Page 67 of Healing Hearts at the Christmas Inn
He knew the logistics would be complicated. He lived in Tampa, she lived in Miami. But they'd work that out when it came to it. For the next three weeks, they'd be here together, working to save the inn, participating in Christmas festivities, getting to know each other in all the ways that mattered.
And if Jane managed to pull off the Winter Ball she was planning, Charlie would be his partner. His princess that he'd dance the night away with.
The thought made him smile against her hair.
They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, just holding each other, neither in a hurry to move. The Christmas lights sparkled around them. Music drifted from somewhere nearby. People passed by, caught up in their own worlds, leaving Logan and Charlie in their quiet bubble.
Then Logan felt it.
A presence, soft and warm, settling over his shoulders like a familiar embrace. The air around them seemed to shift, tobreathe, to hold them gently. The scent of magnolia and vanilla tickled his senses.
Betty.
Logan's breath caught. He'd felt her presence a few times over the years since she died. Usually, in moments when he needed guidance or comfort. But this felt different. Not sad or heavy, but light. Approving.
He could almost hear her voice in his mind, teasing and warm:About time you let yourself live again, my darling.
Charlie stirred against him. "Are you okay?"
Logan tightened his arms around her. "Yeah. I'm good." Better than good, actually. For the first time in years, he felt like he might actually be able to move forward without feeling like he was betraying Betty's memory.
The presence lingered for another moment, and Logan could have sworn he felt fingers brush through his hair the way Betty used to do. Then it faded, leaving behind a sense of peace.
"Thank you," Logan whispered, so quietly Charlie couldn't hear.
For Betty, for whatever force had brought Charlie into his life, for this second chance at happiness he hadn't known he needed.
Charlie pulled back slightly to look at him. "We should probably get back. They'll wonder where we went."
"Probably," Logan agreed. But he didn't move.
Charlie smiled, understanding in her eyes. She kissed him once more, soft and sweet, before standing and pulling him to his feet.
They emerged from their hiding spot and rejoined the crowd, keeping a careful distance between them again. But Logan felt different now. Lighter. Like he'd been given permission to feel this, to want this, to embrace whatever was happening between them.
He glanced at Charlie and found her already looking at him, a small smile playing at her lips.
The next three weeks were going to be life changing. Logan’s heart sang as he began to really relax and absorb the magic of the season.
20
JANE
Jane held the door to William's shop open for the girls and her grandmother, following them into the warm, bright space that smelled of cinnamon, pine, and something indefinably magical.
"William!" Julie's voice was warm with genuine affection.
The man who emerged from behind the counter was tall and distinguished, with silver hair and kind eyes that crinkled at the corners when he smiled. He crossed the shop quickly and greeted Julie with a kiss on her cheek that lingered just a moment longer than strictly friendly.
Jane felt her eyebrows rise, but kept her expression neutral as William turned to her.
"Jane, sweetheart." He pulled her into a hug, the familiar embrace of someone who'd known her since childhood. "How are you holding up?"
"Better," Jane said, and was surprised to realize it was true.
William's knowing look suggested he didn't quite believe her, but he let it go. Instead, he seemed to produce two extra-largecandy canes from nowhere, holding them out to the delighted girls.
"Well, hello, Maddy," he said warmly. "Who is your new friend?"
