“Hey yourself.” This man still made my heart race. “Did you get everything finished that youwanted to?”
“Yep. All done.” He grinned, taking my hand in his. “You ladies ready?”
“I’ve been waiting forever,” Noelle whined dramatically.
Chris just chuckled. Thankfully he found her adorable. “Well, then let’s do it.”
He locked up and we walked down the street. The sidewalks were filled with families all bundled up and making their way toward the town square. The smell of fresh pine and roasted chestnuts filled the air, and everything looked like it was straight out of a Hallmark movie. Evergreen Lake really was beautiful, and tonight was no different.
As we approached the square, there were twinkling lights overhead. “Mom! I see Dana. Can I go please?” Noelle asked, batting her lashes at me.
I shook my head. “Go on,” I agreed as she scampered off.
Chris and I found a spot on the edge of the crowd. Standing behind me, Chris wrapped his arms around me and rested his head on my shoulder. “I can’t believe it’s just us tonight,” he murmured in my ear, the warmth of his breath tickling my neck.
“It sure is,” I confirmed.
“How’d I get so lucky?”
“Well, you haven’t yet, but play your cards right …” I replied, rubbing my butt against him, earning me a swift swat.
“You’re naughty,” he growled.
Ten minutes later, I was ready for them to flick the switch and get the show on the road. Noelle was happy. She had her hot chocolate and was giggling with Dana. I was cold, horny, and impatient.
After speeches that seemed to drag on forever, the tree was illuminated, and the crowd oohed and aahed appreciatively. It was pretty, even I had to admit that, but I had more exciting plans.
Chris, who’d transformed from the town Grinch to little mister joiner, waved good night to everyone, stopping to shake hands and accept thanks for all he’d done to make this year’s festival the best yet. It hadn’t opened yet, but he’d spent every night for the last two weeks working on it, determined to make it even bigger and better than last year.
Finally, when he’d managed to extract himself, he turned to me. “You ready to head home, Mrs. Douglas?”
“More than ready, Mr. Douglas” I replied with a smile.
“Let’s get out of here then.” Chris started guiding me toward the exit and to his workshop where our cars were waiting.
“Can we go this way? I want to see what you’ve been working on,” I asked.
Chris hadn’t once said no to me, and I knew tonight would be no different. Changing directions, we took the long way and made it to the festival. Standing outside the fenced area it looked sad and dark. Tomorrow, it would be bright and festive and filled with laughter, but tonight it was quiet. Perfect.
“Let’s go in,” I suggested, but Chris stood firm.
“Wait until tomorrow. We’ll come back when it’s open. Bring Noelle,” Chris countered.
“Or … we could go now just for usandcome back tomorrow.”
“You’re up to something,” Chris called me out and I felt like I’d been busted.
For the last two weeks while he’d been busily assembling train tracks that wrapped around the festival, the newest addition, I’d been scheming myself. I’d recruited friends and neighbors, this had to come off now.
“Trust me,” I told him, tugging on his hand.
As we approached the arch that stood over the entry I felt the smile tug at my cheeks. Chris’s grip on my hand tightened.
“I wonder if there’s mistletoe there this year?” I asked, remembering our first kiss. It was one I’d never forget.
Chris led me under the arch and stopped. “Look up.”
As always, a bunch of mistletoe dangled from the arch, tied with a red ribbon.
