I should have stayed in bed.
Unfortunately, Sweet Seasons Bakery is providing refreshments for the annual Winter Charity Skate, and small-town obligations are apparently legally binding.
"He's volunteering," I say, and Mrs. Bellamy's smile grows.
Which should not be physically possible.
"How wonderful."
I immediately regret giving her information.
Beside me, Jillie bounces on her skates.
"Mom, can I go on the ice?"
"Not until the volunteers finish setting up."
She sighs dramatically.
It’s the sigh of a child suffering unimaginable hardship.
"That's forever."
"It's ten minutes."
"Basically forever."
Mrs. Bellamy pats her shoulder.
"I remember when your mother was that impatient."
"I am not impatient."
Both Mrs. Bellamy and I stare at her. Jillie grins.
"Okay. Maybe a little."
The rink is already filling with families.
Children race across the snow-covered sidewalks.
Parents carry helmets.
Teenagers cluster near the entrance.
Music drifts from outdoor speakers.
The whole town seems to have decided that winter isn't quite finished with us yet.
Which is fitting.
Briar Cove treats seasonal events like national holidays, and the Winter Charity Skate is no exception.
I finish arranging cups beside the hot chocolate dispensers and glance toward the parking lot.
That is when I see him.
Colby isn't arriving like a hockey star.
