Page 3 of This Christmas

“Why not?”

I give her an automatic shrug. Taking a moment to really look at her, I realize just how breathtaking she is. A foot shorter than me, with icy blond hair, and a smile that makes my knees weak. Her long hair cascades in continuous waves, reminding me of ripples in the water. I once brushed my hand down her hair, thinking it was funny. It wasn’t. She doesn’t like it when I touch her hair.

Today, she has the sides of her hair pinned back with a red-and-green clip, matching her red sweater dress. I know I’m not using the correct posh names she gives everything, but to me, it’s just a sweater that’s long. Therefore, sweater dress.

“I want him to meet you when I tell him.”

“Okay, invite him here. We can throw a party.”

My head shakes slightly. Knowing my dad, he would never come. “How about we go there?” I say again as I turn her to face me, bringing her closer. “We can take a couple of weeks off, drive up, and explore the area. Like I said, I’d really like to show you where I grew up. There’s an amazing bakery across the street from my dad’s store. Alma makes the best cinnamon rolls.”

Caryn stares into my eyes for what feels like an eternity before finally nodding. “Which bed and breakfast should I book?”

“We can stay at my dad’s.”

Her nose scrunches in reluctance. “I wouldn’t want to impose. Surely, there is one in town.”

Reluctantly, I give her the name of the only place I know in town that’ll be suitable for her. “The only place I know of is a place called the Inn in the next town over. The last time I spoke with my dad, he said there are new owners, though.”

Caryn takes my hand and leads us over to the sofa. “Tell me about it.”

“Oh, geez.” I take a big inhale. “The last time I was there must’ve been for prom photos. I honestly don’t remember much of the inside or even recall ever going inside.”

“Is it haunted?”

“There were rumors growing up. Like anything in Vermont.”

Caryn thinks on this for a minute. “I’ll call and book us a room.”

“They might be booked already. It’s sort of late to try and get a place.”

She pats my cheek. It’s annoying and makes me feel like a child. This is her way of telling me not to underestimate the Bamford name.

“I’ll call my dad and let him know we’re coming to visit.”

“Sounds good, honey.” She nestles into my side. “I’ll have to go shopping.”

Thankfully, she can’t see me roll my eyes. “For what?”

Caryn sits up and shrugs. “Everything, of course.”

Right. Everything. How could I forget?

She kisses me lightly and then stands. “I’m going to call the Inn now and plan everything out with my mom. Oh, maybe they’ll come up as well. Wouldn’t that be great?”

“Of course it will be,” I mutter.

Caryn kisses me again and then disappears. Seconds later, I hear her on the phone, dropping her name as if it means something to the owners. By the end of all this, they’ll know her and all will be right in Caryn’s eyes.

I go back to the window, leaving my barely touched glass of wine on the table next to the sofa. With my hands in my pockets, I stare out at the spray-painted lawn and let my gaze travel toward the water. This time of year, the water is void of sailboats, cabin cruisers, and yachts. It’s actually refreshing to see the water and not a cluster of mostly white boats cluttering the ocean.

Caryn comes into the room, with her phonepressed against her ear. Her hand flies wildly through the air, and she fake laughs. I’ve seen this act a time or two. There isn’t a doubt in my mind she will get what she wants. I’m honestly not sure she’s ever been told no. Lord knows, I’ve never uttered the word to her.

She hangs up and smiles. “All set.”

“Really?” I should’ve known better than to doubt her.

“Of course my love.” She steps toward me and gives me a lingering kiss. “Now, I’ll just make sure we have the best Christmas yet.”

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