Family. Dominique marveled that she was even entertaining the idea of the white picket fence. She’d thought those planks had been cut and burned a long time ago. Leland and Kevin had left a bad taste in her mouth, but Jake had turned sour to sweet and encouraged her to love again. She listened as he laughed at something Miss Bernie said, and wondered how she’d ever thought twice about having this man in her life.

“Mama said hello,” Jake said, after the call had ended, “and that she’s expecting to see you down there for Christmas.”

“What did you tell her?”

Jake reached over and grabbed her hand. “I said we’d call her later. But she’s not going to take no for an answer so ... I know your mom is expecting us for dinner as well so we’re going to have to figure out how to be in two places at once.”

A few moments later, Jake pulled up to the outdoor ice skating rink. Though not visible from where they’d parked, Dominique still gazed towards the well landscaped walkway as if she were going to her doom.

“Come on, girl,” Jake said, laughing at her expression.

“I still can’t believe you talked me into doing this.” Images of herself splayed across the ice looking like a beached whale kept dancing before her.

“I told you, it’s easy. You’ll do fine.”

“If I fall, Jake, you’d better catch me. I mean it!”

Jake paid the entrance fee and soon they were sitting on benches lacing up their skates. Michael and Justin were old pros at this sport and were off in a flash. Jake skated out on the ice a ways before returning, spinning, and coming to a flawless stop directly in front of her.

“Show-off,” Dominique pouted.

“Come on, baby,” Jake said, laughing. “I’ve got you.”

After a bit more coaxing, Dominique found herself skating. Okay, more like walking, gliding, and holding on to Jake’s hips and being pulled across the rink. Fearless kids, teens, and adults whizzed around them. Jake guided them to the side where Dominique could grab on to the railing.

“Okay, baby, listen. I want you to put your arms around me and then mimic my feet. You told me you used to roller skate, right?”

“But that was years ago, Jake.”

“Use that same rhythm, the same back and forth with the blade as you did with the roller. Just groove with my body,” his voice lowered, “the way you did last night.” Dominique felt her face grow warm. Jake kissed her on the nose. “Come on, now. Wrap your arms around me.” She did, and Jake slowly began moving. “That’s it. Now just let your body move with mine. Don’t be afraid. I won’t let you fall.”