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I mean, he bought the damn ice rink so that his company wouldn’t tear it down. He wouldn’t do that unless he loved me, right?

Still, my mind is a muddled mess. I know he wants an answer, but I can’t give him what he wants. “I don’t know, Brad. I need to think about this.”

“I understand.” He nods solemnly and pauses. “There’s just one more thing you should know. The ownership of the ice rink isn’t being drawn up in my name. It’s going to be in yours.”

Chapter 13

Brad

The glittering icicle lights surrounding the town square are glowing brightly. Christmas carols are playing over the speakers and can be heard throughout the square. People are walking around, checking out the different booths, drinking hot chocolate, and tasting all the Christmas treats. It seems the entire town has shown up for the annual tree-lighting ceremony.

Yep, everyone is here… everyone except the one person I’d desperately hoped to see… Winny.

There’s no sign of her. I thought for sure she’d come. I asked her to meet me here with the hope we could talk. She said she’d try to come but made no promises. Said she needed to digest everything that’s happened without me around. So, I gave her time. I stayed away for two excruciatingly long days, even though I was sure it would kill me.

Each minute that passes is torture. The tree lighting is starting soon. My eyes frantically search through the crowds of happy families again. Still, she’s nowhere to be found.

Once the ceremony begins, it’ll all be over. It’ll mean she’s not coming.

I look at my watch as the countdown begins. Ten. Nine. Everyone is facing the tree. The anticipation of seeing the tree light up is written on their faces.

Eight.

Where is she?

Seven. Six

My heart is beating so loudly, so painfully.

Five.

I thought it would be enough. I did all I could, but I had it all wrong.

Four. Three.

I berate myself as the countdown continues. I should’ve done more. I can’t believe she isn’t going to show.

Two.

I scan the crowd one last time. If she were here, I’d have seen her by now.

One.

The tree lights up in a glorious display of red, green, and white lights while the crowd screams, “Merry Christmas!” Everyone is hugging and so excited.

She didn’t come.

I swipe at the moisture that’s gathered in my eyes as anguish grips me. Just when I thought I had another chance with Winny, it’s all been taken away. Seeing all the happiness surrounding me is torture when my heart has just been torn out of my chest.

I can’t believe it’s going to end this way.

“Brad?”

So wrapped up in my personal torment I barely hear my name being called.

Then, I hear it louder. “Brad!”

I look over my shoulder and see the most beautiful vision pushing past people and moving toward me. Only it’s not a vision. It’s Winny, and she’s here. I blink several times just to make sure I’m not seeing things. My eyes see what my mind can’t comprehend.