Page 38 of A Cozy Kind of Christmas
“Enjoy,” Marissa said, finishing the drink with a cinnamon stick. “It should be a great party. I heard some of the other staff saying there might even be an engagement coming soon. How cool would that be? What if it happens tonight? It’s so dreamy—the stars, the bonfire, the Christmas carols. All of Lucinda’sfriends are here. I would absolutely be over the moon if someone proposed to me like that.”
A stabbing pain throbbed in Meg’s stomach like she was being attacked by a swarm of angry wasps. “Uh, an engagement? You mean like as in a proposal?” She expelled a long breath. Her body felt numb all over, and not just because of the cold.
Oh, no, please don’t let that be true.
Not tonight.
Not here.
“Yeah. That’s the rumor. She’s dating a guy who also works for the company. He’s the complete package—talk about the ultimate partnership.” Marissa crossed her fingers on both hands. “We’ll have to wait and see. Sounds like love is in the air tonight and we’ll have a front row seat!”
TWENTY-FOUR
MEG
Meg stumbled away from the food tent. Her limbs suddenly felt weak and limp.
Matt and Lucinda were getting engaged?
Tonight?
Crap.
Pressure spread across her chest. She almost forgot to breathe as she searched for an empty chair.
He was going to propose to Lucinda—in front of her?
She needed to sit.
She needed to figure out an excuse—stat.
She couldn’t hang around and watch Matt take a knee.
No, that was too painful.
Cruel and unusual punishment.
She spotted an empty Adirondack near the fire and practically collapsed into it.
What would Gam say?
Breathe.
She sucked in the icy air, not knowing where else to look or what to do.
If she left now, she could sneak back to her cabin and fake a headache.
No one would miss her.
Before she could force her body to move, Jill slipped into the chair next to her. “Hey, some party, huh? This puts shame on our campfires. Remember when we thought we were so fancy about bringing official metal skewers for s’mores instead of foraging for sticks in the forest?”
Meg chuckled, feeling wistful and nostalgic for those easy days. “Yeah. Those were the days.” She nursed her hot toddy, warming her hands in front of the bonfire. “Have you heard anything?”
“Heard anything?” Jill echoed, her voice a beat late.
“About tonight?” Meg asked.
Jill blinked, staring into the flames. She looked distant and thoughtful in a way that Meg couldn’t quite read.
