I shake my head, a smile tugging at my lips. “Nothing. Just thinking about how lucky I am.”
Cam’s expression softens, and he presses a gentle kiss to my temple. “That makes two of us, babe.”
Georgia clears her throat, drawing our attention back to her. “As much as I hate to interrupt this adorable moment, a girl’s starting to feel a little left out over here.”
I laugh and we haul her in for a hug.
A familiar voice calls out from behind us, “Well, if it isn’t the cutest couple in town! Or should we now say ‘throuple’?”
We separate and turn to see Felix and Kit weaving their way through the crowd, their cheeks flushed from the crispevening air. Felix’s grin is wide, and Kit’s amazing blue eyes are sparkling.
“Ohh, now that’s an interesting proposition,” Cam teases, pulling them both into a quick hug.
Georgia rolls her eyes, but there’s no hiding the smile tugging at her lips. “Please, you two are disgustingly adorable and so wrapped up in each other, I don’t stand a chance. Not to mention I’m not exactly either of your type. But I’m glad you decided to grace us with your presence. I was beginning to think you two had gotten lost on the way here.”
Felix chuckles, giving Kit’s hand a squeeze. “Nah, we just got a bit… distracted,” he says with a wink, causing Kit to blush and elbow him gently in the ribs.
As they join our little circle, I marvel at the transformation I’ve witnessed in Kit over the past year. When he first arrived in Collier’s Creek, he was a shell of a man, haunted by his past and closed off to the world, but with Felix’s unwavering love and support, he’s opened up and let others in.
A flash of color catches my eye. I nudge Cam, nodding towards a figure making their way through the sea of people. “Oh my god, is that…?”
“Geraldine,” Kit confirms, his voice tinged with amusement. “What on earth is she wearing?”
Sure enough, there’s Geraldine, resplendent in a multi-colored poncho and matching hat. But it’s the small furry head poking out of the papoose on her chest that really steals the show.
“Is that Barkasaurus Rex?” Georgia asks, her eyes wide with delight as she chuckles.
Felix nods, barely containing his laughter. “The one and only. I swear, that dog goes everywhere with her, but the pouch thing is new.”
As if on cue, Barkasaurus Rex lets out a yap, drawing the attention of several nearby children. They ooh and aah andthe uninitiated reach out their tiny hands to pet only to quickly withdraw them when the little mutt starts growling and snapping.
Geraldine scowls, and the children skip off. She’s always been a bit of a local celebrity, known for her eccentricity and her trusty sidekick. I’m not sure who is fiercer—Geraldine or the four-legged Barky.
“Hey, how about we try some of that hot cider from the beer garden?” Georgia suggests. “What do you say, Cam? Wanna give me a hand?”
Cam chuckles, already looping his arm through hers. “How could I possibly refuse such a charming invitation?”
With a grin and a quick peck on my cheek, Cam allows himself to be dragged off by Georgia, their laughter trailing behind them.
Felix leans in close, his voice low and conspiratorial. “Ten bucks says they come back with more than just cider. My money’s on some secrets being spilled.”
Kit snorts. “Sucker’s bet. Georgia is pretty much incapable of passing up a good gossip session and Cam’s her captive audience.”
As Cam and Georgia disappear into the crowd, Felix turns to me, his expression shifting from playful to concerned in the blink of an eye. “Hey, Greg, I know it’s probably none of my business, but I was worried when I saw you going into the medical clinic the other day. Is everything okay? Just thought I’d ask in case you’re not well and you needed a hand with the renovation stuff.”
I hesitate, caught off guard by the sudden change in topic, and such a personal one at that. Cam and I had agreed to keep our fertility tests under wraps for now, not wanting to get anyone’s hopes up until we had more information. Between the tests and the other stuff going on in our life at the moment, we’re both emotionally and physically drained. That’s why enjoying tonightis so important—a chance to relax and enjoy ourselves. “Oh, yeah, everything’s fine. Just a routine checkup.”
I feel Felix’s eyes boring into me, but before he can press further, Georgia and Cam return, carrying steaming cups of cider.
“One for you, babe,” Cam says, pressing a warm mug into my hands and placing another of his soft kisses on my cheek.
“Thanks.”
We sip cider and chat until Mayor Hobart takes the stage that’s set up next to the Christmas tree. The crowd quietens as he speaks into the microphone. “Good people of Collier’s Creek, thank you all for coming. Before our very own Kandi Kane—”
A cheer goes up and I join in, caught up in the infectious spirit of the season.
The mayor laughs. “As I was saying, before Kandi takes the stage, I wanted to welcome y’all to the annual Collier’s Creek Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony! We have a very special treat for you tonight,” Mayor Hobart continues. “Please welcome to the stage, our very own local celebrity, the incomparable Kandi Kane!”
