“It’s an amazing idea,” Josie told her.

“Seems like more work than it’s worth.” Gabe shrugged. “We don’t have a lot of time until the final weekend, and most of the advertising and marketing budget has already been spent.”

“I’m sure we can talk to Avery in the mayor’s office,” Josie said. “I’ll personally call Malcolm and get his buy-in.”

Bianca approached at that moment. “What’s going on?”

“Your daughter had a fantastic idea for a fundraiser to do as a culmination of Christmas on the Coast.”

“Of course she did.” Bianca wrapped an arm around Angi’s shoulder. “She’s the best. And with her wonderful boyfriend at her side, my girl can do anything.”

“Mom, stop,” Angi grumbled.

“What boyfriend?” Josie demanded. “What did I miss?”

“You didn’t know that my Angela and Gabriel are a couple.” Bianca grinned at Gabe. “They are gorgeous together.”

“I...didn’t realize... I mean...yes.” Josie looked between the two of them. “Since when have the two of you been dating? As I remember it, there’s some history there.”

“We can’t rely on good weather,” Gabe said, ignoring Josie’s question and comment. “And there isn’t a big enough space in the square for the size tent you’ll need.”

“What about at town hall?” Josie suggested, then shook her head. “No, even in the basement there are no rooms large enough.” She sighed. “It’s a great idea, sweetheart.” She patted Angi’s cheek. “But I don’t think there’s any place big enough in town to hold a dance.”

Angi smiled even though tears stung her eyes. It shouldn’t matter. It was one idea, and she’d figure out another one. But she liked the idea of a dance to finish the town’s holiday celebration. People wanted to feel like part of the community, and it meant something to her to be able to give them that. To make the event her own.

She felt Gabe studying her and purposely looked away.

“I have an idea for a location,” he said in that low, gravelly voice.

“You don’t even think it’s a good idea,” she reminded him with an eye roll.

“Your sweetheart is being nice, sweetheart.” She couldn’t miss the warning in her mother’s tone. “Don’t be irritable.”

Bianca reached around Angi to squeeze Gabe’s arm. “She didn’t have much for lunch, so she’s probably hungry. She gets cranky when she’s hungry.”

“I’m not cranky,” Angi said, then turned to Gabe. “I’m not.”

“You’re allowed to feel however you want,” he answered simply, defying every one of her expectations.

Then he shocked her even more by leaning in for a quick kiss, earning approving clucks from both Bianca and Josie. Like a miracle, Angi’s anger disappeared, replaced by a tingly feeling rushing through her veins.

“Um...thank you. What’s your idea?”

“Dylan Scott is working on redeveloping the old mill outside of town. I heard he’s got a sportswear company interested in leasing the space.”

“Mal mentioned that at our last city council meeting,” Josie confirmed.

“But it’s still empty as far as I know. It might be a good option for the dance, and I’m sure if Carrie likes the idea that Dylan will make it happen.”