“We do,” he says. “I’m Everett. This is my fiancée, Claire, and our dog, Mac.”
“It’s so nice to meet you. Please check out the refreshments and make yourselves at home.” She walks away, and we make our way around the store. It’s semi-busy, and I look at each person we pass expecting to see Stella, but no one has pink hair or violet eyes.
“Holy fuck,” Everett whispers as we continue to explore.
“Do you think that means the others are…”
We both freeze as we arrive at the back where the refreshments are set up.
“You’re Everett Nuttall!” a man who looks just like Chip exclaims.
My head whips toward Everett. He’s standing there stunned, and my eyes widen. How does he know who Everett is? Could Ginger not know who we are, but Chip does? Why would that happen?
“You…you know who I am?” Everett stammers.
“Yeah, you’re an assistant coach for the Crowns, right? I’m a huge fan.”
Oh.
“Oh, right.” Everett chuckles, grabbing a piece of peppermint bark off the table in front of Chip and taking a bite. Mac moves toward the chocolate, but I grab him by the collar, holding him back.
“Hey, honey,” Chip calls. “Get over here. There’s someone I want you to meet.”
Turning my head to where he’s looking, I see Lolly and Cami walking up to where we all stand. A wide grin is spread across both of their faces. The urge to hug them overcomes me, and I have to force myself to keep my feet planted on the ground.
Reaching out, Everett must sense the way I’m feeling because he grabs my hand and squeezes it gently, instantly helping me to relax.
“This is my girlfriend, Lolly, and our friend, Cami. This is Everett Nuttall and…” He looks at me.
“Claire. I’m Claire. His fiancée.” I let go of Everett and put my hand out in her direction.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Lolly adds, shaking my hand and then turning toward Everett to do the same, but his hands and mouth are now full of the peppermint bark.
“Oh, sorry,” he says over a bite of the candy, fumbling to try to empty one of his hands.
“Quite alright.” She laughs. “How do you know Chip?”
“We don’t,” Chip explains. “Everett coaches for the Crowns and used to play for them too.”
“That’s cool,” she says. “Chip’s a huge hockey fan.”
Mac jumps up on Cami and wags his tail.
“Mac!” I tug the leash, pulling him down. “Sorry.”
“Oh, don’t worry about it. You’re just a big softie. Aren’t you,” Cami says, scratching between his ears.
“The peppermint bark is delicious,” Everett notes. “Is it a family recipe?”
“My grandfather’s,” Chip boasts. “The real show stopper is Joe’s hot chocolate.” He gestures over to another table where a man stands from the floor.
“Sorry, I was looking for my stash ofmarshmallows,” he says, offering us both a warm smile. “Cami, do you know where we put them?”
“Hmmm? Should be in the plastic bin under the table.” She walks past us and begins to search.
“Care to try some?” Joe asks.
“Thank you,” I say, grabbing a cup.
