“Felix…” I warn, but he just grins.
“I’m just saying.” He shrugs, watching Nate return with a gallon of vanilla ice cream. “Sometimes a little wish can go a long way.”
I’m saved from responding by Lottie tugging on my sleeve, demanding my opinion on whether unicorns prefer cake or ice cream. But as I launch into a detailed explanation about magical creatures and their dessert preferences, I can’t help but think about Felix’s words…and the way Nate’s eyes keep finding mine across the room.
The party begins winding down as the evening progresses, parents gathering their sleepy children and making their goodbyes. I’m helping Catherine clear some plates when Nate approaches, his keys jingling in his hand.
“Did you drive here?” he asks, and something in his tone makes my pulse quicken.
“No, I took a cab,” I reply, stacking the last of the dessert plates. “The forecast mentioned more snow, and I’m still not confident driving in it.”
“I can give you a ride home,” he offers, and though his voice is casual, there’s an undercurrent of something more. “I’ve got the truck.”
Felix catches my eye from across the room, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. I resist the urge to roll my eyes at him. “That would be great, actually. Thank you.”
“Perfect,” Nate says, and the smile he gives me makes my stomach flip. “Just let me grab my coat.”
“I’m so delighted you two are neighbors,” Catherine says with a knowing look that makes me wonder if everyone can see right through me. “At this time of year, with the snow, it’s nice having someone you can rely on nearby.”
“That’s very true,” I reply warmly. “I’m already grateful for the welcoming community here.”
As I gather my things, Felix’s comment about the Wishing Tree pops into my head. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to make a wish of my own. After all, sometimes the universe has a way of bringing people together—even if they’re trying their best to stay apart.
CHAPTER 15
NATE
The truck’s engine purrs to life as I turn the key, and beside me, Caspian is practically vibrating with energy. Even in the dim glow of the dashboard lights, I can see his eyes sparkling as he talks animatedly about the party.
“Your family is incredible, Nate. I mean, Catherine’s baking skills alone are legendary, but the way she transformed that dining room into a unicorn paradise? Pure magic.” He turns in his seat to face me better, and I have to force myself to keep my eyes on the road. “And Lottie! She’s absolutely precious. The way she was so serious about the wish rules… I couldn’t handle it.”
A smile tugs at my lips, both at his enthusiasm and the memory. “She takes her wishes very seriously. Last year, she wouldn’t even tell my brother what she wished for until after her next birthday, just to be absolutely certain it wouldn’t jinx anything.”
“Smart kid.” Caspian laughs, and the sound does something warm and dangerous to my chest. “Though I have to say, the dinosaur-unicorn crossover story she came up with was pretty inspired. Maybe she’ll be a writer like Felix.”
Instead of taking the turn that would lead us toward our neighborhood, I make a left, heading downtown. Caspian notices immediately.
“Um, Nate? Pretty sure we live in the opposite direction,” he says, though he doesn’t sound concerned, just curious.
“We need to make a stop first,” I reply, trying to keep my voice casual even as my heart hammers against my ribs. “If that’s okay?”
He settles back in his seat, a small smile playing on his lips. “Mysterious detour? I’m intrigued.”
The snow has started falling again, fat flakes drifting lazily through the glow of the streetlights. The city park is mostly deserted because of the snowfall, exactly what I’d hoped for. I park the truck and turn to Caspian, who’s watching me with raised eyebrows.
“Trust me?” I ask, and my voice comes out rougher than I intended.
“Against my better judgment,” he teases, but he’s already reaching for his door handle.
The cold hits us as we step out of the truck, and I watch Caspian pull his coat tighter around himself. The snow crunches beneath our boots as we make our way across the park, past the darkened windows of Special Blend. Caspian’s eyes widen as he realizes where we’re heading.
“The Wishing Tree?” he asks softly, and something in his voice makes me pause.
“Felix mentioned it to you, didn’t he?” I smile at his surprised look. “I overheard him at the party, and from your expression, it seemed you were curious about it. I know you’ve been busy with Special Blend and might not have noticed it’s already accepting wishes.”
The majestic fir tree dominates this corner of the city park near the gazebo, its evergreen branches adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. Planted generations ago, it has become the heart of Maplewood’s festivals, but none more so than during the Winter Wishes Festival. Now, its strong limbs bear not just snow but hundreds of delicate ornamental balls, each containing someone’s written hope or dream, swaying gently in the winter breeze.
I lead him closer. “It’s a tradition in our town. During the Winter Wishes Festival, people hang their wishes on the tree. Some say they come true if you believe hard enough.”
