I think you’re right,James replied, a rush of searing happiness flooding through him. He’d played it slow, steady, giving her space to breathe, and now it was paying off. At last.
“Hey, remember we have to make a fancy dress costume for Bash?” Jake called out, breaking into a run toward them, his boots crunching through the thin layer of snow. “I can’t wait for Mom and Dad to see him dressed as a bear!”
Oh, so we’re still going with that, are we?his bear rumbled, amusement lacing the words.
It’ll be fine, James assured him.By the time it’s the festival’s dog show, we’ll have revealed everything to Doreen. She’ll have accepted it, fallen in love with me...
And me,his bear interjected smugly.
And we’ll be living happily ever after,James said with a flourish.
His bear snorted, a deep, rumbling sound in his mind.Who are you, and what have you done with the real James?
Hilarious,James shot back, though he couldn’t suppress a faint smile.
“We’ll figure out the costume,” Doreen told Jake, ruffling his hair as he skidded to a stop beside them. “But first, we’re going to go and get some hot chocolate.”
“My favorite!” Jake announced, pumping his fist in the air. “And something to eat.” He sucked in a deep breath, nose wrinkling with delight. “I can smell gingerbread.”
They headed over to the nearby stall, where the air was thick with the spicy-sweet aroma of fresh-baked treats and steaming cocoa, mingled with the crisp bite of winter pine. Strings of twinkling lights draped the wooden booth, casting a cozy glow over trays of gingerbread men, frosted cookies, and a mountain of marshmallows.
James stepped up to the counter first, pulling out his wallet. “Three hot chocolates and three of those gingerbread cookies, please.” He glanced at Doreen with an insistent nod. “My treat.”
She hesitated for just a second, then smiled without arguing, the simple acceptance warming him more than the steam rising from the mugs.
As they turned away, paper cups in hand and the warm, crumbly gingerbread wrapped in napkins, Jake’s eyes lit up at a colorful poster tacked to a nearby lamppost. “A Night of Christmas Tales,” he read aloud, pointing excitedly. “Can we go?”
Doreen leaned in to scan the sign, her shoulder brushing James’s arm. “It’s tonight. I guess we could come back into town.”
“Yes!” Jake bounced on his toes. “Can you come too?” he asked, turning to James with wide, hopeful eyes.
This is it,his bear growled triumphantly.After the event, we can tell Doreen everything. It’ll be perfect.
James reread the notice, noting the time and details. “I’m on duty, but my shift ends around then.”
“You don’t have to come,” Doreen said quickly, though when he looked at her, he caught the flicker of disappointment in her eyes, and it made his heart soar.
“I want to,” he replied, his voice low and sincere. Oh, how he wanted to!
“If you’re sure,” she murmured, looking up at him through her lashes.
“Of course he’s sure,” Jake chimed in, taking a massive bite of his gingerbread, crumbs tumbling down his coat.
“I’ll be here,” James assured her. “I promise.” He held her gaze, wanting her to know he meant it. Every word, even those left unsaid.
Chapter Thirteen – Doreen
“Look!” Jake pointed toward the stage set up in the main square, where a winter wonderland unfolded with drifts of fake snow and twinkling lights strung like icicles. Actors in elaborate costumes—some as Victorian carolers with top hats and bonnets, others as cheerful snowmen with carrot noses and coal-button eyes—mingled through the growing crowd, staying perfectly in character as they handed out candy canes and posed for photos.
It was impressive! Not just because of the elaborate setup but by the whole vibe of Bear Creek, where every corner seemed designed to wrap you in holiday magic. The whole square looked like someone had cracked open a snow globe and invited the world inside. No wonder Sorcha had fallen in love with the place while writing her article on the festivities; it was a shame this particular event was too late to include, but maybe she could pitch a follow-up piece for next year.
“Come on, Aunt D!” Jake grabbed her hand and tugged her toward a performer dressed as a jolly gingerbread man, complete with icing details and gumdrop buttons.
“I’m coming,” Doreen said with a laugh, trailing after him as he wove through the cheerful throng, Bash bounding along on his leash.
Then his hand slipped from hers, and for a split second, she lost sight of Jake in the shuffle. A familiar stab of worry robbed her of her breath. But then came the chorus of delighted exclamations.
Ah, the Bash effect, she thought with a fond smile, catching up to find her nephew, who was now encircled by admirers cooingover the golden retriever. Bash preened under the attention, nearly as big a draw as the costumed characters.
