He went into the back and opened the big industrial refrigerator. Inside were a bottle of sparkling cider and another of champagne that he’d brought in that morning. He put both into the backpack, shrugged into his coat and pulled on his gloves, then walked the short distance to the elementary school.

Kids were already pouring out of the building, being met by equally excited parents. Toby spotted Harrison and called to him. His son ran over and hugged him just as horns and sirens went off all over the city.

“It’s official,” Toby said, tugging his son’s hat down on his head. “Let’s get to The Wreath.”

They hurried north, waving at friends, joining the thickening crowd. When they arrived, the round space was filling rapidly. Music played over speakers, and carts selling everything from bird feeders to hot chocolate had appeared as if by magic.

“Reggie’s joining us,” he told Harrison. “Do you see her?”

They both searched the crowd.

“There!” Harrison called, pointing. He ran over and grabbed her hand, then pulled her back to where Toby was waiting.

She was laughing as she came to a stop in front of him.

“It’s snowing!” She spun in a circle. “I’m so happy. I love Wishing Tree when it snows.” She smiled at him. “How are you?”

He impulsively leaned forward and kissed her on the mouth. Her lips were soft and warm, and the second he touched them, he wanted to do so much more. Wanting filled him, nearly painful in its intensity. Wanting for her, but also wanting for them. For what they could be.

But this wasn’t the time or place to explore that, so he drew back and smiled at her.

“I’m good. I brought champagne.”

She laughed. “You are a very smart man. I like that.”

He opened the backpack and poured Harrison some sparkling cider, then passed out the cookies. He opened the champagne and poured them each a glass. The three of them toasted the snow. Harrison drained his glass, then asked to go play with his friends.

“Stay in The Wreath,” Toby told him.

Harrison grinned. “Dad, I’m not going anywhere. You don’t have to worry about me.”

Toby knew in some ways that was true, but in others, he was a dad. He would always worry.

“There will be snowmen,” Reggie said, leaning against him.

“For sale?”

She smiled. “In town. Remember? There aren’t any snowman decorations until the first snowfall. Right this second, people are putting them out everywhere. Isn’t it wonderful? I love this town.”

She was smiling as she spoke, her eyes bright with happiness, her mouth curving. He wanted to kiss her again, lingering this time, teasing her, tasting her, arousing her until—