“Bash,” Doreen called, trying not to laugh, “you could at leastpretendto mind your manners.”
The dog responded by gleefully plowing nose-first into a snowbank.
“Yeah, that’s what I thought,” she sighed, but couldn’t suppress a smile as she followed them up the path.
The trail had been freshly cleared since last night, making the walk easier than expected. A soft wash of gold spilled through the trees as the sun sank lower, turning the snow into a pale, glittering light. Doreen smoothed her hair, an automatic gesture she knew was useless in these weather conditions, but did anyway.
Because after last night’s moonlit walk…
And this morning’s dog training with James…
She felt oddly exposed.
As if all the new, confusing, warm feelings she was trying so hard to keep contained were written plainly across her face.
Which was ridiculous.
Probably.
Still, she wasn’t entirely sure she could hide anything from Sorcha. Her friend knew her too well. They’d worked side by side for years. First at the little newspaper where Doreen hired her fresh out of college, then later at the magazine where their careers and friendship both grew together.
Jake reached the porch and leaped up the steps, and knocked at the door. The kid had as much energy as Bash, who stoodbeside him, tail wagging, head tilted as he listened to someone approaching.
Doreen had just reached the top step when the door swung open to reveal Sorcha standing framed in the doorway.
Was it her imagination, or did Sorcha look different? Her skin glowed with a luminous quality Doreen had never seen before, her smile deeper and more serene. Was that what true love did to you?
And after seeing Sorcha with Christopher last night, she did not doubt that true love was exactly what they shared.
“You made it!” Sorcha exclaimed, pulling Doreen into a warm hug.
“We did,” Doreen replied as she stepped back. “The walk was gorgeous. The cabin is gorgeous. The scenery is gorgeous. And you are gorgeous.”
“I’d have to agree with you there.” Christopher appeared behind Sorcha, tall and solid in the doorway. He caught Sorcha gently around the waist, his fingers brushing her hip in a protective, almost unconscious gesture. The intimacy of it struck Doreen. They moved together as if they’d been partners for years, not weeks.
Must be nice to be in that honeymoon phase,she thought, a small pang of something like envy piercing her chest.
Christopher immediately crouched down to Jake’s level, his voice warm and engaging. “Jake, I could use a strong helper today. Do you want to come help me with a few cabin repairs?”
Jake’s eyes widened with excitement. “Yes! What kind of repairs? Do you have tools? Can I use a hammer?”
Christopher laughed, the sound deep and rich. “I’ve got a whole toolbox with your name on it. We need to fix a loose railing on the back deck.”
“Cool!” Jake exclaimed, already unzipping his coat.
Bash, sensing adventure, gave a joyous bark and followed Jake inside, tail wagging wildly. Christopher winked at Sorcha as he straightened, and Doreen caught the look that passed between them. There were no words. It was as if they weren’t needed. But the glance was so intimate that Doreen had to glance away, feeling like she was intruding on them.
“Come in, come in,” Sorcha urged, taking Doreen’s coat. “It’s freezing out there.”
As the door closed behind them, Doreen suddenly realized she’d been neatly maneuvered into being alone with her best friend. Yes, the setup felt subtly orchestrated, and she narrowed her eyes at Sorcha, who merely smiled innocently back. Of course. Sorcha didn’t just want to “catch up.” Sorcha wanted intel.
Sorcha led the way into the kitchen, where the kettle was already steaming on the stove. The room was warm and fragrant with the scent of something baking…gingerbread.
“Sit,” Sorcha gestured to a stool at the kitchen island. “I’ll pour you some tea.”
“Tea?” Doreen raised an eyebrow. “What happened to the caffeine queen?”
Sorcha reached for a mug, filling it with a pale golden liquid that smelled of ginger and chamomile. “Coffee hasn’t been sitting right with me lately,” she said lightly, passing the mug to Doreen. “This tea is heaven. You have to try it.”
