Page 35 of Christmas In Love

April was quieter over the next few days. She didn’t tease Natalie about Cade or push her for another date. Though that last one might be because her date had kissed her at the end of the night and it was, apparently, the worst kiss she’d ever had. Like kissing a frozen fish.

So, both April and Natalie were taking a break in the dating department. April didn’t even ask about her night with Cade—seeming to know something had happened with them and waiting until Natalie was ready to talk about it.

But Natalie wasn’t ready to talk about it. So, she spent her days buried in work; updating the website, sending emails to former clients for reviews, and even cleaning out that back storage closet filled with odds and ends from the previous owners. She also booked one more room—and did a little happy dance after.

Any time not spent at the inn was spent at the hotel, finalizing details for the carnival.

She was never there at the same time as Cade—she made sure of that—but she knew he’d been there to help because everyone and their dog seemed to be in love with him. She heard about him from the Christensens—how he’d helped them take apart their snow globe float and turn it into a photo booth. Phil and Mary Thompson seemed to be ready to adopt him after he drove back to Woodcastle to pick up the puppies they’d be borrowing for their booth—which was essentially a bunch of dogs dressed up as reindeer in a sort of adorable, mini petting zoo.

Even April mentioned how helpful he’d been. And instead of being mad about any of it, Natalie was happy. Any bit of conversation about Cade that didn’t require her to talk was heavenly.

It should have been annoying, but Natalie no longer had control over her emotions.

And, as if all of that wasn’t enough to keep him in her mind, he kept ‘showing up’ in the strangest places. None of it broke his promise to wait until she was ready to talk, but all of it kept him at the forefront of her thoughts: A cinnamon roll sitting outside her door one day, a stuffed Santa by her check-in computer, a ‘safe driver’ bumper sticker mysteriously on the back of her car, and more. It was clouding her ability to think, as she continually looked for the little mementos.

He’d even figured out his room was above hers because she’d gone in last night to see something hanging outside her window. He’d strung a package from his window down to hers. It was a t-shirt that said ‘I’d go running with you, but then we’d both be making bad decisions.’

Which of course reminded her of his comment about running being good for her heart and wanting her around for a long time.

The man was good. And she’d be lying if she said he wasn’t wearing her down.

Maybe it would be a good idea to go spend Christmas with her mom. If she could find someone to cover for her for a couple of days… it wouldn’t be easy, but it might be good for her heart to have a break from Cade. And a healthy dose of mom to break any illusion that attraction and caring for someone was enough.

But the thought had barely crossed her mind before she’d gotten a text.

Mom: great news! Gary and I are heading to Scotland for the holiday! I’ll send you a postcard!

Mom hadn’t even referenced her previous plan to leave husband number six and come back to the states. Apparently, she’d gotten over whatever tiff she and Gary had gotten into, and in true fashion had adjusted her trajectory with only herself in mind.

Natalie wasn’t hurt by it. A little frustrated, maybe, but this was what her relationship with her mom had always been like. Just another example of love not being enough.

It also gave her the reality check she’d been hoping for.

Christmas Eve and the day of the carnival finally arrived. She got there four hours early, intending complete focus on the carnival, not on the full-color Cade reruns her mind was insisting on playing. Thirty-seven booths, over two-hundred strands of lights, and enough candy to make a dentist sue them, had all come together in the most fantastic display.

“Natalie, where’s the mistletoe booth?”

“Fifth from the end on the left side.” She checked off the mistletoe as Carrie scurried away carrying fresh bunches to hang.

“Are you sure we have enough candy canes, Natalie? Why don’t I send my husband for more.” Mrs. Foster seemed determined to find something wrong with the night, but Natalie was equally determined nothing at all would be wrong. It was perfect.

“We have a ton more in the prep room if we need them. Oh, I see the guys are here with the snow machine—will you help them set it up by the North Pole scene?” Natalie smiled at Mrs. Foster, though it felt a little stiff.

“I don’t see why we’re paying those men to set it up if they need my help,” the old lady grumbled, but Natalie didn’t miss the satisfied smile on her face as she stomped off.

“Can I help with anything?”

Natalie jumped at Cade’s appearance. He was wearing a forest green sweater and dark jeans with nice shoes. The sight of him was too much, especially after days of radio silence. Those shoulders. The eyes.

She took a small step backward. “You know, I think we’re doing okay. The snow machine was the last to-do on my list, so I’m just going to go change. My clothes. Into my elf costume. Because I’m an elf. Because… never mind.”

His amusement was clear, and Natalie’s cheeks warmed. She was an idiot.

“Need any help?”

Her eyes widened. “Changing? No, I think I’m okay on that count.”

He grinned. “I meant with elf stuff. I can be an elf too if you need.”

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