The Santa Express Read online

  The Santa Express

  A Sweet Small Town Christmas Romance

  Leeanna Morgan

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Thank you

  Excerpt From ‘Endless Love’

  Enjoy More Books By Leeanna Morgan

  A Message From Leeanna

  The Covid-19 pandemic has changed our lives and isolated many of us from our loved ones. My team and I hope, for a brief period of time, that this story allows you to escape to Montana and find love, laughter, and joy with John and Shelley as they search for their happy ever after. Enjoy your time in Sapphire Bay!

  * * *

  Stay safe and well.

  * * *

  Leeanna

  About This Book

  This Christmas, something magical is happening in Sapphire Bay.

  * * *

  Shelley Jones is an accountant by day and one of Santa’s Secret Helpers by night. Helping Pastor John organize the next fundraising event for the church should be easy. But taking children on a train ride around Flathead Lake in mid-December is asking for trouble—even if it is The Santa Express.

  * * *

  Pastor John McDonald wants to make the world a better place. And he’s doing it, one day at a time, from a small town called Sapphire Bay. Raising money for the tiny home village is his top priority.

  * * *

  When The Santa Express is in danger of being canceled, Shelley and John have to work together to make the event happen. And maybe, if they can leave their troubled past behind, they’ll create a little Christmas magic of their own.

  * * *

  THE SANTA EXPRESS is the fourth novel in the Santa’s Secret Helpers series and can easily be read as a stand-alone. Each of Leeanna's series are linked so you can find out what happens to your favorite characters in other books.

  * * *

  If you would like to know when Leeanna's next book is released, please visit leeannamorgan.com and sign up for my newsletter. Happy reading!

  Other Novels by Leeanna Morgan:

  Montana Brides:

  Book 1: Forever Dreams (Gracie and Trent)

  Book 2: Forever in Love (Amy and Nathan)

  Book 3: Forever After (Nicky and Sam)

  Book 4: Forever Wishes (Erin and Jake)

  Book 5: Forever Santa (A Montana Brides Christmas Novella)

  Book 6: Forever Cowboy (Emily and Alex)

  Book 7: Forever Together (Kate and Dan)

  Book 8: Forever and a Day (Sarah and Jordan)

  Montana Brides Boxed Set: Books 1-3

  Montana Brides Boxed Set: Books 4-6

  * * *

  The Bridesmaids Club:

  Book 1: All of Me (Tess and Logan)

  Book 2: Loving You (Annie and Dylan)

  Book 3: Head Over Heels (Sally and Todd)

  Book 4: Sweet on You (Molly and Jacob)

  The Bridesmaids Club: Books 1-3

  * * *

  Emerald Lake Billionaires:

  Book 1: Sealed with a Kiss (Rachel and John)

  Book 2: Playing for Keeps (Sophie and Ryan)

  Book 3: Crazy Love (Holly and Daniel)

  Book 4: One And Only (Elizabeth and Blake)

  Emerald Lake Billionaires: Books 1-3

  * * *

  The Protectors:

  Book 1: Safe Haven (Hayley and Tank)

  Book 2: Just Breathe (Kelly and Tanner)

  Book 3: Always (Mallory and Grant)

  Book 4: The Promise (Ashley and Matthew)

  Book 5: Coming Home (Mia and Stan)

  Book 6: The Gift (Hannah and Brett)

  Book 7: The Wish (Claire and Jason)

  The Protectors Boxed Set: Books 1-3

  The Protectors Boxed Set: Books 4-6

  * * *

  Sapphire Bay:

  Book 1: Falling For You (Natalie and Gabe)

  Book 2: Once In A Lifetime (Sam and Caleb)

  Book 3: A Christmas Wish (Megan and William)

  Book 4: Before Today (Brooke and Levi)

  Book 5: The Sweetest Thing (Cassie and Noah)

  Book 6: Sweet Surrender (Willow and Zac)

  Sapphire Bay Boxed Set: Books 1-3

  Sapphire Bay Boxed Set: Books 4-6

  * * *

  Santa’s Secret Helpers:

  Book 1: Christmas On Main Street (Emma and Jack)

  Book 2: Mistletoe Madness (Kylie and Ben)

  Book 3: Silver Bells (Bailey and Steven)

  Book 4: The Santa Express (Shelley and John)

  Book 5: Endless Love (The Jones Family)

  Santa’s Secret Helpers Boxed Set: Books 1-3

  * * *

  Return To Sapphire Bay:

  The Lakeside Inn (Penny and Wyatt)

  Summer At Lakeside (Diana and Ethan)

  A Lakeside Thanksgiving (Barbara and Theo)

  Christmas At Lakeside (Katie and Peter)

  Chapter 1

  John stared at the spreadsheet on his computer. When he’d arrived in Sapphire Bay to be the pastor of The Connect Church, he didn’t know that balancing the budget was part of his job. He did his best, but sitting in front of a computer was the last place he wanted to be. Fortunately, other people in the community were only too happy to keep the church’s finances organized. But with Christmas only a few weeks away, everyone was busy with their own work.

  With a resigned sigh, he picked up another receipt and typed it into the spreadsheet. Without knowing exactly how much money they had left in the fundraising budget, he couldn’t allocate any money for future events. And right now, he needed every dollar he could find.

  A soft knock on his office door was a welcome distraction. Looking up, he smiled at Bailey Jones. As well as being a good friend, she worked tirelessly on the church’s fundraising committee. “I thought you and Mabel were delivering our latest Christmas wish?”

  “That was the plan, but Mabel’s husband hurt his leg. They’re on their way to see Zac at the medical clinic. Do you want to deliver the Montgomerys’ gift basket with me?”

  Usually, it wouldn’t take much to get John away from his desk. But Bailey’s sister, Shelley, was waiting to see if they had any extra money for The Santa Express, their next fundraising event. “I’d love to help, but Shelley wants some more money for the train ride around Flathead Lake. If I don’t get back to her in the next hour, she’ll bombard me with texts.”

  Bailey sent him a rueful smile. “She means well.”

  John hoped so. If they were going to finish the tiny home village, they needed all the money they could raise. And The Santa Express was a key part of their fundraising program. “I appreciate what she’s doing. It can’t be easy working from Boston.”

  “Shelley’s used to long-distance projects.” Bailey checked her watch. “I need to leave in the next few minutes. After I’ve delivered the gift basket, do you want me to come back and help you?”

  “I’ll be okay. You’re as busy as I am.”

  Bailey smiled. “What we’re doing in the church is just as important as my work as a counselor. Besides, I know how determined my sister can be. Once she starts something, nothing else matters.”

  “I’d noticed.”

  Bailey chuckled. “Good luck with finding some extra money.”

  John sighed. “Thanks. I’ll need it.” And with those words ringing in his ears, he picked up another receipt.
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br />   Ten down, thirty-eight to go.

  Shelley stepped out of the Brown Bear charter van that had brought her from Polson to Sapphire Bay. Each time she visited the small Montana town, she felt an overwhelming sense of rightness, as if this were the place that could fill her life with happiness. And each time she left, a small piece of her heart stayed right here, with her two sisters, in the pretty lakeside town they called home.

  “Here are your suitcases, ma’am. Did you have anything else?”

  Shelley smiled at the driver. “No, that’s everything. Thanks for giving me a ride.”

  “You’re welcome. Have a nice day.”

  While other passengers boarded the van, Shelley extended the handles of her suitcases.

  For most of their journey from Polson, the driver had told her about the history of Flathead Lake, the steamboats that had transformed this part of Montana, and the settlers who’d come here looking for a new life.

  A little like herself.

  She moved out of the way of a woman pushing a stroller and headed toward the general store. The one thing she hadn’t expected to see was the number of people on Main Street.

  Small Christmas trees stood outside each store and fairly lights twinkled from the verandas overhead, adding to the festive atmosphere for the shoppers. If the stores were as busy as they appeared, everyone would enjoy a good Christmas.

  Unlike the other buildings, the lights inside the general store were turned off.

  Shelley peered through the front window. She’d met Mabel and Allan on her first visit to Sapphire Bay. As well as groceries, their bright, colorful store sold everything from clothespins to lawnmowers. She couldn’t understand why their front door was locked, especially when the town was so busy.

  “The general store is closed,” a female voice said from behind her. “Can I help?”

  Shelley turned around and grinned at the pretty brunette. “Hi, Brooke.”

  Brooke’s eyes widened in surprise. “Shelley! I didn’t recognize you.” She gave her a hug, then glanced at the two large suitcases sitting on the sidewalk. “Has Bailey finally convinced you to stay for a long vacation?”

  “Sort of. I finished my last contract earlier than planned. Bailey’s wanted me to come to Sapphire Bay for a while, so I thought I’d surprise her and stay for a few weeks.”

  Brooke’s smile disappeared. “Your sister isn’t here. After she delivered a gift basket, she drove to Polson with Steven and Mila. I think they’re buying some new rugs.”

  Shelley bit her lip. This might not have been such a good idea. “Are they away for the weekend?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  She breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness for that. I know where Bailey keeps her spare key for the cottage. I’ll wait there for her.”

  “Did you need something from the general store?”

  Shelley pulled her cell phone out of her pocket. “I forgot to bring my charging cable. I was hoping Mabel and Allan would have one.”

  “They might, but Allan fell off the stepladder. Mabel took him to the medical clinic and I don’t know when they’ll be back. What type of phone do you have?”

  “A Samsung.” Shelley showed Brooke her phone. “It’s about three years old.”

  Brooke looked at the charging socket. “Come with me. I’ve got a few charging cables in Sweet Treats. I might have something that will work.”

  Shelley didn’t need to be asked twice. As far as she was concerned, Brooke owned the best candy and cake store in Montana. “Main Street is a lot busier than the last time I was here.”

  Brooke wheeled one of Shelley’s suitcases toward her candy shop. “It’s been crazy. Everyone’s doing their Christmas shopping. For most of the morning, we’ve had a line of people waiting to come into the store.”

  “Do you think it will get any busier?”

  “I don’t know, but we’re enjoying the extra sales.” Brooke opened the front door of her store. “Follow me into the kitchen. Hopefully, one of the cables works.”

  As soon as she stepped inside Sweet Treats, Shelley smiled. The delicious scent of chocolate and fudge tickled her nose. Two women stood behind the counter, chatting with the customers as they slid candy into bags. A few people were sitting at tables, sipping hot drinks and eating muffins and pastries.

  Sweet Treats was the kind of store you didn’t want to leave, especially on a cold afternoon.

  Shelley pulled her suitcase to the left and walked around the back of the counter with Brooke. Compared to the front of the store, the kitchen was a peaceful haven. With its wide, stainless steel counters, and shelves full of packed candy, it was Shelley’s idea of paradise.

  She stood beside one of the shelving units and read the labels on the containers. Raspberry Ripple Marshmallow, Orange Delight Fudge, and Shelley’s all-time favorite, Chocolate Fudge. “Do you ever run out of candy?”

  Brooke opened a drawer. “Sometimes. We try to keep ahead of the online orders and what we sell in the store, but we’re still surprised by the popularity of some candy.” She held up a charging cable. “Will this fit?”

  Shelley tried it in the socket. “It’s perfect. Can I borrow it until I buy another one?”

  “Keep it for as long as you like. Are you sure you don’t want to wait here for Bailey?”

  “I’ve been sitting in a van for forty minutes. The walk to her cottage will do me good.”

  “With two suitcases?”

  Shelley slipped the charging cable into her pocket. “Honestly, I’ll be okay. The sidewalks are mostly clear of snow.”

  Brooke sighed. “All right, but be careful.”

  With a smile on her face, Shelley left the store. Bailey’s cottage wasn’t that far away. As long as the wheels on her suitcases didn’t snap, she’d be fine.

  John drove around Flathead Lake toward town. After spending an hour working on the fundraising budget, he’d left The Welcome Center to visit a family who needed his help.

  Jackie and Richard Burne had moved to Sapphire Bay two years ago. Their jobs as online customer service staff could be done from anywhere in Montana. So, instead of staying in Great Falls, they’d moved their family to Sapphire Bay to enjoy small town life and be closer to Jackie’s parents.

  A few months ago, they were made redundant. Richard had found a part-time job in a store on Main Street, but it wasn’t enough. Without the food parcels that John delivered, their lives would be even harder.

  It was the worst time of the year to be looking for more work, but John had an idea. And if that idea worked out, Jackie might have a job before Christmas.

  The support and kindness of the folks of Sapphire Bay wasn’t something he took for granted. For the last six years, he’d proudly called Sapphire Bay home. And each day he did what he could to make everyone’s life a little easier.

  A woman’s red, woolly hat caught his attention. She was walking along the sidewalk, struggling to hold one large suitcase, while another bounced along behind her. With a light dusting of snow falling, it wasn’t the time to be outside, hauling goodness knows what in her oversized bags.

  John pulled over to the side of the road. His eyes widened when he saw the woman’s face. It couldn’t be Shelley. She was supposed to be in Boston. Although she was helping him organize the steam train ride, she’d said she wasn’t coming to Sapphire Bay until the day before the event.

  Her gaze connected with his and her shoulders slumped forward. She didn’t look as though she was thrilled to see him.

  He rolled down the window and frowned. Even though they texted each other most days, they’d only met once. But that was enough. After assuming, before she’d met him, that he was in his seventies, then sending him long emails about the event, John was grateful she didn’t live any closer.

  “Hi, Shelley. Can I give you a ride somewhere?”

  She pushed a wet strand of hair off her face. “Hi. I’ll be okay.”

  She started walking and he reversed his truck.
“You’ll get the flu.”

  “I’m going to Bailey’s cottage. It’s only around the corner.”

  He supposed that, if you lived in Boston, Bailey’s house wouldn’t be considered far away. But in the middle of a snowstorm on a cold December afternoon, no one else was crazy enough to be walking outside. “Get in. I’ll drop you off.”

  Shelley placed the suitcase she was holding on the ground and rubbed her hands together. “Are you usually this bossy?”

  “Only when someone’s doing something that doesn’t make sense.” He unclipped his seatbelt and opened his door. A blast of freezing air hit his face. “It’s too cold to be out here.”

  Without waiting for more excuses, he grabbed Shelley’s suitcases and slid them into the back of his truck. “Unless you want me to carry you, I’d suggest you get in the truck.”

  He opened the passenger door and waited for Shelley.

  With a deep sigh, she walked toward him. “Thanks. I appreciate you stopping.”

  John’s eyebrows rose. “Are you feeling all right?”

  “I think so. Why?”

  “That’s one of the few times you’ve thanked me.”

  Shelley frowned. “I’ve said thank you lots of times.”

  “Texts don’t count.”

  “Of course, they do.”

  John closed the door and sat in the driver’s seat. “Messages sent by text aren’t the same as saying the words.”