"Yeah. I'm okay."
"What did you learn?"
"That I need to eat.”
"And?"
"That I need to communicate with you more clearly.”
"I always know when something is up with you." He kisses my temple. I pay attention, because you matter to me."
"I'm sorry."
"I know. And it's forgiven." He stands, carries me to the bed, tucks me in. "Now rest. You've had a long day."
After tucking me in, he goes to the bathroom before he climbs into bed beside me, pulling me close.
"Thank you," I murmur.
"For what?"
"For caring enough to correct me. For building me that space at the chapel. For loving me the way I need to be loved."
"That's not something to thank me for. That's just... what we do."
"Still. Thank you."
He kisses my forehead. "You're welcome. Now sleep."
Two Months Later
I'm standing outside my apartment, waiting for Justin to pick me up for our trip to Aspen. He's been working on the new location for months, and today he's finally showing me the site.
His car pulls up, and I climb in.
"Morning," he says, leaning over to kiss me.
"Morning. Thanks for bringing me."
"Of course. I want your opinion on the layout."
"Really?"
"Really. You understand what makes the park magical. I need that perspective."
The drive to Aspen takes three hours. We spend it talking, laughing, him quizzing me on what elements I think are essential for the new location.
When we arrive, the site is stunning. It’s a mountainside property with views for miles, space for rides and attractions, and proximity to downtown Aspen.
Justin walks me through his vision, showing me where each attraction will go, how the layout will flow, and what makes this location different from the original. The park is four times the size of the original, with thrill rides and rollercoasters but keeping the theme of North Pole and Santa’s Workshop. He points out where the townhomes will be built. He hopes to turn this into a vacation destination for the ski crowd.
"What do you think?" he asks when we reach the spot where the main Christmas tree will stand.
"I think it's perfect. You're going to make magic here too."
"We're going to make magic here." He takes my hand. "Holly, I've been thinking."
"About?"
