A look of horror fell over her face. “How can you not go? I understand that you didn’t really get to celebrate Christmas while you were in the military, but guess what, Bodie?” Her chin lifted as she stared him down. “You aren’t in the military anymore, so you should celebrate Christmas and you should definitely go to the Pine Hill On-The-Square Christmas Festival because who knows if you’ll ever get the opportunity again?”

He knew.

He wouldn’t.

Once he finished her house, it was unlikely he’d ever set foot in Pine Hill again. A sobering thought, but a realistic one.

Sarah would go on spreading snowflakes and Christmas cheer and he’d go back to his life. Not the life he’d wanted or envisioned, but not a life that seemed as dark and dreary as he’d once thought it would be, either. Still, it would be a life that had no point of intersection with hers.

“Say you’ll go,” Sarah pleaded with her words and her eyes. She could give Harry a run for his money on the full imploring puppy eyes.

“You need my help with something?”

She laughed. “That isn’t why I want you to go, but I can always use another helping hand if you’re volunteering.”

Curious as to her reasons, he asked, “Why do I need to go, then?”

“Because you’ll have fun.”

Fun. How long had it been since Bodie had done something just because it was fun? How long since he’d even thought about the word “fun” prior to meeting Sarah?

Thinking back, he’d admit these past couple of weeks with Sarah had been the most fun he’d had in years. He truly enjoyed spending time with her and taking in how she looked at the world through her Christmas-colored goggles and belief in ultimate goodness.

Not that Bodie hadn’t enjoyed his time in the military or his off time with his buddies when they’d gone skiing or backpacking. He had. But time with Sarah was a different kind of fun. Lighter, fluffier, more child-like and innocent.

“And because I’d really like you to be there,” Sarah continued, upping the ante. “I want you to go to the Christmas festival. Please go.”

Her words got to him. Sarah wanted him at the festival. How could he say no?

“If you need my help, I’ll go,” he agreed. He’d pretty much do anything to help her. Wasn’t that his ultimate purpose for being there? That he enjoyed spending time with her was just an added bonus.

“If that’s the only way you’ll agree, then yes, I need your help.” Her smile was brilliant. “Never let it be said that I turned away a volunteer.”

“Never. What do you need me to do?”

“Want to help with the ornament hunt?”