Page 70 of My Greatest Joy

“Don’t apologize for being yourself, Levi. You’ve made me see things differently. Out of all the places in Maplewood Falls, the scammers sent me to Mr. Holly Jolly’s house. Ironic, right?”

He chuckles. “It is, but I’ve been saying that since the beginning.”

“Do you think it’s divine intervention or something?” I ask as snow flurries surround us. The horses’ hooves kick up the snow. Dasher doesn’t seem fazed as he looks around.

“Maybe it was guardian angels,” he says. I look up at the sky, wondering if my mom is somehow responsible. It’s a nice thought and makes me smile.

“Well, if that’s the case, mine sure do have a weird sense of humor.”

He chuckles. “I like to believe that everyone comes into my life for a reason—either as a lesson or long-term. Only the passing of time reveals that. Like Finn. We’ve been friends since we were kids. The majority of the women I dated were nothing more than a lesson.”

“And what did you learn?” I ask.

“If you have to chase someone for their attention, they aren’t interested in you. Love has to go both ways for it to ultimately work out. It’s why I don’t waste people’s time if I don’t feel a connection.”

“That’s a nice perspective—learning a lesson. I’ve never thought about it that way.” My ex comes to mind, but I keep that to myself. I’ve already spilled enough of my heart today, even if he’s a great listener with zero judgment.

I glance at him at the same time he looks at me, and I smile but nervously turn my head. My body heats, and I know it’s not from the blanket wrapped around me.

When the barn comes into view, I’m somewhat disappointed because I’m not ready for our time to end.

Levi pulls the reins until the horses come to a stop and then helps me off the sleigh. An older gentleman walks out of the barn and unhooks the horses while chatting with Levi.

Dasher runs around as Levi says his goodbyes, and then we walk to the truck that’s parked on the side. Like a perfect gentleman, he reaches for the handle of the door but stops before opening it.

“Fallon,” he mutters in a hoarse whisper. Carefully, he places his gloved palm on my cheek, then leans in and paints his lips across mine. I nearly melt as our tongues swipe together, and I groan against him. As much as I try to hold back, my body gives me away.

When we push apart, both gasping, I meet his gaze. “What was that for?”

He gently smiles and shrugs. “You looked like you needed it.”

I lick my lips, wishing I could taste him again. “I did oryoudid?”

Levi leans in and nibbles against my ear. “Well, considering you reciprocated…that’s a question you need to ask yourself.”

His scruff brushes against my neck and goose bumps trail along my skin.

Words escape me as Levi opens the door. Dasher climbs inside, and I follow. After we’re buckled, we take off.

“Are you okay with us heading back to the shop? I’ll let my mom and sister know I’m leaving.”

“Yeah, sure.”

Before coming to Vermont, if anyone had told me considerate, sweet men like Levi still existed, I would’ve called them a liar. But here he is.

The right man at the wrong time.

Once the building comes into view, Levi slows and puts the truck into park.

“I’ll be right back,” he tells me with a wink and gets out.

I look at Dasher. “You might be the luckiest dog in the world.”

He blinks at me, almost as if he agrees. Reaching over, I take my glove off and twirl his golden hair between my fingers. He repositions himself until he’s halfway sitting on me.

“You’re ridiculous. But I’m gonna miss you, buddy.” I lift my arms, giving him the space he needs.

Five minutes later, Levi returns. “My mom and sister said you’re welcome to help out any day of the week. Apparently, they’re ready to ship me to Seattle and keep you instead.”

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