Page 88 of Falling Like Snow

“I’m upset that he’s not here for Christmas,” Asher says. “That he’s missing so much of the last few years I’m home before I leave for college. That he couldn’t just ask for a few days off to be with us. And that feels so messed up to complain about when I know how hard Christmas has been for you since your dad died. When your situation is so much worse.”

I stop walking, and Asher halts, turning to face me. “Ash, no. My pain doesn’t negate yours, and it certainly isn’t a contest. Your feelings are valid—you get to be sad about your dad not being here, even if he will eventually be back.” Asher looks at the ground, and I wrap my arms around him and squeeze. “I don’t want you to feel like you can’t talk to me about what’s bothering you. I’m your best friend. You can tell me anything.”

“Okay,” he whispers, pulling his hands from his pockets and hugging me back.

I close my eyes and push away the memory of the last time we stood this close to each other. Because Asher needs his best friend right now—not my weird, invasive feelings—and if anyone understands what it’s like to miss your dad, it’s me.

“What can I do to help?” I ask as I drop my arms. “Anything?”

“No, I don’t think so. Mom has been so worried about the inn, she hasn’t decorated the inside of the house at all, despite the fact that we’re hosting people for Christmas. So with no Dad and no decorations and no traditions, I think I just want to forget about Christmas.”

“Like the Kranks,” I say playfully, even though my heart is sinking at how hurt he is.

He forces a smile. “Something like that, yeah.”

I press my toe into the packed snow on the sidewalk. “Sooo… no gift exchange between us this year?”

This time a sincere grin spreads over his face. “You wish. But you’re not getting out of having to come up with something for me that easily.” I punch him in the arm, and he laughs. “Don’t worry, you still have a few days to figure it out.”

“What makes you think I haven’t already figured it out? Maybe I have the most incredible gift ever waiting for you under my bed already.”

He scoffs. “Please. I know you too well.”

“I hate you.”

We walk down the snow-covered sidewalk again, and the perfect Christmas gift idea occurs to me.

“You love me,” he replies, interrupting my thoughts.

I face him and take in the fullness of his pink cheeks, the tilt of his lips, the shape of his ears.

“Annoyingly so,” I finally respond.

We pass a few houses in silence before I turn to him again. “I’m sorry about the whole Snow Ball thing. I know we always go to those sort of events together, but I panicked when he asked…”

“No, it’s totally fine,” he says quickly. “I’m going with Daphne, so it’s seriously no big deal.”

“Oh.” Did he just ask her? Or have they had plans and he’s just now telling me? Is that why he was glad Micah asked me? My stomach knots as I force a smile. “That’s awesome. Good for you, Ash.”

“Yeah.”

I look at him, wanting him to know how much I genuinely mean it when I say, “Seriously. Daphne’s a lucky girl.”

Asher simply nods as we stop at the end of my driveway.

“I’m really sorry about your dad,” I tell him.

He shrugs. “It’s fine.”

“It’s not, but I’ll let it go if you’d rather not talk about it,” I say. “See you tomorrow?”

His voice is quiet when he says, “Naturally.”

“ ’Kay.” I shift my weight, trying to decide if I should bring up the ‘love bite’ or invite him to hang out. Deciding against either, I turn toward the house.

“Sloane,” he says from behind me. I spin around, hoping he’ll invite himself inside. “Cancel your plans for tomorrow night.”

“O-kay…?” I say slowly.