Page 6 of Grumpy Girl and Amaryllis

“That’s nice of you, but now your hands will be cold.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”

Once her hands are wrapped inside the gloves, I keep one hand, lace our fingers together, and start walking again.

I smile that she doesn’t pull her hand away.

We make it to the town square, and I show the online tickets I purchased. I figured it was showing fate that this date wasn’t going to end at dinner.

The different colored twinkle lights and designs are stunning, especially with the backdrop of the clear night sky splattered with bright stars.

I couldn’t have planned a more romantic space if I’d tried.

“Why no girlfriend?” she hesitates on the question, which I find endearing.

“Mostly new to town kind of thing, but I was also engaged while overseas.” I hate relaying this part, but we have another connection, albeit one I wish we didn’t. I want Mari and me to happen, and there’ll never be a time that I won’t tell her things. Being honest is essential. “She cheated on me.”

Mari stops in place and squeezes my hand. “Wow, that’s a sad thing we have in common.”

I turn to gaze down into her sweet face. “Apparently, it’s not uncommon.”

She bites the inside of her lip. She has so many doubts, but I only have belief that she is perfect for me.

“You like kids?” she asks.

I brush a piece of her hair from her eyes. “Love them. I want a dozen.”

Or as many as she’ll give me, if she wants more

Her eyes drop, and a sad sigh escapes her. “I always wanted more, but my ex said I wasn’t a good mom.” She shrugs as if that is the end of that.

My blood boils, and I want to give this ex a piece of my mind, but I have to be careful. He is a parent, and her kids are two of my favorites in my class. They remind me of her. Cautious and questioning, even a little timid.

I lift her chin with my finger so she will look at me. “Do you know I’ve asked ten moms to come in and give a presentation, and you’re the only one who has?”

She drops her jaw. “That’s ridiculous.”

“You’re not a bad mom, Mari. In fact, your kids insisted I contact you and have you come in. I’m so glad I did. They adore you. The whole time you were there, they glowed. Their love oozed out of them. A bad mom wouldn’t get that reaction from their children.”

Her eyes mist and her love for her children is evident in her reaction.

I look up to give her a moment and smile. Timing is everything.

Mari also looks up, sighs, and rolls her eyes. “Cheesy.”

“I know you know what that is.”

She drops her head and gazes at me in annoyance. “Of course, it’s Phoradendron serotinum, commonly known as mistletoe.” A smirk slides onto her lips. “Do you know that name actually means dung-on-a-twig?”

Mari is always bringing out the joy in me as I let out a laugh.

“So we’re going to kiss under poop?”

The smirk she was sporting a second ago evaporates. “Are we going to kiss?”

Slowly, I move in, but not enough to close the distance. She’s nervous and she’s been hurt. I don’t want to spook her. She needs to decide to take the leap on her own.

I thank my lucky stars that I don’t have to wait long. She leans in and closes the gap, fusing our lips together.

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