“You did it. That’s going to be a classic for sure. Just one question. Is it a song or a message?”

“Why would you ask that? It’s a song.”

Steve didn’t look convinced. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m all in favor of you healing and moving forward with your life. Adriana was an incredible woman, but you’ve got a lot of years in front of you. I’d like you to spend them with someone.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

But even as he made the statement, Micah knew he was lying. Steve was asking the obvious question. Who had inspired the song, and did that inspiration mean anything?

Steve had known him long enough to understand when he should keep his mouth shut. After over a minute of silence, Micah sighed.

“It’s not what you think.”

Steve only looked at him.

“Fine. I like her and I admire her. She’s pregnant and alone and—”

“Dena? Okay. Noah’s crazy about her. She’s well-liked in town. Family’s respected.”

Micah swore softly. “You think I could get her for three horses and a couple of cows? What’s wrong with you?”

Steve grinned. “I’m just telling you what I know.” His smile faded. “You’re not as tough as people think. If this is going somewhere, you need to be careful. Not just with her heart, but with yours.”

Micah strummed his guitar. “You’re going down a road I don’t even see on the map.”

“You’re saying there’s nothing going on?”

Micah thought about their recent trip to Seattle. He’d been willing to do anything to erase the sadness from her eyes, and he’d been successful. She’d been happy the whole evening. After leaving the baby store, they’d gone to dinner, where they’d stayed until closing. On the quick flight back to Wishing Tree, she’d fallen asleep in his arms—a memory he would keep close always.

Dena was... He mentally paused as he realized he had no idea what she was to him. Someone important. Someone he cared about. For now he was content to let it just be that and figure out the rest of it later.

“We’re just friends,” he lied.

Steve snorted. “Yeah, right. Sell it somewhere else. You’re gone on her and you’re just not willing to admit it.” He tapped the sheet music again. “Not just a song, my friend. It’s a message and one you should pay attention to.”

Reggie carried the last bag to her SUV. Belle was already in the back seat, wearing her newest holiday sweater: an elf design, complete with an elf ears headband.

Normally a trip to The Wreath could be accomplished on foot, but Reggie was heading to a gift-wrapping party.