Hannah sniffed. “Go on.”
Kate saw tears behind Hannah’s glasses. She had been practicing this speech for a few days and was glad she was going to have the opportunity to beg for Hannah’s forgiveness. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach; she didn’t want to mess this up. “I was a complete fool. I should have been a grown woman and told you I was scared. I’d been hurt so bad by Brittany, all I could think was if we broke up, then I couldn’t bear having to see you around town, watching you move on with your life.”
“When you cut things off after Thanksgiving, did you think you’d be fine seeing me around town?”
Kate’s throat was tight. “I did,” she admitted. She swallowed hard, “I was so scared, especially after Jax and Ellie split.” She held up her hand. “I know, I know. It’s ridiculous to make a life choice based on how things worked out for someone else.”
“And now?” Hannah asked.
Kate reached out and held Hannah’s hand. “Now I know you are worth everything to me. If you give me a second chance, I promise to communicate better, and if I get scared, you’ll be the first to know. I love you, Hannah.”
Hannah leaned in and kissed Kate’s cheek. The soft touch of her lips on her cheek, combined with the smell that was singularly Hannah, made her want to weep with joy.Please take me back, please take me back.
“Thank you for letting me know. I’m going to need a little time to process all of this,” Hannah said.
Kate’s shoulders slumped. “Of course,” she said, even though she wanted nothing more than to leave hand in hand with herright now and go back to her place where she could worship Hannah like she deserved.
“How about cocoa?”
Kate let out a breath. Hannah was giving her a lifetime. “Where? When?”
“I think I’m free now.”
Brandee, Zaina, and Sadie were standing a few feet away from Hannah and Kate, obviously trying to give them space. Hannah walked over to the women, and Kate followed behind.
“Is it okay if I pet him?” Hannah asked.
“Of course,” Sadie said.
Hannah started rubbing the fur between Hansel’s ears. “Thank you so much for chasing away that awful man. You’re such a good boy.” Then she straightened up. “You might have saved my life. Can I give you a hug?”
“I’m Sadie, and yes.”
“Thank you so much, Sadie!” Hannah hugged Sadie, and then she hugged her best friends.
Kate felt tears flowing down her face. She sniffed and wiped her face. She came away with green hands. Hannah turned and grabbed her green hand. “Group hug, ladies.” The four women hugged as Hansel sat at their feet while the crowd began flowing toward them from theAChristmas Carolperformance. When they separated, each one of them managed to come away with some green makeup on their face or hands. Zaina pulled out her ever-present baby wipes from her crossbody bag. They moved over to stand at the New Age Stones and Witch Crafts hut and cleaned their faces and hands.
“Boss, can I have the rest of the day off?” Hannah asked.
“Of course, take tomorrow off too.”
“If you all don’t mind, I think I’m going to go get some hot chocolate,” Hannah announced.
“Text me if you need anything,” Brandee said. She gave Hannah a side hug. Then she looked at Kate. Kate gulped and nodded. Brandee didn’t need to speak to convey her message—don’t hurt my friend again. Kate nodded.
“Ready?” Hannah said, holding out her hand to Kate.
Kate rubbed her sweaty palm on the green fur of her costume and then clasped Hannah’s hand. They were quiet as they walked. “You sit. I’ll get the cocoa,” Kate said. Hannah sat down at an empty table next to a warmer. Kate was relieved that there wasn’t anyone in line, and she was handing Hannah a small mug in no time. “I asked them for double whipped cream.”
“Amazing,” Hannah said.
Once Kate was sitting across from her, Hannah giggled. “Your face. You look more Halloween than Christmas.”
Kate’s heart soared. Hannah was laughing and joking. Could things get any better?
“I’m not going home with you tonight.”
Kate bit her lip and then she spoke, “Okay. I understand.”
