Oak Way was quiet, the kind of quiet that only came after closing time, when the shops had gone still but their windows still glowed with twinkle lights set to timers. Even from down the road, Liam could see the Cinnamon Spice Inn. The lights must’ve been set to stay on until at least midnight. Madison had strung lights on every tree and bush, and along the roofline, making the inn appear warm and inviting even in the freezing cold.
Liam hadn’t noticed that before. But he noticed it now.
Just like how he noticed the fresh snow that covered the sidewalk, clean except for a trail of Muff’s pawprints as she walked around, nose to the ground, taking her time.
He gave Muff a few minutes, watching tiny flecks of snow drift through the air, catching in the light like silver glitter. The gaslit fireplace on the street corner was still going, firelight flickering behind the screen, even if no one sat in the Adirondack chairs tonight. The street was silent. Not another soul in sight. It was peaceful in a way that only Maple Falls could be. Liam thought Cassidy would’ve called the moment magical. He didn’t disagree.
Anita opened the café door right on time and handed over a brown paper bag. “There’s enough for two,” she said, her eyes meeting his. “Take care of her.”
He nodded. “Don’t worry. I will.”
Anita didn’t let go of the bag right away. Her hand lingered for a second, her gaze soft but steady. “You’re a good boy.”
Liam grinned, not allowing the moment to get too heavy. “Keep it down, will you? I don’t want my reputation ruined.” He thought for a beat before adding, “And don’t tell my mother.”
Anita smiled, letting go of the bag. “Your secret’s safe with me.”
He knew that to be true. Zach’s mom heard plenty of small-town gossip at her café, but she tended to listen to it rather than spread it. He appreciated that about her.
“Thanks, you’re the best.” Liam gave a tip of his imaginary hat and headed back down Oak Way, making one more quick stop along the way.
Back at Cassidy’s, he knocked and opened the door, announcing himself as he did. “It’s just us,” he said, unclipping Muff and following her through the kitchen into the living room. Muff wasted no time climbing up on the couch and tuckingin next to Cassidy, who was curled up in the corner, shivering under the knit snowflake blanket.
“I got you some soup,” Liam added, taking the bag to the kitchen and getting down a bowl. He’d save the rest for her for later.
“You didn’t have to do that,” she said. “I could’ve made some ramen or something.”
“I doubt you want to do much of anything,” Liam replied. She was looking worse by the minute.
“I think I’m getting a fever,” she admitted.
“I picked up some cold medicine too—pick your poison,” he said, taking out some nighttime cold medicine along with Tylenol and some flu and cold capsules. “Wasn’t sure what your go-to was, but I generally like to knock myself out when I’m dealing with the crud.”
“You didn’t have to do all this,” Cassidy said softly when he returned with the warmed-up soup, and set up cold medicine, a fresh bottle of water, and a mug of tea beside her.
“I know. I wanted to,” he said.
Cassidy shivered.
“You need a pillow. Do you mind?” He motioned back down the hall to her bedroom.
“No, a pillow would be great,” she replied, eyes closed.
He moved quietly down the hall, his boots softened by the rug. Her bedroom door was slightly ajar.
This was the first time he’d let himself step inside. Before, the idea of being alone in her space, the place where she slept, dreamed, and rested, had felt too intimate. Too tempting. But she needed him. He was here for her, not himself, and somehow knowing that made it even harder to breathe.
The room was small but warm, with a red-and-white holiday quilt tucked over the bed. A few Christmas throw pillows werearranged neatly, and soft white twinkle lights were draped around the window frame. It smelled of vanilla and peppermint.
Liam stopped when he spotted the full-length mirror in the corner. He couldn’t stop the flash of images, of the things he wanted to do with Cassidy in front of that mirror.
Swallowing his desire down, he grabbed the pillow from the bed and turned to go, but not before letting himself glance around once more.
Someday soon…
THIRTY-ONE
CASSIDY
