Page 63 of The Christmas Romance Wish

“It’s not something I advertise. Plus, I don’t compete anymore.” Emmie holds Kissy’s gaze as she speaks.

“You won the international championship a few years ago. Those skills don’t degrade that fast. I roll, so I pay attention to stuff like that.” Jesse’s smile suggests he’s on Team Emmie.

She’s like a Christmas present and each section I unwrap reveals something new. Something unexpected and the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time.

Kissy seems to shrink, perhaps rethinking her bold and brazen advances as Emmie and Jesse talk about jiu-jitsu for a few minutes before we say goodbye.

We take one more loop around the lake before turning in our skates and waiting at the Jolly Trolley stop.

On the way back, everyone sings along to Christmas carols, as per custom—at least I think so, I’ve only done this once.

Emmie, glowing, belts out the tunes. Between the little kids’ voices and a baritone, I hear the tinkling of her laugh. It’s beautiful, like waves gently lapping seashells, like the sun sparkling on the water. She says she prefers winter, but so much about her speaks of the summer, carefree days, and ease. Adventures and memories.

These are more reasons I feel like she and I are meant to be. My life has been regimented for the last twenty years. Now, I can jump out of helicopters at will and deliver Christmas joy, and not miss it all because I’m on a covert mission.

I wouldn’t trade my service for anything, but it’s like the pages of my life story turn, revealing a new chapter, one I was not expecting.

When we get off the trolly, seamlessly, our voices meld with the carolers singing in front of a shop. All the stores stay open late for tourists, shoppers, and because everyone enjoys being part of the community.

“Do you need to buy any last-minute gifts for your brothers?” I ask, hoping Emmie stays for a few more days but understanding that she needs to keep her word that she’ll be back to see them by New Year’s.

“I should. Well, my brothers get coal. I’ll gift my new sisters-in-law something local from here. Let’s see, what will make them want to drag their husbands to Holidayle?”

I help Emmie pick out a toddler-sized shirt that saysMerry Moosemas! She explains that Ryan’s son calls CJ Uncle Dino, and she’s going to be Auntie M but would preferMoosesince it’s the same letter.

“Luke is going to get loads of moose stuff. What’s the plural? Mooses? Meece? I should know this. Anyway, they’re cooler than dinosaurs because they’re not extinct.”

“True, but dinosaurs have the size factor on their side.” I open my arms wide.

“Are you siding with CJ?” She playfully whacks me.

“No, but he gets some credit for cashing in the Uncle Dino dollars.”

She laughs and says, “You guys are going to get along so well, I almost don’t want to share you, Alex.”

My lips ripple with a smile. Hearing that butters my muffin—as Mr. Marlin said when we dropped in by help. There are some things, Emmie things, that I’ll keep to myself and not share with the guys.

We continue to shop and Emmie also gets angel Christmas tree ornaments for her nieces and nephews-to-be. They remind me of Gram’s collection. We find ourselves in a jewelry store and all the sparkle lights up Emmie’s eyes. She browses the counter and the idea that won’t quit, not that I want it to, shines bright in my mind.

I need a diversion. “Anyone else on your nice list?”

Her lips quirk and she tugs on the front of my jacket. “Well, you, Mr. Claus.”

“Should we split up and meet back here at eighteen hundred hours?”

“That gives me thirty minutes. Where should we muster?”

“There’s a Christmas lights walk just past the Jolly Trolley stop. If you see the sign that saysReindeer Crossing, you’ve gone too far. How about we check that out, grab dinner, and then we’ll head home?”

Emmie lifts onto her toes, plants a kiss on my lips, and says, “Don’t miss me too much.”

Oh, I will, but I have big plans so I won’t miss her ever. Using skills acquired from my days in the military, I make sure she’s not following me. Then I slip into the jewelry store on the corner with my sights set on something sparkly. It’s not from Tiffany’s, but I’d say it’s even more perfect.

Less than thirty minutes later, I’m standing at the end of the street by the lights walk calledThe Seasonal Stroll. Emmie, with a bag on each arm, waves

“How’d it go?”

“Oh, just did a little window shopping.” Emmie winks.

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