Page 45 of A Curvy Carol

Cocoa Corner was next. Where we first met, where I had my first cup of Garland hot cocoa. “I still remember the first time I saw you,” I told her, close to her ear. “You kind of took my breath away.”

Her gaze found mine, but she didn’t say anything at first. She just shook her head and glanced down like she couldn’t believe me. “Me?” she finally said.

“Yes, you,” I replied, wondering why she didn’t know how stunning she was. “I thought you were beautiful. Still do.”

Next was Scrooge’s. We didn’t go right past it, but it was close enough that we could see it. “Ah, Scrooge’s. Not my favorite, being tossed out on the street, but Scrooge makes a mean burger, I’ve got to admit.”

Carolynn began laughing, probably at the memory of Scrooge’s forehead vein pulsing like it might burst and me getting kicked out. The sound was so contagious I joined in.

It had been embarrassing as heck for me, but it was funny now.

After a while, we rode past A Wonderful Film, and somehow, Carolynn ended up snuggled next to me, under my arm.Probably the cold, I told myself. But I hoped it was also something else. Like wanting to be close to me, how I wanted to be with her.

We didn’t say anything for a while. I’d just point out every place that had been on our list.

Candy Cane Co.

Santa’s Bag.

The Nutcracker.

Even a glance at Mistletoe Hill, far off in the distance.

So many memories. With her.

Pretty soon, we’d been everywhere on the list.

We finished up back at the Garland Christmas tree, at Cider Center.

The sleigh came to a slow and steady stop. My arm remained around Carolynn. I wasn’t ready to leave, to separate from her.

I turned toward her, and she toward me.

“I never want to lose you, Christmas Carol,” I admitted.

Did she feel the same?

27

CAROLYNN

My heart pounded so hard inside my chest I was sure Whit had to hear it.

Listening to Whit describe the past week and a half blew me away. While this had started as a deal I’d made with my parents to avoid a holiday I dreaded—it had been special for him from the start.

As he helped me off the sleigh, my throat felt tight with emotion. “This was amazing,” I mustered.

He grinned. “One more thing for the list.”

“Another?” I said with a chuckle.

He took my hand and led me toward the Christmas tree.

It wasn’t far.

As we walked, everything that had happened raced through my mind like a blur. Every single memory. The pain and hurt. His letter.

But by the time we arrived at the tree, my mind was clear. So was my heart.