“I know my way around a toolbox, but it’s not my strong point, that’s for sure.” Holly leaned her head against the seat back. “I’m actually looking forward to working with McKenzie since I’ve tasted some of her Unity Sweets. She has a wonderful gift.”
“Yes, she does. Kathy is just a happy helper.” Zack grinned. “She’s always said she can be a good sidekick, that she can follow a recipe and get a decent result, but she’s not creative like McKenzie.”
“That’s an excellent description of me too, so I’m glad someone like her is in charge and will tell me what to do.”
Zack pulled into a parking spot at the bustling community center, glad to see so many formerly divided community members working together for a common goal. He jumped out, hurried around to open Holly’s door, and extended a hand to help her down.
“This is exciting.” He felt like he was going to burst with pride. He recalled too well the night of the shooting, when the animosity amongst residents and members of the city council had been almost palpable. Zack had even asked Marc if he thought the town could ever heal from it. It was just a shame people had died to make it happen.
“It’s contagious, isn’t it?” Holly scanned the people getting out of their cars before meeting Zack’s gaze. “I’m going to be honest with you.”
“I hope you’ll always feel comfortable talking to me.”
“It’s hard. I think I’ve bottled everything up too long, and it’s hurting me. Not them.”
It was an important realization, but Zack didn’t say it aloud. He didn’t want her to think he was judging her.
“Your ex and your sister?” he asked, keeping his voice soft.
“And my parents too.” Holly dropped her gaze. “It all came down on December 23rd. The wedding was supposed to have been on Christmas Eve.”
“Ow. Going through hard things is always made worse when it falls on a holiday.”
“That’s why I’ve been dreading this year. Until now.”
“Just let me know if I can help with anything.” Zack meant every word and made sure his feelings came through in his voice.
Holly met his gaze again, those beautiful eyes shining in the glow of the streetlight. Like a moth to a flame, her full lips drew his attention. He knew they would be soft because she was always putting on scented lip balm. What would she taste like?
“Great, you guys are already here!” Marc called.
Zack startled back, and Holly looked down, her cheeks turning red. Marc pulled up in their large SUV.
“Oh, no,” Zack muttered. “They’ve brought the boys with them.”
“Is that a problem?” Holly asked, her voice a little tremulous.
“They’re just full of energy and very creative.” Zack took her hand, and they hurried toward the building.
He had almost kissed her. Would it have been a mistake? Part of him said it was too soon, but another part wanted to risk it.
CHAPTER 5
Holly was so glad for the time freed up in not commuting between Price and Canyondale. She laughed, still amazed at how fun this December had turned out so far. Even six months ago, she would never have dreamed she could be so happy.
The last two weeks had been full of long shifts at the hospital, shopping trips with Zack to furnish her apartment and even decorating it for Christmas with a small tree. That alone had been a huge step for her.
Then there were the hours they spent baking and building and planning. Everywhere she went, people called her by name and asked after her.
Kathy hadn’t been kidding when she mentioned people dropping off presents at the hospital. Some came from businesses sending gift baskets, but most were personal things to the staff for the excellent care the people had received there. Nothing in Holly’s experience in Denver had prepared her for this. And she loved it.
And then there was her Secret Santa. Every single day, she had received something. It was obviously someone who knew her well enough that gifts either landed on her doorstep, camein the mail, or were delivered at the hospital on days she was working. Some of the things she had received included treats, cozy mittens, bath salts, a personalized Christmas tree ornament, a large mug and the next day a box of herbal teas. She’d even gotten mismatched socks that would have made Harry Potter’s Dobby proud.
And each came with an inspirational quote or short story. They all lifted her mood, and she found she looked forward to receiving them every day. Often, she figured it must be Zack, but other times, Kathy.
But it could be one of them helping the real Secret Santa. Along with an Angel Tree for people to draw names to give gifts to struggling people, another activity had been drawing names to play Secret Santa for. Holly wished she had known about that one sooner, because she would have liked to take part. She definitely would next year.
“You have another gift, huh?” Dr. Miller asked, coming to stand by the nurses’ station. “What is it today?”
