“This is the trailhead,” Ash said, pulling his truck toward the edge, then put it in park.
They climbed out of the truck, and he removed his backpack from the back seat, sliding it on. Comet jumped out and instantly put his nose to the trail.
“Ready?”
Holly nodded. “This is beautiful.”
She admired the forest and the clear winter sky as they made their way up the thin dirt path into the woods. The trail had a gentle incline, and Ash had a flush to his cheeks before long. Holly felt sure she did too. Walking alongside Ash felt good… natural.
“So, what’s the status of the Christmas faire?” she asked. “Have all the vendors been sorted?”
“Yeah, as much as they can be. We’re getting down to the wire now, a week out. No more additions. Most people sign up months in advance, but we always hold a few spots for last-minute add-ons. We got one last night at the restaurant when I was sitting with you, actually. Did Sofia tell you she’s having a booth?”
“She did. I’m excited to see her jewelry.”
“Sofia’s really talented. Her booth was pretty popular last year.”
Ash followed the trail as it turned sharply to the right, and Holly was close behind him. No one else was in sight, and only the occasional rustling in the trees indicated any animal life was around.
“I can’t wait to see it. I’ve still got a little work to do on some of the decorations, but they’re coming along.”
“You’re still working on those?” Ash came to a halt and turned to look at her. “I mean, I thought you were just working on the sleigh. You didn’t have to do any more than that.”
“It’s fine,” Holly said, nudging the back of his foot to get him to keep walking.
He gave her a stern expression but acquiesced. She smiled behind his back. He had no idea.
“I feel like we’re taking advantage of you. You’re supposed to be a guest here, enjoying the place like a tourist.”
“Do I seem like a tourist?” Holly asked, amused.
“Not at all.” He laughed. “You fit in here really well.”
Holly had the feeling he was about to say more, but he didn’t and quickened his pace a little.
“Well, thank you. I love it here.”
“Have you ever thought about staying?” Ash asked.
Holly’s chest constricted. She was glad he was walking in front of her and couldn’t see her expression.There’s that idea again. Staying.But it was impossible. She never stayed anywhere.
“Oh, I don’t know. I live in Canada, and it’s… Well, it’s complicated. But I do love it here. I meant that. If I didn’t live in Canada, I could see myself here.”
Ash paused to take a swig from a water bottle. “Are you thirsty?” He offered her another bottle that was strapped to the side of his backpack. Their hands touched as she took it from him, and a buzz of electricity creeped up her arms then ran down her spine, and she shivered. When she drank, the water was pure and sweet.
They walked a little longer, making small talk. Before Holly knew it, they emerged from the thick trees and into a clearing with a mountain lake glistening in the winter sun. The far edges were frozen, but the part nearest to them was a deep blue that reflected the forest behind it. Her breath caught.
Ash smiled. “Pretty cool, right?” He walked closer to the lake, where a large log was lying across the meadow, slipped off his backpack, and dropped it to the ground. Then he walked closer to the lake and started studying the earth, the frost crunching under his feet. Comet took off around the lake.
“What are you looking for?” Holly asked, joining him.
“Smooth, flat rocks,” he said, seeing one that met his standards and picked it up. He gripped it softly and tossed it in a halfway underhand motion, sending it skipping perfectly across the lake.
Holly smiled in delight. “I’m guessing that’s one of your traditions too?”
“Yep. Well, when the lake’s not frozen. Want to try? I’m guessing Canadians are expert rock skippers.”
“Not exactly. Well, some probably are, but not me. I’ve never actually tried it,” Holly admitted. She found a rock that seemed similar to the one Ash had selected and gave it a toss. She wondered if her magic was working on the rock, because it soared across the water, skipping perfectly seven times.
