Page 16 of Christmas Promises

“Sugarville Grove has cured a lot of broken hearts,” Nolan said.

“Is that true for real?” She narrowed her eyes, watching him.

He nodded. “I think so. That’s what my mother says, anyway. That there’s something magical about this place. Especially at Christmastime.”

“Then I guess it was a good move for me to come here.”

“Do you think you want to stay?” Nolan asked, casually, trying not to sound too needy. “Buy the bookstore?”

“I think I might. I love books, and I know a lot about running a small business. Maybe living somewhere quiet—somewhere beautiful like this—would be the best thing for me.”

“You don’t have to decide right now. See how it goes?”

She gazed at him for a moment, resting her chin in one hand. “That seems a reasonable approach, don’t you think?”

He found himself unable to tear his gaze away from her pretty face. “I think so. Very much so.” Forcing himself to focus on finishing up his meal, he tossed pasta with the tomatoes and garlic, then added in the basil.

“You ready to eat?” Nolan asked.

“I’m starving. I’ve been hungry for six months.”

“What do you mean?” Nolan piled pasta into two bowls and brought them to the table. She followed with their glasses and the wine bottle.

“My mother had me on this diet for the wedding. The last three days before the ceremony I was only allowed a juice made from carrots and ginger.”

“Isn’t that abuse?”

She laughed dismissively. “With my mother, one can never be too rich or too thin. Actually, with my blood sugar so low, I’m surprised I didn’t kill Josh when I found out the truth.”

“I don’t think anyone would have blamed you.” He lifted his glass for another clink before they dug in to their food. “Have you talked to Dahlia?”

“No, she’s called a few times, but I haven’t answered. I’m not ready. I haven’t even listened to the voicemails. Anyway, she’s busy. In Paris. On my honeymoon.” She laughed.

“It’s not really funny,” Nolan said, also laughing

“Who needs Paris? I’m happy to be here with you. For whatever reason, I don’t feel at all sad.” Her voice softened as she added, “You always had that effect on me.”

“What effect?”

“Making everything more fun and interesting. In a way that makes it impossible to feel sad.”

“That’s what you do for me,” Nolan said.

“I had such a crush on you that summer. I used to write about you in my journal, imagining us getting married, having babies…all the silly things a teenager dreams about.”

“I don’t find them silly,” Nolan said. “Not at this point in my life, anyway. Regardless, I’m pretty sure my journal had matching entries. I daydreamed about you for years. I can remember lying out in the back yard and looking up at the stars and wondering if I’d ever see you again. If you’d ever come back here. Why didn’t you?”

“My mother didn’t want me to,” Laney said. “I think she felt like Aunt Edna might replace her or whatever. Or maybe if I visited one more time I would decide never to leave. She grew up here. And it was not a good childhood.”

“My mother’s mentioned that to me,” Nolan said. “Sounds like your grandfather was a real peach.”

“Whatever happened during her childhood made her hate this place, which is sad because it’s wonderful here. I wish she’d give it a chance.”

“Maybe she will. Once you stay, that is.” He smiled, letting his eyes twinkle at her. “Can you tell I want you to?”

“Maybe I will.” She smiled back at him, flirtatiously.

If only she would.

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