“So, you didn’t feel like you were kissing Steph last night?”
“Not even close.” He shakes his head for what must be the third time. “All it took was spending more time with you than one dinner to see the wonderful, nuanced woman you are.” He pushes a hand through his hair. “I honestly can’t believe that I ever saw you as an extension of your sister.”
Something fills my chest until it is buoyant with what I think might be hope. “Carter… are yousure?”
I hadn’t really realized how much I wanted this until this moment. Maybe I didn’t want to hope and be shut down, too terrified to put myself out there again.
He cups my face. “I’ve never been so sure of anything. You’re meant to be mine, and I’m going to prove it to you.” He leans in and kisses me.
The kiss is even better than last night’s because this time, I won’t be left wondering what it means. This time, it means everything.
After Carla finishes pinning me for alterations, Carter and I hold hands as we walk around downtown, checking more wedding stuff off the list. It feels so good to be with him—like we’re a couple. So natural, as if we’ve always been that way.
Tonight, we’re going ice skating, something I’ve avoided since the first time I tried it after I moved. Growing up in Florida, winter sports were never really part of my life, and I figured out quickly that ice skating isn’t the easiest skill to pick up—at least not for me. But Carter assures me that he’s a pro and will help me out.
It’s not a traditional ice rink that we’re going to, but an ice path that runs through the forest. The route is lined with string lights, and there are vendors selling handmade goods, food, and drinks, and even a spot where the kids can sit on Santa Claus’s lap. I’ve heard a lot of people in town talk about it before, but I’ve never been because of the whole having-to-skate-to-enjoy-it thing. But as soon as we arrive, I wish I’d tried harder to learn because it’s beautiful.
Huge evergreens, branches heavy with snow, line either side of the path that winds through the forest. The hanging lights create a soft glow on the snow of the forest bed and reflect off the ice.
Carter and I head under an archway of red velvet ribbon and Christmas balls into what resembles a Christmas village. Holiday music rings out, and all the vendors are set up along the outside of a large circle. In the middle, tables and Adirondack chairs are set around roaring fires.
“This place feels magical.” I turn to soak in Carter’s reaction.
His wide ocean eyes glimmer as they bounce from one thing to the next. “It sure does. I can’t believe you’ve never been here before.”
“I know. Now I feel like I was missing out. Makes me feel like a wimp for not trying harder.”
We both chuckle.
He squeezes my hand. “I’m kind of happy you didn’t.”
“Why?” I cock my head.
He looks down. “Because it’s our first of firsts.”
“First of firsts?” I giggle, and his smile grows.
“The first time we get to do something together that neither of us has done before.”
My heart soars. It sounds so lovely, and I can’t wait to do the next one.
“And of course I get to act all macho and show you how to skate. An ego thing, you know?”
“Oh, I know.”
He places a kiss on my temple. “Let’s go get our skates.”
“Are you sure you want to take responsibility for my safety on the ice? I’m really not good.” I stare at the skates on the counter, remembering how I could barely stand as kids were whizzing by me.
He shakes his head and hands me my skates. “Just don’t break anything. Steph will kill me if you’re wearing a cast in her wedding pictures.”
I laugh as we walk to a nearby bench to put on our skates. Carter gets his on in record time, and I take my time tying my skates.
“Well, I see your first problem.”
“What?”
“They aren’t nearly tight enough. Here.” He stands in front of me and motions for me to give him my foot.
