Dani held her finger up. “Or you can work remotely from Newton.”
“When are you going to admit that you two are meant for each other and that you need to find a way to work it out?” Mom asked.
Kacey shook her head as they walked into the music store. “We both promised to keep in touch, but he hasn’t said anything about being more than friends.” The truth was she couldn’t stop thinking about that kiss the night of the festival. She’d never felt such an explosion of desire in her life. The memory sent a flush of bashful pleasure through her cheeks and made her light-headed. And she couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe her future could be in Splendid Lake with Drew instead of in Charlotte.
“I think you need to tell him how you feel and then figure out a way to make it work,” Dani told her.
Kacey smiled. “Maybe I will.”
***
“Merry Christmas!” Kacey exclaimed as Dani, Travis, and the girls walked into her mother’s house Christmas morning. She leaned down and hugged her nieces. “You need to go over to the tree. There are presents there for you.”
Riley took Kelly’s hand. “I’ll help you find your gifts.” She guided her over to the tree.
Dani hugged Kacey. “We have big news.”
“What is it?” Mom asked as she joined them.
Dani looked at Travis as he grinned.
“I got the job with the school system,” Travis said.
“Oh!” Mom gasped. “I’m so happy to hear that!”
“Is it the job that Drew recommended?” Kacey asked.
Dani nodded. “Yes. Drew made it happen.”
“That’s amazing,” Mom said.
“Nana?” Riley called from the Christmas tree. “Will you come over here and help us find our presents?”
Mom smiled over at them. “Of course.”
“I’ll come with you,” Travis said as he carried a large tote bag filled with gifts over to the sofa.
“What are Drew’s plans for today?” Dani asked Kacey.
“He texted me last night and asked if he could come over.”
Dani smiled. “That’s good.”
“Aunt Kacey!” Riley called. “Come here and open your gifts.”
Dani touched Kacey’s arm. “You’re being summoned.”
“We’d better go.”
Kacey sat down on the sofa between her mother and sister and watched as her nieces opened their gifts from her and her mom.
Dani pulled out a box of cookies, and Kacey brought in glasses of eggnog while they continued opening gifts, laughing, and enjoying each other.
When a knock sounded at the door, Kacey popped up from the sofa, retrieved Drew’s gift from under the tree, and then darted to the door.
She pulled it open and found Drew standing on the porch. Above them the sky was white and it felt like snow was coming. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas to you.”
