Page 17 of Holly Ever After

“Me too.”

He doesn’t have to say it. I know he means he’s sorry too.

Mia’s little hands play with the strands of my hair, her voice soft as she hums a tune.

I strap her into her car seat, glancing back at the workshop. I can see his silhouette through the window, moving, working.

“Lolly, we go vroom vroom on ice!” Mia kicks her feet as we pull into town.

“Yes, baby girl. We go vroom vroom on ice.”

“Sean coming?”

Jesus, this kids obsession with Sean is becoming concerning.

“He’s coming.”

Her tiny hand slips out of mine the moment we approach the town square where the outdoor ice rink is already set up. Her excitement pulls her towards another little girl. They rush into each other's arms, hugging.

“Izzy!”

“Mia!”

Well, damn, that’s about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

“This your friend?” I ask.

She nods.

“Isabel, you can’t just run off like that!” A woman with a warm smile and a camera hanging around her neck appears, her eyes scanning between the kids. When she sees Mia, her face lights up, “Hey, sweetie, you going on the ice today?”

Mia’s head bobs up and down, her eyes glittering with anticipation.

“I’m Beth.” She extends her hand towards me. “These two have play dates together every week.”

“I’m Holly, Mia’s aunt. It’s nice to meet you,” I respond, shaking her hand. For some reason I feel like I should know her. “Seems like the girls are quite the pair.”

She laughs softly. “They’re troublemakers.”

I believe it.

Suddenly, a familiar voice rings out, “Little Holly Winters!” My heart leaps, recognizing the voice instantly.

I spin around to see a pair of very familiar eyes, one of his hands steadying himself on the barrier of the ice rink, the other holding the hand of another little girl. This one is older, ten maybe.

Mom had told me he settled down since returning to town.

“Logan!” A squeal escapes me as I rush to hug him. “I heard you moved back.” I pull away to look at him, his tattoos, and those same kind eyes.

“It looks like I’m not the only one. How are you doing, kid?”

“I’m good. Who’s this beautiful little girl?” She blushes a bright pink at his side.

“I’m Hannah,” her voice is quiet, and she almost shrinks behind Logan’s back.

“Nice to meet you, Hannah.” I turn to look at Logan. “Look at you, all domesticated now.”

He flashes me a megawatt smile. I think it’s the first time I’ve ever seen him smile that way. I always thought Logan only smiled with a twitch of his lips.

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