She’d found them back at her chocolate shop, waiting and wondering where she’d snuck off to. Miles had lifted his brows when she told them.So that’s who you’re dating? The farm shop hottie?Julian had crossed his arms in mock offense, but Miles’s easy grin and teasing shoulder squeeze had smoothed it over.Even Julian’s attempt to hold onto his scowl hadn’t lasted long before it gave way to a grin. Cassidy could still hear the warmth in Miles’s voice when he turned back to her and said,We’re happy for you.
Letting them go that morning hadn’t been easy, but she hadn’t fought too hard. Now that her light-up night was behind her and Christmas was less than a week away, Cassidy finallyfelt like she could exhale. The worst of the pressure had passed. Liam was still working on the final touches for his display, hammering and fussing over details. She’d offered to help, but he’d waved her off, reminding her she’d already done plenty when she’d stepped in after the raccoons had wrecked everything. She was still reeling to think that after all the gossip and rumors, after all her suspicions and anger about the Gingerbread Jerk, the answer to the Maple Falls Christmas mystery had turned out to be so innocent.
Later that afternoon, a message buzzed on her phone.
How do you feel about lasagna?
She replied right away.
Lasagna sounds perfect. I’ll bring the wine.
She packed an overnight bag and tucked it into the backseat of her car. She didn’t want to assume anything, but she also didn’t want to be caught unprepared.
When she stepped inside his house later that evening, the first thing she noticed was the Christmas tree standing in the corner of his living room. Her heart jumped.
It was the tree. The one she’d bid on at the Festival of Trees.
Her face lit up. “You got it,” she said, walking toward it slowly, taking in the warm lights and mix of ornaments. “Although… it looks a little different.”
“I added a few things of my own,” he said from the kitchen, glancing over as he used a corkscrew to open the bottle of wine she’d brought.
She moved closer, brushing her fingers along one of the new ornaments. A small wooden honeybee nestled near the top. A carved ornament shaped like a tiny saw. She smiled. They were so… him.
For the next hour, they cooked together in the glow of the tree lights and the hum of soft holiday music playing in the background. Liam browned the meat, a dishtowel slung over his shoulder, while Cassidy stirred the simmering sauce. A pot of noodles bubbled gently on the stove.
They worked in tandem, layering the noodles, sauce, and cheeses—ricotta, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of parmesan. She laid down the noodles, he followed with a generous spoonful of sauce, and together, they scattered handfuls of shredded cheese.
It wasn’t fancy, and it wasn’t fast. But it was warm and unhurried and full of shared glances and soft laughter.
Once the lasagna was safely tucked into the oven, he rinsed his hands and reached for the wine glasses. Her fingers brushed his as he handed her the glass.
“To finally being able to slow down,” he said, raising his glass.
“I’ll drink to that.” She clinked her glass gently against his.
Cassidy hadn’t realized how much she’d craved this kind of quiet. There were no expectations. No pressure. A feeling of contentment bloomed in her chest.
This man had been worth breaking her vow for. This man was the kind of man who would love her forever.
FIFTY-TWO
LIAM
Tuesday, December 23rd
Liam thought that if every night with Cassidy could be like the days and nights they’d shared together in the last few days, then he would be the happiest man for the rest of his life. She gave her whole heart; she was selfless and giving in ways he still had to get used to, ways he didn’t always feel like he deserved. But he’d promised himself he would show up for her, love her, and support her.
Tonight was his light-up night. They stood outside, bundled together. Cassidy in the red wool coat that he loved, hair in two braids, green tinsel woven through. Him in his black puffer coat, no tinsel, but a bright red scarf. It was a gift from her and he loved wearing it.
“You know what today is?” She grinned. “It’s Christmas Eve Eve! And it’s going to be thebestday of the year.”
“Because I’m going to win?” he asked playfully.
She leaned and whispered in his ear. “You’ll win something, for sure. I’ll show you later.”
Liam laughed. The look in her eye wasn’t just teasing—it was a promise. And suddenly, he couldn’t wait until later that night when it would be just the two of them.
But right now, they were surrounded by a packed crowd. His parents were there, too, and his mom was smiling ear to ear. They were set to go over to his parents’ house for Christmas dinner. When he’d asked his mom if he could bring Cassidy, she’d squealed into the phone. He’d considered that a yes.
