. He wasn’t in a relationship? Seriously? What was wrong with the women in the Mile High City? Stay focused, she chided herself. He wasn’t her mission. Brea was. Taye only hoped Brea’s description of her brother’s temperament wasn’t true.

  Donovan rubbed his forehead—part in frustration, part in irritation with his little sister. Brea wasn’t cutting him any slack. Every day her defiant spirit was a reminder she wasn’t happy being uprooted to come live with him.

  He exhaled. How does a big brother become a surrogate parent? It wasn’t that he and Brea didn’t have a cordial relationship, but with the age difference, they were out of touch.

  Day One after picking her up from the airport, they had a big blow-up at his house.

  “Donovan, I’m not a baby. You can’t force me to go to school,” Brea had said with her arms folded in a challenge.

  Although his baby sister no longer looked like a child, she wasn’t mature enough to make life-lasting decisions.

  “Watch me,” he’d roared back in a childish rant she had unwittingly drawn him into.

  Despite him taunting the praises of Denver’s excellent school system, she was determined to get her GED.

  “Then, I’m going to move to New York and become a famous designer.”

  “Brea, you can do whatever you want with a good education here. I’ll be close by to help you with whatever you need.”

  “Hmm.” She’d tapped her chin. “You know, I think Paris, France, would be better. It is the fashion capital of the world.” She’d turned to walk away, then stopped. “Oh, all I want for Christmas is a sewing machine.”

  The evening had went downhill as they’d both retreated to their bedrooms. Donovan had repented for his impatience. “Lord, help me. I love my little sister, but we can’t even get along.” He’d reached for his Bible and read random passages, but he couldn’t seem to find any answers there. Maybe because his mind was distracted.

  The night ended with him ordering takeout for them and Brea refusing to eat, even after he apologized.

  “You can’t tell me what to do. You’re talking at me, but not listening to me. I want to be a fashion designer.”

  Brea was wrong. He did listen, which was why he had researched the industry online and was suspicious of the potential of high salaries equal to what top designers earned. Vera Wang grossed millions every year. He doubted the odds were the same for Brea? Although fashion designers didn’t need a formal education to succeed, talent and ambition could only take his sister so far. Brea needed to pursue a degree. When he’d tried to steer her to other occupations and the salaries they paid, Brea became angrier. He’d found himself repenting again before climbing in the bed, wishing his parents had given him a younger brother instead. At least they would have more in common.

  This morning, the air between them was stifled. He couldn’t breathe until he strolled into his office. Lord, how do I reach her?

  The more Donovan dug into his projects, the more his mind drifted to his sister. Brea had given him a false sense of hope they would be off to a good start at the airport smiling with her traveling companion. She had let her guard down with a stranger, so surely, he had a chance, right? Oh, he was so wrong. Before his eyes, she gave him the cold shoulder.

  His auntie expected him to do what she couldn’t: Mold Brea Edwards into a smart young lady. “Be a role model, give Brea some direction, essentially, be her hero,” Aunt Sadie had said.

  He rested his pen on his desk, rubbed his face, then angled his chair to soak in the surreal snow-capped mountains that inspired Christmas cards. They were also a source of peace he desperately needed.

  If he couldn’t talk sense into Brea, then their Christmas together would be miserable because it was no doubt Brea would make good on her threat of leaving the nest. There had to be a way for them to get along.

  Donovan huffed. Since he hadn’t begun his holiday shopping, maybe Brea had changed her mind about going with him if he gave her money. Women loved shopping, and he would splurge on her. He refused to feed her addiction and buy her a sewing machine.

  Donovan exhaled. He could only stare out the window for so long, stalling. Turning back to his monitor, he continued his distraction by signing into his Facebook account and was surprised to see a friend request from Brea’s newfound friend, Taye Thomas.

  He didn’t think twice before he accepted, then clicked on her profile and studied her photos. A pretty name to complement a pretty face. Whether her pictures were casual with friends or elegant at an event, it didn’t go unnoticed she was never with a male companion. Odd, considering she was stunning with her engaging smile. His eyes roamed to her status: single. What was wrong with the men in Kansas City? Although his interaction with her was brief, the beauty had sparked an instant curiosity on his part.

  Donovan had half hoped she would take up his offer to give her a ride to Snowflake so he could find out more about Brea’s newfound friend. Taye had been smart not to accept. She wasn’t easily forgettable with those hypnotic brown eyes that held a hint of sadness despite her smile when she greeted him.

  What was her story—the long version. Since Donovan had no special someone in his life, friends and colleagues were relentless at times, trying to set him up on blind dates. He wouldn’t mind a dinner date with Taye. She fascinated him, and how had she gotten Brea to open up to her in a short period of time?

  Shaking his head, he signed out of his account and put a stop to his daydreaming about a woman he doubted he would cross paths with again. Instead, he turned his attention back to the reports on his monitor, only to be interrupted minutes later by an alert that someone had sent him a private message through Facebook—Taye.