Amelia swats my arm, but at least now she’s grinning. “You’re bad.”

“You don’t even know how much,” I agree with a chuckle.

Twenty-One

Amelia

Dinner with Charlie and Candice at Tuscany turns out to be the perfect double date for us. Isaac’s familiar with both of them, so he’s in his element. Comfortable. Candice has become a dear friend of mine and it’s fun catching up with her, one-on-one. She tells me all about their honeymoon in Hawaii, and I let her know what was going on around here. She’s not doing much fundraising committee activities this holiday season because of her wedding, and she had to admit that it’s a relief.

“I was always so busy doing everything before, especially during this time of year,” Candice confesses to me halfway through the meal. “It’s been nice to have a little time to myself for once.”

I send her a skeptical look. We might not have been friends for long, but I know how she operates. She’s the type who likes to stay busy. “Something else has been occupying all of your time, though. The wedding, for one.”

Candice waves a hand. “That’s finished.”

“Your husband then?”

Her cheeks turn pink. “He’s a never-ending project.”

We both laugh.

“You must be conjuring up something else for you to do,” I tease her.

“Well, I was playing matchmaker with you two.” She glances over at Isaac, who is busily chatting with Charlie, before returning her gaze to mine. “It appears my work is already done, though. You two seem very cozy.”

Isaac chooses that moment to reach out and squeeze my hand quickly as he listens to Charlie say something. He’s been doing it all night. Small gestures to let me know he’s thinking about me.

Now it’s my turn to blush.

“We get along,” I tell Candice, purposely vague.

“Oh, it’s more than that. You two make a fantastic couple,” Candice says excitedly. “Hmm, maybe I should consider starting a new matchmaking business.”

“I’ll give you a testimonial,” I say.

“Great!” Bubbly laughter escapes her. “Actually, I have been helping Charlie with the tree farm a lot lately. Victoria and I have been meeting and discussing new projects. A way to make Sullivan Tree Farm a year-round business versus just for the holiday season.”

“See, I knew you were up to something. And that sounds awesome. I was at the farm yesterday and Charlie told me they’re having schools come in for field trips to make wreaths,” I say.

“Yes, that was Victoria’s idea and it’s working out pretty well so far, though I know secretly it drives Charlie out of his mind. So many kids.” Candice rolls her eyes playfully.

“He’s a bit of a grump sometimes,” I say kindly, not wanting to insult her husband.

She laughs. “He’s a complete grouch. He often asks me how I can stand to be around him for so long.”

“You soften him,” I tell her with a smile. “He seems a lot happier now that you’re together. He seems a lot more mellow.”