Billy rubbed his hands down the sleeves of her coat in an effort to warm her. “We’ll be under those wool blankets in a matter of minutes,” he said.

  “It won’t be long,” she agreed, as they drew steadily closer to the front of the line.

  When their turn came, the young man who was the assistant motioned for Lindy to climb onto the sleigh. Billy had climbed aboard first and offered his hand, which she gladly accepted. As soon as she was seated, he pulled the heavy blankets over her lap and wrapped his arm around her.

  Warmth infused her. First from the blankets, and second, from her proximity to Billy. Not only was he attentive, but he was thoughtful, too. The horse and driver took off down a well-worn, snow-packed path into and through the thick woods. The horse’s hoofs kicked up a light dusting of the freshly fallen snow. Christmas music swirled around them and then gradually faded as they continued into the forestland. Their driver chatted amicably as he flicked the reins against the horses.

  “Your first time in town, folks?” he asked.

  Billy looked to Lindy to answer. “No. First sleigh ride, though.”

  “Good to have your sweetheart with you.”

  “Very good,” Billy answered, smiling at Lindy.

  Mesmerized by the glow in his eyes, she smiled back and snuggled closer.

  The wait, as Lindy suspected, was longer than the ride. Not that it mattered. The few minutes they were in the forest were magical. This was everything Christmas was meant to be. With Billy at her side, and his arm protectively around her. The fir trees that lined the path, their limbs burdened with the weight of the snow, created an iconic winter wonderland. Music from the carolers faded and then returned as they neared the starting point.

  As they made the final turn, Lindy noticed Brian and Celeste were in the line, but not close enough that they would easily see her and Billy. She would really rather not run into them.

  “You’re chilly again,” Billy said.

  As the sleigh drew closer to the drop-off point, she turned to look at Billy. “Would you do something for me?”

  “Sure. What do you need?”

  “Would you kiss me?”

  His smile was huge, and he didn’t hesitate for even a moment. Capturing her face, his hands covering her ears, he slowly lowered his mouth to hers.

  Lindy wasn’t sure what she’d expected when she’d made the request. One thing was certain, it wasn’t the intense emotions that quickly laid claim to her. At first Billy’s lips were cold, which only made sense, seeing as they’d been riding through below-freezing temperatures. His mouth warmed quickly as he deepened the kiss. Heat spread through her as she opened to him, raising her arms to rest her hands on his shoulders. She quickly became involved in the kiss. Slanting her head to one side, she was lost in the wonder of the moment. The magic of it. The sensation of being in his arms, as if this was where she had always belonged.

  When they broke apart, all they seemed capable of doing was staring at each other, as if they were both shocked by the intensity of the kiss. Lindy could hear the people clapping and a few shouts and cheers directed toward them long before the sleigh came to a stop. For a moment, she didn’t hear the young man urging them to climb off the sleigh.

  As he had earlier, Billy went first and then helped her down. As soon as her feet were on the ground, she couldn’t resist looking toward the line. She could only hope Celeste and Brian had witnessed a kiss that was far and away better than any she’d ever experienced. A smile tickled her mouth as she looped her arm around Billy’s elbow.

  “Lindy.”

  Celeste called her name, and when Lindy turned, she could see that she regretted it. Her once best friend lowered her head as if she was embarrassed.

  “Celeste,” she said, and then nodded to Brian. “The sleigh ride is probably the most romantic thing I’ve done in ages. You’ll enjoy it. Have a fun day.” When neither seemed inclined to continue the conversation, Lindy and Billy left.

  They hadn’t gone far when Billy paused and turned to face Lindy.

  “You want to tell me what that was about?”

  She toyed with playing dumb and recognized that wouldn’t work. Not with Billy. “That was my onetime best friend and my old boyfriend in line.”

  “So that’s what prompted you to ask me for the kiss?”

  Shame filled her when she realized how wrong it was of her to use Billy.

  “How recent was the breakup with this guy?” he asked, his voice stiff and deep.

  “Six months. He moved in with my former roommate, who I considered my best friend,” she admitted, and then added, “I apologize…I shouldn’t have used you. It was wrong of me, but I wanted them both to see that I’d moved on.”

  “I understand, Lindy, better than you realize. I’ve had my own share of disappointments from people I’ve trusted. It’s a painful lesson. I’m sorry you had to go through that.”

  She hoped he did understand. “Asking you to kiss me seemed like a good idea at the time, but in retrospect, I…” She paused, unsure if she should continue.

  “In retrospect, what?” he prodded.

  “All right,” she said, shrugging a sigh that raised her shoulders two full inches. “Here’s the truth. That kiss was…” She struggled to find the words. “Was the best ever.”

  “The best? Ever?”

  “Better than the best. It was wonderful. I might have asked you to kiss me for all the wrong reasons, but Billy, wow. That kiss did something to my heart.” She pressed her hand over her chest to reassure him she wasn’t just saying that, but she meant it.

  “You mean like heartburn?”

  “No,” she answered, laughing, certain he was making a joke. “As I said at dinner, my job has been a challenge lately, and then the breakup.”

  “That’s understandable.”

  “Mostly it was my pride that took a beating,” she confessed.

  “You liked the kiss?” Billy asked.

  “Out of all I said, this is what you want to ask me?”

  He shrugged. “It didn’t do my ego any harm.”

  Lindy smiled. He was right. The past meant nothing now. He’d asked, and she was glad she’d been honest.

  “What are you feeling about that kiss?” She couldn’t resist wanting to know.

  He gave a lighthearted shrug. “It wasn’t bad.”

  “What?” She demanded, and elbowed him in the ribs.

  Billy did a good job of pretending she’d injured him. “Okay, if you must know, the kiss was pretty darn spectacular, although I can do better, given the opportunity.”

  Lindy wound her arm around his waist once again. “Then I’ll make sure you get that opportunity.”

  “Sounds good to me.” He brushed his lips over her forehead.

  CHAPTER NINE

  “Where to next?” Lindy asked.

  “How about some cocoa and a hot doughnut?” They both could do with a bit of warmth in their stomachs.

  “I could do with coffee.”

  While Lindy glanced through the window into the hat store, Billy went for coffee. There were easily twenty to thirty people waiting for a chance to get inside the tiny shop to try on their unique caps, hoods, and bonnets.

  He joined her and they were fortunate enough to find a space to sit on the lip that circled the town fountain. At her first sip, Lindy blinked back tears. “My goodness, this is strong. It’s a defibrillator in a cup.”

  “I thought that’s what my kiss was.”

  She smiled as she lowered her gaze to the steaming disposable cup. “Yes, that, too.”

  “Knew it.”

  Men and their egos! It felt wonderful to laugh and smile again. If she did happen to run into Brian and Celeste a second time, she wouldn’t care. This afternoon with Billy was exactly what her heart needed.

  After they finished their coffee, Billy took her hand and led her to the Santa house.

  “You know this really isn’t necessary, don’t you?” she said, feeling more than a little silly.

  “I think it is.”

  Seeing that Billy insisted, Lindy decided to play along. It didn’t hurt that she’d recently written Santa a letter, as childish as that might seem. Listing the very things her heart desired had been freeing, especially after reading those early letters she’d penned as a girl.

  As they stood in line, Lindy watched Santa with the children. He had the patience of a saint, taking time with each one and listening intently as they reviewed their Christmas wishes. When it was her turn, Santa didn’t bat an eye. He held out his hand, welcoming her to join him, and then patted his knee.

  “Hello, Santa,” she said, smiling at the older man. His white beard was authentic, and he had a twinkle in his eye. Lindy felt ridiculous, as she was the only adult waiting for her turn with the big guy. One of the children in line pointed at her.

  “She’s too old for Santa,” he announced, with righteous indignation.

  Santa wagged his finger at the child. “No one is ever too old for Santa,” he told the little boy.

  He turned and focused his attention on Lindy. With an encouraging smile, he said, “Ah yes, I’ve been waiting for you.”

  “Really?” she said, teasing him.

  His dark eyes grew serious, as though her doubt had offended him. “I have, Lindy.”

  He knew her name, but she suspected Santa must have heard Billy say it. From having observed him earlier, she could see he was sharper than other men who stepped into the role.

  “Have you been a good girl this year?” Santa asked.

  “Absolutely,” she said, having a difficult time not giggling. “The very best.”

  “I’m happy to hear that. Now, what would you like Santa to bring you?”

  “Didn’t you get my letter?” she teased.

  “I’m sure one of my elves has placed it on my desk. I promise I’ll read it once I return to the North Pole.” He sounded sincere, and she found that rather endearing.

  “Good, because it’s a heartfelt list.”

  “I’m sure it is, and I promise to read it soon. But since you’re with me now, why don’t you tell me what’s on your list this year.”

  As she visited with Santa, Billy was busy taking photo after photo, moving from one part of the room to another, taking a dozen or more pictures of her on Santa’s knee. He seemed to find this amusing, and she let him have his fun. Billy had done everything to make this day special, and she wanted him to know how much she appreciated his efforts.

  Seeing her time with Santa was about to end, Lindy said, “Before I go, I want you to know that when I was six, I asked for a little sister, but you sent me a brother instead. I forgive you, because Chad is the best little brother a big sister could ever want. So, thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I’m sure it was a mailroom error. The elves must have confused your letter with another youngster’s. That occasionally happens.”

  Lindy hid a smile at how serious his apology was. “No worries, it turned out for the better.”

  Santa grinned sheepishly.

  “Also, I regret asking you to bring Billy Kincade coal. That was unkind of me.”

  “Billy Kincade,” Santa slowly repeated the name as if testing his memory. “I do remember that young man. He was quite the rascal. I don’t suppose you know whatever became of him?”

  She gestured across the room. “That’s him with the phone.”

  “My, my, he’s grown into quite the fine young man. I’m happy to see you’ve resolved your differences.”

  “We have,” she said, finding their conversation fun.

  Santa handed her a candy cane, and she knew it was time to go.

  “Thank you, Santa,” she said, and stood.

  “You know,” Santa said, stopping her. His twinkling eyes held hers for an extralong moment. “That letter you recently wrote me.”

  “Yes?”

  “I’ll do my best to make sure all your wishes come true.” The smile had left, and once more he held her gaze for an extralong moment.

  “Thank you,” she said, having trouble finding her voice.

  Billy met her at the back of the line and asked, “What did Santa say as you were leaving?”

  Now that Lindy thought about it, she found Santa’s parting words more than a little perplexing, as if he was serious…as if he was sincere. “He said what he does to everyone, I suppose, that he’d work on my Christmas wishes.”

  Billy reached for her hand. “He looked…I don’t know, like he was about to ask you out on a date.”

  Lindy laughed and leaned her head against his shoulder. “That’s hilarious.”

  “Did you tell him your Christmas wish?”

  “Not exactly. I told him I wrote him a letter.”

  “I bet you didn’t ask for Rollerblades,” he teased.

  “No, it was a bit…it was personal.”

  “Got it. And Santa said he’d be working on it?”

  “He did.” Lindy sincerely hoped he was right. She wanted to make it on her own in Seattle. She had a lot to prove to the team at Media Blast. As for the other items on her list, she’d leave that up to Santa.

  The rest of the afternoon was perfect. They stopped by the independent bookstore, A Book for All Seasons, and Lindy bought an autographed copy by one of her favorite authors. Their next stop was the cheese store, and Billy picked up Brie from France to contribute to his sister’s Christmas dinner.

  “Will you spend Christmas with Dede?” She assumed the restaurant would be closed on Christmas Day.

  “That’s the plan for now.”

  For now? He made it sound as if there might be a change in his plans. It made her wonder if he’d made other arrangements with another woman. A tinge of curiosity niggled in her mind until she reminded herself it shouldn’t matter. She would be returning to Seattle after the first of the year. This time together was a pleasant interlude and one her self-esteem badly needed, but they were both fully aware her time in Wenatchee was limited.

  As they strolled along the way, the crowds swirled around them: the noise, laughter, and music, all part of the enchantment.

  There was no shortage of interesting shops to visit, and before long it was time for their dinner reservation at Berghoff’s. They walked to the restaurant, hand in hand to keep them from being separated in the mingling crowd. Whatever the reason, Lindy enjoyed being linked to him.

  The line into the restaurant progressed along, and soon they were at the check-in. The hostess collected their coats and led them across the room. As expected, every table was occupied, and the restaurant was hopping. A fire blazed from the rock-hewn fireplace, warming the room. Soft lighting created a cozy, if not romantic, atmosphere.

  Once seated, they were handed menus. When their server appeared, Billy ordered a wine from a local winery, and within a short amount of time it was delivered to their table.

  “Dan will be right over,” the server told Billy.

  “Dan is the owner,” Billy explained. “He’s been a mentor to me for the last couple of years, plus being a good friend.”

  “I look forward to meeting him.” Eating at Berghoff’s was a rare treat. Her family had never been able to get reservations, and Lindy hadn’t mentioned where Billy was taking her, in case it fell through at the last minute.

  “Dan has relatives in Chicago,” Billy explained. “Their restaurant was one of the most notable in the city for any number of years. I had another restaurant in Yakima before coming to Wenatchee. Dan was instrumental in advising me when I came to him about opening the Wine Press. His family has been in the business for years. I appreciated his advice.”

  Lindy vaguely remembered hearing about the relationship between the Chicago restaurant and the one in Leavenworth, some years ago, while in college.

  “What happened to your restaurant in Yakima?” Lindy asked, wondering if he was managing more than the one in Wenatchee.

  He didn’t answer right away, and looked relieved when Dan approached their table, leaving her to wonder what had happened in Yakima, as he didn’t seem to want to discuss it.

  “Will, good to see you,” Dan said, as he stepped closer. Billy stood, and the two men briefly hugged. “Appreciate you squeezing us in tonight,” he said.

  The restaurant owner was around fifty, if Lindy were to guess. He had a thick head of salt-and-pepper hair, warm blue eyes, and a well-trimmed beard. His smile was personable.

  “Wednesday night wasn’t a huge problem. The weekend would have been impossible.” He reached for the wine bottle and opened it with an expert hand. He glanced toward Lindy.

  Billy reached across the table and took her hand. “This is Lindy, the woman I mentioned earlier.”

  “Ah yes,” Dan said, his gaze welcoming, revealing a bit of intrigue, as if he knew something she didn’t. “It’s a pleasure, Lindy.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, and again, thank you for finding us a table for tonight.”

  “My joy, sweet lady.”

  Billy leaned forward, pressing his midsection against the table. In a stage whisper, he said, “I didn’t tell him about your letter to Santa.”

  “What’s this about a letter?” Dan pried.

  “What would you recommend off the menu?” Lindy asked, gently kicking Billy under the table.

  “Ouch,” he cried, pretending she’d mortally wounded him. “It’s nothing,” he told his friend, and then added in another stage whisper, “I’ll tell you later.”

  Dan laughed and turned his attention to Lindy. “I highly recommend the rouladen and the spätzle with purple cabbage. It’s one of our signature dishes. You can’t go wrong.”