Page 5 of Snowed In for Christmas

"Wow, stalker much?”

"Hey, it's not stalking if I’m looking out for my new home," Tommy said, rolling his eyes but grinning all the same. “What if she was one of those people who gave crappy reviews and ruined small businesses? We’d have to run her out of town.”

"Right, right. Because the way you’re looking at her right now totally reads that you wanna run her out of town.”

Tommy hesitated, unsure of how to respond. He wasn't quite ready to admit the depth of his intrigue—or the way her laughter had sent warmth flooding through him.

It was weird, right?

So, instead, he shrugged, trying to downplay his interest. "What? I’ve got eyes. She’s not hard to look at."

"Uh-huh," Jack said, clearly not convinced.

Just as Tommy was about to defend himself again, one of the teachers called out for the kids to get their coats and line up by the door. Chaos erupted, from the whining of those who weren’t ready to leave to the hurried steps of the rule-followers who dropped whatever they were doing and zig-zagged toward the door.

Jack walked away to help the teachers corral their students, but Tommy was unable to resist sneaking another glance toward the open door before he joined him. The sight of Grace standing there, chatting animatedly with Robin, only served to heighten his curiosity.

But wasn’t it pointless? According to Ida, she’d only be in town for a few days.

He turned away, thanking the kids for their visit as they reluctantly said their goodbyes. But as they filed out of the bullpen, Tommy wasn’t sure if the lightness in his chest was due to the energy the class had brought with them… or if it was because a plan had taken root in his mind.

Grace might only be in Snow Hill for a few days, but if that was all he could get… he’d take it.

After all, what did he have to lose?

* * *

A cheeryjingle of bells rang out as Tommy nudged open the door to The Enchanted Toy Box. He took in the sensory overload, scanning the crammed shelves. He moved deeper into the space, picking up a wooden train set and admiring the craftsmanship.

But when the door chimed again, and he looked over his shoulder, he had to do a double-take.

Could this town get any smaller? It'd only been a few hours since he'd seen Grace at the station, and now, here she was.

He put down the train and turned toward her, his lips twitching as he watched her gaze dart around the shop, taking it all in like a kid in a candy store.

"Feels a little like stepping into Santa's workshop, huh?" Tommy commented casually.

Grace swiveled to face him, her expression brightening with recognition. "Tommy, right? Ida told me about you after you left the cafe yesterday."

"Hopefully, all good things," he replied with a smile, extending his hand. "And you're Grace, the travel writer."

"I am.”

Her grip was firm, suggesting a woman who knew her mind. But there was also a softness, a subtle connection humming between them. And just like before, curiosity flickered within him.

"Ida told me about you, too," he admitted.

Grace removed her hand from his and used it to tuck a strand of light brown hair behind her ear, looking away for a moment.

Was that a blush on her cheeks, or was it simply a reflection from the light-up Rudolph toy on a nearby shelf?

"All good things?"

Tommy shrugged. "Eh."

Grace's eyes flared, and her mouth popped open.

"I'm kidding. All good things. Ida's a sweetheart."

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