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And the look in his eyes—it reminded her of the way she’d felt seeing that pink bike under the tree.

A kid’s voice rang through the air: “It’s snowing again!”

Sure enough, fluffy flakes drifted down, landing on Sam’s blue hat, melting on his rosy cheeks, and coating his eyelashes.

“Sam.” Arden reached for his hands. Neither of them had worn gloves, and their hands were like blocks of ice. “I’m going to ask you a crazy question.”

His eyebrows flicked up in surprise. “Be my guest.”

“Would it be okay if I kiss—”

Before she could finish, Sam tipped his face toward hers. His lips landed gently on hers, a snowflake melting instantly in the warmth between them. They broke apart and smiled at each other. He looked so endearingly adorable, his face flushed and eyes bright in the snowy night. Arden slipped her cold hands inside his coat, wrapped her arms around his waist, and kissed him again.

Chapter 13

Phoebe

Phoebe could not remember why she’d wanted to get away from it all in the first place. She scrolled endlessly through social media, but everyone was busy spending quality time with their loved ones.

She wondered how her family’s Hanukkah party had gone last night. She’d had no updates from Sam or Arden, and it was midmorning in Seattle now.

How was the party? She sent the same message to both of them.

Arden replied a few minutes later: It was a really special evening. Thanks for asking Sam to invite me.

I’m so glad! Phoebe wrote back.

Arden replied, What have you been up to?

Phoebe smiled to herself. I ran into an old friend at the Christmas market.

Arden: No way! Does he live in High Springs?

Phoebe: New York. He’s visiting family. I haven’t seen him since college.

Arden: What a fun coincidence.

Phoebe: Feels like it was meant to be! Might lead to something interesting.

Arden: ?!?

Phoebe: Professionally interesting, I mean. We’re talking about starting a marketing agency together.

Arden: Oh wow, that’s cool. You are so cool, Phoebe! Fancy apartment, incredible family, starting a business with a guy you just happened to run into…

Phoebe: LOL. Sounds cooler when you say it like that. What about you? You have this adorable house in this picturesque small town.

Arden: The town is cute but can be suffocating sometimes.

Phoebe: How so?

Arden: Let’s just say it’s good that I’m in Seattle. Finally getting a chance to meet new people.

Phoebe: Something wrong with the people here? Should I be on the lookout?

Arden: Ha! No, just one person in particular.

Phoebe: Uh-oh. An ex? Should I go TP his house?