Page 106 of The Moment He Couldn’t Walk Away

“She went to use the bathroom. Give the poor girl some peace,” Blue said.

“I think it’s cute our big brother has fallen hard—finally,” Birdie said.

He didn’t agree or disagree with this statement; instead, he searched the area for Nina again.

Tripp had organized two bouncy castles manned by teenagers so the kids could play before the tree lighting. The town had turned out for the first official Lyntacky Christmas event of the season. The scent of hot chocolate and cinnamon filled the air, and there was that certain level of excitement you only got at Christmas time that affected even the adults. Carols played in the background, but not so loud you couldn’t talk, like when he’d last attended two years ago.

Finch pulled out his phone and called Nina. She didn’t pick up.

“Did she even bring her phone?” Blue asked.

“Not sure,” Finch said, dialing her again.

“Greetings,” Dan said, arriving with Leah and Hudson. He wore a plaid checked hat with earflaps that he’d tied up on top of his head.

“You look like an idiot in that.”

“I look cool, big bro. It’s just you don’t know the difference,” Dan replied, undaunted by Sawyer’s insult.

“Did you see Nina on your way in there, Dan?”

The laughter fell from his face as he looked at Finch. “No. Why?”

“He’s overreacting,” Lynx said. “Nina and he got into a bit, and she went to the bathroom twenty minutes ago to cool down.”

“Twenty-five,” Finch added, not denying what his brother said. “I’m going to check on her.”

“I’ll come,” Dan said.

He didn’t respond, just started walking in the direction Nina had gone.

She was fine and probably chatting with the staff. He knew that had to be true, but he couldn’t stop the icy tendrils of panic slithering inside him.

“You’re worried,” Dan said.

“I don’t know why.”

“It’s called instinct, and I’m sure, like me, you’ve lived with it for years. So what happened between you and Nina?”

He didn’t answer, as they’d reached the diner. Finch entered first.

“You two want hot chocolate for the tree lighting? Because we all know Tripp’s going to string things out for as long as he can before he announces who’s turning on the switch this year,” Frank, who co-owned the Do Si Do with his wife, Linda, said. He wore jeans and a shirt, but Linda usually dressed like diner staff from days gone by.

“Not now, thanks,” Finch said. “Have you seen Nina, Frank?”

The man frowned. “Nobody’s come in here. It’s just me prepping for after the tree lighting.”

“Fuck,” Finch muttered. “Where is she?” He ran back out the door.

“Maybe we missed her, and she was already back there, talking to others?” Dan said, following him. He then took off back down the street.

Finch pulled out his phone and called Nina again, but he got no answer.

Where are you?

He was on Dan’s heels as he rejoined all the locals waiting for the ceremony. They walked, checking groups of people for her as they went, but she wasn’t here. The desperation inside Finch had him climbing up the rotunda steps and raising his hands for everyone to be quiet. All eyes turned to look up at him as he roared, “Is Nina Winters here?”

The gathered Lyntacks looked around themselves for her and were soon shaking their heads. He had a good vantage point, and the streetlamps allowed him to check faces. She wasn’t here; he was sure of it. Dan was now with his uncle, and they were making their way back to the road. Finch jumped down the steps and joined them in seconds.