Page 41 of Christmas for Keeps

I narrowed my eyes. “What made you think we’re boyfriends? We are, but…”

Liz smiled at Kerry, who said, “Mom and I couldn’t miss the way you looked at each other. It’s a wonder you didn’t set the place on fire. And the kisses under the mistletoe? They earned achef’s kissfrom me.”

We laughed, and Liz said, “I’m happy for you. Zach is a wonderful man, and he’s seemed so lonely since he moved here.”

“Have you been together long?” Kerry asked. “I go to school in Boston, so I’m not around Stowe much anymore.”

I wondered how much to say and decided there was no need to be hesitant. Zach and I had nothing to hide. “We were together in college but grew apart afterward. We’ve just gotten back together, and we’re determined to make it work this time.”

Liz smiled. “I think you will, honey. Don’t ever let go of each other again.”

We talked, and I told them I lived in Boston.

“Maybe we could get together sometime,” Kerry said. “I turned twenty-one in October, so we could meet for happy hour.”

“That would be fun.” She seemed nice, and I needed friends.

Thinking Zach might be wondering where I was, I paid for the plaque, and Kerry gift-wrapped it for me.

“Put it under your coat, honey,” Liz said as soon as Kerry finished. “Zach’s coming in.”

I barely got the package secured in my coat’s inside pocket when the door opened. Zach smiled as soon as he saw me. “Did you find your phone? It’s been a while, so I got a little worried.”

“They had it. We’ve been talking.”

Liz smiled, not put off by my fib. “It’s our fault, Zach. You know Kerry and me. Once we get started, there’s no shutting us up. Connor is very sweet, and I’m thrilled for both of you.”

Zach’s smile blossomed into a beautiful grin. “He’s the best man I’ve ever known.”

“Hold on to each other,” Liz said. “I can tell you’re in love, and life’s too short to be alone.”

“You can say that again.” Zach stepped over and put an arm around my shoulders. “I don’t know how much he told you, but we have a history. This time, I’m not letting go.”

Liz and Kerry made us promise to come back before I left town, and Zach gave me a sheepish look as we started down the sidewalk. “I hope they didn’t make you uncomfortable. It’s a small town, and we’re all interested in everyone else’s business. But those two aren’t gossips, just nice people. Liz practically adopted me when I moved here. She’s a widow, and she still has me over to eat about once a week. I don’t think she quite believes I can feed myself.”

“Maybe she likes your company. She’s probably lonely.”

“I guess so. Like I said, she’s a great lady.” He stopped to take a breath. “I know we have a lot to work out, Con. We can talk about it over the next week, but check Stowe out while you’re here. The schools are good, and they’re probably looking for teachers.”

His words filled me with hope. We still weren’t sure what would happen, but if we made things work, Stowe would be a dreamy place to live.

Halfway to the Land Cruiser, Zach stopped and asked, “Did you see the Latte Oasis, up past Liz’s shop?”

“Sure, why?”

“I forgot I need to pick up some art supplies, but I’d love a coffee.”

“Let’s go then.”

He shuffled his feet. “We should get to the grocery store soon, and it would save time to run two errands at once. Would you mind getting drinks for us?”

“Not at all. What would you like?”

He asked for a large hazelnut mocha, and I headed up the street while he crossed to the other side.

CHAPTER14

Zach

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