Page 14 of Dancing in Lake Mistletoe

“Yeah, she’s going to be dancing up at the resort this year, so we get her until after Christmas,” Willa chimes in.

“Well, aren’t we lucky?” I watch as a blush creeps up her neck until it reaches her cheeks.

A throat clears from behind me, and I realize I’m still holding on to her hand. Releasing her, I step back.

“Josie here’s a dancer herself.”

“I know. I told her and Cobie I’d teach them some steps so they can show off in class,” she says as she smiles at the girls.

“That’s awfully nice of you.”

Her eyes flutter back up to me. “It’s no problem.”

The sound of tires crunching on gravel pulls our attention to the driveway.

“That’s my man coming to pick up his tipsy date,” Hannah says as she heads to meet him.

“You’re welcome,” Norah yells to Bran.

He hoots his horn in response, and a second later, a faint cry comes over the monitor.

“I’ll get him,” Keller says as he stands. He gives Willa a peck on the cheek.

“I’ll be up after I help your mom and Trudy clean up,” she tells him.

“Take your time,” he says. “Dutch, I’ll see you on Monday afternoon. Dad, ladies, have a good night.” He turns and disappears up the steps that lead to the owner’s cottage above the garage.

I look at Josie. “I guess it’s time to get you girls home and to bed. Tell Willa thank you.”

Josie crawls down from my hold, and they both run over to Willa and wrap her in a hug, thanking her for the “best night ever.”

“So,” Norah says as she looks at me, “how is the town’s hot, single electrician doing?”

“I’m good.”

She cuts her eyes to Mindi, whose cheeks are still tinged pink.

“You two should exchange numbers,” she says, and Mindi’s gaze snaps to her. “You know, so you can plan a time for you to show the girls those special dance steps.”

“Right,” Mindi mumbles.

“Yes!” Josie says as she throws her arms around her ballerina friend’s legs.

Mindi reaches down and ruffles her curls.

“Um, my phone is in the truck,” I say.

She looks up and shakes her head. “That’s okay. I don’t have mine either; it’s up in my room.”

“No problem. I’ll just send you two a group text,” Norah offers helpfully.

“O-okay,” Mindi stutters.

Trudy pops her head outside. “Willa, do you want me to take the screen down?”

“We’re coming, Aunt Trudy,” she calls before turning back to us. “Come on, Norah. Let’s get this knocked out. Mindi, would you mind helping Dutch get the girls loaded up?”

“Sure,” Mindi agrees.

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