“Hey,” he said, crossing to her. “It’s a lot colder than it was before. If it started snowing now, it wouldn’t stop.”

She genuinely found herself unable to speak. There were words in her brain, but they couldn’t seem to make it to her mouth. Fortunately, he didn’t seem to expect an answer. He turned and smiled at her sister.

“Brown hair, beautiful eyes, and I recognize that smile. You must be Reggie.”

“And you’re Micah. Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.”

Dena tried to control her nerves. “Reggie’s working with all the third-graders for the holiday charity project. They’re using a circular loom to knit hats for homeless kids.”

“Sounds like a worthwhile project. Is it hard to learn how to use the loom?”

Reggie smiled. “It’s pretty easy, and while we could always use an extra pair of hands, I think the loom would be a waste of your talent. If you want to help, why don’t you bring your guitar and entertain us instead?”

“Reggie!” Dena glared at her, then turned to Micah. “She’s kidding.”

“I could do that,” he said slowly, as if considering the possibility.

“No,” Dena told him. “Just forget she said anything.”

Reggie gave her an arch smile, then looked at Micah. “How are you enjoying Wishing Tree?”

“It’s a great town. The traditions are fun. I like the holiday enthusiasm.” He shoved his hands in his jeans front pockets. “Last year I was in a bad car accident. My wife was killed and I ended up in the hospital for several weeks, followed by a lot of rehab. I kind of missed the whole holiday season. Being here this year is a great way to get back into the spirit.”

He smiled at them both. “I’ll leave you two to your conversation.” He lightly touched Dena’s arm before heading out to the main dining room.

“He likes you,” Reggie said when he was out of earshot. “He likes you a lot.”

While Dena wanted to believe her, she knew her luck wasn’t that good—not when it came to the guy department.

“We’re friends.”

“Who kiss.”

“It’s not like that. I think he’s still in love with his late wife. You heard him. He loved and lost her, and she was the one.”

“He never said she was the one.”

“He wouldn’t have married her if she wasn’t. He lost his one true love.” She wondered why she hadn’t seen that before. Of course he had. He couldn’t write, and he was emotionally lost. He was looking to heal, not to replace her. She would be foolish if she hoped otherwise.

“I don’t believe in your theory of one true love,” Reggie said flatly. “I was in love with Jake, and now I’m not. People change. Hearts heal. His heart has definitely healed.”