Page 63 of Christmas Cove

“That’s the one.” she couldn’t help but giggle again at the name. “Well...I bought it. It needs some renovations—or a lot of renovations—before I can move in, but I think it will be a fun project to do. There’s a cute little room at the top of the stairs with a round ceiling that’s going to become my office.”

Leo pulled her to a stop and ceased her rambling. “You’re moving here? For me?”

“Don’t flatter yourself. I’m here for the watersports.”

“What?” He chuckled.

As she looked over the rolling hills dotted with red barns and painted white steeples poking out above the naked tree line, she said, “I love this place. It’s filled with hope and kindness. Even though it’s missing its holiday traditions, those things are only an outward expression of what the town feels in its heart. In truth, it’s the most Christmassy place I’ve ever been to.”

“That’s beautiful,” Leo said and pulled her in close. “You’re beautiful.”

Their lips met again, and her butterflies returned with force. The kiss was quick, but good.

“What are we going to do about the incorporation?” America asked. “I don’t think we are going to get enough people.”

“One less to go now.”

America held up three fingers. “My parents are moving here, too. I told them about it, and they wanted to come. Apparently, a week alone in Italy made it clear to them that they wanted out of the city and to be close to me. And since I’m living here now, so are they.”

“That’s amazing,” he said. “They were very sweet when I met them a little while ago. They remind me of my mom and dad, actually. It’s funny, seeing them in the cabin dancing around the kitchen, it was as though I was seeing my own parents. You’re quite lucky that you have them.”

“I know,” she said.

“Did you finish your article?” he asked.

“Almost. I told my boss that the story isn’t done yet, but I think I captured the essence of this place.”

“I’m sure it will be great,” he said with all the confidence of a New York Times Best-Selling Author.

“You don’t know that,” America said. “Just because your mother was a language arts teacher doesn’t make you some sort of an expert.”

He stood proud with his shoulders back and chin out. “Yes, it does.”

Her giggle turned to guffaw at the way he responded so matter of fact. His banter was refreshing and smart. He would challenge her, and anticipation rose in her chest that she would get to take her time getting to know him and learn to play with him in her own way.

“Thank you for doing everything you could. It means more to me than I know how to say,” Leo said. “One more thing. How did you find out it wasn’t me who requested the article? And who did?”

“It was easy. I asked my assistant. Would you believe it was the mayor of Elizabethtown? Thorpe is his name,” America said.

“Of course it was. That son of a...” Leo kicked rocks.

“When I discovered you were the mayor, I wrongly thoughtyouhad wanted me here to cover the Christmas festivities. It makes sense now that there was no Christmas waiting for me, since you hadn’t wanted me here in the first place—”

“Believe me, I wanted you here,” Leo said and bit his cheek on one side. “Do you know what he wanted, though?”

“I’m guessing it has to do with the incorporation. But I don’t really know.”

“I have an idea what he’s on about,” Leo said. “I’m sorry, I have to go. I have some business to get to before everything shuts down for Christmas Eve.” Leo made for his truck and opened the driver’s door. “Will you tell your parents thank you for the breakfast?”

“They made you breakfast?”

“It was good. Too bad you missed it. Where were you, anyway?”

“I went to see Carol. And my new house.” Pride in her impulsive decision welled in her heart. “Now go.” America shut the truck door and leaned in through the window. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

CHAPTER33

Leo turned the key,and with some coaxing of the gas pedal, the engine rumbled to life. His truck pulled out of the driveway and onto the main road from town. The truck, weighed down with his heaps of questions for Mayor Thorpe, chugged steadily into Elizabethtown, where he pulled the tires up onto the sidewalk in front of the mayor’s office.

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