I felt like the girl who gets the note back to find the “yes” box was checked—he liked me!

“Could you wear a bag over your head too?” he asked.

I laughed. “You know, you don’t make it easy, either.”

“I don’t?”

I shook my head. “No, you are too handsome and too smart, and every time you do something like give me your coat or tell me I’m beautiful, it makes me melt.”

“That’s why I want you to wear the bag. If I can’t see how beautiful you are, maybe I’ll forget.”

Heat crept into my cheeks as I smiled at him. “You did it again.”

“I’d say I was sorry, but you know I’m not much of a liar.”

“I know.” I moved back to my end of the couch and picked up my coffee, which was now cool enough to drink. “I like that about you—your honesty. I’ve heard enough lies to last my entire life.”

He sipped his coffee too, and I figured maybe now was a good time to move forward. Try to get to a place of normalcy, a place where we could converse without feeling nervous or awkward.

“Thanks again for helping me with the gifts last night,” I said. “The kids were thrilled this morning.”

“I was glad to help. Did Keaton like his telescope?”

I nodded. “He’s all excited to set it up.”

“And how about Whitney? What was her favorite gift?”

“Probably the ridiculously expensive eye shadow palette. I’m a little scared about her appearance at Christmas dinner.”

He chuckled. “You’re going to Mack’s house?”

“Yes. Are you?” I asked, excited by the prospect.

“No. I’m going to another friend’s house.”

“Oh.” I tried not to feel too disappointed. Of course he had other friends. “Mack is bringing the girls over to take a ride in the new sleigh this afternoon. You should come.”

“Thanks, but I’ve got some things to do.”

“I doubt any of your things are as fun as a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh with hot chocolate afterward. Maybe even a snowball fight in between.”

He grinned. “I do like a good snowball fight.”

“Well, you’re invited, if you change your mind.”

“Thanks,” he said, but I knew in my gut he wouldn’t come.

I looked down at my mug, rubbing the handle with my thumb. “You know, I wanted to tell you . . . I know what it’s like to go through fertility treatments. I couldn’t get pregnant either.”

“I’m sorry.”