Chapters (36)
“Thanks. Like I said, it’s a small business, but I’m happy. I’m saving up to remodel the kitchen.” She picked up her drink and took a sip. “Are you happy back in Wishing Tree?”
“I am. I like that I can keep an eye on Judy, and Harrison is thriving.”
“He’s a sweetie and Belle adores him.”
“I’m still impressed how she protected him.”
“Me, too. I’ve always thought that if someone broke in the house, she would wait in the closet until the situation resolved.”
He chuckled. “I can see that.”
Conversation shifted to mutual friends who’d stayed in town. Reggie was still easy to talk to. Toby kept getting distracted by her smile and the way she talked with her hands—all exactly as he remembered. Good memories, he thought.
When it was time to go get Harrison, Toby paid their bill and helped her into her coat.
“Braced for the cold?” he asked.
“Yes. We just have to keep moving so we don’t freeze in place.”
They were still laughing when Paisley and Shaye walked into Holiday Spirits and spotted them.
Shaye only looked mildly interested, but Paisley’s eyebrows shot up, and her gaze took on a speculative look.
“Hey, you two,” she said, eyeing Reggie. “You didn’t want to play mini golf?”
Reggie grinned. “We’re leaving that for the family crowd.”
“Interesting.” Paisley glanced at him, then returned her attention to Reggie. “Rumor has it one of the Advent events is putting together toiletries kits for a women’s shelter. I thought we could make it a girls’ night out kind of thing. Assuming you can get away.”
Reggie sighed. “Really? You had to go there?”
“I did.” Paisley grinned. “You would have done the same.”
“Maybe. Yes, to the girls’ night out. I’m looking forward to it. You two have fun.”
Reggie pulled Toby along by the arm.
“Sorry about that,” she said when they were outside. “Paisley is a great friend, but she can be a little intrusive sometimes.”
“It’s a small town, Reggie. Someone was going to say something about us hanging out together.”
She looked at him. “You okay with that?”
What he would be okay with was kissing her. Despite the cold and the potential for becoming inspiration for a lot of gossip, he wanted to pull her close and find out how grown-up Reggie was different from the teenage girl he’d known all those years ago.
“I’m fine with it,” he said, taking her hand. While the kissing was tempting, he wasn’t sure it was a good idea. “Now let’s go get my son. He’ll be freezing and hungry. We can swing by the store and eat a few hand pies.”
“But the store is closed.”
“It is, but I have a key.”
“A man with power. How can I resist?”