“Yep, that’s me. I’ve been downplaying it for your sake, but usually, you won’t find me without a crown on my head.” He bowed his head.
Marissa laughed. Being so close to him had returned heat to her body for more reasons than one. She wished that he were easier to hate. Why did he have to be so witty and self-deprecating?
“Should we head to the Chamber now?” Marissa asked.
“And miss the end of the parade? No way.” William put his phone away but kept his arm around Marissa’s shoulder. “I’m waiting to see the big guy. We have perfect seats, the best view, and I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty comfortable here.” He held her gaze for a moment too long, his dark brown eyes searching hers with something that resembled a longing she felt deep in her bones.
Another rush of heat surged through her body. She didn’t want to move either. It felt easy to be next to William like this. Too easy.
She knew she was dancing on the edge of dangerous territory. She should pull away, but she couldn’t make herself try to escape his solid arms. She felt like she belonged in his arms. She felt at home in his embrace.
What was she doing?
She was falling for him—hard.
FORTY-THREE
DARBY
Darby waved from the float. She couldn’t believe how much things had changed since agreeing to help kick off Passport to the Holidays. Just a few days ago she had been scared to take to the stage and open the event, and now she seemed to be right in the thick of it. She spotted families and students in the crowd and made sure to give them a personalized wave. Watching children’s faces light up with delight brought an even bigger smile to her face—a genuine smile.
Delicate snowflakes descended from the sky. The glow of streetlamps and the festive decorations on each corner made Darcy feel like she was on a movie set. She had managed to avoid Samesh since being named teacher of the year. He had texted, called, emailed, and sent a box of chocolate-covered strawberries to her classroom.
There had been no avoiding the news. Darby’s face had been on the front page of every Bend newspaper and local television station. The attention was overwhelming, but the response from the community had been heartwarming.
Notes from former students and parents poured into the school. She received messages from one of her very first students who had gone on to become the Poet Laureate of the state ofVermont, where he now lived with his family. Winning teacher of the year reminded her of the many connections she had made over the years. She rarely knew where students ended up. It was a gift to reconnect and see where their lives had taken them.
It also made her feel like the Universe was nudging her closer to retirement. How could she top this year? Not that she needed to, but if she did decide to end her teaching career, this would be the time to do it.
Jim would be running along next to the float if he were still alive, she thought, giving her best wave to a group of little kids gathering candy, and William Graff?
Was that William Graff in the mix?
She squinted to get a better look. Sure enough, William was mixed up with kids scooping handfuls of candy from the street.
“Hey, Darby, don’t ask.” William gave her a sheepish grin as her float guided onward.
Darby savored the moment, taking in the sounds of marching bands, cheering crowds, and dazzling holiday lights. She felt a new lightness for the first time since Jim’s death. He had loved this. She could, too.
By the time her float returned to the staging area at the end of the parade route, Darby was glad she had agreed to come, but that feeling didn’t last long when she spotted Samesh, sending a wave of anxious shivers down her spine.
Her float was one of the last to arrive in the float barn. He was directing foot traffic, sending dancers in one direction and juggling clowns in the other.
Darby exited her float, hoping she could sneak by unnoticed. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to talk to him. She did. But she wasn’t sure where to start.
She tried blending in with the clowns in bright orange-and-yellow costumes with lit-up glowing hats and noses, but Samesh caught her eye.
“Darby… Darby.” He ignored the pooper-scooper and ran over to her. “I’m so glad to see you here. As you know, I’ve been trying to apologize for two days.” He pulled out his phone and scrolled through a string of unanswered apology texts. “I’m so sorry. Can we please talk?”
She caught a strong whiff of popcorn. “Um, I...” She struggled to find the right words.
“Look, I made a mistake of everything.” He shook his head and stuffed his phone back into his parka. “I know I should have told you the truth from the beginning, but I was worried you would think I was a stalker.”
“I might have,” she answered truthfully.
Samesh hung his head. “I know. It’s not what it seems, though. If you would give me a chance to explain, I think you’ll understand.”
Darby started to speak, but he held up a finger.
