Page 45 of A Match Made In Fall

The thought creates another strange feeling inside me. And considering this is only our second date, it’s too soon to have such strong emotions.

“He’s not ready to give up yet,” I say. “That’s why he’s here. It takes a lot of nerve to show up at your ex’s parents’ house.”

She doesn't answer right away. I wish I knew what was going through her head.

“He will,” she says finally. “Nothing has changed for either of us. We grew apart—we’re different people now.”

The certainty in her voice should make me feel better, but it doesn’t. Thankfully the GPS loudly instructs me to turn right. I glance at the screen and turn down a narrow road lined with old brick buildings.

We're almost at our destination, which is probably for the best. I think we both need a break from this conversation.

The street looks like a picture on the front of a postcard. There are lanterns hanging between storefronts along with pumpkins, fall accents, and garlands. And I wasn’t the only one with the idea to come here tonight because every parking spot is taken.

“Oh, wow.” Isabella leans forward. “It looks busy.”

“Yes.” I breathe a sigh of relief. “I was just thinking the same thing. At least now you won’t think I drove you out to the middle of nowhere for nothing.”

She laughs. “I was wondering…”

After circling around the block, I finally find a parking spot a short walk away.

There’s a cool breeze and the smell of warm cinnamon fills the air as we head toward Marlow’s. We stroll side by side, looking around to take in the views of the quaint town. We pass a pharmacy that looks like it’s been around for centuries, a small market, a toy store, and an antique shop.

“This town is so cute. I⁠—”

Her boot catches on an uneven section of sidewalk. I watch as she starts falling, but fortunately my reflexes are faster. Without skipping a beat, I reach for her, wrapping my arms around her before disaster strikes. She grabs onto me just as tightly, steadying herself against my chest.

“I got you,” I assure her.

Her eyes find mine. And for a moment, neither of us moves. It feels like time stands still, like I’m in one of those romantic comedy movies my mom loves.

“Thanks,” she says softly. “I hate this stupid boot.”

I glance down at it.

“I don't know.” My gaze returns to hers. “I'm kind of used to it.”

A slow smile spreads across her face. Neither of us looks away.

The world around us continues to fade into the background. There are footsteps on the sidewalk moving past us and the traffic lining the street. But all I can focus on is her.

I gently pull her a little closer waiting to see if she hesitates, but there’s none. I take advantage of our closeness and softly brush my lips against hers.

Her arms tighten around my shoulders, giving me all the answer I need.

I kiss her again, but this time it’s slower and deeper. And she kisses me back. It’s one of those that makes me forget where I am for a few seconds. In fact, I seem to forget everything. Hockey games, responsibilities, her ex- boyfriend showing up…

Her lips are soft, and the longer she's in my arms, the better I feel. I’m not sure how much time passes before we finally pull apart. Seconds, minutes—it could be either.

When I open my eyes, I suddenly remember we're standing in the middle of a public sidewalk.

People are walking around us, and some are watching us.

“Well,” I say, lowering my voice. “I guess we gave them a pretty good show.”

She giggles. “I hope they enjoyed it.”

I exhale slowly. “Well, I certainly did.”