Yes, their time up here was coming to an end, wasn’t it? Tomorrow would be New Year’s Eve. Since they were planning on heading back on New Year’s Day, she doubted they’d even make midnight.

By the time the coffee brewed and she brought back two cups, the sky had lightened. She stopped in the doorway.

“Good lord!”

The landscape was dressed all in white, head to toe. There didn’t appear to even be a single pine needle that had been spared. It seemed that—now that they could see—the wind was blowing with more power, the snow coming down in thick waves.

“This is pretty cool,” Nic said, her voice tinged with awe. “Look at your mom’s picnic table. It’s practically buried.”

“And so is my car, no doubt.” She handed Nic a cup. “When this is over, you’ll get your first taste of shoveling snow. Then we’ll see how excited you still are.”

They sat down on the wicker loveseat, both staring out through the windows. A gust of wind seemed to rattle the panes and she felt Nic jump beside her. She leaned closer, touching her shoulder.

“You haven’t said. Are you getting homesick?”

“Homesick? No. I actually haven’t really given it much thought. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Some things more than others.”

Abby smiled at her. “Yes, there were definitely some parts I loved more than others.” Her gaze dropped to Nic’s lips. “I’m going to miss you.”

“Yeah?”

“Yes. I wouldn’t have thought that at first, you know, but now…”

“Well, you might see me out in the courtyard someday. We’re super busy in March getting the spring flowers out. I usually always help out in the field that month.”

March? That was two months away. After spending nearly every second together for ten days straight, were they really going to part company and say goodbye with no intention of even talking? That was the original plan, of course. She reminded herself of her thoughts from last night. She was going to get back into her routine. She was going on a blind date with a doctor. And Nic would go back to doing whatever it was she did. Best not to draw this out any longer than necessary. She leaned back with a sigh.

“I got a text from Beth the other day.”

“She’s your best friend?”

“Yes. She and Jenna. Jenna met someone.” She waved her hand. “A friend of a friend.”

“Someone for you?”

“Yeah. She’s thirty-five. A doctor.”

“Wow. That’s an upgrade. I think a doctor trumps an attorney. Maybe next year at Christmas, you can really put Holly in her place.”