When he talks about his mother, about losing her, his voice softens but he doesn’t shut down. There’s grief there, but also gratitude. Acceptance.
Unlike Hayden, who carries his grief like penance. Like if he ever loosens his grip on it, he’s betraying his wife.
It’s refreshing to see someone have a healthy relationship with grief, if there can ever be such a thing. But Joshua doesn’t allow the loss to weigh him down. Instead, he remembers the good times he shared with his mom.
By the time we finish eating, the restaurant is nearly empty. I have no idea how long we sat there, but it must have been hours. He’s a breath of fresh air, especially after the awkwardness with Hayden.
“Want to take a walk?” Joshua asks as we make our way back toward the lobby. “You can see the lights.”
“I’d like that.”
“This way.” He touches a hand to the small of my back and guides me toward a pair of double doors leading to a veranda.
Outside, Christmas lights twinkle along the path, reflected in the thin sheen of frost on the grass.
“I can see why you love this place. And this town.I’ve definitely enjoyed my time here. The people I’ve met have been incredibly welcoming.”
He arches a brow. “Present company included?”
“Present company definitely included.”
I draw in a deep breath, tilting my head back to admire the towering Norway spruce against the inky night sky. Everything’s so clear. So peaceful. Unlike back in Chicago.
Just then, a few snowflakes drift lazily down from the sky, landing on my cheeks.
“It’s snowing,” I whisper, doing a slow circle as flakes start falling more steadily. “It’s beautiful.”
The world feels softer. Quieter. Like we’ve stepped into a moment that doesn’t belong to anyone else.
“It is,” Joshua says.
But when I glance at him, he isn’t looking at the sky.
He’s looking at me.
The lights reflect in his dark eyes, and for a second, something shifts in my chest.
Maybe it’s the cold.
Maybe it’s the way the snow settles in his hair.
Maybe it’s the magic of Christmas in a town that feels like the first home I’ve ever had.
Or maybe I’m just tired of thinking about Hayden.
Whatever it is, I take a step toward Joshua.
Then another.
“Can I tell you something?” I murmur, my voice throaty.
His eyes drop to my mouth before lifting again. “What’s that?”
“I’ve never been kissed in the snow.”
“Didn’t you live in Chicago?”
I nod. “Sad, isn’t it? There were countless opportunities, but I never took them.”
