Page 1 of His to Unwrap

Chapter One

Madison

I never really thoughtI’d like a small town. I mean, sure, I’ve watched Hallmark Christmas movies, but I didn’t think places like those cute little towns werereal. Places with Christmas trees outside every shop, festivals, hot cocoa on every corner, and everyone smiling as they shop for loved ones.

White Falls is as picturesque as any fictional small town at Christmas. Black, wrought iron lamp posts are trimmed in red ribbon, wreaths hang from shop windows, and fluffy patches of snow gather in the crevices between buildings and on the sidewalks.

Even the inn I just checked into is a quaint little chalet, decked in enough Christmas lights to illuminate the entire town. It’s magical. Santa must be nearby.

I draw a breath of frigid, cleansing air and release it in a tiny puff of white. New York City seems a million miles away and for the first time in two years, I feel like I can breathe. No matter what comes next for me, I can’t stay there.

A car door slams and my best friend hobbles to me on crutches, her left foot in a thick black boot. My eyes prick with tears at the sight of her, and I pull her into a hug, breathing in her familiar cherry scent.

“I can’t believe you’re here!” Amanda says. “I wish you would have listened and stayed with us instead of at the inn.”

“I didn’t want to disturb you guys.” Amanda and her husband Roland have only been married six months. That’s still a honeymoon phase, right?

“You’re not. We have plenty of room.”

It’s hard to ignore the slight pout in her tone. I just didn’t think I could stay there, knowing that they’d be cuddling the entire week. I’m happy for Amanda. I am. Being around such affection just makes me feel like a third wheel. “Maybe in a couple of days? I thought the solitude might help me figure some things out.”

She takes my hand and I know she understands. We’ve been best friends since we were five years old. These last two years, I’ve only seen her once, at her wedding, and to be honest, I feel a little awkward. She’s definitely been a better friend to me than I’ve been to her.

“Okay, but don’t expect to spend the whole time in your room. I know things have been rough, but quitting was the right thing to do. I promise this week will be the best.”

“It’s already better,” I whisper. There’s no way to put into words how much I needed this vacation. “But you didn’t tell me you hurt yourself! What happened?”

She rolls her eyes. “I fell in love with this gorgeous pair of high heel boots. First time I wore them, I found out they were notMontana winter approved. I slipped on some ice, fell down the stairs, and broke my ankle. I’m a fashion victim.”

I wince. “Are you okay?”

She chuckles. “I’m fine. It’s a pretty clean break. Plus, Roland gets to wait on me for a couple of weeks while it heals. The worst part is walking with these things.” She waves a crutch, just as a man passes on the sidewalk. He makes an awkward duck to avoid being hit in the face. “Oh shit. Sorry!” she calls as he hurries away, looking back at her like she’s dangerous.

The moment he turns a corner, I burst out laughing. The stress I’ve been feeling melts away and my shoulders relax. “I’ve missed you, ‘Manda.” My throat feels tight. It’s a minute before I can breathe without a flood of emotion.

She wipes at her eyes. “Back at ya, babe. Come on. Let me show you why I love White Falls and why you should move here immediately.”

“It is really pretty here. Cold though.” A brisk winter wind slips under my coat, making me shiver. Not that I expected a heat wave. It’s Montana in December and Main Street looks like it dead ends at a mountain.

Amanda laughs. “Come on. We’ll warm you up with some coffee.”

I perk up as we get into her SUV. “Peppermint mocha?”

“With whipped cream and Christmas sprinkles,” Amanda says as she chucks her crutches into the backseat.

“I knew we were best friends for a reason.”

She leans into my shoulder. “You can always count on me for your sugar fix. Sasha’s mochas are literally the best thing I’ve ever had. She won’t divulge her recipe, so half the town is competing to figure out the secret.”

“Do you win something if you do?” The idea of dozens of people arguing mocha recipes makes me smile. I’ve never evenspoken to my current neighbor. This kind of community doesn’t exist in my neighborhood.

“Besides bragging rights for life? Sasha said she’d have a special mug made just for the person who figures it out, and no one else would ever get to use it.”

That’s the silliest thing I’ve heard in ages and it makes me giggle. “Maybe I’ll try my hand at it while I’m here.”

“Oh, it’s on girl. That custom mug ismine.” She parks in front of a cute coffee shop two blocks down. A black and white striped awning covers the door andMainlinedis emblazoned in purple on the windows.

“These things are a pain,” Amanda grumbles as we get out of the car. She shakes a crutch for emphasis and almost hits her car with it.

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