Page 61 of Love, Lies and Sleigh Rides
Fallon laughed. “That’s not exactly a convincing denial.” June’s prying was a work in progress. She might as well have been wearing a sign declaring “24/7 Snoop” around her neck.
“Fine. Agnes said she caught you two kissing.”
Fallon stiffened at the mention of Agnes. It still wasn’t clear in her mind if Agnes forgot to mention using the Clevelles’ wagon to the Behars like she’d promised Fallon or if Agnes deliberately sabotaged the plans. Again, it didn’t matter. Fallon bore the responsibility of it all.
“What else did she say?”
“That you shouldered too much of the blame. Agnes realized what she did and felt horrible about it.”
In the cloud of confusion during that morning, Fallon’s concern had rested squarely on her own mistakes.
“She said Kade really stepped up, taking his father’s place in the parade. And that you two made a cute Santa and Mrs. Claus. You didn’t tell me that part.”
“It isn’t a big deal.” It was at the time. Riding next to Kade for the entirety of the parade had been a special kind of torture, knowing Kade felt she’d let him down.
June slid across her seat. “It sounds like it all worked out for the best then,” she said, though Fallon detected sarcasm. “I’m going to go see what’s taking our food so long,” June said, rising.
She watched June head toward the counter until she was out of sight then turned her attention to the people walking by the window outside in the cold December air. Last-minute holiday shoppers hurried from store to store, carrying bags, talking on phones, burying noses into the folds of their coats. Fallon had finished her shopping last month; her list of people to buy for was almost nonexistent, June and her cleaning lady.
“Is this seat taken?”
The voice startled her so much that she knocked her knees on the underside of the table and gasped.
Kade looked down at her with a wistful smile.“If it is, I can find another table.”
“You…I…I mean…where?…”
His smile widened as she sputtered. “Does that mean it’s taken?”
She pushed June’s water glass and napkin to another spot on the table. “No, sit. Please.” Her heart pounded in her ears.
At that moment, June came back with the food. She set Fallon’s plate in front of her. June also tucked a bag under her arm. She looked down at Kade, who grinned back at her.
Fallon narrowed her eyes at June. “I’m guessing you two don’t need an introduction.”
“We’ve already taken care of that,” Kade said as he turned his attention back to her.
June lifted the bag under her arm. “And I have my lunch to go. I’ll take it back to the office.”
Fallon fought a smile. “Of course you will.”
Behind Kade’s back, June pressed her hand to her heart and pretended to swoon. Fallon should have known something was brewing when June brought Kade’s name into the conversation.
She took a deep breath and locked eyes with him across the table.
“You’re not mad I interrupted your lunch?” he asked.
She was technically still mad. Or at least she was supposed to be. They hadn’t left off on friendly terms exactly. But the surprise at seeing him again dulled whatever ill will was left. On the contrary, Fallon couldn’t think of why she should still be upset with him.
“I guess not.” Fallon shrugged, playing it cool. Kade still hadn’t said how he happened to be in Minneapolis three days after their epic confrontation on Main Street. Or how he’d found her at the exact time and place she was having lunch.
“Listen, Fallon.” He was serious now. “I know I’m the last person you expected to see today. Or maybe evenwantedto see.”
She chewed on her lip.Don’t acknowledge that. Let him talk.
“I know we didn’t part on the best of terms. But I’ve had some time to think.” Kade touched the top of her hand which still held her salad fork.
Even the brush of his fingers felt so strong and sure. The sensation closed up her throat. She tried swallowing but the lump seemed to swell. Still holding the fork, she dropped it and it clattered against the glass bowl. Fallon twisted her hand to take hold of his. Their fingers intertwined like long lost puzzle pieces finally locking together.
