Page 66 of Christmas Cove

“Housekeeping,” he joked in a high-pitched voice.

“I didn’t order room service,” she said back.

“But did you order a ride to town?” Through the peephole she saw a wide grin and a small shake of his head, which caused her to suck in a laugh.

America opened the door and gestured for him to enter. “You’re late.”

“My copilot was wary about the cold. I had to warm his blanket before he would leave the barn.” Leo pointed over his shoulder with his thumb. “Prima donna.”

“Indeed,” America said. “You know my parents?”

“Nice to see you again, Mrs. Greene.” He shook her mother’s hand. “Mr. Greene.”

“You can call me Vi,” her mother said.

“And you can call me Paul. And it’s good to see you again so soon,” her dad said. “America tells us that you two worked out some things?”

“We did,” Leo said. “You have a very special daughter.”

America felt his fingers brush against hers, and she intertwined hers with his. It was the first time they had properly held hands, not to help her up or stop her from slipping on ice. It felt good and right, and she squeezed a little tighter.

“We think so too,” her dad said and smiled at Leo as though giving him approval. It was a small gesture, but she knew it had weight.

“Are you ready to go, then?” Leo asked. “Can I help you with your coat?”

America plucked her coat from the hook by the door and handed it to him, Leo slid her favorite red puffer up her arms and positioned the shoulders. She turned and mouthed a thank-you to him while she zipped and snapped the closure. While she dug in the pockets for her gloves, Leo wrapped a fluffy white scarf around her neck.

The ride into town, though beautiful, was spectacularly chilly. An open-air carriage wasn’t as romantic as it could have been when she was shivering and having to listen to her mother point out every bird, branch, and barn that they passed from the cabin all the way to Main Street.

“Forgive my mother. She doesn’t get out much,” America said, and everyone laughed as they turned onto Main.

The street was more dazzling than the last time she had seen it at night. Twinkling mini-lights hung from all corners of the buildings and across the road in a few places, and trees were lit in just about every window. On the Manner Manor’s front door, someone, probably Carol, had hung a wreath with a big red velvet bow at the top.

America pointed as they passed by. She hadn’t even moved in yet and the place already seemed like home. She would have much to do before next Christmas to get the place ready for a grand holiday party she planned to throw. No matter the outcome of the count, she wasn’t going to let Christmas go.

People, some she recognized, others she hadn’t seen before, strolled the streets and ducked into the couple of open businesses for some last-minute shopping or cups of hot cocoa. There appeared to be far more than the hundred-fifty residents required to stave off the acquisition of the town, though they wouldn’t know for sure until the count was complete.

“Do you think we’ll have it?” she said with hope dripping off her lips. “I mean, look at all these people.”

“I have a good feeling, but let’s not jinx anything,” Leo said as the carriage stopped in front of the plaza at Town Hall.

Looking back down the street, America noticed Carol and Edwin walking together towards the fountain where the count was to take place any minute. “Will you look at that? Miraclesarepossible,” America said.

“No matter what happens next,” Leo jumped down and tied the reins. “Look at what we’ve accomplished here. The town is alive again.”

Leo was right. She may have started things off, with the help of Pa, and Carol, and Leo, but the town had run with it. Leo helped her down from the carriage, and she snuggled into his embrace as they took in the happy scene. It was better than any Christmas card. It was real.

“I’m thankful for you,” Leo said. “You brought joy back into the town. When you accused me of not doing more for the Cove, I got so mad because you struck at the truth. I had given up just like everyone else. But look at all this. Imagine what we can do as a community if we all want it enough.”

“I think everyone did want it, but were too scared. You just needed some fresh air,” America said and craned up for a kiss on his cheek.

He turned his head and caught the edge of her mouth, and she threw her arms around him. Their hug was warm. And short.

“Ahem.” A man cleared his throat. “Are you Leopold Thorpe, mayor of Christmas Cove?”

“That’s me,” Leo said.

“Thorpe?” America whispered.

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