“Trust me,” I said, pulling her to her feet.
The moment her feet hit the ice, she slipped a little, and I quickly slipped in behind her, helping her to regain her balance.
“Just as I remember, it’s slippery and I’m as unbalanced as ever.”She giggled, grabbing my arm again to regain her balance as she pushed off with her right foot.
Soon, we were talking away as we made our way around the rink.Mindi was telling me about the tree farm when I felt her hand tense against mine.I turned just in time to see her lose her balance but was able to get in behind her just before she hit the ground.
“Thank goodness you were right here,” she whispered, her breath against my neck as I held her close to me.
“Told you to trust me,” I whispered as I pulled her back up, the scent of her perfume invading my senses.
She met my eyes as she turned in my arms.It was at that moment, under the stars and surrounded by twinkling light, I leaned forward and pressed my lips to hers for the first time in years.
Our lips only connected for seconds before she pulled hers away from mine and placed her hands on my chest and slowly raised her eyes to mine.
“Noah,” she whispered breathlessly.
I could feel the connection between us, the same way it had been before I left all those years ago, the protectiveness I felt once upon a time, and I knew that even though I crossed the first line and kissed her, we needed to take things slow, otherwise those feelings would overwhelm the both of us.I hadn’t realized how much I missed her in my life, until now, as she stood here staring back at me.
“What is it?”I asked.
She looked at me like she wanted to say something, but she shook her head and pressed her lips to mine once again before we pushed off from where we were standing and circled the ice again.
We made a couple more rounds, and when we got to where we started, I pulled her over to the edge and helped her off the ice and to sit down.I bent down and undid my skates while she did the same.
“How come you ended our skating?”she questioned, looking at me as she slipped her socked foot into her boot.
“Well, it’s almost time for us to meet over at the gazebo for the caroling and to finish handing out the cookies we decorated.Plus, I figured you might like to grab a quick bite to eat before we head over,” I said, nodding toward where Zach and Iris were busy barbecuing burgers for everyone, while Sarah and Gracie helped with the buns.
“Actually, I’m starved.”She giggled as she waved at Iris.
“Well then, shall we?”I asked.
Mindi nodded, gathered up her skates, and then slipped her hand into mine as we made our way over to them.
Mindi
The entire town gathered at the Gazebo for carols, hot chocolate, and sweet treats.Some kids continued skating while others gathered for the tree lighting.The entire crowd erupted in applause as I plugged the lights in and flipped the switch.Soon everyone was singing carols around the tree.
“Well, that was another successful event,” I said, grabbing another cookie from the basket Sarah was holding as the crowd dispersed.
“Sure was, and we are out of hot chocolate again,” Brooke sang as Trinity and Thomas came over and stood with us.“Pretty much perfect timing.”
“How did donations go?”I questioned them both, nodding toward Sarah for them to remember not to say too much.
“Box was overflowing at my table,” Trinity added.“Thomas put the box in the car just before we came over.”
“Yeah, I’ll bring it over to the center in the morning.”
“Perfect.I should be there around noon to get ready for our gingerbread house decorating day.”I smiled.
“Tristan ran the one that was here at home as well.It was full as well He will pop by tomorrow afternoon,”
Sarah smiled up at me.“Who were we collecting for this year?I missed it, but I have a few things that I could donate.I’ve outgrown some of my toys and some clothes, plus when the time comes to leave, I won’t be able to take much with me other than a couple of items.”
My heart almost ripped in two as I looked down at her.I couldn’t tell her she was the recipient, but I also couldn’t turn away her donation.She’d always donated something to the drive.
“I didn’t have time to get them, but I will, I promise.I’ll bring them to the community center tomorrow for craft day, if that is okay?I want someone to remember me here once I leave.”
