Page 38 of Matchmaking Under the Mistletoe

“God, for someone so smart, he really is a dumb ass,” she groans, throwing her hands up in frustration. “Millie, that manis obsessed with you. He may not have said it, but there’s no way he doesn’t want you to stay. Just promise me you won’t leave until you talk to him, especially if you really do want to stay.”

“I promise,” I say, blowing out a breath.

“What are you promising?” Brian asks as he rejoins us in the center of the room. Guests are starting to arrive, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little excited to see their reaction to the work we’d done over the last few weeks.

“Oh, I was just making Millie promise to finally go out to karaoke with me now that her asshole boss doesn’t have her working all hours of the day,” Bridget teases, winking in my direction as she delivers the fib.

“Her words, not mine,” I say, not wanting Brian to think I’m complaining about work.

“Well, I’ve just gotta say, I’ve heard both of y’all sing, and I send my condolences to the other patrons of Maracas,” he pokes back, causing Bridget and I both to chuckle. He’s not exactly wrong.

We chat for a few minutes as people continue entering. Eventually, Miss Ethel makes her way over, waving her hand toward the decor.

“Millie, how on earth did you pull all of this off?” she asks, gesturing to the lights where the band is starting to play.

“Oh, I just had lots of fabulous help,” I respond, smiling at the group of ladies that seems to accumulate whenever Miss Ethel starts asking questions.

Miss Agnes steps up before asking, “Dear, please tell me we get to look forward to lots of these in the future.”

I smile at her compliment before shrugging. “I definitely have enjoyed planning these.” I’m deflecting but until I have time to talk to Brian, I’m not exactly sure how to respond.

“Well, I think if our mayor here isn’t smart enough to figure out how to keep you in town, he isn’t as cut out for this job as we like to think he is,” Miss Ethel says.

“I agree,” Miss Agnes says, just as Miss Sally makes her way over to us.

“Hmm, well I think y’all are all a bunch of idiots,” she calls out, hitting me with her signature look of disdain. “We’ll be getting those real estate offers on our land any day now right, huh, Millie?”

I roll my eyes at her usual comment and open my mouth to respond before Miss Ethel steps in. “Oh, you old hag, would you give it up already? This town is lucky to have Millie, and if you could step out of your Hallmark fantasy world you would see that she’s not here to take our land. Now, I swear to God, if you run this sweet girl off, I’ll make sure you’re never invited to the monthly bridge luncheons ever again.”

Brian and I make eye contact, and I have to look away to keep from bursting into laughter. Miss Sally makes a face at Ethel before rolling her eyes. “Sure, y’all just don’t come crying to me when it turns out I was right.” With that, she turns and makes her way toward the door.

“Miss Ethel, I don’t think I’ve ever been more in the Christmas spirit after that,” Brian says, causing all of us to chuckle.

“Oh dear, she’s not usually that bad, but you know how she gets about newcomers. Don’t worry, hun, she’ll get over it. But until then, if you need anyone to give her a good talkin’ to, you just let me know.”

I smile, touched by her show of support for me. I lean over and wrap my arm around the older woman. “Thank you, Miss Ethel. I’ll keep you updated.”

“You do that. Well, we’re gonna go grab some drinks, but next time you’re on your run, just stop by. I’m always up, and Iwould love to chat with you over some muffins,” she says, before moving further into the room.

I’m still not convinced she’s not working for a secret government agency, but I have to admit the older woman has grown on me over the last few weeks.

Brian and I continue mingling with the guests as they make their way inside, until everyone’s arrived. We take a moment, watching everyone dancing, enjoying the hors d'oeuvres and the wine, and chatting. I feel a swell of pride in my chest because I did this. After taking in the room, he turns to and says, “God, I love this town. And thank you for making this a reality.”

“Of course,” I say with a smile. “And I have to agree with you. This town is pretty special.”

“Yeah?” he asks, as he waits for me to continue.

“Yeah. You and I both know that I wasn’t really sure what I was looking for when I got stranded here, but I have to admit that I think this town has been exactly what I needed.”

He smiles, just as the band begins to play a rendition of “Winter Wonderland” and Brian holds out his hand to me. “Feel like dancing?” he asks.

“Sure,” I say with a smile, rising from my seat and taking his hand. He pulls me close, and we begin swaying to the music.

“Well, Millie, I have to admit, I agree with you. I think Springside looks good on you,” he teases, and I smile. But at the same time, his words remind me that technically after tonight, I’m not quite sure where we stand. I go back and forth, wanting to enjoy the moment but suddenly feeling like I won’t be able to relax until I know exactly what he’s thinking.

“Uhh, Brian,” I say quietly as we sway to the music. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure, Mills. You already know you can,” he replies, and I don’t miss the concern in his voice at my tone.

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