Page 38 of Mistletoe Kisses

They would embrace Arlo without question—I knew that with absolute certainty—but it wasn’t my decision to make. I’d had decades to learn about the people of Dahlia Springs. Arlo had scattered pockets of time over the bulk of a week and some online research. Even for someone as outgoing as me, it was a lot of pressure to put on a vacation to Oregon.

A thought struck me. What if this trip laid the groundwork for communicating with his family, and he decided to come back and tell them next time? Maybe we could keep in touch in between. I had no interest in a long-distance relationship, but I would love to stay friends with Arlo. And if things heated up on a return visit, well, bonus.

“I haven’t seen you at Inkwell Bistro in a few months. Find a new place to get your risotto?”

Judith let out a raspy laugh. “Never. Doctor’s orders have me cutting back.”

“You come in with your dietary needs, and we’ll fix you up with something delicious.”

Her eyes twinkled. “How can I say no to that?”

“How did the book event go?” Arlo asked Ron.

Books seemed to be his safety conversation. I was thrilled I could fluently speak Arlo’s love language. We’d covered a lot of our favorite authors at the passport event and our date last night. I hoped we would stay in touch so we could at least keep swapping recommendations.

“It was the best night of sales we’ve had in months.” Ron beamed. “All thanks to you, kiddo.”

Arlo’s body tensed at the endearment. My heart broke for him. I knocked my foot against his.

Thankfully, conversation erupted around us about the bookstore, which morphed into talking about the festival events and highlights over the years. Once they began talking about Making Spirits Bright at the park, all eyes turned to me, but they were kind enough not to comment.

Arlo knocked his foot against mine. The comforting gesture made my heart grow three sizes.

“Your brother and his boyfriend have been doing a fantastic job with the festival this year. I’m seeing a lot more buzz about it,” Karen said as she brought out our drinks.

“Thanks, Karen.” I clinked my glass against Arlo’s, then held the glass out to the group. “To making new friends.”

The others raised their glasses as Arlo gave me a grateful smile.

“What brings you to Dahlia Springs?” Larry asked.

I couldn’t swoop in and rescue him at every turn, or else they might get suspicious. And if I didn’t let the poor guy answer any questions, it would be a long night for everyone. Especially him. They deserved to get to know him.

“A last-minute vacation.” At the confused looks on people’s faces, Arlo gave an abridged explanation of losing his job and him and Keaton deciding to send each other on a trip they could make as cheap as possible.

“Of course the B&B had a vacancy this time of year. That place is terrifying.” Ron grimaced.

“It’s like she’s trying to match all the lights on Dahlia Lane with her one house. The enthusiasm is admirable though,” Larry said.

We fell into an easy and harmless conversation until Karen called us to the dining room for dinner. It had been a while since I’d eaten at a dining table. My family was more of a TV tray in the living room kind of crew.

I whistled. Karen had gone all out. A giant, colorful salad, garlic bread, lasagna, and a cheese platter covered the poinsettia-patterned tablecloth. Without hesitation, they began passing plates around. They treated Arlo and me like family with no formalities, which I appreciated.

When I handed the salad to Arlo, we shared a secret smile. He could have this all the time. The wistfulness in his eyes told me he knew that too.

There was no lull in conversation while we all stuffed our faces. Karen was a damn good cook. The lasagna melted in my mouth.

We jumped from topic to topic like we’d all been friends for years. Arlo even piped up from time to time, but no one pushed him. It was like they sensed he preferred not to be the center of attention, even at a dinner in his honor.

“My mom’s a nurse too,” he said after Judith told a borderline graphic story about a mishap with a toy car.

“She is? What kind of nurse?” Judith smiled warmly at him.

“Traveling ER nurse.”

“Traveling? Wow. That’s tough with a kid. Tough on both of you, I imagine.”

Arlo swallowed and shoveled another bite of lasagna into his mouth.

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