Page 66 of The Christmas Dash

“Narrower,” I repeat, and try to think of my mom’s trees in year’s past. What does she like?

“I also think we should get one with some space between the branches,” I tell Beth. “Mom loves to show off her ornaments.”

“See!” Beth’s eyes twinkle. “Good . . . this is good. I knew you had it in ya! Now, we need to find it. The perfect tree for Elena.”

She stands up on her tiptoes, eyes scanning the fields. She looks like the small figurine inside a snow globe, and I try to take a mental picture of this moment.

Beth rocks back on her heels and catches me staring. “What’s that look for?”

“Nothing. Just . . . you. You look good out here.”

She huffs and drops her gaze, flattening down her hair. “I look windblown and cold, if that’s what you mean.”

I shake my head. “I think you look perfect. And I like talking to you. I’ve missed this. I’ve missed you so much, Bethy.”

Chapter 20

Beth

“Beth,” Gabe repeats when I stand frozen, staring up at him. His gaze is tinged with so much longing—so much heat—I think he could melt the snow that’s fallen all around us. And the way he says my name is a question wrapped up in a plea, drenched in hope.

“I—I’ve missed you too,” I admit on a whisper.

He smiles and it feels like my heart hitches a ride on a shooting star. I can’t help but smile back. He pulls me into a hug, holding me close enough that even through our winter jackets, I can feel his heart hammering. I melt into him, savoring the feel of his strong arms, cradling me like I’m precious.

“But what does that mean?” I lean back. “Nothing’s changed.”

He grabs for my hands, holding them in his. “That’s exactly it. My feelings for you haven’t changed, Beth. They’re as strong as they were on the eve of Hidden Gems.”

My mind is racing. “But you live there, and I live here. And you’re a musician.”

“I’m me.” He squeezes my mittened fingers and I feel the tug to see him—to trust him.

“I know we have a lot to work out. It’s overwhelming, and I get it. I’m willing to be patient. We don’t have to make any decisions or commitments right now. I’m just asking you for a chance.”

“A chance?”

“To prove to you that I’m not going to abandon you.”

I gulp, my mouth going completely dry. A part of me wants to run away, because I’m scared. Terrified, really. Another part of me wants Gabe to press me up against the nearest pine tree and ravage me. Maybe I am more like Marilla than I thought.

“Okay.” I lick my lips, and Gabe traces the movement, his brown eyes darkening, but then his gaze softens.

“Okay?”

I nod, and he smiles again, his expression so pure and hopeful it makes me ache.

“Come on, Bethy. We’ve got time. For now, we’ve got a Christmas tree to find.”

I manage to find the perfect tree one row over. Gabe saws it down for us, and Felipe was definitely onto something with all these farm chores. They’re a major turn-on. We walk back to the farmhouse with Gabe dragging the tree like a modern-day lumberjack. After getting it tied to the top of my car, we decline Felipe’s offer of another cup of coffee and say our goodbyes.

“Ya both come back and visit me sometime, yeah?” Felipe stands just off his front porch.

“My schedule opens up in the new year. I’ll be around.” Gabe walks over to hug the man.

I’m slightly stunned by this. Gabe hasn’t spent much of any downtime he may have had in Dasher Valley. The thought of having him in town sends my heart twittering. And the beat of hope pounds in my chest.

“Good. That’s what I like to hear.” Felipe pats Gabe on the back and swivels his gaze toward me. “You, young lady. Don’t be a stranger.”