Sarah imagined there wasn’t much Bodie couldn’t do if he set his mind to it.

“Pick your prize,” the boy told Sarah.

While Bodie put on his coat, she glanced over the stuffed Christmas toys and picked a silly-looking elf because it made her think of the joke she’d told when they’d unpacked Aunt Jean’s ornaments.

The joke made her think of Bodie’s laughter. Which made her feel warm inside. She looked down at the big-eared elf in its green hat and outfit and smiled. She couldn’t have made a more perfect choice.

As they walked away, Bodie eyed the toy. “Now I know why Santa’s elf had low elf esteem.”

A bit breathless that his mind was on the same wavelength, Sarah hugged the elf. For a few moments, they walked along in silence, but finally, Sarah couldn’t hold it in any longer.

“I’m wondering why you didn’t play sports. That’s some throw you have.”

He shrugged. “I was interested in being a soldier, not in sports. That doesn’t mean I never played with friends or in pick-up games. Just that I never had interest in devoting myself to a sport.”

“What other hidden talents do you have?”

Looking at her out of the corner of his eye, he shook his head. “None I’m telling you about.”

The reminder of how very different his life had been from hers hit full force. He’d seen and done things around the world unlike anything she’d ever see or do.

She was content with that. Some, like Claudia, dreamed of traveling the world. Sarah believed everything she wanted, needed, was right in Pine Hill.

Would Bodie ever consider settling down in one place? Her chest constricted a little that their dreams weren’t more in sync.

They popped into art and crafts tents, sampled homemade fudge that almost compared to Mrs. Harvey’s, listened to music performed on a stage that had been set up at the far corner of the square, then, when it was time, they made their way to a side street where Mr. Harvey was picking up and dropping off guests for their sleigh ride through the city park.

“Look, they’re dressed like Mr. and Mrs. Claus,” Sarah exclaimed, loving the added touch.

“Just so long as those horses aren’t flying reindeer in disguise,” Bodie mused.

“Where’s your sense of adventure?” Sarah challenged. “Flying reindeer have got nothing on Bodie Lewis.”

He grinned. “So you say.”

The couple before them told Mr. Harvey thanks and goodbye while Sarah gave Mrs. Harvey the reservation slip.

Then they greeted Mr. Harvey, who helped Sarah into the sleigh and waited for Harry to jump up, then Bodie, before he climbed into the front and told them a few rules for their safety.