You should lock that in.
She’s right. I have to tell Jaylynn how I feel. I have to tell her that I’m in love with her. That I want her in Boston with me. Even if she doesn’t get the job, she’ll find something else. We’ll find a way. Because I’m not letting her slip through my fingers.
She stirs, lashes fluttering, and I lean down to kiss her awake.
Her lips curve into a sleepy smile. “That’s a lovely way to wake up.” She slides her arms around me, pulling me closer. I’m just about to roll her beneath me when her eyes snap open.
“What time is it?”
I glance at the clock. “Nine.”
“I didn’t mean to sleep this late.” She bolts upright, scrambling. “I have to go.”
“Go where? The parade doesn’t start until five.”
“I know.” She’s already climbing out of bed. “But I’ve got a million things to check on like the floats, parade route, security, crowd control, lights for the tree, the horses, costumes, photographer and booth for Santa, elfie selfie station…” She vanishes into the bathroom before I can stop her.
“Is there anything I can do?” I call.
Her voice floats back, muffled. “Actually, yes. Collect the ballots for the best-decorated shop and tally them for me to announce after the parade.”
“That’s easy. But what else can I help with?”
“Nothing.” She reappears long enough to bend down and kiss me. “I’ve got plenty of volunteers, but I want to keep an eye on things myself. No way I’m letting another #GobbleGate happen.”
I grin despite myself. “Fair enough. Just promise you’ll call if you need anything.”
“I will. Just be at the community hall by four-thirty. Your suit will be waiting.”
“Okay, Mrs. Claus.”
And just like that, she’s gone—rushing out the door with her list, her smile, and her secrets.
I roll over and drift back to sleep for another hour. When I finally wake, I shower, check my phone—still nothing from Jaylynn—and grab a quick breakfast at the inn. The dining room is quiet, the kind of quiet that hums with anticipation, like the whole town is holding its breath for the night to come.
On Main Street, I collect ballots shop to shop, greeting merchants, admiring windows strung with garland and glittering lights. In one store, something in the display catches my eye—a small item, simple, but with the right touch it could become the perfect Christmas gift for Jaylynn. A grin spreads across my face as I tuck it under my arm. I’ll swing by her parents’ later for help with the finishing touches.
Excitement warms me, pushing back the chill of doubt I’ve been carrying. I finish my rounds, return to the inn, tally the ballots, and check the time. Fifty minutes until the community center. Plenty of time. I decide to walk, but first, I want to do a little digging into Dylan Hayes. I spend the next half hour doing a deep dive on social media, and news outlets.
Misappropriation of funds.
I shake my head as understanding dawns. The guy could be in big trouble. He needs someone to spin this, change the narrative, and that someone is obviously Jaylynn. I shut my laptop, a hollow ache inside my stomach.
He doesn’t love her or want her. But if she knew why it could only open up old wounds, create new ones, and really hurt her. Fuck. I check the time again, pull on my coat and head outside. I walk to the center and when I enter, the place is buzzing. Costumes, props, decorations, a kissing booth for later when the adults convene after the tree lighting. It’s chaos wrapped in Christmas. But no Jaylynn. My gaze sweeps the crowd, heart skipping when instead of her, I spot Dylan.
I angle to leave, but he intercepts me, genuine concern on his face. “Hey, everything okay with Elaine?”
I stop cold. “What are you talking about? Is she here?” My eyes scan the room.
He shakes his head. “No. Drove past her place earlier. The screen door hanging off the hinges, cats everywhere on the lawn.”
My stomach drops. Cold panic slices through me. I dig for my phone, calling Elaine over and over. Voicemail. Again and again. Finally, I leave a message, my words clipped, urgent.
“You better get out there,” Dylan says. “Things don’t look good.”
I’m not sure I buy his concern, but if something is going on, and I don’t go, I could never live with myself. “Where’s Jaylynn? I’m supposed to be dressed and ready in fifteen minutes.”
“Didn’t she tell you? Things are delayed. Parade’s pushed back a half hour.”