12 Scents of Christmas — Connie Vines

Kacey Nolan's backpack was jammed with clothes and her suitcase bursting with dreams when she thumbed a ride out of town eight years ago. Now, an up-and-coming chandler (candle-maker) and perfumer, Kacey returns. Her breakout fragrance line,12 Scents of Christmas, has celebrity endorsements and a live-on-the-air reveal scheduled. Everything is perfect. Perfect until Lucas Van Kirk, her ex-fiancé walks into her shop… No one spoke her love language like Lucas. Kacey closed her eyes and allowed the memories to flow. You smell of dahlia petals, he'd whispered, his warm breath caressing her temple. Subtle. Sweet like honey and freesia. Yet earthy with hints of clove and nutmeg. And crisp pear… His kiss was gentle, seductive, yet playful… And before Kacey could stop herself, she'd fallen in love. Lucas Van Kirk thought he'd be married with a house full of unruly kids and a menagerie of pets by now. Instead, he is overseeing the family business, and being the favorite uncle to his six-year-old niece. Life isn't perfect. But Lucas is content—until Kacey, the woman he promised to love forever, opens a shop in town.When eligible bachelors begin purchasing gifts for family, co-workers, and imaginary friends, Lucas scopes out the competition. Flowers, chocolates, and good intentions won't bring Kacey back into his life… but an impish six-year-old, her scruffy rescue pup, and his undying devotion might give him a fighting chance.