Page 55 of A Sudden Romance

Iris could get anyone to talk if she set her mind on it, the way she’d stayed in his space until his fearful attraction to her manifested into a friendly healthy affection.

With couples and families strolling and sipping hot beverages, it was the small town he knew as opposed to the crowded ski resorts and shops on Main Street. Tourism was great for their economy. Still, it made it hard for locals when business owners charged high prices, catering to the tourists’ income brackets and attempting to make up for only doing good business during tourist season.

“Look how happy everyone is.” Iris stopped before a booth with caramelized nuts, candied apples, and hot chocolate. She spun them around, taking in the twinkling lights, and a matching sparkle in her eyes sent warmth through his heart.

“Would you like some hot chocolate?”

She beamed, truly radiant. “How can I not have a hot chocolate with you?”

With her hand still in the crook of his arm, they joined the people in line. On their turn, he greeted Nancy, a middle-aged woman who volunteered every year. Her festive hat jingled when she shook her head dramatically to show off the bells. “And who’s this beauty?”

“Oh.” He’d not expected to be making any introductions, but he rested his hand atop Iris’s on his arm. “This is Iris.” He left out her last name so they didn’t have to answer a multitude of questions. Couldn’t risk rumors reaching Eric before Sabastian disclosed his interest in Iris.

“Thank you so much.” Iris thanked Nancy when she handed her the lidded disposable cup.

Sabastian took his and thanked her as she wished them a merry Christmas.

“She gave us a lot of Cool Whip,” Iris said.

“Nancy must’ve known you’re the kind of person who’d work it off in no time.”

Iris tipped her head against his shoulder. “I guess we can go sledding again tomorrow.” The fondness in her tone brought back memories of that day on the hill. “Since I had to throw you off the sled last time.”

“I had good reasons for losing control.” He leaned toward her and kissed the top of her knit hat. “You were a distraction.”

She took his hand, clasping it again. How he loved the feel of her warm grip, the electricity crackling between them as they walked.

He’d love to take her snowboarding, sledding, and skiing, but the moment her siblings showed up tomorrow and more of them on Tuesday, he may not have another moment with her alone until her departure. That was if her parents didn’t plan to drive her to the airport.

When they made it to the carolers, Iris hugged his arm close. “You know you have to sing too. You’ve got a way better voice than I do.”

He wasn’t so sure about that. As they sang “Angels We Have Heard on High,” he could only assume God had sent him an angel this Christmas—Iris, to make his heart sing and echo a joyous melody.

When the song ended, she unclasped their hands and brought out her phone. “We need a photo.”

He didn’t mind the excuse to lean his cheek on hers as they turned their backs to the carolers and the tree with its shimmering silver and gold decorations. He breathed in her sweet scent, and blood rushed in his veins at the contact of her soft cheek against his rough one.

She snapped photos before they ambled to where artists were carving ice sculptures.

“They’re incredible.” Iris paused before an angel in a rippling ice robe and spun to the artist, Antonin. “Whatever inspired you for this? I expect it to speak and announce Christ’s birth.”

Sabastian knew Antonin from Joy Stone’s gallery she opened up for artists once a month. Antonin and his family had emigrated from Switzerland seven years ago.

“My daughter loves angels.” Antonin’s voice rumbled in a deep accent as he glided his chisel along the wing. “I still need to smooth it up. You should come back next week and see the finished product.”

Next week was also the Christmas market, and although Sabastian rarely attended, he wouldn’t mind bringing Iris. But it was going to be a busy week for the family.

“I’ll try to come.” Iris, already pulling out her cell phone, tugged at Sabastian’s arm, then asked Antonin. “Is it okay if we take a photo in front of your angel?”

“Of course.” Antonin reached for her phone. “Let me take it for you.”

Sabastian didn’t have to lean into Iris now that they had someone taking their photo rather than the selfies, but he leaned in anyway. With his gloved hand sliding behind her slender waist, their cold cheeks touched as Antonin snapped photos.

They inspected two more sculptures before approaching the one he’d been anticipating. Two artists had sculpted the castle at the back of the park. Most people favored the spot.

Tourists usually made it to the park for the festivities, which added to the fun. Thankfully, with nothing here commercialized, everyone could enjoy the free events.

He and Iris walked along the chained path. Spotlights from trees illuminated the castle, highlighting the twists and divided sections. He bent to speak into her ear so he didn’t disturb the other observers. “I imagine it’s like something you’d design, almost like a house with several rooms.”

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