Page 56 of Unexpected Gifts

A jump, to say the least.

But heck, hadn’t he been thinking the same thing way back in the recesses of his mind?

15

ABBY

The night had been magical so far. Even though the conversation had been emotional at times, Abby felt she’d had a breakthrough with Sophie. Talking about Ramona had been healing for her and appeared to have been the same for Sophie.

Now, they had rented skates and were about to get on the ice. Set up in the heart of the town square, the rink was rectangular in shape with lights strung over the top. It seemed as though the whole town had come out for the evening. Sounds of laughter, children calling to one another as families and friends made their way onto the ice, filled the air. Christmas music played from hidden speakers.

“Bye, Abby,” Jack called, lunging onto the ice and tearing off after a group of boys his same age. Sophie skated over to a group of her friends. Lily stayed close, traveling in a circle while she waited for them to join her. The little girl’s competency on skates was obvious. They started skating early here, she supposed.

“Are you going to make me laugh?” Luke held out his hand, presumably to help her.

“Why would you laugh at another’s misfortune? It’s very mean.” Abby’s breath formed little clouds in the crisp air as she took Luke’s hand and let him lead her onto the ice.

She hadn’t mentioned to him that she’d spent many hours in-line skating in Santa Monica and Venice Beach back in California. Would it translate to the ice? She was about to find out.

Abby drew in a deep breath as she stepped onto the smooth ice. To her surprise, she remained upright. It was remarkably similar to in-line skates. Still, she let him take the lead and took his outstretched hand. Any excuse to hold his hand worked for her.

Her legs felt slightly unsteady at first, but she quickly acclimated. She was in good shape from all the hiking and skating she’d done in her years in LA, and it paid off as they sailed along together, hand in hand, on the outer edges of the ice. Kids and teenagers flew past them, too involved in their own fun to pay much attention. Lily skated just slightly ahead of them, singing along to the music.

“Wow, you’re doing great,” Luke said. “A lot better than I expected. Here I was, looking forward to a good laugh.”

“I used to Rollerblade a lot in LA. Maybe it’s not that different?”

“Apparently not. I’m starting to think there’s nothing you can’t do.”

“Trust me. You haven’t seen me in the kitchen,” Abby said.

For a few minutes, Luke and Abby skated side by side, their hands intertwined as they glided across the ice. Just ahead of them, Lily skated with pure delight, her small legs moving in a natural rhythm. Luke’s grip on Abby’s hand tightened slightly.

“She’s amazing. Have you taken her skating a lot?” Abby asked, glancing up at Luke.

“We spent a lot of time here last winter. She can’t get enough.” Luke grinned, casting a sideways glance at Abby. “Honestly, I didn’t expect you to be so good at this. I thought you said you didn’t know how to skate.”

“I said I’d neverice-skated before,” Abby said.

“I see.”

Abby laughed, giving his hand a light squeeze. “I loved Rollerblading along the boardwalks by the beach. So much fun.” She shrugged, her movements graceful as she glided along, her feet never faltering. Physical activities were some of her favorite ways to relax. Tonight seemed to be no exception.

“Do you miss LA?” Luke asked.

Something in his tone gave her the impression he was feeling her out, testing to see how committed she was to staying.

“I have hardly thought about my old life since I got here. Too busy.” She smiled, her gaze lingering on him for a moment before shifting back to Lily, who was now slowing down just ahead of them, waving excitedly. Abby loved the warmth of Luke’s hand, steady and strong in hers. Skating with him seemed natural, almost effortless, as if they had done it a hundred times before.

“Come on, Daddy! Abby! You’re too slow!” Lily called out with a giggle, turning to face them and holding her arms out wide for balance.

“Too slow, huh?” Luke shouted back at his daughter. “Take it back.”

They picked up the pace a bit, still holding hands as they skated to catch up with Lily. Once they reached her, Luke let go of Abby’s hand and scooped a squealing Lily up and over his broad shoulder. “Got you.”

“Daddy, put me down.” Lily giggled and tried to wriggle away, but her father was clearly too strong for that. But soon, he swung her back onto the ice and off she went.

Luke turned back to Abby. She shot him a playful look, skating a smooth circle around him before coming to an agile stop right in front of him.

---