Page 57 of A Cozy Kind of Christmas
Did that mean something?
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” His grin made his face light up. “I want to get back to my tech roots. There’s so much misinformation these days, especially around media and AI and how weconsumetechnology. It’s not all doom and gloom.” His eyes grew even brighter as he leaned in. “The podcast would focus on the good. How to use tech as a tool—not to fear it. Each episode would dive into a specific topic, like how AI can help an artist push through creative blocks or how to identify and spot a deepfake. I want to include interviews with experts and give listeners real tools they can use in their everyday lives.”
“That sounds amazing. Perfect for you.”
“Yeah, you know me.” He laughed. “I probably have ten thousand bookmarks saved for articles I want to explore. The podcast would give me a place to share everything I learn when I’m deep down a rabbit hole.”
“Do it!” Meg punched him in the shoulder. “Seriously, what are you waiting for?”
He sighed, blowing a puff of cold air from his lips. “I don’t know—it’s a risk.”
“But doing nothing is also a risk, yeah?”
Something shifted.
She could see his face fall slightly.
“True.” He pointed to the riders who were gathering near the press tent. “I should let you go. I’ll see you tonight, though.”
Meg plastered on a bright smile. “Okay. Can’t wait to see your forest formal.”
“Oh, it will be forest andformal.” He started to move away but stopped and held up a finger. “And, if you use ‘snow-crossed lovers’ in your feature, I want credit.”
“Deal.” Meg’s mouth curled into a smile.
“Hey, one more thing.” He reached into his parka and removed a letter and a small box wrapped in craft paper and tied with a gingham ribbon. “The box is from me. It’s something I saw and knew was meant for you. Open it later.”
“Okay, thanks.” Meg took the package, feeling another swell of jitters. “You didn’t need to get me a gift.”
“I know.” He shrugged, giving her a coy smile. “I was at a Christmas market, and the minute I spotted it, I just knew it was intended for you.” He held out the letter gently, like it might explode. “I wasn’t sure how much time we’d have, so I thought maybe it would be easier if you just read this. I’ve been wanting to write to you for a while, but haven’t been able to work up the courage to,” he said carefully, bending slightly to watch her reaction. “You don’t have to take it.”
She stared at it, momentarily paralyzed. The warm and fuzzy feeling evaporated.
“You really don’t have to take it,” he repeated, sounding like he wished he had never mentioned it.
“No, it’s okay.” She snatched it from him and tucked it in her pack. She had a good guess what the letter contained—his reason for proposing to Lucinda. It would be just like Matt to need to explain why and how he’d moved on.
“Do you want to talk?”
She shook her head.
“Okay, well, maybe later, yeah?” He studied her like she might explode, too. “And, no judgment, Megs. You can read it or burn it. It’s totally your call. I’ll see you tonight.” He tossed his hand in a casual wave and walked away.
For a split second, she had to fight the urge to run after him.
THIRTY-SIX
JOHANNA
Johanna waited with Meg in the press tent.
She offered moral support as Meg expertly crafted a story and social assets to accompany the piece.
Meg rarely needed direction.
Her instincts were impeccable.
Johanna reviewed the feature.The Snow Reportwas the perfect blend of extreme winter adventure meets charming, rustic cabin Christmas. Once again, Meg had managed to whittle down to the heart of the sport.
