Ben beamed even more, his sole focus on her. It was clear right before my face; they instantly connected. I could feel the sparks between them. “How about we grab some food and beer and discuss it?” He looked to me for confirmation. “Are you ladies ready?”
Violet nodded and bolted away from the computer. “I am. I’m ready to listen to good music.”
We locked up and headed across the street to the park. Ben and Violet talked the entire time, and there was never an awkward moment. Their conversation flowed so freely that I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by it. Even though Ben was supposed to be one of my paths, I no longer felt connected to it. Seeing him with my sister warmed my heart, and the moment I felt that, the mistletoe on my sweater sent warmth through me as well.
I stopped mid-step and touched it, loving how it made my fingers tingle. But why did it activate? Margaret said it was supposed to help guide me on my paths, but it was apparent Ben wasn’t going to be one of them. If only there were a mistletoe manual Margaret could’ve given me.
Violet and Ben glanced back at me and stopped.
“Sis, you okay?” Violet called out.
The mistletoe tingled my fingers as I watched her and Ben together. It turned out I didn’t need a mistletoe manual; his path was connected to mine because of Violet. They were meant to find each other, not me and him. It was as clear as day. However, if that was the case, there was only one other path . . . Max.
I waved at Violet and Ben to keep going. “I’m fine! You guys go. I’m going to grab a drink and meet back up with you.”
It didn’t take much convincing; they walked off and never once stopped talking. It just so happened I knew exactly where I wanted to go. I walked past The Refined Roadster and waved at Macy and Jeremiah, who were slammed with customers.
The Winter Bash was all about the music and trying beers from the local breweries. Mountain Top Brewery was one of my favorites; they had the best Christmas ale. It had the perfect blend of honey, ginger, and cinnamon and it paired great with sugar cookies.
I strolled over to their booth and reached into my purse for my credit card. Before I could pull it out and order, Jake stepped up beside me.
“We’ll take two Christmas ales, please,” he said, handing over his card. He winked at me and the butterflies in my stomach came back with a vengeance.
All three guys standing behind the table looked at Jake, and their eyes bugged out of their heads. “You’re Jake Reynolds,” one said, clearly starstruck. Jake shook their hands, and theyasked him questions about golfing and his plans for future tournaments.
I couldn’t help but admire how he spoke to people. He was so polite and friendly, and what made it even better was that he was genuine.
The guys offered us free beers for the night if Jake would take a picture with them, so I took their phones and snapped the photos.
Jake grabbed our beers and nodded at the guys. “We’ll be back. Thanks, fellas.”
I took my beer from Jake and closed my eyes as the first sip went down my throat. “I look forward to this beer every year.”
Shockingly, there was no one in the gazebo, so we climbed the stairs and sat down inside.
Jake looked down into his cup and smiled. “I forgot how nice it was to be here for the holidays.” He sat back and watched as more people filtered into the park. “I don’t know how I lost sight of it all.”
“Well, you’re here now,” I said. “That’s all that matters.”
His gaze narrowed at me. “You know, I was coming to find you to see if you were all right.”
I took another sip of my beer. “What do you mean? Why wouldn’t I be all right?” But then, thoughts of last night entered my mind. “Oh, are you talking about how you interrupted my farewell with Max last night?”
Jake tried to hide his smile and failed. “Sorry about that.”
“Yeah, you look sorry,” I grumbled playfully. “Not to worry, though, I’m going to see him again tomorrow. We’re meeting at Willow Creek Village to see Nana and his grandfather.”
Jake averted his gaze to the crowd. “How is your nana? I haven’t seen her in a while.”
“She’s good. I think she really likes Max’s grandfather. Honestly, I never thought she’d move on, but I’m happy she is.”
“Look at you,” he joked. “You’re turning into the town matchmaker.”
I rolled my eyes. “I haven’t matched up anyone.”
“You sure about that?” He turned his head toward the crowd, and I followed his line of sight. He was looking directly at Violet and Ben. “I thought that guy was supposed to be your date tonight?”
I shrugged. “Things change. I don’t mind it at all,” I said, waving a hand toward my sister. “I like seeing Violet smile. She was heartbroken after she and her boyfriend broke up. Something tells me he’s the furthest thing on her mind right now.”
