Ash enjoyed a relaxed dinner with Allie once the cat was out of the bag. He’d come clean with her, and he felt better about convincing her to fall for him now that he’d let her know he wanted it to happen.
Only one thing still had him worried.
Allie hadn’t reacted well at first, and he had no idea why.
But she was quick to say yes, and she seemed to warm up after that, her blue eyes sparkling as they talked and laughed their way through dinner.
He hoped that maybe her initial hesitation was just her inexperience. From all he’d gleaned from talking with her it didn’t seem like she had done a lot of dating. And based on her work schedule, he wasn’t sure when she would have had the time anyway. It would take someone determined to find ways to get her to share her hours. Fortunately for Ash, he had always been a very determined person.
They finished their delicious dinner, and he discreetly took care of the check while she was in the restroom.
As they headed outside, he decided it was time to really make Allie smile.
“I have something for you,” he told her, as they stepped out into the snowy night.
“Oh, you didn’t have to,” she protested.
“I wanted to,” he said. “Let’s go for a walk.”
“Now?” she asked, looking around at the snowy night that surrounded them.
It was dark now, but the streetlamps that lined the park glowed and the moonlight was peeking through the clouds and reflecting in the snow.
And best of all, the park was empty. They would have it all to themselves.
“Just a little walk,” he told her. “I won’t keep you out late. I promise.”
“Okay,” she said, smiling up at him in a way that made his gift burn in his pocket.
He’d been dying to give it to her since the moment he’d picked it up. But it would have more significance now.
He offered her his arm and she took it. It felt incredible to have this sweet young woman by his side, to know that she trusted him.
They crossed the street together and headed into the park.
“That’s a big tree,” he remarked, looking up at the huge evergreen behind the skating rink.
“That’s the town Christmas tree,” Allie said, gazingfondly at it. “We have a whole day of festivities before the lighting each year. It’s my favorite of all the Sugarville Grove traditions.”
“What kind of festivities?” Ash asked.
“Oh, there’s a town snowball fight,” Allie said. “Although that’s a relatively new thing. And there’s a giving event, and the choir sings—we’ve been getting ready for weeks. Finally, the Christmas Star is named, and the mayor and the Christmas Star turn on the tree lights. It’s beautiful.”
“Is the Christmas Star like a beauty pageant?” Ash asked.
“Not really,” Allie laughed. “It’s awarded to someone who helps the town in a meaningful way each year.”
“So, a beautiful acts pageant,” Ash said, laughing.
“Yes,” Allie said, smiling. “Exactly.”
“Should we go together this year?” he asked.
“I’d like that,” she said, looking down in that shy way that he loved. “It’s tomorrow though, so I understand if that’s not enough notice.”
“Tomorrow’s great,” he told her.
“And you’ll bring Maya, of course,” she said, looking a little worried, like maybe he would leave her out of such a fun day.
