But she couldn’t stop thinking about Erik.
Sighing, she grabbed a paperback from her backpack.
I’ll just curl up in the window seat with this for a bit,she told herself.I’ll be blinking back sleep in no time.
But as soon as she was settled into the cushions with a thick throw blanket over her legs, her eyes were drawn away from the book and out the window.
Snowflakes fell lazily over the lake, shimmering in the moonlight as they drifted down. There was a hush over the inn—over everything—and deep in her heart, Jenny felt the solemn miracle of the holiday that would come with the morning.
Placing the book down beside her, she closed her eyes and breathed in the peace of this magical Christmas Eve. She and Gael were family now, on paper, not just in their hearts. And they had a fun week ahead of them, exploring the countryside. It was almost like a dream, after all they had been through, to have so much joy at their feet.
As it often did, Jason’s voice spoke up in her head.
When someone asks for help, you help them.
She smiled at the memory of his words. Every once in a while it felt like he was right there with her, reminding her of the right thing to do when she was faced with a tough decision. And as usual, he was right.
Of course she wanted to help. The trouble was, they would only be making everyone happy for a short time. Everyone would learn the truth sooner or later. And Gael would have to be back in school soon.
You promised to say yes to whatever Gael wanted this Christmas,a little voice in the back of her head reminded her.As long as it wasn’t expensive or dangerous.
Before she could change her mind, she pulled her phone out of her pocket and tapped out a quick message to Erik.
What would we do after the wedding?
A moment later,dots popped up to show that Erik was responding.
Erik
I would tell the guys it didn’t work out.
She frowned and then wondered why those words prickled. It was only a pretend engagement and a pretend wedding. Why would Erik proposing a pretend annulment feel so personal?
It’s okay to say no. I know you and Gael want to enjoy your vacation.
Sighing, she typed out a response.
I’m thinking about it.
Thank you, but get some sleep. Tomorrow’s Christmas!
Good night, Erik. Merry Christmas.
Good night, Jenny Grant. I hope all your Christmas dreams come true.
She smiled at him using her full maiden name, like he used to do once in a while, for no reason she could understand.
He was a good man back then, and it was comforting to see that some thingsdidn’t change.
And just like that, she realized she felt relaxed enough to go to sleep.
Slipping off the window seat and past the pretty little tree to her room, she felt grateful all over again for this opportunity to have a storybook Christmas with Gael.
Would it really be so bad to go all in on the fantasy?
Would it be so terrible to pretend to marry Erik Anderson?
5
