He leaned in a little, his expression teasing. “So we’re calling it a tie?”
I pretended to consider. “I could live with that.”
He smirked. “Good. Because I was planning on you being my date to the Merry Mynt Ball either way.”
Oh.
My heart did that traitorous flutter thing again. “Cocky much?”
“Confident,” he corrected, flashing me that swoony grin. “Didn’t we cover that already?”
I rolled my eyes, trying to suppress the very real smile tugging at my lips. “I’m still going to pick my own prize.”
“And what’s that?”
I took another bite of my s’more, letting the question hang in the air between us. “You’ll see.”
His brow quirked in interest, and he turned his attention back to his s’more, but not before I caught the quiet smile playing on his lips.
We sat in companionable silence for a while, the fire crackling, snow gently falling around us. It felt…easy. Like maybe this was where I was destined to be all along.
Chapter 15
Belle
December 23rd
I was just finishing puttingon my lipstick when I heard a knock at the door. My brows scrunched in confusion. Who would be knocking on my door? Holden and I had agreed to meet at the bottom of the staircase in the lobby before making our way to the ballroom.
Looking through the peephole, I saw Maggie standing on the other side.
I hesitated for a beat, my heart thumping against my ribs. Of all the people I’d expected tonight, she wasn’t one of them.
Quickly smoothing a hand down the front of my dress, I opened the door. “Maggie. Hi.”
She smiled warmly, her eyes softening. “Hi, sweetheart. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
“No, of course not. Please, come in.” I stepped aside, letting her into the room. She looked elegant in a deep-navy gown, her brown bob sleek and shiny, a small clutch in one hand.
“I just wanted to stop by before the ball,” she said, stepping into the room with an air of quiet purpose. “I’ve been meaning to speak with you.”
My stomach tightened. I gestured for her to sit on the small sofa, but she remained standing, turning to face me.
“I know things didn’t work out between you and Alex,” she said gently. “And I’m not here to ask questions about that. I think you know as well as I do that sometimes people just aren’t the right fit.”
I nodded slowly, unsure of where this was going. “It was never anything against him. I just…wanted something different.”
Her smile grew, understanding flickering in her eyes. “I know, dear. And honestly, I’m not surprised. Alex is a good man, but he’s so focused on work. I’ve always worried he’d miss what’s right in front of him.”
She stepped closer, reaching out to take my hand. “But that’s not why I’m here. I’ve seen the way Holden looks at you. And the way you look at him.”
Heat rushed to my cheeks. “Maggie, I?—”
She squeezed my hand. “You don’t have to explain. I just wanted you to know that I support it. I support you. And him. You two…there’s something real there.”
I blinked, overwhelmed. “I wasn’t sure if it would be strange, with me having dated Alex?—”
“It’s not strange,” she said quickly, firmly. “Life is messy. Love is even messier. But if you’re lucky enough to find someone who makes you feel seen, who makes you laugh, who makes your heart feel full—you don’t let go of that.”
