Noelle disentangled them, and Miriam made a little sound of protest. God, she wanted to hear what sounds Miriam made in bed. She wanted to throw caution to the wind, but she liked Miriam, and loved Carrigan’s, too much to not be really sure.

“I wanted to take over Carrigan’s,” Noelle said. “It was the only thing I’d wanted in a long time. When my parents died, I was adrift. No anchor, no plans, no home base. When I got here, and Cass and Hannah enveloped me into their community, I got a family and a home again.” She was getting louder, as she skated in circles and gestured.

“I have dreams again now. I have a place that’s mine again.” Her voice cracked, and she spun to a stop, facing Miriam. “You threw out all your old dreams in an instant for Carrigan’s All Year. It scares me, that we’re going to be another thing you throw away. How can I risk exploding my safe place?”

“I might be worth the risk,” Miriam said softly, her eyes huge and hopeful.

Noelle’s heart felt ready to escape her chest and fly out over the ice.

“It’s not that I don’t think you’re worth the risk, Miriam. I’m just not a risk-taker anymore. I left that behind when I quit drinking, and even more when my parents died.” Noelle stuffed her hands in her pockets and turned toward the trees, so she didn’t have to look at Miriam when she said this next part. “Besides, I told you, I don’t get emotionally involved anymore. It took me years to trust Hannah and Cass, and they’re the closest I’ve ever been to anyone. They’re stable. You’re not all in on your life, and I get why you aren’t, but you’re asking me to go all in on you. You’re talking about something real, something big. That’s the only kind of thing we could start right now, something with the potential for forever, and I’m not sure I’m available for that.”

“What would it take to get you to take a chance on me?” Miriam asked, not sounding frustrated, just curious. “And why have you been flirting with me nonstop if you were going to put on the brakes?” Ah, there was the frustration.

Noelle skated backwards in slow circles, thinking.

“The second question is easy. I can’t stop myself. You’re irresistible. The first question is harder. What convinced you that now’s the time? What makes you sure, with all my baggage and everything at stake, I’m worth the risk?” she asked. “Or did you get impatient and decide to damn the potential consequences?”

She watched Miriam’s face blossom into a grin.