Feeling self-conscious, Sarah nodded. Not that “cute” seemed like the right word to describe Bodie. Cute implied something cuddly, and Bodie wasn’t that. But she agreed—Bodie’s smiles were noteworthy. Her hand burned within her glove with memory of his touch and she wondered if it were possible for Bodie to cuddle.

“How’s the remodel going at Hamilton House?”

“Almost finished with the downstairs. We’re on schedule to open on Christmas Day.” Oh, how she loved saying that. “Bodie is doing a fantastic job. If you know anyone who needs some work done, let him know.”

Not that she was lining up work in hopes he’d stay in Pine Hill. Just…

“That’s great.” Carrie’s gaze went to the ornament hunt. “I think all the ornaments have been found, if you want to call time.”

Kids and families were still searching, but a few of the kids had already sat down on the cold ground and were opening their ornaments to ooh and aah over the contents. One of the two-year-olds had chocolate running down her chin and was giving her mother a toothy grin.

Sarah didn’t see anyone finding new ornaments; nor did she spot any that hadn’t been discovered. Using the microphone, she thanked everyone for participating, reminded them that photos with Santa were available at the photography business on the square and told them not to forget the parade at six.

With the children and their families clearing out, Sarah and the other volunteers walked around the playground, checking hiding places, and not finding any additional hidden ornaments.

Maybelle joined her. “Looks like you had more kids this year.”

“We did,” she agreed, excited by the event’s success. “Over a hundred. Did you see those happy little faces?”

Pride shone on Maybelle’s face. “You did good.”

Ecstatic that she’d made Maybelle proud, Sarah leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Thank you, Maybelle. That you think so makes my day.”

“Nothing you don’t deserve.” Pulling her coat tighter around her, Maybelle gestured to Sarah’s hands. “Now, give me that bag. I’ll clean up any stray bits of trash so you can get over there to that fellow waiting on you.”

Sarah glanced at where Bodie had untied Harry’s leash from the fence and was squatted down next to him. One of the families who’d hunted ornaments was talking to him, their kids petting Harry. Harry rolled over onto his back, obviously eating up the attention, and the kids gave him more rubs.

Bodie laughed at something and Sarah’s heart hiccupped.

“You like him.”

“Harry?” Sarah shrugged, purposely misunderstanding Maybelle. She bent to pick up the plastic top to one of the ornaments and dropped it into the sack she hadn’t handed over to Maybelle. “What’s not to like?”

“Not the dog. The man.” Maybelle sighed. “You really don’t know much about him.”

“I know enough.”