Page 6 of A Mistletoe Mix Up
“Likewise. How’s the city?” I ask as we shake hands.
“Horrible. Traffic, too many people, too much crime. I’m always grateful when I get to come back home.”
I nod in understanding. “Being in a quiet town has its perks.”
“Definitely. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you. How’s the officer life treating you?”
“Fine. I have my one-year review this week.” I rub my neck.
Andrew claps me on the shoulder. “You’ll be good. They’d be crazy to think they could do better without you.”
“Thanks, Andrew.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a flash of movement. Jane dashes through the bookstore, her face lit up. She launches herself at Andrew, who catches her midstride, lifting her off her feet.
“You’re here!” Her words tumble out breathlessly. “I missed you,” she says, looking up at him with what can only be described as love brimming in her eyes.
Andrew’s whole face transforms when he looks at her. “I missed you too, Jane.”
Something twists in my chest watching them. Their love is so natural, so easy. That’s what I want someday. A connection so deep and joyous. Where you eagerly await to see them again, and when they walk through the door, your day gets better just because they’re there. Where every small moment matters, and even silence is comfortable. Where you’re just…home with each other.
I move toward Tandy, who’s standing behind the front desk, and lean on the counter.
“Hey, up for a hike later? The hill?”
She’s looking at Jane and Andrew, a far-off look in her eyes. Is she thinking the same thing?
“Bookworm?”
She shakes her head. “Huh?” She blinks a few times, then focuses on me. “Hike. Yes. You know I’m always down for a good hike.”
I raise an eyebrow. Her tone seems off, but maybe it’s just me. I have been feeling unlike myself today.
“Just promise not to leave me behind if I stop to sketch something.” She points a finger at me.
“There’s no fun in hiking without my favorite slowpoke.” I wink at her, and she rolls her eyes. “I’ll pick you up a little after five?”
“It’s a date!”
Despite the casual tone in her voice, my heart jumps at her words. A date. Even as a joke, it sounds…nice.
I say my goodbyes and climb into my truck. When I pull into the driveway, Gramps is watering the lawn. Jet, my black lab, who is lying on the porch, stands up to stretch. His tail wags as he groggily walks down the porch steps to me.
“Hey, Gramps. How was golf?” I ask as I rub behind Jet’s ears. His tail wags harder as he nudges his head into my hand.
“Those boys couldn’t even dream of beating me.” He sets down the hose. “I schooled those youngsters and reminded them not to underestimate the old man.”
I laugh and shake my head. “That’s right, Gramps.”
“Come on, dinner’s ready.” He pats my shoulder.
“I’m actually taking dinner to go tonight. Is that alright?”
“Of course, it’s alright,” he says, a curious brow lifted. “You’re a grown man, you don’t have to ask permission.” He chuckles as he and Jet head inside.
I follow them into the kitchen, and the smell of cooked pasta and tomato sauce envelops me. I head to my room to change out of my uniform, then quickly pack a container.
Grandpa’s on the couch flipping through channels with Jet lying at his feet.
