“It’s a Christmas tree lighting ceremony?” Cassie asked.
“With a few additions,” Eliza pointed out. “Ben loves the face painting and gingerbread house decorating.”
“Not to mention the movie at the end of the night,” Luke added.
“Movie?” Cassie asked, not sure how the town would manage that.
Luke pointed to several rows of lawn chairs arranged at the end of the square, surrounded by towering space heaters. “We all bury ourselves in blankets and watchHow the Grinch Stole Christmasprojected on the front of the courthouse.”
“I’m impressed,” Cassie said, halting abruptly as three young boys darted past them wielding sticks speared with marshmallows.
“No running with sharp objects!” Eliza shouted before mumbling, “Where are their parents?” Her eyes widened as she recognized one of the ruddy faces painted to look like Rudolph. “Wait! That’s Ben!” She rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “I suppose that’s what I get for having the grandparents babysit. Pandemonium.” Chasing the rambunctious boys to the firepit, she called over her shoulder to Cassie and Luke, “Catch up with you two later!”
Giggling, Cassie watched Eliza scramble after them, disappearing into the boisterous, jovial crowd. Nearly every single resident of Poppy Creek seemed to be in attendance. The vibrant hum of laughter and conversation harmonized with the festive Christmas carols performed by a four-piece band. Everyone seemed so… happy. Unexpectedly, an intense yearning to belong overwhelmed Cassie’s emotions.
“What’s on your mind?” Luke asked. “You look like you’re lost in thought.”
Cassie forced a smile past the doleful realization that someday Poppy Creek would be nothing more than a distant memory. “Nothing. Just taking it all in.”
Luke smiled, mirroring her appreciation. “Poppy Creek holds the event the same night every year. And no one remembers exactly how the tradition of wearing pajamas started. Although everyone has their own version they like to tell.”
“Like what?” Cassie asked, intrigued by the strange tradition.
“Oh, everything from a group of moms not wanting to get their kids ready for bed after the movie to a silly dare that started a trend,” Luke chuckled. “But my favorite explanation involves Mayor Hasket, who didn’t retire until the ripe old age of ninety-seven. Rumor has it, his last year as mayor, he showed up in a union suit, and to save him the embarrassment, everyone went home and changed into their own pajamas.”
“What’s a union suit?”
Luke’s eyes glinted with humor. “You know the thermal onesie with the butt flap?”
Cassie covered her mouth with her hand as a giggle escaped.
“Exactly.” Luke grinned. “Ready for some hot chocolate?” He tipped his head in the direction of a small stand draped in golden lights that flickered like tiny fireflies. “Sadie Hamilton owns the sweet shop, and she makes hot chocolate so decadent, you almost have to eat it with a spoon.”
Luke placed a hand on her lower back, directing her toward the booth, and even beneath her thick coat, Cassie could sense the warmth from his touch.
Abruptly Luke froze.
Cassie followed his gaze to a striking platinum blonde in thermal leggings and a long plaid nightshirt that fell mid-thigh. Her icy blue eyes drilled into Cassie, only breaking away when the volunteer at the booth diverted her attention, handing her a paper cup brimming with whipped cream. Throwing one last glare over her shoulder, the blonde stomped toward the firepit where she joined a lively group of friends.
“Who was that?” Cassie asked as they resumed their stride.
“Victoria Burke. Her parents own the Buttercup Bistro.” After a moment’s pause, Luke added, “We used to date.”
Cassie’s heartbeat slowed until it nearly stopped altogether. For some reason the thought of Luke with the beautiful—albeit unfriendly—blonde tied a knot in the pit of her stomach.
As they stood in line for hot chocolate, Cassie knew she should let the subject drop, but she couldn’t help asking, “Why did you two break up?”
Luke dug his fists into his coat pockets, and Cassie wasn’t sure if his hands were cold, or if she’d hit a nerve. “Several reasons.”
Cassie brushed an imaginary piece of lint from her black peacoat.Let it be, Cassie. It doesn’t matter.But her better judgment couldn’t keep her from pressing further. “So, what was themainreason, then?”
Luke opened his mouth to respond, but to Cassie’s frustration, they’d reached their turn in line. So rather than give an answer, he placed their order instead.
Curiosity gnawed at Cassie as they stood off to the side, waiting for their hot chocolate. So much so, she couldn’t concentrate on anything else. Not the beauty of the star-lit sky that looked like a thousand twinkling Christmas lights had been stretched across it. Or the tantalizing scent of rich, dark chocolate and crushed peppermint. And certainly not the buzz of merriment going on all around her.
In the short amount of time she’d known Luke, she had taken his single status for granted. It never crossed her mind he could be seeing someone. Or perhaps pining over a lost love. Now the thought caused her heart to revolt. But what right did she have to care one way or the other?
It wasn’t, and never would be, any of her business.
