Page 59 of Healing Hearts at the Christmas Inn
"Finally!" Trinity teased, but her tone was affectionate.
They made their way down to the parking lot, the girls chattering excitedly about their plans for the ballroom. Charlie let the conversation wash over her as she drove, grateful for the distraction.
Holly gave directions to a parking area near the historic district, her knowledge of St. Augustine clearly coming from her having studied it a few times before their trip. The girls bounced in the backseat, Maddy pointing out landmarks and her favorite spots as they passed.
Charlie tried to focus on driving, on the conversation, on anything except the memory of Logan's touch. But her mind kept drifting back. The way he'd looked at her. The shock in his eyes had mirrored hers. The fumbling escape that had ended in that impossible kiss.
Holly glanced at her a few times, concern evident in her expression, but she didn't say anything. Not yet.
They parked and walked through the historic district, colonial architecture dressed in Christmas finery. Garlands draped across old buildings. Wreaths hung on doors that had stood for centuries. Horse-drawn carriages passed by, bells jingling, carrying tourists through streets that looked like they'd been pulled from a Christmas card.
Street performers played holiday music on corners. The smell of roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate drifted from vendors. Everything felt magical, timeless, like stepping into a different world.
They found a Christmas market set up in the plaza, booths selling handmade ornaments, local crafts, and holiday treats. Trinity and Maddy wanted to explore everything, pulling Holly and Charlie from booth to booth with infectious enthusiasm.
Charlie found herself relaxing slightly. The normalcy helped. She bought hot chocolate for everyone, and they sipped it as they wandered, the warmth spreading through her chest and settling some of the chaos in her mind.
Holly purchased some handmade ornaments, each one unique and clearly crafted with care. Charlie watched her sister examine each piece with the expert eye of someone who understood quality and artistry. This was Holly's element. Beauty, history, and things made to last.
They continued through the market, stopping to watch a glassblower create delicate ornaments, to sample fudge from a local chocolatier, to admire hand-carved nativity scenes. The girls were enchanted by everything, their excitement contagious.
As they walked, Charlie felt the tightness in her chest begin to ease. This was good. This was what they'd come here for. Family time. Making memories. Letting Trinity be a kid again instead of carrying the weight of her father's deployment and her grandparents' divorce.
"Can we go down to the waterfront?" Maddy asked, tugging on Holly's sleeve. "They set up a holiday carnival this year. It's not big, but it's really fun."
Holly checked her watch. They still had a few hours before they needed to get back to the inn. "That sounds perfect."
They made their way toward the water, following the sound of carnival music and the laughter of children. The holidaycarnival was small but charming, with a carousel, a Ferris wheel, swinging chairs, and various game booths decorated with Christmas themes.
Trinity and Maddy's eyes lit up.
"Can we go on some rides?" Trinity asked, her voice holding that hopeful note that made Charlie's heart squeeze.
Holly smiled, already reaching for her wallet. "Of course. Have fun."
She gave Trinity money for tickets, and the girls rushed off toward the carousel, already debating which horses to ride.
Charlie and Holly found a bench nearby where they could watch the girls and rest their feet. They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, watching Trinity and Maddy climb onto brightly painted horses. The carousel started with a cheerful melody, and the girls waved as they circled past.
"Okay," Holly said, turning to face Charlie. "What's going on with you?"
Charlie tried to deflect. "What do you mean?"
"You've been distracted all morning. And you looked completely rattled when you came back to the suite." Holly's gaze was knowing, concerned. "I know you, Charlie. Talk to me."
Charlie sighed, looking away. "It's nothing. Just work stuff."
"Charlie." Holly's tone was gentle but firm. "I know you."
Charlie hesitated. Part of her wanted to tell Holly everything. About Logan, about that impossible moment in the hallway, about feelings she couldn't explain and didn't know what to do with. But the words wouldn't come.
So she changed the subject instead.
"Actually, I know about your offer to help with the restorations at the inn."
Holly's expression shifted immediately to guilt. "Oh. Charlie, I'm so sorry."
"Sorry for what?"
