8. Chapter Eight
CHAPTER EIGHT
COLTON
H ope stood near the gingerbread booth, her laughter cutting through the festive noise like music. My chest tightened at the sight of her, and a wave of relief crashed over me. I’d made it.
“Hope,” I called out, my voice more breathless than I intended.
She turned, her eyes widening in surprise before she broke into the most radiant smile I’d ever seen. “Colton!” she cried, throwing her arms around my neck. “You’re here!”
“I had to be,” I said, wrapping my arms around her and lifting her off the ground. Her laugh spilled over me, filling every empty space I’d felt since leaving Charlotte Oaks.
When I set her down, I cupped her face, my thumb brushing her cheek as I leaned in to kiss her. But she tilted her head, curiosity flickering across her expression. “What is it?” I asked.
“I was sure you’d miss Christmas,” she said, her tone part teasing, part serious. “Did the case already get wrapped up?”
“I promised I’d be here,” I reminded her. “I wrapped things up early because I couldn’t imagine spending Christmas anywhere else. Especially not without you.”
Her expression softened, and I kissed her then—soft and brief, but filled with all the words I hadn’t said yet. The chaos of the town square seemed to quiet around us, falling away until there was only her.
“Hope, I need to tell you something,” I said, my voice low and unsteady. Her wide-eyed gaze held mine, and I took a steadying breath. “Moving to Charlotte Oaks, spending time with you... it’s made me realize what I really want in life.”
Her brows lifted in mild amusement. “Did you not know before?”
“I thought I did. I always figured that I had what I needed and could get what I wanted, so that was enough.”
She smirked. “Because you’ve got a guy for everythin’?”
“And don’t you forget it,” I shot back.
She narrowed her eyes. “Did you bake those cookies yourself, or do you have a guy for that, too?”
I winced, feigning dramatic guilt. “Would you believe me if I said I baked them myself?”
“Not for a second.”
“I didn’t,” I admitted, holding up my hands. “But?—”
Before I could finish, she rose onto her toes and kissed me, her lips soft and warm against mine. When she pulled back, her eyes sparkled with mischief. “I think outsourcin’ might be part of your charm. I loved those cookies. And more than that, I loved that you thought to send them.”
“You really loved them that much?” I asked, my grin widening when she nodded. “Well, I love you.”
Her breath hitched, and for a split second, I worried I’d said too much too soon. But then her face broke into a smile so bright it put the giant Christmas tree in the square to shame. “I love you, too.”
I let out a whoop that turned heads all around us, and then I scooped her into my arms and spun her around.
When I finally set her down, I remembered something important. “I’m sorry I missed the parade,” I said, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “But I think I’ve got news that’ll make up for it.”
Hope tilted her head, curiosity lighting her eyes. “What kind of news?”
“Remember that cookie tin we found?”
“Uh… yeah,” she deadpanned.
I chuckled. “Well, I found out who made it.”
Her eyes widened. “You did? Who?”
“It was made by Mildred Hawkins,” I said, pausing for effect. “She’s still around. Lives in a retirement community just outside Nashville.”
Hope’s lips parted in surprise, her fingers brushing mine. “You’re serious? She’s that close? ”
“She is,” I said softly. “And if you want, we could visit her. Tomorrow, maybe?”
Hope’s gaze softened, and she leaned into me, her hand resting against my chest. “I’d love that. Thank you for findin’ her.”
“Of course, and tomorrow it is,” I said, kissing her forehead. “You know what we should do to pass the time on the drive out to see her?”
“What?”
“Tally up all the wishes from the time capsule list and see how many of them I’ve already made come true for you.”
She cackled with mock outrage as she swatted my chest. “Oh, really? For braggin’ rights or somethin’?”
“No, Hope,” I said, squeezing her hand against my heart. “To see which ones are left unchecked so I can make sure I get them all.”