Ethan Allen University—December 5
A wave of warm air and a flurry of recorded Christmas carols greeted him as Leland pushed open the door to the university coffee shop, The Creamery. He shoved his gloves into his coat pocket and hung it on the wooden rack by the door.
Shelley glanced up when she saw him. She waved him over to their usual window table.
“Sorry. I’m late,” he said.
“Looks like we’ll have a white Christmas.” She hid a warm smile behind a large mug of steaming coffee.
“Not funny. Play another tune. When have we not?”
“God you’re grouchy. Did you learn anything new at the conference? I love getting away from the daily routine, classes, and office hours, don’t you? I always say if you learn one new thing, it’s worth it.”
“Well, if you’ll stop asking questions and take a br
