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Amanda nodded. "I know, but I think ... it's what the town needs. What Jackson needs."
Katie stared at her. "That tree is perfect, sure. But..."
Amanda thought about Jackson, who'd taught her that some experiences were better when not faced alone. She considered the moments they'd shared, which felt all the more remarkable because they were together.
"But nothing. When you came to my house and asked about the tree, I didn't understand what Aspen Cove was about, and now I do," Amanda answered, her voice firm. "Things are better when shared. Friendship. Love. A tree. Responsibility. Jackson taught me that. And now, I think it's time we taught him the same."
Katie studied her, the sincerity in her gaze matching her own. She nodded, her lips curling into a small smile. "You're right. And you know what? I think I can make it happen."
Amanda left the shop, and a new hope blossomed in her heart. The magic of the season was still very much alive.
When she returned, she found Jackson in the kitchen, a steaming cup of coffee in his hands. His posture was hunched, the morning light casting long shadows on his face. Yet, when he looked up and met her gaze, there was a certain clarity in his eyes that hadn't been there the night before.
"Hey," he said, his voice a soft balm to her worries. "I owe you an apology."
She blinked in surprise, reaching out her hand to rest on his arm. His skin was warm, a big difference from the cold morning outside.
"For last night," he explained. "I shouldn't have left you alone. That was ... selfish of me."
She studied him for a moment, her heart warming at his words. She realized then he wasn't just battling his guilt over the town's Christmas lights. He was also wrestling with the guilt of shutting her out and letting his shame and embarrassment overwhelm him to the point that he'd left her to bear the weight alone.
He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous gesture she'd come to recognize. "I don't know how I'm ever going to walk through town again," he admitted. "But that's my cross to bear. I shouldn't have made you suffer too."
She shook her head. "Jackson, you don't have to bear anything alone. Not in this town. Not with me."
He leaned in and kissed her. "I missed you last night," he murmured against her lips, his voice filled with regret and affection.
His confession stirred something within her that seeped deep into her bones. "I missed you too," she said.
"Do you need to work right now?"
"No, I just want to be with you." She thought about telling him her plan but decided to wait in case it didn't work out. "Why?"
"Because I have a night to make up for.” With a soft pull, he led her toward her bedroom. As the door closed behind them, the outside world was a million miles away.
CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
The interior of the cabin was scented with the rich smell of just-made coffee and sharp, clean pine. Jackson was deep in his task, methodically dragging the wood plane over the bare boards. His strong muscles worked in a pattern of familiarity, transforming the rough surface into a smooth one with expert hands.
Meanwhile, the fireplace popped and crackled, casting lively shadows over the cabin's rustic features. Gunner was stretched out near the heat, his ears flicking in his sleep and his tail lazily thumping against the floor. Catsby lounged on the sunny window ledge, his vibrant fur ablaze in the soft daylight.
Across the room from Jackson, Amanda was nestled in the comfy armchair near the fireplace, immersed in her writing project. Her face held a focused intensity, pencil sweeping over the pages with practiced grace. She'd nibble on the end of her pencil, her brow creasing as she navigated through her thoughts. He'd become quite fond of this sight, admiring how her eyes lit up when she was buried in her creativity. She wouldn't tell him anything about the story, only that he'd like it when she was finished.
The peaceful moment was interrupted by a familiar buzz. Amanda's cell phone lit up on the coffee table, the screen announcing a new message. Jackson looked up from his task, his eyes resting on her as a surprised smile painted her face, her eyes widening as she processed the message's contents. The thud of her pencil dropping onto her book echoed in the silent room. "Jackson," she called, capturing his attention.
He placed the wood plane down, his eyes meeting hers. "Yeah? What's up?"
"Would you mind if we made a trip to Copper Creek? I want to get some Christmas lights."
Jackson raised an eyebrow, stunned by the sudden shift in their plans. "Christmas lights?" he echoed, pushing himself upright. The wooden planks under his feet protested.
"Yes," she said. "I've been thinking about decorating the tree in our yard. I think it's time we invited some holiday cheer to our neck of the woods, wouldn't you agree?"
"We already have the tree inside all lit up." Considering the previous unfortunate incident, he was hesitant about dressing up another tree outside.
"I know," she responded, "but wouldn't it be amazing to have another one outside?"
“I know what you’re doing. You’re trying to create a do-over for the last disaster, but it won’t work.”
