Sighing, I looked out the window, and more decorated homes came into view. “I wanted to be a normal kid and wake up in my own bed Christmas morning. To smell our freshly cut Christmas tree that I helped decorate while I opened up my presents.” I looked over at him. “It’s not that I’m ungrateful. I know you probably think I have nothing to complain about since I got to see the world.”
He shook his head. “That’s not what I’m thinking at all. Traveling the world wouldn’t have made me happy. Being here and having my family traditions was what I enjoyed most.”
“And that’s exactly what I wanted,” I murmured. I’d seen so many Christmas movies and how amazing they made the holidays seem. I would never forget the memories and adventures I had with my parents over the holidays, but it wasn’t what I wanted to pass down to my family if I ever had one of my own. I wanted normal Christmas traditions with Santa Claus and a gazillion presents underneath the tree my kids helped me decorate.
We slowly approached downtown Friendship, and it looked like a winter wonderland. Wrought iron light poles lined the street, all wrapped in garland and white lights with red ribbons. A group of men and women—dressed in old-fashioned clothes—strolled up and down the street, caroling. I rolled my window down so I could hear them.
“We’re almost there,” Colin said. He pointed down one of the side streets. “There’s also a pond down that way where everyone goes to ice-skate. If you want, I can take you there. It’ll give you a chance to meet new people.”
I gasped. “Definitely not. I haven’t ice-skated in years. The last thing I want to do is make a fool of myself.”
He burst out laughing. “No worries. If you don’t want anyone watching you, you can ice-skate on the pond at the inn. Some of our guests enjoy the privacy of it.”
That sounded like a better idea. I didn’t want pictures of me falling on my butt all over the internet. “The only way I’m going out there is if I have someone to help me. Maybe Brianna will do it with me. I’d love to try it again.” I glanced at him quickly and then turned my attention to the road, silently hoping.
“If she can’t skate with you, I’ll be happy to do it. I don’t want you breaking any bones.”
Mission accomplished. Grinning wide, I turned to him. “Perfect.” We arrived at the center of downtown, which was a park with a large fountain in the middle. There were people everywhere, surrounding a very large Christmas tree.
Colin parked, and I slowly opened the door, trying not to stare at everyone else gawking at us curiously. Colin shut my door, and I cleared my throat. “I’m not going to be making any of these women mad, am I?”
Colin glanced around and smiled. “You’re good. My last girlfriend left town to pursue bigger things. She didn’t want a small-town life.” He said it so flippantly, but I could see from his face that it hurt deeper than he wanted to admit.
“I’m sorry, Colin. Believe it or not, I know what it feels like to be dumped.”
He nodded. “I know. I remember Brianna talking about your breakup after she read it in the tabloids.” Groaning, I closed my eyes and he squeezed my wrist. “Hey, it’s okay. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Your ex was an idiot. To this day, I haven’t watched any of the movies he’s been in.”
Opening my eyes, I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks. That actually makes me feel better.”
He nodded toward one of the booths. “Good. Now how about we get some hot chocolate?”
He held out his arm, and I linked it with mine, loving how comfortable I felt with him. It was like we’d known each other for years. “Sounds yummy.”
We walked over to the booth, and an older lady with short, white hair beamed. “There you are, young man. I’ve been wondering when I was going to see your sweet face here.” She hurried around the counter and hugged him.
Chuckling, Colin hugged her back and kept his arm around her shoulders. “Mrs. Mable, I’d like you to meet Layla. She just moved into town. I’m showing her around.”
Mrs. Mable held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
I shook her hand. “Likewise.”
She patted Colin’s arm. “I used to teach this one at the elementary school. One of my favorite students.”
Colin squeezed her and let go. “And she used to be my favorite teacher.”
“Thank you, dearie.” Mrs. Mable walked back around to the other side of the booth and handed us both a hot cup of cocoa with marshmallows. “Seems like forever and a day ago. You kids grow up so fast.”
Colin held out his arm and I took it, my stomach fluttering the entire time.
“Take care of yourself, Mrs. Mable,” Colin said with a wave. “Tell that grandson of yours I said hello.”
She winked. “Will do.”
We walked away, and he leaned in close. “I grew up with her grandson. I haven’t seen him since he moved to Maine last year.”
I shivered just thinking about it. “Maine, yikes. I’m sure it’s colder there than here.”
“Just a little, but not much,” he replied, laughing. He nodded toward the stage that stood in front of the massive Christmas tree. “Come on, let’s see if we can get a good spot.”