“Trinity invited me to join them for carriage rides tonight,” Jane said, her tone making it clear she was looking for backup in declining.
“What a marvelous idea!” Julie set the tea service down on a table someone had covered with a protective cloth. “Jane’s been cooped up working on the Winter Ball for days. Fresh air and a night out with people her own age would do her good. That was such a nice gesture to inviteher, Trinity.”
Gabe watched Jane’s expression shift from hopeful to resigned. Apparently, when Julie Christmas decided something was a good idea, arguing was pointless.
“I suppose I could take a few hours,” Jane said, and Gabe could hear the reluctance in every word.
“Wonderful!” Trinity clapped her hands together. “It’s going to be so much fun!”
Jane’s gaze met his again, and this time Gabe saw something different in her eyes. Resignation, yes, but also something else. A flash of the same pain he carried. The look of someone who’d lost something irreplaceable and was just trying to survive each day.
He recognized it because he saw it in his own mirror every morning.
The Christmas market in St. Augustine’s historic district bustled with activity despite the early hour. Vendors had set up booths selling everything from handmade ornaments to local crafts to gourmet hot chocolate. The smell of cinnamon and pine filled the air, mixing with the salt breeze from the ocean.
Trinity and Maddy darted from booth to booth with the endless energy only twelve-year-olds possessed, exclaiming over every discovery. Gabe and Christopher followed at a more sedate pace, his boot making quick movements awkward.
“Look at this one, Dad!” Trinity held up a delicate glass snowflake ornament that caught the morning light and scattered tiny rainbows. Her eyes shone with delight. “Can we get this for the tree in our suite?”
Gabe pulled out his wallet without hesitation. “Of course.” He glanced at Maddy, who was admiring a similar ornament in blue. “Maddy, pick one out. My treat.”
“Really?” Maddy’s face lit up. “Thank you, Mr. Bennett!”
“Just Gabe is fine,” he said, handing bills to the vendor.
Christopher watched the exchange with a small smile, and Gabe caught his friend’s eye. Something warm passed between them. Understanding.This was good. This was what life should feel like.
Their next stop was an elaborate toy shop that someone had decorated to look like Santa’s workshop. Red and white striped poles flanked the entrance, and mechanical elves moved in the windows. The girls were immediately drawn to a display of nutcrackers and intricate music boxes.
“Mom would love this,” Maddy said softly, holding a wind-up ballerina that played Swan Lake when she opened the lid. The longing in her voice was impossible to miss.
Christopher didn’t hesitate. “We’ll take it,” he told the shop owner.
“You don’t have to,” Maddy protested, but her eyes stayed glued tothe music box.
“I know,” Christopher said simply. “But your mom has been incredibly kind to me. Consider it a thank you.”
Gabe caught his friend’s eye as they waited for the music box to be wrapped, and Christopher shrugged, but he couldn’t hide the pleased expression on his face. His friend was falling hard for Isabella, even if he hadn’t fully admitted it to himself yet.
The outdoor Christmas fair was in full swing when they arrived. Fake snow had been scattered around to create the illusion of winter in Florida’s mild December weather. Carnival games lined the walkways, and food vendors offered everything from funnel cakes to roasted chestnuts.
“Can we play some games?” Trinity asked, already eyeing a ring toss booth.
“Have at it,” Gabe said, handing her money for tickets.
Christopher and Gabe took turns helping the girls with the various games. Trinity won a stuffed reindeer at the balloon dart throw after her fifth try. Maddy won a snowman at the ring toss with Christopher’s not-so-subtle assistance, positioning her for the best angle.
Laughter flowed easily. The girls’ excitement was contagious, and Gabe couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt this light. This free. Like maybe the weight he’d been carrying for six years might not crush him after all.
They stopped at a vendor for hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls, settling at an outdoor table under a cheerful red-and-whitestriped awning. The girls chattered about the Winter Ball decorations and the traditions they wanted to help revive.
“They’re like little event planners,” Christopher observed, his tone amused as he watched them gesture enthusiastically while discussing lighting options.
“Little dictators,” Gabe teased, which earned him an indignant look from Trinity, and her tongue stuck out at him.
“Very mature, sweetheart,” he said dryly.
“I learned from the best,” she shot back, making Christopher laugh.
