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CHAPTERONE
As the cab pulled up in front of my parents’ old colonial home, I paused just inside the vehicle for a moment. They weren’t expecting me until later this evening, but I ended up switching to an earlier flight and got in a few hours before my mother was supposed to pick me up from the airport. My movements were unhurried as I slowly climbed out of my seat and stepped out onto the sidewalk.
I tipped the driver as he handed me my bag and I stood on the curb, staring up at the house for a moment. Inhaling deeply, I sucked the clean, crisp mountain air into my lungs and closed my eyes. It had been almost an entire year since I had come back to my hometown. I would be lying if I said there wasn’t a part of me that didn’t miss this place.
Almost ten years ago I left for college in New York City, and I never looked back. The city was where I truly belonged, but there was something about the mountains that always called me back. I enjoyed the constant movement where I lived. Time moved in fast-forward, never slowing. Every now and then, it was nice to take a step back and breathe in the fresh air while staring up at the open skies that weren’t obscured by skyscrapers.
There was a part of me that was a little anxious about being back in my hometown. It had been a few years since I last saw my best friends whom I grew up with. We had all grown apart over the years, even though we had tried to stay in contact. I wasn’t sure if they would be back in town for the holiday or not, but I was hoping I’d see them at some point. At the same time, I was a little nervous about the possibility of running into them again.
So much time had passed, I was afraid so much would have changed.
Opening my eyes, I stared back at the house that loomed above me. I always swore this place was haunted when I was a kid, but as my eyes trailed over the Christmas lights hanging from the gutters, I found it hard to believe. It looked like the North Pole had thrown up all over the exterior of the house. My mother’s style was always softer and delicate, but she didn’t hold back when it came to Christmas.
Grabbing my suitcase, I stepped up to the front gate and opened it before stepping into the front yard. The wheels of my suitcase moved over the concrete walkway as I dodged small clumps of snow until I reached the front steps. Hoisting it up, I walked across the front porch that wrapped around the house. My hand touched the cool metal handle of the front door and I pushed it down before letting myself in.
It was warm and welcoming inside, a stark contrast to the cold winter air outside. The smell of vanilla and cinnamon enveloped me, drawing me deeper into the house. The sound of my mother’s voice as she hummed drifted down the hall and I left my suitcase in the foyer by the stairs before stepping into the kitchen. She was moving around the island when she caught sight of me.
A gasp escaped her and she jumped, lifting her hand to her chest. “Oh my goodness, Raegan! You scared me.” She paused, her eyebrows scrunching before glancing at the clock on the stove. “Wait. Raegan? I’m supposed to pick you up from the airport after dinner.”
I shrugged off my long wool coat and smiled brightly at my mother. “I was able to get an earlier flight and thought I would come early and surprise you.”
Her lips stretched into a grin and she rounded the island before pulling me in for a hug. “And what a pleasant surprise this is! I’m so happy you’re here, dear.” She pulled away, smoothing the arms of my sage green sweater. “How was your flight?”
“It wasn’t terrible,” I told her, watching her as she moved over to the counter to pour me a cup of coffee. Steam drifted from the top of the mug as she poured some caramel-flavored creamer into it before handing it to me. “I was able to get some work done on the flight, so it helped to pass the time.”
I worked for one of the top marketing firms in the city and oversaw various projects for some of the biggest retail companies in the world. It was a time-consuming job, but lucky for me, I was driven and working my way to the top. My dating life was dismal and I didn’t leave much time for other hobbies. I was basically married to my job.
“I’m glad you were able to get the time off to come visit.”
I was an only child and I knew it was rough on my mother when I decided to fly from the nest. Especially when I moved so far away. We talked regularly and I tried to come visit when I could, but this past year was just so hectic I couldn’t get the time off that I wanted to. I felt guilty, especially with the sadness in her smile as she looked at me in that moment, but such was life.
I smiled back at her. “Me too.”
“Well, since you’re home, why don’t you take your things to your room and get settled in. I’m sure you’re tired from traveling. I have to head to the market in a bit to get some things for Christmas dinner.”
I tilted my head to the side. “I’m actually not that tired. Perhaps I could join you?”
Her face lit up. “I would love that.”
“Perfect.”
* * *
After taking my stuff up to my old bedroom, my mother and I headed into town to go to Finnegan’s Market. It was a large warehouse that was set up with various stands, along with a small grocery store in the center. It was where most people in the town frequented to do any shopping, whether it was for food or other items. The only thing they didn’t have was clothing, but if you were looking for small knick knacks, you could find it all there.
My mother and I parted ways as she stepped into the grocery store to do her shopping and I made my way around, checking out the different stands. I had brought my parents gifts back from New York, so there wasn’t a need to buy anything here, but I couldn’t resist looking at the handcrafted things you could find only at Finnegan’s.
Mr. Murray had his usual stand set up with his sculptured wooden animals. Everything he made was from wood he cut down from the forest on his property and he hand-carved every single piece. I was looking at the resin cutting boards he had added to his inventory when I heard my name.
“Raegan Thompson!” The voice was deep as it rumbled from his chest. A voice I would have known anywhere. I spun around and saw Miles striding toward me.
He was one of my closest friends growing up. His parents and my parents were friends and we were literally inseparable. That was until we both left for college and moved away from Delmont Ridge. His sandy brown hair was a perfect mess on top of his head and his blue eyes met mine as he stopped directly in front of me.
The navy sweater he was wearing hugged his muscles and I allowed my eyes one opportunity to scan his physique, but only for a brief moment. If I allowed my eyes to linger any longer, it would only ignite the old feelings I used to have for him. Feelings I always kept to myself because he was one of my best friends. Being attracted to him would have never ended well—plus, he was always dating different girls.
“Well, if it isn’t Miles Walker. What are you doing here?”
A smirk pulled on his lips. “Home for the holidays. My mother said yours told her you’d be back in town. I planned on hunting you down, but you just made my job easier.”
