Page 54 of A Match Made at Christmas

She was hesitant, that was clear. How could he convince her to take a chance on him? How could he show her they were perfect for each other?

Before he grabbed his coat to leave and check on Peggy, Hayes wandered over to the bar, where Howie sat, a nearly empty glass in front of him.

Hayes sat down next to him. “What happened up there?”

Howie shrugged. “It was going so well. Kind of like old times. We have a lot of catching up to do, and for the first time, I thought maybe we had a shot. Maybe she still had feelings for me.”

“And?”

“And it was great until I told her I’m not staying for the Christmas Stroll. I came to town for Pru, and I leave Saturday.”

Hayes frowned. “Can’t you change your plans?”

“That’s what Peggy asked.” Howie frowned. “Then the conversation turned. Said something about setting herself up for disappointment and not getting hurt again. Then she raced off. I guess she got spooked.”

Hayes thought back to the moment she emerged from the stairwell. She certainly did look spooked.

The bartender pushed a glass toward Howie, who picked it up and drained it with a sigh.

“I never thought I’d get another chance with Peggy. It wasn’t even on my radar. She’s been pretty cold to me over the years, so I just assumed it wasn’t in the cards.”

“And now?”

“Now, I’d do just about anything to win her over,” Howie said. “Even move back here in the middle of December, although I think we’d have a much better time if she retired and we traveled while we’re still young enough to enjoy it.”

Howie pulled his wallet out of his back pocket. He opened it and pulled out a small photograph, folded in half. He handed it to Hayes. “I’ve been carrying that around since I moved off the island.”

“What is it?” Hayes looked down at the image and a young woman with bright eyes stared back at him. He unfolded it and saw a younger, shirtless Howie with the same shoulder-length hair he had now standing at the woman’s side. “Is that you and Peggy?”

Howie looked away. “Found it when I moved. It was in a box of old things Tammy had shoved in the attic.”

“You know what I think?” Hayes asked.

Howie’s eyes seem to welcome any suggestions.

“I think you need to show her you’re serious. Don’t leave Saturday. Change your plans. Isn’t she worth it?”

The bartender returned with another cocktail for the older man. Howie picked it up, looked at Hayes, and shook his head. “I messed it all up, kid. A long time ago. And that woman”—he pointed to the photo—“if she was ever in love with that guy—she’s not anymore.”

Hayes watched as Howie strolled off. He glanced down and saw that Howie had left the old photo on the counter. He picked it up and looked at it. Peggy was looking straight at the camera, but Howie was looking straight at Peggy, and the admiration on his face was undeniable.

He reached into his back pocket and tugged out his own wallet, opened it, and pulled out his own folded, but not quite as faded, photograph. He and Pru on the beach the second summer after they’d met. Hayes had his arm draped around Pru’s shoulder, and she was grinning at the camera. But Hayes was smiling at her.

Maybe it was time he took his own advice.

* * *

Hayes left the party,Howie’s photo in his pocket, drove toward the edge of town and stopped in front of a small gray-shingled cottage. A lone light shone in the living room, and while he knew it was risky to show up this late, he had to try.

And he also knew that time mattered. After all, anyone, including Howie, could leave the island at any moment.

He knocked on the front door and waited until Peggy opened it. She still wore her party outfit, but there were fluffy slippers on her feet.

“Hayes.”

He smiled what he was certain was a sad smile, a mirror image of her own. “Sorry to show up unannounced.”

“Oh, I don’t mind.” Peggy’s smile looked forced. “Do you want to come in?”

---