“High five, Belle babe!” She holds up a hand, and they slap palms. “You’ll be hitting the Olympics soon.”
Poppy turns to me. “You’ve got moves on the ice, big guy. Were you aCutting Edgestunt double, by chance?”
“I played a lot of hockey.”
The jaunty Christmas tune switches to a slow song. A few couples skate together, hand in hand.
“Poppy,” Belle says, tugging at her sleeve. “They’re playing your song. You and Daddy should skate-dance.”
“Oh, why is it my song?” she asks.
“The man is singing about a lady in red, and you’re wearing red.”
She laughs, looking down at herself with a mocking expression. “I don’t think I’m like the ‘Lady in Red.’”
“Why not?” I ask.
She shrugs, looking uncomfortable. “I’m just not that kind of girl.”
“What kind?”
She waves her hand. “I don’t know. The kind that inspires love songs. It is romantic, though, isn’t it?”
“Bullshit.” I hate that she doesn’t see herself like I see her. My breath catches every time she smiles.
“Changing the subject now,” she says, blushing. “I wanted to ask you a favor.”
“Whatever. It’s yours.”
She laughs. “Maybe I want a million dollars.”
“Okay.”
She shakes her head, but now it’s her who sounds breathless. “Ronan! Be serious.”
“I am.”
“Okaaaay. Lucky for you, my favor is a little smaller. You know I’m helping out with the Christmas ball and auction. It’s on Saturday. I wondered if you and Belle wanted to come? She’d have to stay up a little late, but it would be fun. She’s helped me with some of the prep, so I think she’d love to see it all come together. It’s at the Holly Hill Inn. I looked at your schedule, and you’re not due to be on set that night, but maybe you have other plans and—”
“Poppy,” I cut her off. “Yes. Of course we’ll go.”
“Oh.” She straightens her antlers. “Great. Thanks!”
I fight a smile. “Nice antlers.”
I turn to Belle, who is now burrowing into my jacket, her own antlers digging into my side. I sweep my daughter into my arms. “I’m going to have two frozen reindeer on my hands if we don’t get you both home.”
“Do you want to drive with Belle, or should I?” Poppy asks.
I realize we came in different cars. And it sounds silly, but I don’t want us to drive home separately. I want to be in the car with both of them. I want to know they are safe and warm.And mine.
“The roads might be icy. I’ll drive us and arrange for your car in the morning.”
“That’s unnecessary. I’ve been driving in this town my whole life. The roads aren’t that bad tonight. I’ve driven in way worse.”
“Please?” I say.
“Okay,” she agrees.
