“You did a good job distancing yourself from us, Bren.” The nickname slipped from his tongue too easily. “You didn’t want to be a part of us, so why bother you with our struggles?”
She breathed in and exhaled at a slow rate. “It’s not that simple, and you know it.”
“Yes, I do, but at its core, that’s the truth.” He wrapped his navy blue wool scarf around his neck twice. “And for the record, I understand. You had a life to live outside of Noel. Not everyone is made for small-town life, and that’s okay. I don’t hold it against you, neither does anyone I know.”
“Doesn’t feel like it,” she muttered. “It’s not like I turned my back on the town. I came back often—until Dad died.”
He cupped her shoulder in a gentle touch. “It’s okay.”
Shrugging away, she adjusted the toggle buttons on her coat. “Beth subjected me to an hour-long lecture last night after Mom went to bed, letting me know how irresponsible and selfish I’ve been.”
“Your sister changed after her divorce this summer.” He let go of her shoulder and reached in his pocket for the keys to City Hall. “Try not to take it personally.”
Brenna rolled her eyes. “Easier said than done.”
“I know. Put it aside for now, and immerse yourself in the greatest display of America’s commercialism.” Walking toward the door, he turned his head when he realized she wasn’t following. “Coming?”
After several long strides, she caught up to him. “Black Friday isn’t all bad. A lot of work goes into the ads produced for the sales, and the influx of customers give stores extra hours, thus providing more income to families at a time when it’s dearly needed.”
His cheeks hurt from trying not to smile. He didn’t want her to think he was making fun of her, but it did his heart good to see how much she hadn’t changed. “If I ever get in trouble, I want you on my team.”
She cocked her head to the side. “What do you mean?”
“If you believe in something, you’ll defend it with your dying breath.” He inserted the key and locked the door to the building. “It’s a good quality to possess, one I’ve always admired in you.”
For the first time since she’d arrived, she cracked a smile. “Not everyone sees it as an asset. I dare say many see it as a liability.”
He chuckled and draped a friendly arm around her shoulder. “It’s good to have you back.”
A weight seemed to lift from her, and her shoulders straightened. “Where to first?”
“Toys on Main.”
Brenna smirked. “I should have known.”
“Remember the year we went and picked out presents for each other?” He let his arm fall to his side.
“Yes, we both picked out those animated weasels chasing a ball.” She shook her head. “What were we thinking?”
“I still have mine.” He pushed the button and waited for the crosswalk light to change. “My mom brought a box of items from the attic to me a few years ago, and it was in there. Teegan loves it.”
“Teegan?”
“My nephew.” He furrowed his brows. “You weren’t kidding that nobody tells you anything.”
“Told you.” Her frown disappeared. “How old is he?”
“He turned two in September, and is full of life.” He pulled out his phone and showed Brenna the most recent picture of his nephew. “I watched him last week, so Misty and Carson could have a date night. He barely stopped moving the entire four hours I was there.”
“He’s adorable. I see he got the trademark Thomas blue eyes.”
“His Thomas genes are strong. He looks identical to me as a toddler.” Derek pointed to the picture. “Except he got Carson’s red hair, not the Thomas chestnut brown. Misty said that combination is rare.”
“I’ve heard that.”
The light finally changed, allowing them to safely cross the street. He surveyed the scene, disheartened at the empty sidewalks. “If we can’t even get people to town today, how are we ever going to restore Noel?”
