Chapter Thirteen – Doreen
“Look!” Jake pointed toward the stage set up in the main square, where a winter wonderland unfolded with drifts of fake snow and twinkling lights strung like icicles.
Actors in elaborate costumes—some as Victorian carolers with top hats and bonnets, others as cheerful snowmen with carrot noses and coal-button eyes—mingled through the growing crowd, staying perfectly in character as they handed out candy canes and posed for photos.
It was impressive! Not just because of the elaborate setup but by the whole vibe of Bear Creek, where every corner seemed designed to wrap you in holiday magic.
The whole square looked like someone had cracked open a snow globe and invited the world inside.
No wonder Sorcha had fallen in love with the place while writing her article on the festivities; it was a shame this particular event was too late to include, but maybe she could pitch a follow-up piece for next year.
“Come on, Aunt D!” Jake grabbed her hand and tugged her toward a performer dressed as a jolly gingerbread man, complete with icing details and gumdrop buttons.
“I’m coming,” Doreen said with a laugh, trailing after him as he wove through the cheerful throng, Bash bounding along on his leash.
Then his hand slipped from hers, and for a split second, she lost sight of Jake in the shuffle. A familiar stab of worry robbed her of her breath. But then came the chorus of delighted exclamations.
Ah, the Bash effect, she thought with a fond smile, catching up to find her nephew, who was now encircled by admirers cooing over the golden retriever. Bash preened under the attention, nearly as big a draw as the costumed characters.
“He’s gorgeous! Can I pet him?” Someone asked, and Jake beamed as he nodded permission.
“Yeah, the Bash effect,” Doreen murmured to herself, finally reaching Jake’s side.
She paused to scan the crowd, her eyes searching for one particular face.
That belonged to that tall man, whose steady presence had somehow woven itself into the fabric of her thoughts with no warning and even less permission.
The James effect, she thought with a smile.
But there was no sign of him yet.
She glanced at her watch; it was still early, so he might be tied up on duty. Her fingers closed around her phone in her pocket, temptation tugging at her to text or call, but she resisted. This wasn’t a date, not even a solid plan. Was it? He’d probably only agreed to show up for Jake’s sake.
But he’d promised, a small voice in her head insisted.
“Aunt D, it’s starting!” Jake called, pulling her attention back to the evening’s entertainment.
The crowd quieted, everyone turning toward the stage as a deep, resonant voice boomed out, weaving a tale of the town’s founding amid ancient mountains and whispering pines.
Doreen found herself drawn in, the storyteller effortlessly painting vivid pictures of seasons past, of timeless winters, but a small ache began to bloom beneath her ribs.
James wasn’t here yet. And it stung more than she wanted to admit.
The first act wrapped with applause rippling through the square, and Doreen sensed someone approaching from behind. She turned, her heart lifting in anticipation of seeing James, but it was a broad-shouldered man she didn’t recognize, flanked by two children.
“Doreen?” he asked, his tone friendly and a little too familiar.
She went on instant alert; she’d never seen this guy before, yet he knew her name. “And this must be Jake,” he added with a nod.
“And this must be Bash! Can I pet him?” the girl piped up.
“I...” Doreen started, protective instincts flaring.
“Sorry,” the man said quickly, extending a hand. “I’m Daniel, a good friend of James and Christopher.” He thrust out his hand in greeting, his smile easy and reassuring, like someone used to putting people at ease.
Doreen relaxed a fraction, shaking his hand while piecing it together—James must have mentioned them, spreading the word about Bash’s antics. “Nice to meet you,” she said, though her gaze flicked back to the crowd, still hoping for a glimpse of slate-blue eyes.
Ridiculous, maybe. But she couldn’t help the tiny spark of hope that kept flaring in her chest.
“Maisie and Teddy have been begging me for a dog for months,” Daniel said, gesturing to his two children, who were already kneeling beside Bash, running their hands through his golden fur.
“You could borrow Bash for a trial run,” Doreen offered with a grin. “Just return him when he’s outstayed his welcome. That’s usually when he’s left muddy footprints all over the floor or hidden your shoes.”
Daniel laughed and shook his head. “If Bash comes to stay, it’ll be a done deal. No way they’d give him back.”
“Can’t blame them,” Doreen agreed, watching the three kids huddled around her dog, their faces lit with pure joy. “Bash is a certified heartbreaker.”
As she glanced over the crowd again, Daniel raised an eyebrow. “Looking for someone?”
“Oh,” she felt heat creeping across her cheeks. “James mentioned he might stop by.” The words tumbled out before she could filter them.
“He’s probably caught up in some emergency, I bet. The guy takes his job seriously.” Daniel’s smile held a large dose of sympathy.
Doreen nodded. “A real local hero, huh?”
“Trust me,” Daniel leaned closer, his voice dropping. “James wouldn’t bail on you unless it was completely unavoidable.”
“I wasn’t…” she began, but Daniel suddenly raised his hand.
“Speak of the devil,” he said with a knowing smile. “Here he is.”
Doreen turned, and there he was… James striding through the crowd in his uniform coat, hair dusted with melted snow, a smudge streaked across his jaw.
Relief crashed over her like a wave as she let out a long breath. He was here. Like he promised.
“Emergency call,” he said breathlessly and apologetically. “Chimney fire. Everyone’s okay, but I should’ve messaged.”
Before she could think, she stepped closer and reached up, her thumb brushing the soot from his cheek.
The moment her skin touched his, James went utterly still, his breath catching as their eyes held.
Time narrowed to that single point of contact…
her thumb tracing the line of his jaw, wiping away the dark streak, the intimacy of it sending a shiver down her spine.
She’d feared he’d let her down. Broken his promise. But here he was.
Her hero.
She was only vaguely aware of Daniel walking over to the kids and saying hello to Bash. Only vaguely aware of the play starting again.
But there was nothing vague about her awareness of James.
He smiled, and her stomach flipped. She was falling for this man and falling hard.
But it didn’t seem to matter anymore, because she knew he would catch her.
Wordlessly, she slipped her hand into his, and he squeezed it lightly before they turned and watched the play. His thumb brushed hers once, barely a touch, but enough to send a warm pulse spiraling up her arm.
But where did they go from here? How did they take the next step?
They needed time alone. Time to talk. Perhaps she could ask Sorcha to look after Jake and Bash for an evening.
But then Daniel came to the rescue.
“Aunt D,” Jake tugged at her sleeve as the story ended. “Maisie and Teddy asked me to go over for a sleepover.”
“What does Daniel say?” Doreen asked as her concern spiked.
Doreen had never expected to be put in a position to make this kind of judgment call. Maybe she should phone Pauline and ask if it was okay for Jake to sleep over at Daniel’s.
“Daniel said it would be fine.” Jake looked down at Bash and ruffled his ears. “Bash really wants to go.”
“I’m not sure…” Doreen slipped her hand in her pocket and closed her fingers around her phone.
James leaned in close, his voice a low murmur near her ear that sent goosebumps skittering across her skin. “They’ll be safe. Daniel’s a wonderful dad.”
She flexed her fingers and let go of the phone. She trusted James. Trusted his judgment. “Okay,” she said, and the kids erupted in cheers. “When?”
“Now,” Jake said. “They’re having s’mores and hot chocolate. And sleeping in a tent in their living room!”
“Now?” Doreen asked. Her fingers brushed against something in her pocket. Her wish.
She hadn’t even written it, and yet it had come true.
Alone time with James.
“Wait, what about pajamas? And a toothbrush?” Doreen asked, her practical side kicking in.
Daniel waved away her concern. “We’ve got spare everything. Don’t worry.”
“And what about Bash?” she pressed.
“He’s had his dinner,” Jake said. “And he can have a late breakfast when I get home.”
Doreen glanced at Jake’s hopeful face, then at Bash’s tail thumping eagerly against the ground. She knew when she was outnumbered. “All right, I surrender.”
“I can drop them back tomorrow morning,” Daniel offered.
“No need. I’ll pick them up,” Doreen replied. “I’ve got to do some grocery shopping in town anyway. My fridge is starting to echo.”
“About ten work for you?” Daniel asked. “James can give you my address.”
“Perfect.” And it was. A perfect chance to get to know James better. So why did she feel so nervous?
Jake threw his arms around her waist in a quick hug. “Thanks, Aunt D!” Before she could respond, he was already dashing off with Maisie, Teddy, and Bash trailing behind them.
Daniel gave a quick salute as he jogged after the kids, leaving Doreen suddenly alone with James. They turned toward each other, their eyes meeting in a moment of awkward realization.
James cleared his throat. “So...”
“So...” she echoed, a nervous laugh escaping.
“Shall we get out of here?” he asked, tilting his head toward the edge of the crowded square.
Doreen nodded, not trusting her voice. Not caring where they were going as long as they were together.
“I’m sorry I was late,” James said, apologizing again.
“I wasn’t sure you were coming,” Doreen whispered, the admission slipping out, leaving her feeling vulnerable even though it was true.
James stopped walking and turned to face her. “I wouldn’t have missed this for anything.”
He reached out, brushing a snowflake from her hair with a touch so reverent it made her breath hitch. Behind them, a group of teenagers giggled. “You’re under the mistletoe!”
They both looked up to see the sprig dangling above, tied with a red ribbon.
“So we are.” His eyes locked with hers for a long moment, and she nodded and leaned forward.
The kiss started soft, tentative, his lips warm against the winter chill, then deepened, his palm cupping her cheek while her hand rested on his shoulder. It was tender, slow, and laced with promise. Heat flooded her veins, and she pressed her body against him, wanting more. So much more.
Until they finally parted and he rested his forehead on hers.
“I’ve never...” Doreen whispered, words failing her.
“Me neither,” he said, with a shy smile.
Sometimes, there was no need for words.