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“It’s all starting to make sense,” Heather said, nodding. “The thing is, everyone kind of already knows you two are…” rather than say the words she just motioned back and forth between us.
“That doesn’t mean we can’t keep it under our hat until they’re ready to officially go public,” Gabe said with a wink at me. “It’s not our place to share their news anyway. We don’t have that right.”
Heather’s shoulders slumped as she nodded. “No, you’re right. I’m just so happy I want to tell everyone! But I won’t,” she promised, crossing her heart like a first grader. “Gabe is right. This is your life and your decision.”
“Thank you, Heather,” Hazel said, giving her a hug. “I appreciate that more than you know. I’m new in town and don’t want to step on any toes over a silly legend.”
Gabe fake gasped. “Silly legend? How dare you?” he asked, laughing as Heather shook her head.
“You all make fun, but I know the truth. That said, I won’t say a word.” She zipped her lips and tossed away the key. “We’ll take off and leave you in peace.”
“No, stay,” I said, holding my hand out so they wouldn’t leave. “I’ve been out too long as it is. Time to go home and warm up.”
“Everything good?” Gabe asked, stepping forward.
“All good,” I assured him. “Enjoy yourselves and don’t do anything we wouldn’t do,” I said on a wink as Hazel helped me down the ramp.
We rolled down the pathway to the sound of their laughter until the darkness swallowed us as we neared the SUV. “You do know this will be all over town by tomorrow, right?” Hazel said as I transferred into the driver’s seat.
I waited for her to climb into the car before I answered. “I can’t wait to see which way it goes,” I admitted, backing out of the spot and heading toward New Beginnings.
“You mean you don’t think Heather is going to tell everyone she knows that she caught us kissing in the gazebo?”
“That all depends on just how much she believes in that legend. She may not say a word if she doesn’t want to jinx it.”
Hazel sat back against the seat and crossed her arms over her chest. “Hadn’t thought of that, but you could be right. Want to place wagers on it?”
“Wagers, eh?” I asked as I drove through the deserted streets. “What did you have in mind?”
“If anyone calls us out within a week that they heard we were necking in the gazebo, you have to sing a Christmas carol with me like you mean it.”
“Like I mean it? You drive a hard bargain,” I said, grinning as I drove. “I’ll take that bet, but if no one calls us out within a week that they heard we were necking in the gazebo, you have to admit that your candy canes are just suckers in the shape of a J.”
Her gasp echoed in the SUV. “How dare you?” I bit back my snicker even though she couldn’t. “I can’t believe the blasphemy coming from your lips!” Her huff told me she was only partly kidding about the blasphemy part. “Okay, I’ll agree to those terms, even though they’re not suckers.”
“I don’t think that’s how agreeing works,” I said, full-on laughing. “Gosh, I haven’t laughed so freely,” I paused, trying to remember the last time but finally shook my head. “Maybe ever.”
She didn’t say a word. Instead, she leaned her head against my shoulder and offered me peace, love, and hope. Those three things had been missing from my life until she walked into it. As I pulled into the parking lot at home, I vowed to do anything to keep this woman by my side for all my Christmases to come.
∞∞∞
I rolled into the diner with Star and was pleased to see the booths had all been replaced. Not only had Ivy replaced the booths, but she’d decorated for Christmas, including the donation tree she put up every year. Anyone who brought mittens, a hat, or a scarf for the tree got a free piece of pie. The thought made me pause. What if we did the same thing at New Beginnings but collected hygiene items for people experiencing housing insecurity. I grabbed my phone and typed out a reminder to talk to Hazel about it when I returned home.
I wasn’t sure if it was my perspective or the season, but the diner felt fresh and festive at the same time. I unwound my scarf and pushed the chair forward, planning to grab a booth and wait for Hazel to finish decorating with the girl gang for Indigo’s reception. We’d been so busy that we hadn’t even had time to decorate the tree in my apartment. Cameron delivered the trees yesterday, and Hazel got it put up in the stand with water, but we were too exhausted after working all day to get the lights on it. That was okay. It was barely December first, so we had plenty of time. It could wait until after Indigo’s reception if that’s what had to happen. I’d rather Hazel was relaxed and happy when we did it than exhausted and burnt out.
“Irving,” a voice said, and I stopped my chair when I realized Gabe sat alone in a booth, sipping a cup of coffee.
“Hey, Gabe,” I said, turning my chair to roll under the booth. “Waiting for Heather?”
“You know it,” he said, wrapping both hands around his mug. “I just finished the first madrigals practice for Christmas Eve in the park. It’s going to be a fantastic show this year.”
“I was meaning to talk to you about that,” I said. “Do you mind if I stay until Heather and Hazel arrive?”
“Of course not. I welcome the company.”
“Star, rest time,” I said, dropping the leash, and he lowered himself to the floor. Sandra noticed me when she exited the swinging door and grabbed the coffee pot and a menu as she headed over. I flipped my cup up as an open invitation, and once she poured it, I waved away the menu. “No food tonight?” she asked, sliding the menu under her arm.
“I’m waiting for Hazel, and we’ll eat together if that’s okay?”
