Christina put her hands on Andy’s chest. “I do know. But it’s all happening so fast. It terrifies me, actually. How can I trust it?”

“You’re right. It is happening fast. I guess we both have to trust it every day, and with each passing day, we’ll be more certain.”

Christina smiled. “You’re such a romantic.”

“You’re the one who spends her days with mermaids and pirates,” Andy said.

“They’re make-believe,” Christina whispered as Andy drew her closer.

“But you and I are real,” Andy said. He cupped her head with his hand and brought his lips to her mouth.

Christina melted against him. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back with all the hope and desire and longing she’d been trying to deny. She felt like they were in the very center, the glowing warm heart of the world.

The sound of laughter came from just outside her windows.

“Andy. People are watching,” she said. She pulled away and saw several teenage girls trying to stifle their giggles with their mittened hands.

“I know,” Andy said. “You’ve got to open your store.”

“I do.” She couldn’t stop looking at him.

“I’ll go.” Andy grinned. “Because if I stay, I’ll take you right down onto this cold wooden floor so no one can see what we’re doing.”

“As tempting as that suggestion is, I’m afraid I’ve got to insist you leave.”

“Fine. But look, I’m invited to a Christmas party at a friend’s house tonight. I’d like to take you. Will you come with me?”

Christina hesitated.

“I promise, no serious kissing. But I might hold your hand.”

She smiled. “You’re irresistible. Yes, of course, I’d love to go to a party with you.”

Outside, more people were peering in the window. Someone rapped on the door. She’d been closed for thirty minutes, not that that mattered to eager Christmas shoppers.

“I’ve got to open up.” Christina told Andy.

“I’ll go. And I’ll pick you up tonight around six-thirty. Okay?”

“Okay.”

Christina changed her sign, opened the door, and slipped back behind her counter as the customers flocked in. Andy waited politely for everyone to enter, then winked at Christina and left.

Again, the day flew by as shoppers swarmed into the store, searching for the perfect present. She had no time to close the shop for lunch, but during a lull, Christina managed to text Mimi, Jacob, and Harriet about the challenge she’d given Oscar.

Jacob texted back, I’ll keep my fingers crossed tomorrow.

Mimi texted, High five, darling!

Harriet texted, Wow, Christina, that’s clever. I’m impressed.

Wow, Christina thought, a compliment from Harriet without an accompanying insult.