9. Amanda
NINE
AMANDA
“Do I even want to ask?” Frankie questions with a raised brow. “It’s been a week, Mandy, and you’ve already got the tree set up. How did you manage to get the town to agree to have it set up in the park?”
I laugh. "Let's just say I have my ways.”
Frankie shakes his head, a mix of amusement and exasperation on his face. "Should I be worried about the police showing up at my door?"
"Oh, please," I scoff, waving a dismissive hand. "Give me some credit. It was all perfectly legal... mostly."
Frankie's eyes narrow suspiciously. "Mostly?"
I grin, unable to contain my excitement. "Okay, so maybe I had to call in a few favors. And perhaps I mentioned to the mayor how lovely it would be if the local press covered the early holiday spirit in our little town. You know, boost tourism and all that."
"Mandy," Frankie groans. "You didn't."
"I did," I say proudly. "And it worked like a charm. The tree's up, the lights are twinkling, and I even got them to agree to a small Christmas market around it. Just wait, the children from Hope For The Holidays are going to have so much fun."
Frankie sighs, but I can see the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You're impossible, you know that?"
"Impossibly festive," I correct him, linking my arm through his as we walk through the park. "Now come on, I've got to start planning. The local schools have agreed to have the kids perform a carol service each week in the lead up to Christmas."
Frankie's eyes widen in disbelief. "Each week? Mandy, it's barely November!"
I wave off his concern. "Details, details. The important thing is that we're spreading joy and cheer throughout the town. Oh, and wait until you hear about the reindeer petting zoo I'm arranging!"
"Reindeers?" Frankie sputters. "Where on earth are you going to get reindeers?"
I tap the side of my nose conspiratorially. "I know a guy."
"Of course you do," Frankie mutters, shaking his head.
As we continue our stroll through the park, I can't help but notice the way people's faces light up as they take in the twinkling lights and festive decorations.
"See?" I nudge Frankie. "Look how happy everyone is. Once everything is ready everyone is going to be filled with the Christmas spirit."
Frankie's expression softens as he takes in the scene. "Okay, okay. I'll give you this one. It’ll be pretty magical."
"And just think," I say, my mind already racing with more ideas. "This is only the beginning. Wait until everything else comes together!"
Frankie groans good-naturedly. "I'm afraid to ask."
"Trust me," I say with a bright smile. “Everything is going to be amazing.”
I love Christmas, it’s my favorite time of the year, I really needed this, it’s amazing to spread the Christmas joy, and being able to help children in need is fulfilling.
Frankie slides his arm around me, pulling me into his body, tucking my hair behind my ear. I stare up at him, his gaze on my lips. I pull in a ragged breath, my heart pounding. He slants his lips over mine.
The kiss is soft and sweet. When Frankie pulls away, his eyes are filled with desire and hope.
"What was that for?" I ask, a bit breathless.
He smiles, his hand still cupping my cheek. "Because you're you, Mandy."
I feel my cheeks flush, and not just from the chilly air. "Frankie..."
"I know, I know," he says, his thumb tracing my jawline. He reaches for my hand, and we start walking again. "You're busy planning the most elaborate Christmas celebration this town has ever seen. You’re also trying to decide whether or not you’re ready to date again."
My heart skips a beat. I want him, I really do, but I’m not sure if I’m ready for it. Especially after finding out what happened between Aaron and my mom. I’m terrified, utterly petrified of what could happen if I do take the next step and date someone. I don’t want to be hurt again. I don’t think my heart could take it again.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper, hating that I’m hurting him by being so uncertain.
He grabs my arm and brings me to a halt. "No need to apologize," he says with a heavy voice. He looks up and lets out a small laugh as he sees the sprig of mistletoe hanging above the exit gate. Christmas garlands adorn every entrance and exit, including this one, with the added bonus of mistletoe.
He wraps his arms tightly around me and looks me in the eyes. "I want you," he says softly. "But I won't pressure you for a relationship." He pauses, giving me time to process his words. "When you're ready, I'll be here." Without hesitation, he presses his lips against mine once more and this time, I lean into him as our kiss deepens. When he pulls back, he rests his forehead against mine. “That’s a promise.”
I glance up at the mistletoe and grin. “A mistletoe promise?” I ask with a smile.
"A mistletoe promise," Frankie confirms with a soft chuckle. "The truest of Christmas promises."
I can't help but laugh, even as my heart races. The warmth of his embrace lingers, and I find myself wishing I could stay in this moment forever. But reality intrudes, as it always does.
"Come on," I say, reluctantly stepping back. "I've got a lot of work to do if I’m going to make this the best Christmas ever."
Frankie nods, his eyes still twinkling with affection. "Lead the way, Christmas Queen."
Two weeks later
“Tell me everything,” Arabella says as we take our seats. We’re at our favorite brunch spot, but instead of brunch, we’re doing an early dinner. It’s not just Arabella, but Juniper, and Cherry, too.
“What?” I ask, glancing around at the girls, I feel my cheeks heat as I push my hair behind her ear.
“You and Frankie,” Cherry grins.
“What about Frankie?” I ask, trying to act innocent. God, I didn’t realize that they knew.
“I saw you,” Arabella laughs. “You were so cozy together. You looked cute. We’re not pushing you about anything, Mandy, we just want you to be happy.”
Cherry nods in agreement. “That’s all any of us want for you.”
Damn it, I should have known we wouldn’t have been able to keep what happened between us a secret. I wonder where she saw us. I sigh, knowing that I’m going to have to talk about it. “He’s amazing,” I whisper, truthfully. I’ve never met someone as amazing as Frankie is. If I were a better woman, I’d be all over him in a heartbeat. But I feel broken and I’m trying to piece my life back together and Frankie deserves someone who has their shit together.
Cherry squeals with delight, clapping her hands together. "I knew it! Oh, Mandy, I'm so happy for you. Tell us everything!"
I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm, but I feel my cheeks heat a lot more. "There's not much to tell, really. We've just been spending more time together lately, and I don't know. It feels different." Being around him while working is hard, but I like it. I like him.
Arabella leans forward, clearly intrigued. "Different how?"
I fidget, uncomfortable at saying this, but I glance around the restaurant and back to my girls. "Like I can be myself around him. He makes me laugh, and he listens when I talk about my dreams. It's just easy, you know?" I shrug.
Cherry's expression softens, and she reaches out to squeeze my hand. "Oh, Mandy, that's wonderful. You deserve someone who sees you for who you are."
I pull in a deep breath. "But I'm scared," I confess what’s been holding me back. "What if it doesn't work out? What if I mess everything up?"
"Hey," Arabella says gently. "That's a risk with any relationship. But from what I've seen, Frankie adores you. And if it doesn't work out, you'll still have us. We're not going anywhere."
Cherry nods emphatically. "Absolutely. We're your friends, we’re here for you no matter what.”
“He’s your stepdad, Cherry,” I remind her, which is also another factor that’s holding me back.
Cherry grins. “Honey,” she laughs. “I’m married to your dad. I just want you happy and if that’s with Frankie so be it. However, I can’t say the same about your dad. Derek was mighty pissed when he saw the look you two shared on our honeymoon.”
Shit, I hadn’t realized dad noticed the way we were looking at one another. My dad’s protective of me, even more so now after what happened with mom and Aaron.
“If you’re happy, honey,” Juni whispers. “Then go for it.”
"Have you kissed yet?" Cherry asks, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.
My eyes widen at her words. "Cherry!"
Cherry feigns innocence. “What, I’m merely curious.”
I bury my face in my hands, unable to hide the smile. I should be used to Cherry’s lack of filter but I’m not. "Maybe," I mumble, beneath my hands.
Cherry lets out another squeal, and I can't help but laugh at her enthusiasm. "Oh my God. We need details!"
"It was nice," I say softly. "Really nice, actually. We were walking in the park last weekend, and it just sort of happened." I don’t tell them about all the times that happened before that or the sext times we’ve had while we were on vacation.
"And?" Cherry prompts, leaning forward eagerly.
I roll my eyes, but I smile brightly. "And it was perfect, okay? He was so gentle, and it felt like... like everything just clicked into place."
"So, what happens now?" Arabella asks gently.
My smile falters and I bite my lip. "I don't know," I admit. "We haven't really talked about it. I mean, with everything that's happened with Dad and Cherry, and the baby coming, it's complicated, isn't it?"
Cherry reaches out and takes my hand. "Life is complicated, sweetie. But that doesn't mean you don't deserve happiness. If Frankie makes you happy, then go for it. I promise, it’ll all be worth it in the end.”
“He wants to see me for Christmas,” I whisper. “I’m not sure if I should.” I want to spend it with him, he’s become really important to me, and I’d love to be with him, but I don’t know if it’ll cause more harm than good.
Cherry’s hand tightens around mine. “Sweetie, that’s something you need to decide, but no matter what, we’re all supporting you. We love you.”
Should I spend the day with him? I’d really like to, but I’m not sure if I’m ready for that step. Because it would mean I’m ready to take that plunge.