“Daddy!” Addie called.
I caught up to her at the hot-cocoa stand, where Dakota, Max’s sister and one of the owners, stood over a large Crock-Pot of cocoa, ladling it into cups.
“Hey, Luke,” Dakota said warmly. “Addie told me she wants every single topping.”
I eyed the array of toppings and laughed. “Of course she does. Why don’t you pick three, bug? I’ve never seen so many choices.”
Different sized jars, all with a red-and-white ribbon and a handwritten label, contained chocolate chips—white, milk, and dark—peppermint sticks, caramel drizzle, marshmallows, two kinds of sprinkles, and more.
My daughter lobbied for four. I gave in because I was having as much trouble limiting myself.
Addie shrugged and said, “It’s Christmas,” as if that excused any gluttony.
I decided she had a decent point.
Addie and I got a quick selfie with the reindeer, then browsed the store as we sipped our cocoa, chatting with everyone we knew along the way. Several from my dads’ group were here with their families. Rosy McNamara and Nancy Solon joined the other Diamonds at the cider station. I even spotted Magnolia’s mother talking to some guy I didn’t recognize. I knew Magnolia and her mother had been in frequent contact now that they were trying to sell the company they’d inherited and making plans for their nonprofit, but I hadn’t expected Bianca to dip into Dragonfly Lake life on a social basis. She looked a little pale as she talked animatedly to the guy. I wasn’t ready to trust Bianca entirely yet, but Magnolia seemed to believe she’d evolved. I supposed a cancer diagnosis could do that to a person.
When we reached the candle-making station, we ran into West with Nova, Sienna, and Scarlet, who were choosing their candle scents. My daughter burrowed right in among the sisters as West and I greeted each other. A flicker of a thought went through my head about how much Addie would love to have sisters. I wasn’t sure if that was in the cards, but… I glanced in Magnolia’s direction, caught her eye again, felt that zing, and savored it like an addict getting a fix.
Once the girls were engaged with Cambria as she explained how they would make their candles, I asked West, “Are you going to be here while they finish their candles?”
He nodded. “I’m keeping track of them while Presley shops.”
“Would you mind watching Addie while I say hi to Magnolia?”
“Course not.”
I made my way through the people toward Magnolia, wishing I could sneak her out the back and kiss the hell out of her for an hour or two. When I reached her, I stood to the side while she answered a question from Kemp’s sister, Natalie, who was apparently back from college for the holidays. I checked out Magnolia’s party dress from closer up, looking for a hint of what might lie beneath it.
I was rewarded when Magnolia turned to me, planted a quick but fervent kiss on my lips, smiled up at me, and said, “Hello, sexy farm boy.”
God, she was pretty. I wanted to devour her, but instead I just smiled back and said, “You look gorgeous, Mags.”
“Thank you. How’s the cocoa?”
“Just the sugar shot I need to ensure I’ll be awake for hours.” I gave her a look intended to convey that I’d like to spend those hours in her bed.
Glenda Thomas asked Magnolia a question, and I backed away so she could do her thing.
I spotted Seth Henry standing to one side with Anna Delfico, who was holding Seth and Everly’s infant son.
“Hey, guys,” I said, sidling up next to Seth. “How’s this little man doing?”
“I’m thinking of stealing him,” Anna said. “He’s the sweetest little chunk.”
“He doesn’t miss a meal,” Seth reported.
I brushed my finger under Beckham’s chin. “Hi, handsome guy. Look at you in your Santa cap.”
The baby peered up at me, his chubby cheeks bunching up with a big baby grin.
“What a cheerful baby,” I said.
“He’s the best,” Anna confirmed. “Aren’t you, Beckham?”
“He’s pretty easygoing,” Seth said. “I’m told this is how the first baby lures you into having more.”
“Sounds like a distinct possibility,” I said. Jessie and I had never gotten to that stage. We’d decided shortly after Addie was born that we’d be better off as friends instead of a couple.
