“For us, yes.” His voice was tight. “Do you like it?”
“This is so sweet.” My eyes watered, and I clutched my hand over my stomach. “I love that you did this, Connor. I love you.”
The relief on his face was evident, and it was like he needed that one moment of validation. My confident, sexy husband returned. He smiled, his gray eyes crinkling on the sides as he took my hand and swung our arms in the air. He had never once swung our arms like we were kids, and it was clear that any remaining nerves had disappeared.
This wasus. Goofy, trusting, fun.
Connor led us to a bench where skates in my size were already placed. He also suddenly produced earmuffs and a bright green scarf. “Some woman named Nancy heard me making these plans and insisted I buy you a new scarf and earmuffs. Her grandma knits them, so they are all handmade.”
I sat on the bench, and he lowered to the ground, sliding off my shoes and helping me lace my skates. “How did you even plan this? Seriously?”
He winked. “I’m not revealing my sources.”
“Oh, I love a good wink.” I laughed as he finished both my skates. “I am honestly so excited right now.”
“Good.” His wide grin matched mine.
It was precious how happy we both were in this moment. Sure, it wasn’t real life, and it was just a snapshot of our month of dating, but the thought he put into this? This was all I wanted. The earmuffs and scarf? “This might be my favorite date ever.”
“Yeah?” He arched a brow as he tied his own laces, pride radiating off him. “We haven’t even skated yet.”
“Doesn’t matter. We could sit here on this bench and watch the crowd and talk about nothing, and it’d be the best.”
He stood and held out a hand, his grin both challenging and reassuring. “Our time is counting down. Skate with me, baby.”
The cold air nipped at my cheeks, but it was nothing compared to the warmth spreading through me as I glided across the ice. This was my sanctuary, the place where I’d always felt most free as a kid. The rink was set in the heart of town and was surrounded by snow-dusted trees strung with twinkling lights. Booths from the holiday festival lined the perimeter, the air filled with the sweet scent of roasted chestnuts and spiced cider. The cheerful sound of a local quartet playing carols floated across the square, which blended with the laughter of children making snow angels nearby.
I glanced over my shoulder and couldn’t help but smile at Connor, who was wobbling his way toward me, his arms flailing like a baby deer learning to walk. “You’ve got this!” I called, skating backward with ease, my legs moving in perfect rhythm.
Connor let out a laugh, half amused, half embarrassed. “You didn’t tell me you were a pro!” he shouted, just as he nearly lost his balance again. I reached out and caught his hand before he could fall, pulling him closer until we were both laughing. His cheeks were pink from the cold—or maybe from the way I was looking at him.
“You’re doing great,” I teased, tugging him gently along. The crisp air carried hints of pine and the distant crackle of a bonfire, grounding us in this perfect winter wonderland. For a moment, the world fell away, and it was just us, the sound of skates slicing through ice and the glow of the holiday lights above. It wasn’t just the ice that felt like home tonight—it was him.
I could see our future now, date nights like this, raising ourchild, joining the small-town life. I wanted it. I wanted it desperately, but the only issue in the scenario was Connor.
Could he be happy here? Or would he move here and then resent me later? My heart thudded hard against my ribs, and I rubbed the pang. I wanted to enjoy the night, not overthink everything. These were problems for later.
“Next challenge for you.” Connor skated closer to me. “I’ve been told the special-crafted hot chocolate at the booth is one of the best.”
“You mean that I will have to drink and skate at the same time?” My eyes bugged out. I felt more confident skating, but that would be too much. “Connor,no.”
“You can do it.” He smiled and kept his gaze on me. That’s when it hit me.
Connor was happier here. He didn’t have stress lines on his face or look constantly on the state of collapse. His eyes were brighter, his shoulders less tense. I wanted to convince him this place was better for him, for us.
“… pregnant?”
Hushed voices carried over the light breeze, and I snapped my attention behind me. A group of older women huddled together, all wearing various colors of green and red. They whispered, but it was loud enough to reach me.
My stomach bottomed out.
Were they talking aboutme?
“Drugstore… snuck out but the box was in the trash.”
Shit. That was me. My face heated. I had to get away from them. There was no way they knew it was me. Soph didn’t tell anyone, but this small-town grapevine was the worst. You couldn’t hit a curb on the other side of town without everyonehearing about it and checking your hubcaps as you drove by. (True story.)
I didn’t want Connor to find out. I couldn’t. I had a plan.
