She gave my arm a quick squeeze. “Your dad told me you hugged him today. He’s been on cloud nine all day.”
“I, uh . . .” I winced. “I didn’t know what else to do. I was . . . it was . . . a lot.”
Her face softened. “I’m so proud of you.”
And now this was a lot.
I must have squeezed Winter’s hand because he turned to me, giving me a smile. “You okay?”
“Hmm.”
Just then, the mayor called everyone’s attention over the microphone, and I was glad for the distraction, for all the attention to be off me.
We walked down to the big Christmas tree, along with the entire town of Hartbridge, as we did every year. The mayor wished everyone a joyous holiday, the carolers sang, and the massive Christmas tree’s lights twinkled.
Only this time I had Winter.
A funny name, really. Because he was the warmest person I’d ever met.
The wind sent flurries of snow around us, making everyone cheer, and despite the cold, I was filled with nothing but warmth and happiness.
As the night drew to a close, I wanted this feeling to last forever.
“What are you boys doing?” Mom asked.
“Oh.” Winter turned to me. “I didn’t bring my car because the street was being closed off. I was going to go homewith Ro.”
“I can drive you home if you like?” I offered.
Winter nodded, smiling, his cheeks and nose the cutest pink.
“Okay then,” Dad said. “We’ll see you both later. Don’t be out too late,” Dad added with a wink.
Oh dear.
“I might see you tomorrow at some point,” Winter said to my parents. “But in case I don’t, have a wonderful Christmas Day.”
“Same to you,” Mom said, giving his arm a squeeze.
We watched them walk up toward the fire station, where they’d parked their car, no doubt, then Winter and I headed back up toward his store. He slipped his hand back into mine, letting me do the holding, not being held, so I could control when I let go. “Is this okay?”
I nodded. “Yes. I think the gloves help.”
“Awesome.” He grinned at me. “Tonight was so much fun. I can’t believe this happens every year.”
I agreed, but there was something he’d said earlier. “You wanted me to remind you of something to do with your aunt Ro,” I prompted.
“Oh, yes. Well, I think she has a crush on Toni.”
I stared at him. “Really?”
He laughed, delighted. “She was so flustered and cute the other day, oh my god. You know, I think there might be some credence to that Christmas Cupid thing.”
I chuckled. “Do you honestly believe that?”
He stopped walking, his eyes meeting mine. “I didn’t, but now I’m thinking maybe, yeah, I do.”
“Because of your aunt Ro?”
