Page 46 of Christmas Cove

The old man’s tone made Leo pause. Hewasin command of the situation. He was the mayor, and it was high time he started acting like it.

“So far, I’ve made no headway with finding a way out of the contract between Elizabethtown and the Cove. The agreement was automatically triggered when the population dropped below one fifty. As far as I can see, we have to beat the population threshold in time, or . . .” Leo’s alternative was the least appealing option, but a viable one if he was willing to swallow a big piece of humble pie.

“Go on,” Edwin urged.

“Or I somehow get Elizabethtown to agree to not pursue the incorporation further.”

Through the phone line, Leo could hear Edwin tapping his fingers as he considered the options. A deep breath and a throaty grunt came before his words. “Option two isn’t going to happen, is it?”

“I would like to avoid that one, if possible, but it may be the only way,” Leo said and swallowed hard. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”

“And in the meantime?”

“Carol said she would contact some of her old friends and maybe convince some of them to move back to town. America said she had some ideas today.” Leo checked the wooden clock hanging on the wall. “I’ve got to go. I don’t want to be late.”

“Got a hot date tonight?” Edwin asked in a playful tone.

“As a matter of fact—”

“Where are you taking the city girl?”

“How do you know I’m going on a date with America?”

“Oh, come on. Everyone can see how your eyes get all googly when she’s nearby,” Edwin chuckled. “Now, where are you all going?”

“Countyline Christmas,” Leo answered as he put his coat on one arm. “I have to go. Let’s talk tomorrow.”

Leo hung up and dashed out the door. On the way to the cabin, Leo swung by his house and changed his more casual plaid shirt to a crisp white one. He pulled a red sweater over his head and combed his hair back before dabbing some old cologne on his neck.

Leo didn’t know what to expect when he pulled his truck up to the cabin, but he was not expecting to see America waiting on the front porch for him. His headlights illuminated her like a spotlight hitting a stage. She glittered like frost in a silver gown that hung to the floor. He took a deep breath and exited the cab, suddenly wishing he had a nicer vehicle to pick her up in.

America glowed as she turned a slow turn. “How do I look?”

Leo had never seen a more beautiful sight. He approached slowly to take her in. Her lips were painted red like cranberries, and her eyes twinkled against the sparkly dress. Her hair was pinned up in soft curls at the crown of her head. He was certain he was blushing as she extended a hand to him.

Taking her delicate fingers in his hand, he drew her near and kissed the back of her hand. “You are incredible.” Leo took a ringlet hanging along the side of her face and twirled it around his finger while thinking about how he was wrapped around hers. He would do anything to keep her.

“You clean up nicely too.” America cracked a smile and motioned for him to twirl as she had just done.

Leo chuckled, but complied with her request, even batting his eyelashes as he came around to face her again. His effort was worth seeing her smirk with a small bite of her lower lip in response to his silliness.

“Are you ready to dance?” she said and slipped her arm through the crook of his elbow.

“Yes ma’am,” Leo said and clicked his boot heels together.

He escorted her across the drive and held her dress as she climbed into his old truck. The drive was short, a nice walk to take during warmer weather, but not while wearing a long silver gown. He glanced at her, and back at the road, about a dozen times while on the way. She caught him on more than one occasion and smiled wider each time.

Once they arrived at the dance, Leo led her into the pavilion. The wooden structure, situated on the border of two counties, and hemmed in by train tracks on one side, and the river on the other, was a favorite destination for love birds and birdwatchers alike. Although Leo couldn’t recall a time when he had ever taken a girl there on a date.

Leo watched as America’s eyes lit up. The space was a winter wonderland, complete with dozens of flocked and lit trees. Soft glowing faux candles dotted the room, a live band played at one end, and there was more punch and hot cocoa than one could drink.

“This is beautiful,” America said as she took in the atmosphere.

“You’re beautiful,” he whispered. Though he couldn’t see if she heard him, her shoulder moved ever so slightly as though she did. “Is this the Christmas you were hoping for?”

“Close,” she said and took a turn around him while delighting in the moment.

America looked like the queen of the ball as they walked to the center of the space, and pride swelled inside Leo that she was on his arm. The crowd hushed and, as though they were witnessing something special, cleared room on the dancefloor.

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