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“Looking for Shaun?” Tracy backed out of the parking spot.

“Yes. Is it that obvious?”

“Maybe. Have you tried calling him?”

“No. I thought he would have been here since his father is walking the bride down the aisle. I thought it would be our chance to talk face-to-face.” Then she felt silly for bringing him up. She opened her mouth to undo what she’d said, but she realized it’d just make things worse. She pressed her lips together in a firm line.

“So, you haven’t heard from him since he left the inn?”

Leah shook her head. “We didn’t exactly leave things in a good place.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Me too. I was really upset at the time. His ex-wife is a lot. A whole lot.”

“At least you don’t have to deal with her anymore.”

“True. But now I miss him.” It was the truth, and she didn’t want to take it back.

“Maybe he misses you too.”

“I... I don’t know.”

Tracy didn’t press the matter. Instead, she turned on some Christmas music as she continued to drive.

Leah stared out the window, totally lost in her thoughts of Shaun and her regrets of pushing him away. She’d judged him by her mother’s yardstick, and that simply wasn’t fair. She would like a chance to try again, but she didn’t know if Shaun would feel the same way.

When she realized they were on the road to the inn, she was confused. “Where are we going?”

“To pick up Paul.”

“But this isn’t the way to your house.” She may not have been in Kringle Falls for long, but she was certain this road led to the inn.

When she glanced over at Tracy, she had a little smile on her face.

“Tracy, what are you up to?”

“Oh. You’ll see.” At that point, she turned into the driveway. She kept going until they reached the old garage that was back near the cottage.

It was there that Leah saw Shaun’s SUV. At first, she was excited at the thought of seeing him again. But then she realized if his SUV was repaired, he must be there to pick up Mochi.

But when they pulled to a stop next to the SUV, Shaun wasn’t in it. Where was he? Inside the inn?

“Looks like Shaun is here to pick up Mochi.” Leah got out of the car. When Tracy didn’t get out, Leah leaned down and said, “He must be in the inn. I’ll go see if he needs anything.”

She closed the car door and headed for the sidewalk. As she started past the garage, the swinging door creaked open several inches. The unexpected sound and movement had Leah jumping back. Then Shaun stepped out.

She had questions—so many questions. But in that moment, she was overcome with joy at seeing him. Still, her mind warned her to be cautious. He might just pick up Mochi and leave.

“Hey, Leah.” He sent her a lopsided smile, as though he was also nervous.

“Hi. I looked for you at the wedding.” Now what had she gone and said that for?

“You did?” His gray eyes lit up.

She nodded. She should say something more, but her heart was racing, and her mouth had suddenly gone dry. It took her a moment for her mind and mouth to make a connection.

Just then Paul stepped out of the garage. He gave her an awkward smile and a little wave before he made his way over to Tracy’s car.