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But all Henry could see was Nicole—her smile, the brightness on her face, the way this day had brought her so much joy. There in Nicole’s booth, surrounded by the beautiful things she’d created with her own hands, Henry felt like he was standing at the beginning of something wonderful. Something that, like Nicole’s knitting, would be built one stitch at a time.

“Thank you,” Nicole said softly.

“For what?” Henry asked, reaching for her hand.

“For this. For all of it. For giving me a reason to stay.”

Henry brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles gently. “Thank you for staying,” he said. “Thank you for choosing Fir Tree Grove. For choosing me.”

The evening stretched ahead of them, full of possibility, and Henry couldn’t wait to see what came next.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Nicole hurried down Main Street toward Imogen’s chocolate shop, pulling her coat tighter against the December cold. Snow had fallen steadily throughout the morning, blanketing Fir Tree Grove in a fresh layer of white that made everything look like a scene from a Christmas card. The afternoon sun was beginning to break through the clouds, sending sparkles across the snow-covered sidewalks and rooftops.

It was the day of Mabel and George’s wedding, and Nicole had been honored beyond measure when Mabel had asked her to be part of helping her get ready. In just a few short weeks, Nicole had somehow been folded into this community of women—Mabel, Imogen, and Vanessa—and the feeling of belonging was almost overwhelming. She had more friends than she’d ever had before, and they’d all been so welcoming that she felt as at home as if she’d spent her whole life there.

Nicole pushed open the door to Artisan Chocolates, and the scent of chocolate and cinnamon, eggnog and maple and fudge enveloped her immediately. The shop was closed for the afternoon, but warm light spilled from the back room where she could hear voices and laughter.

“Nicole!” Vanessa called out as Nicole made her way through the shop. “We’re back here!”

Nicole entered the back room to find a scene of joyful chaos. Mabel stood in front of a full-length mirror that someone had brought in for the occasion, wearing a stunning tea-length dress in champagne lace. The color was perfect for her, and the cut was elegant without being fussy—exactly right for Mabel’s personality. Her silver bob had been styled in soft curls, and she had on a pair of snowflake diamond earrings.

Imogen sat at a small table, carefully arranging a bouquet—deep red roses mixed with white ranunculus and evergreen sprigs dusted with what looked like artificial snow. She looked up when Nicole entered, a smile on her face.

“Perfect timing,” Imogen said. “We were just about to help Mabel with her jewelry.”

Vanessa was digging through a small box of accessories, her dark hair pulled back in an elegant twist. She held up a string of pearls for Mabel’s inspection. “What about these, Grandma? They were Mom’s. You probably remember them from her wedding.”

“I do,” Mabel said, her voice thick with emotion as she and Vanessa shared a meaningful look. She caught Nicole’s eye in the mirror and smiled. “Nicole, I’m so glad you could make it. I know it might seem silly to have such a fuss for a second wedding at my age, but⁠—”

“It’s not silly at all,” Nicole said firmly, coming to stand beside Vanessa. “You look absolutely radiant, Mabel. George is going to be thrilled when he sees you.”

Mabel was radiant, she thought. The older woman was shining with joy. Her eyes sparkled, her cheeks glowed, and there was a lightness to her entire bearing that told the story of someone who had found love when she’d stopped looking for it and was savoring every moment. Nicole felt very much as if she could relate.

“I still can’t quite believe this is happening,” Mabel said, smoothing down the front of her dress for what had to be the tenth time. “A couple of years ago, George and I were playing pranks on each other like children. And now…”

“Now you’re getting married,” Imogen finished, standing up with the completed bouquet. “And it’s absolutely perfect. You two are perfect together.”

Vanessa fastened the pearls around Mabel’s neck. “Those are perfect,” she said, and Nicole nodded her agreement.

Mabel turned from the mirror to face the three younger women, and her expression grew even more tender. She reached out and took Imogen’s hand, squeezing it gently. “You’re next,” she reminded her teasingly. “And we’re going to make sure your wedding to Lincoln is as perfect as it can possibly be.”

Imogen blushed, ducking her head with a smile. “Oh, I know,” she said softly. “But I’m not thinking about that today. Today is all about you and George.”

“And it’s beautiful,” Vanessa added, adjusting her grandmother’s hair slightly. “Everything is beautiful.”

Mabel turned to Nicole, and the warmth in her eyes made Nicole’s throat tighten with emotion. “And you, dear Nicole. You’ve helped Henry find a fresh start, and one for yourself too. It seems everyone in this room is well on their way toward love in some capacity, and that fills my heart with such joy.”

Nicole felt tears prick at her eyes. To be included in this moment, to be celebrating with these women who had opened their hearts to her—it was more than she’d ever hoped for when she’d first arrived in Fir Tree Grove, lost and uncertain about her future.

“Thank you,” Nicole managed, her voice slightly watery as she spoke. “Thank you for welcoming me, for including me. You have no idea how much it means.”

“Oh, sweetie,” Mabel said, pulling Nicole into a gentle hug, mindful of her dress and makeup. “You’re one of us now. And we’re so happy to have you.”

The four women stood together, making sure everything was ready for the wedding, and Nicole felt the glow of friendship and happiness stronger than ever before. Outside, the December afternoon was growing colder, but inside Imogen’s shop, surrounded by these women and the sweet smell of chocolate, Nicole felt warmer than she had in years.

A knock on the front door broke the moment, and Vanessa hurried out to answer it. Nicole heard male voices—Christopher from the B&B and Henry—announcing that it was time to head to the venue.