Page 35 of A Pen Pal for Christmas

This was exactly what I’d worried about when Hudson had first talked to Dane at the cafe. Whatever this connection was between us—whatever “era” I was in that made me feel like we were closer than we were—felt tainted by Dane’s shadow.

How could Hudson see me as anything more than a problem to solve or a duty to fulfill? I wasn’t sure if his protectiveness came from genuine feelings or if it was just instinct, ingrained from years of being a Marine.

Either way, the last thing I wanted was for him to see me as baggage, something fragile and broken that needed handling with care.

“I mean it,” he added, almost like he knew I was overanalyzing everything about this situation. “It’s a good thing I’m just across the hall. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

I smiled faintly. “Thanks.”

“Come on. Let’s get you to your room.”

The next day,Grace and I stepped inside the toy shop. Shelves overflowed with brightly colored boxes, stuffed animals, and toys that played jingles loud enough to make anyone—including parents who were likely used to it—go insane. Kids darted between displays, their squeals of excitement adding to the chaos.

“I’ll never understand how you can walk into these places and not immediately get a headache,” Grace said, glancing at me.

I grinned, clutching my purse like a weapon against the onslaught of sugar-high children. “When you have as many siblings, cousins, nephews, and nieces as I do, you learn to power through. This is amateur hour compared to family gatherings with our crazy crew.”

Grace winced. “Don’t remind me. I’m still recovering from the Fourth of July gathering Tommy dragged me to. I swear, it’s like he forgets I’m new to the whole big-family thing, and I need to be exposed slowly.”

I laughed as Grace started toward a display of board games, leaving me to wander down an aisle filled with action figures and cars. It was true that this toy store was chaotic and overstimulating, but after last night’s run-in with Dane at the bar, I was glad for it. Not only was I distracted from my annoyance over Dane, but I also didn’t have to think about the note on my car… or the sweet man who walked me home.

Sure, each of those things deserved my attention at some point, and I’d get there. But right now, I just wanted to get lost in shopping for the little people in my life.

A bright red firetruck with flashing lights caught my eye, and I picked it up, imagining how much my youngest nephew would love it. He was obsessed with anything that had wheels, and if it made noise? Even better. Unfortunately for my sister.

“Nice choice,” a familiar voice said from behind me.

I turned to find Jamie standing there, his hands shoved into the pockets of his jacket. He nodded toward the firetruck. “My son loved that one. Just… don’t let him drop it. The wheels came off after less than a month.”

“Good to know,” I said, glancing at the box in my hands. “But knowing the kid I’m shopping for, he’ll probably throw it so he can pretend it flies. Guess I’ll have to keep looking.”

Jamie’s gaze softened, and he hesitated like he was debating whether to say more. “How old’s the kid?”

“Three.”

A flicker of a smile crossed his face. “Good age for cars and trucks. They’re still impressed by all the bells and whistles.”

“Is that what your son’s into?” I asked.

His expression tightened, and he looked down for a moment, his jaw working. “He used to be,” he said finally. “He’s getting way too big, way too fast.”

“How old is he now?”

“Twelve.”

“Wow, yeah. That’s big. Is he here with you?” I asked, looking around for a preteen that looked like the man before me.

Jamie shook his head, something sad passing over his face before he schooled his expression. “Nah. I’m shopping for something to mail to him. Long story, but I don’t get to see him much. I do what I can to stay connected with him, though.”

“Oh,” I said softly, unsure how to respond. “I’m sorry. That sounds… hard.”

Jamie’s lips quirked in a humorless smile. “It is. But he’s worth it.”

Something in his tone tugged at me, and I couldn’t help but wonder about the story behind those complications. Not that I knew him well enough to pry.

Jamie pointed to a different fire truck, but before he could say anything, Grace appeared at the end of the aisle. She held up a colorful wooden toy shaped like a gingerbread house with a victorious smile on her face.

“Found it!” she said, her grin wide as she waved the box at me. “It’s perfect for Noelle’s birthday. And I’m sure Holly willlove that her lil one can do this over and over without the mess of actual frosting and candy.”

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