He didn’t have any moral judgments on the latter. While he didn’t know Dena beyond her capacity as Harrison’s teacher and Reggie’s sister, he considered her an intelligent, thoughtful person who wouldn’t make the decision of becoming a single parent lightly. It wasn’t an easy task—and he would know. He’d found out about Harrison when the boy had been three months old. One second he’d been a regular single guy with zero responsibilities, and the next he’d been holding a baby who was his son. The amount he’d known about kids in general and babies in particular could fit on a matchbook cover and leave room for advertising. But he’d figured it out.

As for Reggie, he’d spoken the truth when he’d pointed out to Dena that their relationship had happened a couple of lifetimes ago. Sure, he’d been crazy about her, and back then, he’d fantasized about them spending the rest of their lives together, but so what? They’d been young and in love and now they were neither. Working with her on the charity project would be no big deal. It might even be fun to get to know each other again.

As for risking his heart, he knew that wasn’t going to happen. Not counting Reggie, he had incredibly bad taste when it came to women. If he only had to worry about himself, he might take a chance, but there was more on the line. And in his world, Harrison was the only thing that mattered.

Three

While the rest of the planet barreled forward, wanting to know what the future would bring, Wishing Tree, Washington, was more content to meander. There was plenty of high-speed internet to be had and a burgeoning high-tech area on the outskirts of town. The new outlet mall was a big hit, and there was talk that several of the state’s larger wineries were thinking of putting in a tasting room, but at its heart, Wishing Tree was only ever what it had always been. Homey, family-friendly, and completely and totally Christmas-centric.

The north-south streets celebrated all things holiday. There were names like Jolly Drive and Reindeer Avenue. The east-west streets were all named after trees. Noble and Spruce, even Mountain Hemlock Highway. Instead of a traditional town square, there was The Wreath—a circular area where all important events took place. Parades (and there were several) began and ended there. The tree lighting took place in The Wreath. The town’s Advent calendar had a place there. Stores circled The Wreath, and if a retail space became available, there was always a sizeable waiting list of businesses wanting the prime location.