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They jerked apart and looked over at the driver’s side window to see her brother Bobby standing there. Heat rushed to Leah’s cheeks.

When Shaun put down his window, Bobby said, “You two coming inside? Mom wanted me to tell you that you missed the food, but they got you a couple of plates full of food.”

“Thanks. We are right behind you,” Shaun said.

“Promise,” Leah said.

Bobby jogged toward the barn.

Once her brother had moved on, Leah turned to Shaun. “My little brother seems to like you.”

“We got to know each other while working on the float. He told me to be nice to you or else.”

Leah gasped. “But I just met him.”

“Doesn’t matter. They are still protective of you.”

Tears immediately welled up in her eyes. She’d never had people in her life like her new family. They didn’t even know her, and they already cared. Her heart swelled with love.

She blinked away the tear. “Well, what are we doing here? I have a family to get to know, and you owe me some dances.”

He smiled. “Are you happy?”

“I’ve never been happier. It’s like all of my dreams are coming true at once.”

“Good.” He leaned over and gave her a quick kiss. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Epilogue

Six days later...

A magical holiday season.

At least that’s how it felt to Leah. She loved her family. Her brothers were a lot of fun. And they totally approved of Shaun. And though their approval wasn’t necessary, it just made her relationship with Shaun that much better.

However, Leah found that there was definitely some healthy competition within the family because each of her cousins were entered in the Christmas parade. Each of their floats were beautiful. Leah didn’t envy the judging panel. They were going to have a tough job picking out just one winner.

Shaun’s father, Bob Higgins, had extended his visit to Kringle Falls. He was now flying back the following day. He’d wanted to stick around for the Christmas parade.

Bob was the sweetest man. He was welcoming to her. And not the least bit upset that she was pulling Shaun away from Kentucky. She told him he would always have a room at the inn. Bob said he’d be taking her up on the offer.

And now as they waited in their designated spot on a side road for the parade to start, she looked over at Shaun. He would be flying out the next day with his father. Shaun had promised to return to Kringle Falls in time for Christmas day. He’d stay until New Year’s, but then he had to go back to Kentucky.

He had a lot to do in order to relocate his life to Vermont. She’d offered to do whatever she could to help him. And she meant it. He told her he had everything under control…at least for the moment.

A light snow began to fall. Leah didn’t notice the cold. The love that filled her heart filled her with a comforting warmth. She didn’t know it was possible to love this much.

The only problem was that Shaun was leaving the next day. She was going to miss him so much. She knew he wouldn’t be gone for long, and that helped.

Shaun gave her hand a squeeze. “Are you ready for this?”

She glanced over at him. “Yes, I am. Thanks to you.”

“Then why aren’t you smiling?”

“I’m not?” She forced a smile to her lips. “There. See. I’m smiling.”