“But Mommy, look, I found Cinderella!”
“I can see that, but it’s more important that you know better than to run off and talk to strangers,” Ava’s mother huffed. Her gaze turned to Gemma. “Thank you for finding her and bringing her back to me. I hope she wasn’t too much trouble.”
“She wasn’t,” Gemma promised. “I was just on my way up to my room.”
“We just saw you skate today. You were lovely.”
“Oh, thank you so much.”
“Mommy?”
“Yes, Ava?”
“Can we take our picture together now?”
Ava’s mother shot her a “would you mind” look. Gemma signaled for Ava to come stand next to her.
“On the count of three. One, two, and three.” Her mother took the photo. “What do we say?”
“Thank you!” Ava said, then launched her arms around Gemma’s legs. “Is your prince around here too?”
“Oh, um?.?.?. I don’t know. I’ll have to send one of my mice to see if they can find him.”
Ava giggled again. “Or maybe you can send your fairy godmother.”
“That’s a brilliant idea too.” Gemma winked. “Don’t forget our secret.”
“I won’t.”
Gemma smiled, then turned to Ava’s mother and exchanged a few words with her as the clock in the lobby chimed seven times.
“Wow!” Ava suddenly exclaimed. “Cinderella, is that your carriage? I thought it was made of glass. Can I have a ride? Are the horses really mice?”
The adults both stopped talking. Looking out the front glass doors of the lobby, they noticed a horse-drawn carriage stopping in front. A bride in a flowing white ballgown stepped out, followed by a groom.
“Ava, that’s not hers. Do you see the woman in the wedding gown? She’s getting married.”
Gemma, however, didn’t hear the rest of what was being said. Her attention was focused on the tall man in a tan overcoat and brown hair pulling off a pair of gloves while entering the lobby. Under his other arm, he carried a large bouquet of flowers. He checked his mobile. She’d know him anywhere.
“Tim,” she called out, awkwardly half waving her hand.
His head shot up. Smiling, he returned her wave and walked toward her.
“Boyfriend?” Ava’s mom asked.
Gemma nodded, her eyes not leaving his person. She’d forgotten just how handsome he was. Had it only been a week and a half since she’d last seen him? The overcoat fit his body like a second skin, hugging him in all the right places.
“We won’t keep you, then. It looks like you two have plans. Come, Ava, it’s almost time to meet Santa. Say thank you and goodbye to Cinderella.”
“Bye, princess. And thank you again!” Ava and her mother moved up in line. “Mommy, did you bring the cookies and milk? And my letter?”
“I brought cookies and your letter, but remember, we aren’t giving Santa any milk in case he’s allergic. Don’t forget, last year he told you he was lactose intolerant.”
With each step Tim took, Gemma’s pulse increased. Butterflies fluttered their wings so quickly that it reminded her of performing a spin on the ice.
“Hi,” she managed as he stopped right in front of her. “You’re, er?.?.?. here.”
“These are for you.” Fumbling with flowers, he shoved them in front of him.
