Page 60 of Say It Isn't Snow
After dinnerwith my family in Candlewood on Christmas, I stop by the Adler’s home for a visit with a treat in hand.
Despite growing up regularly hanging out between my house or Layla’s, a bundle of nerves dances in my stomach when I knock on the door. I’m familiar enough to walk in, yet I linger on the doorstep debating how to act when I see Caleb after our date.
My heart swells at the perfect memory. Thinking of those messages he saved makes me misty-eyed again. I copied them to my phone and read some of them again before I got out of my car.
He’s made me so happy.
Although he’s moving to Mayfield and staying in New England, he’s still a professional hockey player. Once the season starts, I can’t help wondering if things will be the same as they are now.
I shake my head to dispel the doubt creeping in from the back of my mind.
The door opens, interrupting my thoughts. My heart flutters at the affectionate expression on Caleb’s face.
“You came,” he says in a mix of surprise, relief, and pleasure.
“I stop by for dessert every year,” I answer with a blush, not bringing up how it was only when I knew he wasn’t home for the holidays in recent years. “I brought this.”
I hold up the extra pecan butter tarts I baked for his family. Thankfully by bribing Leo and Hazel to give me a hand, we were able to make enough of my annual specialty to share with everyone before we closed up the bakery for the holiday and returned to our hometown in Vermont.
The corners of his eyes crinkle. Glancing over his shoulder, he sneaks a hug and a quick kiss before taking my hand to lead me inside. I lick my lips, wishing we could linger in the entryway, just the two of us like our snow globe bubble in the mountains.
He carries the tray for me. It inspires a picture of what our future might look like in another seven years as a couple arriving together to visit family. I bite my lip as butterflies swirl through me.
“You just missed Elijah’s call. He’s in Toronto since his team’s scheduled to play an away series right after the Christmas break,” he says.
I slip my hand free from his before we reach the living room where everyone else is. Layla has a crown made of wrapping paper and gift bows. Mr. Adler’s cheeks are rosy from drinking and laughing with her. Mrs. Adler bobs her head to the holiday music, waving at me cheerfully.
Layla pops to her feet with a cheer as she runs across the room in a blur of her vivid red hair to hug me. “Holly’s here!”
“Merry Christmas.” I squeeze her.
Caleb lifts my baked goods out of reach. “I’ve got dibs. Anyone else want some?”
“Don’t you need to get back to the gym to maintain your professional athlete body.” She taps him in the stomach with the back of her hand.
He grunts with a smirk, two bites deep. “Can’t stop me. Not when it comes to Holly’s baking. Shit, these are good. I could eat the entire tray.”
A stifled groan of appreciation escapes him. My cheeks heat. I’m unable to control my face, feeling like it’s written all over it that I’m in love with him. With effort, I attempt a normal smile.
“They taste different than the last time I had them,” he muses curiously.
“I’m glad you like them. Half are the traditional recipe with brown sugar. Half are maple. I was testing out a twist on the classic to see if I wanted to add them to my bakery’s seasonal menu,” I say.
Layla finally manages to snag one from Caleb’s keep away game, melting as she tastes the pastry. “Oh my god. Mom, Holly made your favorites. They’re better than ever.”
“Thank you, Holly,” Mrs. Adler says.
I smile. “Of course.”
I spend time with everyone to hear about their Christmas, finding excuses to be near Caleb. My hand brushes his and we keep sneaking glances.
Afterwards, Layla tugs me away. “Come upstairs. I want to show you my options for New Year’s Eve outfits for Girls’ Trip: Take Two.”
Her bedroom is full of nostalgic memories. K-Pop posters are still plastered on the walls of the groups our friend, Hana, introduced us to in high school. Her massive book collection I still borrow from as a curated taste library. The cozy blanket fort in the corner where we spent most of our sleepovers beneath fairy lights exchanging secrets.
I sit on her bed as she models each option for me. We decide on matching sparkly silver and gold rompers, then plan out a dance playlist to take us to midnight at our private party for two.
I have no doubt Caleb would love to peel the sexy little number off me at the end of the night. My lips purse to the side. Layla hasn’t invited him to come with us. He might be busy with training once he’s signed with his new hockey team, anyway.
