I had to find him—and fast. Which is why, for the past hour, I’d been risking full-Bambi sliding over as I power marched through the snow. But I’d had company—I’d only just gotten off the phone to Ruby. Ruby, whom I needed to make this up to big-time. She was looking for Fred—turns out he didn’t want to get back with Eve at all—he’d been smiling because he’d admitted to Ruby that seeing her made him realize he was finally, finally over her.

Could I have gotten things more wrong?!

There could have been a chance with him and Elle? And I’d ruined it by assuming she was with Logan, never actually getting her to confirm it. And now Elle only had a day left in Little Marsh, and even if she did like Fred, she thought he was with Eve.

Well. Done. Me.

I’d messaged Fred a billion sorrys then a million thanks, but none had been delivered.

And as I finally got to my destination, I just had to hope that being numb from the knees down, and even my bra being soggy with snow, was all worth it. When I saw the car park, I started to panic jog.

But phew.

My gamble had paid off. There was Nick’s car—in front of the broken sign and falling-down Christmas tree. But his engine was running.

“Nick!” I yelled, not caring that I looked like some sort of snow creature emerging from the wilderness. “Nick!”

I tried to run faster, but I couldn’t bend my knees, so I looked like a knitted triangle waddling. But I had to hurry—he was moving toward the exit.

“WAIT!” I lunged at the back window, giving it such a massive thump that a heap of snow fell off. But it did the job; his brake lights flicked red.

“Holly.” He looked surprised. “What are you doing here?” I couldn’t exactly say he looked happy to see me.

I tried to stop my teeth from chattering long enough to get words out. “Just thought it was a nice day for a stroll.” Was I shaking from nerves or hypothermia? I looked around the empty slush-filled car park. “Take in the sights.”

“You want to get in?” He popped open the door, and I climbed in.

So this was it. My big moment. I’d spent the whole walk, when I wasn’t on the phone, planning exactly what I needed to say—and I’d come up with the perfect thing, which I’d now completely and utterly forgotten.