"There's a mix and marshmallows on the middle shelf."I pointed toward the cabinet.
"It feels like a hot chocolate kind of night."Ford moved past me, and my heart skipped a beat.
I was having all these feelings, and I wasn't sure what to do with any of them.I wanted to spend more time with him.I wanted him to stay the night.But this couldn't last, and when it fell apart, I would too.
Unfortunately, I didn't have the willpower to tell him any of that.To admit that I couldn't handle any more of these outings.These events would only draw us closer together, and for what?So he could walk away again?
I was vaguely aware that Ford was moving around the kitchen, pouring milk into a pan, turning on the heat.
When he returned, he asked, "Is everything okay?"
The same ornaments were still resting in the box, and I was holding one by a hook.It was one of the vintage cars we saw on Clara's tree."I think this was supposed to be in your box."
"You should keep it for your tree.That way, when I'm here, I can see it."He took it from my hand and hung it on a higher branch."Did you get a tree topper?"
"I don't remember picking one out."But there was one smaller box we hadn't opened.I dropped to my knees and opened the flaps.It was a star that lit up with a rainbow of colors."This is perfect."
"Clara thought of everything."
"She's great.One of the few shop owners who accepted us as soon as we arrived."I considered her a friend.
Ford took the star from me and set it on the top branch.Once he was satisfied it was secure, he plugged it in.Then he glanced over at the stove."I should check the milk."
I continued hanging up the rest of the ornaments, filling in the empty spots.Then I stepped back.It was better than I imagined.Clara's ornaments were exactly what I wanted."It's gorgeous."
"Now you have to help me decorate my tree."
I turned to face him, a little surprised because I hadn't thought it through.But it only made sense that I'd return the favor."I want to see your house."
He poured steaming milk into two mugs that had ornaments on them."This is your chance."
I approached him, considering our options."When do you want to put it up?Tonight?"
He scooped cocoa mix into the hot milk in the mugs and stirred before looking at me."I'm not in any rush.Let's do it tomorrow.That way we can enjoy your tree tonight."
I cradled the mug in my hands as he scooped mini marshmallows into it.
"Say when."
Once my mug was filled, I said, "When."
He poured a matching amount into his, and then said, "Let's go into the living room to admire our hard work."
We settled on the couch with our hot cocoas, admiring the tree.The lights reflected in the window.
"I'm not going to want to take it down."
He chuckled, and the sound reverberated through my body."Eventually it will die, and you won't have a choice."
I wondered if that would be the timeline on our relationship.We'd rekindle our friendship, and after these few outings, he'd move on.He'd always been good at that.He didn't look back or consider the damage in his wake.
"Thanks for coming with me today.I know you didn't want to."
I touched his hand to stop him."It was really fun.I'm glad you invited me."
He threw his arm over the back of the couch so that I slid into his side."You want to watch a holiday movie?"
"It's the perfect night for it."I was surrounded by holiday cheer in the inn twenty-four seven year-round, but this was different.I felt the magic of the season in my soul, and it was all because of Ford.
