Page 73 of Here Comes Santa Paws

“Shall we?” Gramps gripped the bench’s arm with his free hand and rose to his feet.

“Let’s do it.”

We wandered over to the gazebo in Sugar Plum Park. Once we joined the crowd of a few dozen people, Nancy winked at me as she sidled next to Gramps. He lit up when he saw her and pulled her into a side hug.

Griff, the festival organizer, approached the microphone. “Thank you all for coming today and celebrating with us this season. Before we wrap this year’s Christmas Falls Festival, please take some time to visit the tent to vote for your favorite photo that captures the spirit of our event and this magical time of year.” He gestured toward a tent to his left.

Always generous, Griff made a point to encourage donating to the shelter to help with construction costs. I smiled at him when he caught my eye. No matter what happened with Roman, I knew I had the community of Christmas Falls around me.

Griff clenched his jaw. “Andthank youto our mysterious Secret Santa who’s somehow managed to help people all over town. Apparently, they’ve kept quite busy.” Sarcasm dripped from his words.

I held back a laugh. As far as I knew, Secret Santa’s identity was still secret, and that had to be pissing Griff off. He kneweverythingthat went down with the festival.

The program lasted another twenty minutes or so, with awards being distributed, sponsors being thanked, and the mayor inviting everyone back next year.

“Did Roman submit anything to the photo contest?” Gramps asked when it ended.

“He didn’t mention it, so I doubt it.”

“Why don’t you check while your grandfather and I go have a nice chat on that bench over there?” Nancy glanced at his hip.

I smiled my gratitude. He’d been wincing by the end of the ceremony.

I wandered over to the tent where framed photos hung from display racks. I couldn’t help but smile at the first photo of a kid grinning next to a snowperson the same height as him and wearing a matching green beanie. There were photos from the parade, tree lighting, Murphy carving a gnome, people laughing at the beer and cider festival, and others decorating their homes. The photos truly captured the spirit of Christmas Falls during the holiday season.

As I worked my way to the end of the display, I saw a blue1stPlaceribbon hanging off one. I gasped when my brain processed what I was staring at. I blinked a few times to make sure I wasn’t imagining it. The photo was of me sporting a huge smile, laughing as I looked over my shoulder at the camera. I was crouched next to Carol while sliding reindeer antlers on her head as she stood beside a plastic reindeer in someone’s yard. Blurred Christmas lights dotted the top half of the background. It was such a simple moment of happiness with Roman and Carol as we walked through the neighborhood a couple of days ago.

I couldn’t take my eyes off my face, and it wasn’t from vanity. It was the love shining in my eyes as I stared at Roman, sharing that moment with him.

Of all the photos he could’ve submitted,thatwas the spirit of the Christmas Falls Festival to him? The picture was full of love, happiness, and joy. Clearly, I wasn’t the only one who’d caught some major feelings. If Roman had too, how could I let him go? It wasn’t casual any longer.

Gramps’s words returned to me as I traced the edge of the photo with my finger. I’d never felt like this with anyone. I hadn’t been exactly looking for love, but now that I might’ve found it, could I let it go? What if it never happened again? It was hard toimagine living anywhere other than Christmas Falls, but maybe Gramps was right. I should at least consider it.

Chapter 30

Roman

“The in-unit laundry is always a crowd-pleaser.”The blonde leasing agent smiled knowingly as she closed the utility closet doors in the hallway. She continued toward the kitchen, where several brochures were laid out on the counter. “As for amenities in the apartment complex, there are two pools, a sauna, and a state-of-the-art gym.”

The Tucson apartment was clean, new, bright, and nondescript. It was in the heart of the urban area but lacked views of the desert landscape and felt sterile compared to my cozy duplex. Not to mention it had a smaller footprint than my current place and no garage without an extra monthly fee.

“Good to know.”

I loved swimming. It would be nice not to have to drive over to the gym like I had to in Christmas Falls and would save a monthly membership fee, though this mid-range apartment was already about two hundred bucks more a month than my duplex.

She placed a folder in front of me and opened it to reveal a paper application on one side and a stack of brochures on the other. The top brochure was about their pet policy. The dog on the cover reminded me of Carol. It triggered a pang in my chest.

She must’ve noticed my attention land there.

“Dogs and cats are welcome with an additional deposit and modest monthly pet rent.”

Carol had been only a thought away since I’d driven to the Christmas Falls airport yesterday. I was worried about her and needed to check in with Elias, but I didn’t want to interrupt his outing with Jim today. I’d call him soon.

God, I couldn’t believe I’d been so self-absorbed. I’d committed to caring for Carol, and what did I do? Left her at one of the most stressful times in her life. She was due to give birth any day. I was such a fucking asshole. She’d shown me since the first time I’d seen her that she was comfortable with me, and instead of taking that seriously, I’d left when she needed comfort most.

At least she’d been warming up to Elias. He was better for her anyway. He’d make sure she went to a family who deserved a good dog like her instead of a dickhead like me who would thoughtlessly abandon her during such a critical time.

“I appreciate the tour and all the information. Can I get back to you? I’m waiting to find out whether I got the job.”

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