Page 126 of When the Smoke Clears

I’m breathless by the end, though there isn’t a ton to share. “Is this enough? Is it even helpful?”

“Everything is helpful. You’re going to The Jingle Bell Bash today, right?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Let me get working on this, go have some fun, and I’ll follow up when I have more information. We’re on the right track, Maci. So far, there’s nothing in what the police department sent over that proves anything malicious or neglectful on your part. That’s likely why the detective didn’t send it to the prosecutor.”

His words have minimal effect in relieving the pressure in my chest. “Okay. I’ll try. Thank you, Hank.”

“You’re welcome, Maci. Have a good weekend.”

“You, too.” He hangs up, and I tap the phone against my mouth in silent contemplation. Who would’ve thought I’d be twenty-four years old wondering if I’m going to be arrested, or sued for everything I’m worth?

The Jingle Bell Bash is a gorgeous event. Whether it falls on a warm autumn day or an icy one, the committee has always done a good job of instilling the festive spirit of the period they’re trying to recreate.

My photo area isn’t the same as the Fall Festival. I’m stationed on the opposite direction of Town Square this time. Andi, Sutton, and I ride together, unloading Andi’s necessities first and then getting my props in place.

I’m not sure what to expect today. Santa pictures are a given at the event, but I’m not involved in that. Instead, my gingerbread house and I will be celebrating a different holiday spirit.

Despite knowing Colt won’t show up this year, Sutton refuses to leave my side. I don’t know what he’s going to do for the four hours I’m scheduled to be here, but he refused to hear reason and told me not to worry about him.

Fine. Let him stand guard if he feels better for it. He seems to need that reassurance.

The kids are jazzed up on hot chocolate and funnel cakes when they come through my line. Parents seem a little less frazzled than the Santa line, but there’s obvious expectation for cute holiday photos. I treat them all like extended family, hyping them up and hugging them when the mood feels right as they make sweet and silly faces in front of the child-sized backdrop.

The temperature is dropping quickly as we near dusk, and my hands are freezing, being exposed to the cold for so long. In between families, which have kept me unexpectedly busy, I rub my hands together for some friction. Sutton appears out of nowhere.

“Cold?” He grabs both of my hands in his.

My stupid heart flutters again. When is it going to stop that? His look is so intense that I blush in the crowd.

He presses his lips to my hands. “How does some hot chocolate sound?”

“Amazing.” Somehow I manage not to jump up and down, but he clocks my excitement. I rise up on the balls of my feet, kissing his lips.

“Firecracker,” he stage-whispers, scanning the space in a faux attempt at secrecy, “did you just kiss me in front of all of these people?”

I throw my head back and laugh. “Is that such a surprise?”

“A welcomed one. Our last event like this, things were so cut and dry. At least, for you.” He winks.

I lean up and kiss him again. “To make up for last time.” I smile against his lips before settling onto my feet again.

“I’ll be back.” He disappears into the growing crowd toward The Jim-Dandy where Melissa and I met previously. I’m so glad he knows where the best hot chocolate is.

The next family signs in at the table, which is even bigger since the last event. I’m nearly out of cards and make a mental note to order more soon. Maybe relocating here won’t be such a hit on my business after all.

“Hi, I’m Maci.”

The mom smiles. “I’m Candy—no joke.” I grin as she continues. “I’m Cody’s sister.” I don’t have a chance to consider who she’s referring to. “He works at the ranch with Sutton.”

“Yes. We love him.” My skin is on fire. I don’t know what anyone knows or how to refer to them.

Her smile doesn’t falter. “Well, he has good things to say about you. He and the other hands were talking about your work last weekend and he told me Ihadto come over with the kids.”

“Oh, wow. That’s so kind of him.”

Her eyes flit to her husband, managing their toddler as she continues to bounce their newborn, and back to me. “He mentioned you had an accident recently. Are you healed ok?”

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