“This looks magical,” she says as we walk down the street. “Do you hate it?”
Small booths are set up around the skating rink. Each one is decked out for the holiday. More lights have been strung above us for when it gets dark. A tree that rivals Rockefeller Center is waiting to be lit. Christmas music is being filtered in to add to the ambiance. The whole town seems to be here laughing and visiting with one another. Children dart in and out of the crowd, and a few people are skating. The sense of community wraps me in a warm hug, and the thought of leaving forever makes my chest ache.
“No,” I say, chuckling. “I actually kinda like it.”
She gasps. “Have I converted you to a Christmas lover?”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” I jest.
“Oh, come on and admit it.”
“Fine,” I grumble. “IlikeChristmas.”
She claps her hands together. “I’ll take it, and I knew you would if you gave it a chance.”
“There you two are,” Stella says, hurrying towards us. “I expected you to be here ten minutes ago.”
Claire cuts her eyes at me.
“Sorry,” I say. “We got caught up at the house.”
“Well, quick, put on your crowns and sashes. You two have a competition to judge!”
We follow to the first booth, adjusting the sashes andcrowns as we walk.
Chip is standing behind it with a warm smile.
“Chip has been kind enough to set up a tasting tray for you both,” Stella explains. “Remember to take note of overall appearance, taste, and Christmas cheer.”
She hands us two clipboards with score cards attached. “Put your scores here, and then I’ll tally them.”
There’s an antique silver tray sitting on the small counter. On top is a stack of peppermint bark. Layers of dark, milk, and white chocolate are layered evenly and topped with crushed peppermint. Every piece is cut into a perfect triangle. Chip’s lips are pressed together, and his fingers tap against the side of his leg.
“This looks delicious,” Claire says, and Chip attempts a smile. He watches us closely as we each pick up a piece and take a bite.
“Holy shit!” I let out, taking a second bite of my piece.
Each layer of chocolate is creamy and perfectly balanced. It honestly might be the best chocolate I’ve ever tasted, and the peppermint adds a little festive kick.
I knew this would be fucking delicious, and it is. I can’t imagine anyone else is gonna come close.
Chip watches us, and the nerves seem to melt off him as we both react to his creation.
“The recipe was my grandfather’s,” he explains, proudly.
I pick up two more before I’m finished with the first piece. “Just making sure it’s consistent,” I say as I begin to eat again.
Playfully shoving me, Claire shakes her head. “We have seven of these. Pace yourself.”
“What, it’s good,” I say around a mouth full of chocolate.
“Great, now let’s get a photo of all three of you together,” Stella says.
The SDN photographer moves in front of us as we pose, and my mouth falls open when I see who she is—the reporter from the press conference.
“You,” I say, pointing at her and causing Claire to whip her head in my direction.
“You’re looking more settled since the last time I saw you.” The reporter smiles.
