Page 21 of A Moon Lake Christmas Hero

“So that’s the reason?” I winked. “Not that everyone and their neighbor want to meet Erin?” I knew this town. And even though the younger generation didn’t join the rumor mill as much as the old-timers did, they weren’t much better.

Alan chuckled and patted my back again. “That too.”

“The kids are having a slumber party,” Jessie chimed in. “And I’m on kids duty for the rest of the day.”

I hesitated.

She raised her hand. “It’s already decided. Resistance is futile. Take a breather. I know you can use it.”

She laid her hand on my arm and smiled.

It was as if my friends knew I needed some adult time.

My eyes searched and found Erin’s. And maybe the chance of some alone time with Erin, too.

ERIN

The afternoon was a whirlwind. It started with an introductory tour of Alan’s doctor’s office, including some on-the-job training in seeing patients who dropped in unannounced and signing the contract that included a two-month probation period.

Two months to decide if I wanted to stay. Two months for them if they wanted to keep me.

However, when I looked out the window and focused on the laughter floating in through the closed window, I knew I’d made up my mind already.

These people were living exactly the life I’d always wanted for myself: a loving community they belonged to, family, and friends who teased each other and supported each other. It was like a scene out of one of my dreams.

“I think we’re done for the day. Let’s go outside and meet everyone,” Alan said, helped me into my coat, and led me out the back door. Having his office in the same house as his family sure made managing his flexible work schedule easier.

Someone pushed a cup of hot tea into my hands, and I took a sip while being introduced to a whole sleuth of new people.

Soon, the names blended into each other. But from what I could say, there were a ton of attractive couples here in Moon Lake. And a lot of kids running around, having fun in the snow.

Alan introduced me to Blake, the owner of the local bar, and Jessie’s brother, who was manning a gigantic grill and managing the music. The thought of having a barbecue in the middle of winter never even crossed my mind, but they’d lightened warming fires in a couple of barrels, which made it actually really cozy.

My new boots and jacket, James forced on me didn’t hurt either.

I met Claire, Blake’s wife, and Lisa—the owner of the Moon Lake Inn—the same one James had told me earlier I wouldn’t stay in.

James.

I felt his eyes on me constantly, like an electrical undercurrent, buzzing within me and every time our gazes met—it was almost too much. Somehow, we’d started communicating without words. It was as if he understood what I was thinking, or feeling at any given moment.

If there was something funny one of the kids said, we exchanged smiles. With every new arrival, every new introduction, he was by my side, his hand resting at the small of my back. Giving me strength and security.

Not that I needed it.

Everyone who came by was truly lovely and welcoming.

I met Julie and Kevin, who apparently were in town only for a couple of days before they would fly back to the hockey team Kevin was managing.

Next came a young woman who handed me a beautiful Amaryllis. “So nice to meet you,” she said. She was glowing and clearly showing. “I’m Milli, and this is Max.”

I shook hands with Max, a handsome ginger who gave me a nod before he focused back on Milli. He was doting on her, and they seemed so happy and in love that watching it almost hurt.

I counted at least three more pregnant ladies, who all expressed their gratitude for me coming to Moon Lake.

I was feeling welcomed by these strangers in a way I’d never experienced before, which was nothing short of mind-blowing and overwhelming as hell.

“We should take Lucy for a walk.” James appeared by my side again, excused us, and led me into the house where we’d put Lucy into Jose’s—a ridiculous name for Jessie’s loopy little pup—kennel earlier.

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