Page 21 of Dancing in Lake Mistletoe

“Thanks, but I’m going to have to up the cardio. Those leotards aren’t very forgiving.”

He shrugs. “I think curves are beautiful. Especially in leotards,” he says, his eyes sweeping me again. “Besides, I’ve been watching you guys this week. I think all those hours of dancing are cardio enough. I don’t know how you do it.”

“You’ve been watching us?” I ask.

“Not in a creepy way. It’s hard to miss when you’re up in the rafters, wiring spotlights,” he says.

I shrug. “It’s not as hard as it looks. We’ve all been dancing most of our lives. Our bodies are conditioned for long hours of rehearsals.”

“It’s impressive,” he praises.

We reach the shoreline, and he gestures toward a spot near the front. “Looks like they’re about to start.”

Together, we settle in, standing close enough that our shoulders touch. The lake is still, reflecting the clear night sky. People are gathering all around us, a hush falling over the crowd as Bob begins to send the pumpkins onto the water, each one lit with a small candle.

They drift out in clusters, their faces flickering with warm yellow light. It’s a sea of tiny, floating jack-o’-lanterns, each one casting an eerie yet beautiful glow across the water. I look over at Dutch, and he’s watching Josie. She’s standing close to the water’s edge, holding hands with her friend. Every time another pumpkin is launched, the two girls jump and cheer.

“There’s nothing like this anywhere else,” I murmur.

Dutch nods, his gaze shifting from the pumpkins to me. “There isn’t.”

The crowd claps as the last pumpkin floats out.

“Daddy,” Josie bellows as she spots us.

She and Cobie start up the hill with a couple on their heels.

When they come to a halt in front of us, he holds up the two apples.

The girls happily accept the treats.

“Mindi, this is Cobie’s dad, Isaac, and his girlfriend, Sela,” Dutch introduces.

“Hi,” Sela greets as she eyes Dutch.

“Mindi is one of Willa’s guests,” he explains, and there’s a warmth in his eyes when he looks down at me.

“Mindi. The ballet dancer, right?” Sela asks. “Hannah mentioned meeting you the other night.”

“That’s me,” I confirm.

“Sela is Bran’s little sister,” Dutch whispers in explanation.

“Oh, okay.” I nod as I begin to understand the interconnection of everyone in Lake Mistletoe. “It’s nice to meet you. I enjoyed our movie night very much, and Cobie is a delight.”

“I was just going in search of cider for Sela,” Isaac interrupts.

“I’ll help.” Dutch asks me, “You want cider?”

“Sure,” I say, nodding.

He and Isaac walk off, and I’m left standing with Sela and the girls.

“They’re going to be a sticky mess,” she says, shaking her head.

“Yeah, but it’s worth it,” I say.

Her eyes flick to me. “Do you have kids?”

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