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“The toy train was a nice touch. Kids love standing there and watching it.”
Over dinner, they talked more about the town, the bookstore, the work he was going to do on the ice cream shop, and more of the town’s festivities.
“The parade is next weekend,” he told her. “The route goes along Main Street and ends at the park where they set up arts-and-crafts vendors and food trucks. Maybe we could watch it together?”
Her shy smile returned. “I’d like that.”
They finished their meal with tableside s’mores. Their server brought out a tray with a tiny grill and a glowing flame, surrounded by graham crackers, marshmallows, and a variety of chocolate.
“How cute is this?” Alesha gushed. “I’ve never had these before but always wanted to try them. I’m not big on camping, so this is definitely a treat.”
They assembled their dessert, laughing the entire time as melted chocolate and sticky marshmallows made the process messier than expected.
When they stepped outside later, the cold air carried the faint scent of woodsmoke from the fire pits scattered around the patio. Reece led her down toward the amphitheater his company had built, now strung with lights along the railing. Families gathered nearby with cups of hot chocolate while kids ran laughing through the snow.
Reece paused, watching Alesha as she took it all in. Seeing the place through her eyes filled him with quiet pride. He’d helped build this. The initial vision wasn’t his, but he’d brought it to life with his own hands.
“During the holidays, the resort hosts its annual Lakeview Harbor Festival of Lights,” he said, gesturing toward the amphitheater. “The entire show takes place right here. Actually, I think they do it every weekend in December. If you’re still in the holiday spirit after the parade, it could be fun to come see it.”
“I saw the sign for it in the lobby,” she said. “But it mentioned tickets. Maybe we can check on our way out and see if any are available?”
He nodded, already thinking that even if the show was sold out, he could probably pull a string or two.
They turned and started up the path leading back toward the lodge. As they passed one of the fire pits where people were roasting marshmallows, Alesha slowed slightly. “Ooh…see? Now that looks like fun. Not that ours weren’t,” she added quickly. “But I think I’d love to try it around a big campfire. Do you think we can join them, or do you have to be staying here?”
“Guests only,” he said. “But you mentioned wanting to stay here sometime over the holidays. You’ll be able to try it then.”
“Have you ever stayed here?”
“Twice. Once right after they reopened, and again when the amphitheater hosted its first show. I even got an honorable mention during the dedication.” He nudged her shoulder playfully. “I was a celebrity for about three seconds.”
She laughed softly. “Wow. Not even fifteen minutes of fame? That doesn’t seem fair.”
He sighed dramatically. “Still, I managed to survive.” Reaching for her hand, he gave it a gentle squeeze. “I’m really glad we did this tonight.”
“Me too. I loved seeing the resort, but I’m enjoying the company even more.”
It was nice knowing he wasn’t the only one feeling it.
Near the end of the path, he paused beside a tree wrapped in hundreds of tiny lights. When Alesha turned to face him, he smiled down at her.
Swallowing hard, he said, “I know I probably should wait until the end of the night, but…”
“It’s okay,” she whispered. “I don’t want you to wait. I’d love it if you’d…”
She never finished the sentence.
Reece closed the distance between them, cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her.
four
Three days later, Alesha put the finishing touches on the last graphic she needed to make before scheduling it on Instagram. She was about to close her laptop when she saw an email from the resort. She assumed it was a confirmation for the Festival of Lights, but when she opened it, it was a promo offer for a discounted night after the show.
“Interesting…”
She didn’t delete it, but she was going to mention it to Reece. At least…that was her immediate thought, but was that too presumptuous of her? Was it too soon to be talking about spending the night together?
Shutting the laptop, she hummed happily. It was the weekend, and she was taking the entire thing off so she could enjoy the holiday festivities with her father and Reece.
