Page 23 of The Bad Boy's Secret Santa

I catch a glimpse of Meg Bernard and Aaron Montgomery strolling into the park, hand in hand.Number thirty-two.He’s holding a pair of fuzzy red gloves out to her. I don’t spot a diamond ring on the bakery owner’s left hand yet. But I have a feeling that proposal isjustaround the corner.

“I thoroughly enjoyed hosting the event,” I admit. “But it’s been nice to have a break this Christmas.”

“You mean you ran out of couples to match?”

I hide my smile behind the cup of cocoa, saved from responding when Mayor Patterson takes the stage and welcomes everyone to the event. I slip away from Becky Sue when she’s not paying attention so I can discreetly check up on the happy couples.

I spot Lily and Gage Anderson first.Number twelve.I don’t see a stroller, but itisa chilly night for a baby. I bet Macey is home with her grandma, all nested in her crib. There’s a twinkle in Gage’s eyes as he looks lovingly at his wife. Maybe Macey will be getting a new brother or sister for Christmas.

Next to them is Jewel and Briggs Carlson.Number seven.His happy, relaxed expression tells me she’s been good for him. Iheard he’s making it an annual tradition to close the office for an entire week around Christmas. I suspect they’ll be skipping the ski trip this year with Jewel due any day now. I don’t have any doubts that they’ll be amazing parents.

The mayor finishes her welcome speech and introduces a live band. They’re set to play a few Christmas songs before the official tree lighting commences.

As the crowd starts to sing along to Jingle Bells, I spot another couple.Twenty-two.Randi and Turner Jacobs with their son, Carter. I can’t believe that boy is eight now. He looks so grown up. They make the perfect family, singing loudly and unapologetically as one. As if in their own little world and so happy to be in it. Because I have it on good authority that Carter made the nice list this year, I suspect he’ll be getting that remote control stunt car he’s asked for in his letter to Santa.

The new detective, Bash Fraser, strolls up to the crowd with his fiancé Brooklyn Malroy. Both wearing guilty smiles as they join in the singing. I don’t have to wonder too hard if they’re going to make Santa’s naughty list. Again. I can’t help but crack a smile. Oh, to be young again!

“Wilma, are you spying on your couples?” Kendra Bernard says, looping her arm through mine. Thankfully the music drowns out her playful accusation.

“If you want to know if your daughter’s getting engaged tonight, I can’t say.”

“But youdoknow.”

Though nothing is set in stone, I have a very strong hunch that the crowd will be cheering for more than the official tree lighting before the night is over.

“How about them?” Kendra asks, nodding at Heather and Dex Blackmore. “Were they…you know?”

Number two.A second chance romance if ever there was one. It’s so lovely to see Heather’s father, Daniel, in attendancewith them. Accepting Dex like he’s his own son. Daniel holds his one-year-old granddaughter, Janie, in his arms. He points to the band as he sings to her. Dex has his arm around Heather and kisses her forehead as the first carol ends. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Sure you don’t.” Kendra might not buy my lie, but she doesn’t push either. Instead, she joins in singing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with the crowd.

I slip away, in search of the next couple. On the opposite side of the fully decorated evergreen, I find Addison and Milo Rush making out like horny teenagers, just out of sight of the crowd.Number seventeen.I heard they recently bought a second house to flip. They’re one of the only couples I’ve known who has grown closer during a renovation. A little birdy told me Santa might be bringing the happy couple a baby soon. I consider congratulating them, but I’m not certain they know yet.

I keep moving, discovering Shea and Cody Mason walking up to the park with their pup, Blitzen.Number four.They spot the animal shelter’s adoption tent, look at one another, then at Blitzen, and head straight for the tent. It warms my heart to think there’s a lucky dog—or two—getting a new home this Christmas.

“Where is my granddaughter?” I murmur as I wander in search of the hot cocoa cart. I expected Piper and Eli to be the first ones at the event, considering it’s Eli’s generosity that preserved the tree lighting for years to come. I wonder if he ever told Piper how little Roy’s inheritance actually was. I suspect that’s a secret he’ll take to the grave with him. He has certainly grown into a fine young man—and an amazing husband.

Ah, there they are.Number nine.

“Grandma, hey!” Piper says, wrapping me in a cheerful hug.

“You might want to reapply your lipstick,” I say with a chuckle.

“Is it smeared?” she asks, touching her lips.

“It’s all over Eli’s collar.”

Piper blushes but doesn’t even try to hide it. “Did you want to come with us?” she asks, nodding toward the animal shelter tent. “We’re going to adopt a dog or cat. We can’t decide.”

“Why not one of each?”

“Great idea,” Eli says.

“You two kids go on ahead. I don’t want to miss the big moment.”

“Grandma, what are you up to?” Piper asks, gentle accusation in her voice.

“They’re lighting the tree after this next Christmas carol.”

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