Kissmas Wishes (Love In All Seasons 3)

It wasn’t how I wanted things to go with Brooks, but since when do I get things to go the way I want?

I wave to Parker, who owns the lot, and he tells me I have a friends and family discount. “Can’t wait for the wedding, Noelle,” he tells me. “I hear there is going to be a chocolate fountain?”

“Of course, there will be! I’m so glad you’ll be there. Most everyone in town has RSVP’d.”

“Well, if you ever want to change careers, you could be a wedding planner. Sounds like you’ve done yourself a real fine job.”

I smile. “I don’t think working the register at Three Sisters counts as a career, but thanks, Parker.”

My friend Tillie, has a new food truck and it’s parked at the tree lot. I head over and order a hot chocolate and I ask how she’s doing.

“Oh, pretty good — except there is this new guy in town. And he’s a complete and utter asshole.”

My eyes widen. Is she talking about Brooks?

“His name is Benji and he’s a chef, with a food truck.”

“Oh,” I say, relieved it isn’t the same person. “Well, I will avoid him at all costs.”

“Right? I’m just getting my truck up and running, I don’t need competition.”

“Sorry, babe.” She hands me the drink, and waves away my debit card. “Still on for tonight?” I ask her.

Her face lights up. “I can’t wait. I’m so done with holiday stress.”

“I hear you. This wedding has taken a lot out of me.”

“Is Sophia being… grateful?”

I take a sip of the yummy drink to avoid answering. “The wedding is going to be beautiful. The gown alone will take your breath away.”

“Let me guess, you picked it out?”

I nod. “I did. It’s my dream dress, but Sophia said she didn’t care. Every time I pressed her on it, she deferred to me. Even at the dress shop.”

“Do you think she wants to… you know, do this?”

My shoulders fall, and I shake my head. “Don’t say that. After all the work I’ve done for it… it would be a big blow.”

Tillie sets her hand on mine, and I know I should let her go, she has a few customers lining up. “I know, sweetie. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“It’s fine,” I say, saying goodbye. “Tonight, we’ll catch up more.” I leave the food truck and begin winding my way through the rows of trees, not wanting her doubts to cloud my mind. It’s Christmas — I’m here to be happy, to be thinking of something besides Sophia’s wedding.

Just then, a little girl runs up to me. It’s Scout, dancing in circles of excitement. “It’s you! From the bakery!”

Her excitement is infectious, and I find myself laughing as she grabs my hand, dragging me to… Brooks. “Papa, look who I found!”

Brooks’ eyes reach mine and I can feel my cheeks burn. Last night completely changed my thoughts on what sex could be.

He knew what he was doing… and it felt so freaking good. He made me laugh and swell with delight. He kissed me and woke something up that no one ever tried to awaken before. One night with Brooks was a terrible idea because he has now ruined me for sex with all other men.

“Noelle,” he says with a big grin as if we were old friends and not ex-lovers. “It’s so good to see you.”

It’s genuine, his happiness in seeing me. I know, because I feel it too. Happy. To see him. He isn’t just some guy. He’s Brooks. A man who saw my heart and handled it so gently.

Why, exactly, did I let him walk away?

“What are you doing here?” I ask, immediately regretting the stupid question. He is here buying a tree, just like me.

A woman I’ve met once, Brooks’ mother, Coralee is there and says, “Oh hello, Noelle. Brooks told us all about your afternoon.”

My eyes lift, and Brooks fills in. “I told her how beautiful the lodge is, and how we grabbed dinner afterward.”

“How is Dean doing?” I ask her. “I’m so sorry to hear he took a fall.”

Coralee shakes her head. “He hates the idea of sitting still, but I told him we can get the tree ourselves.”

“Are you getting a tree too, Noelle?” Scout asks.

“I am.” I smile. “My apartment wasn’t looking very Christmassy.”

“So are we. Papa said I can put the star on the top.”

I meet Brooks’ gaze. Is this man even real? He seems so perfect… in every way except the fact that he lives hundreds of miles away.

“You know,” Coralee says. “Why don’t you come over and have an early dinner with us? It’s so cold out and I have a big pot of chili on the stove.”

“Oh, I couldn’t. I wouldn’t want to impose.”

Coralee sets her hand so her hips. “I won’t take no for answer, Noelle. Unless you have plans of course?”