“You know it,” Kacey teased, and they laughed.
Dani put the envelope into her purse. “Did you know Drew called Travis and gave him a lead on a job?”
“When?” Kacey asked.
“Yesterday. There’s an opening with the school system. Drew told him to reach out to someone for an interview.”
Kacey clapped. “That’s great!”
“I know. Travis called and it sounds like a great opportunity.”
“What a blessing,” Mom said.
Warmth filled Kacey’s chest. Drew was such a wonderful man.
“Let’s go shopping,” Dani said.
Kacey pointed toward a music store. “Let me go in here to find something for Drew and then we’ll head to the toy store for the girls.”
“What are you going to do about Drew when you go back to Charlotte?” Mom asked.
Kacey frowned. “I haven’t figured that out. He was offered a job in Newton.”
“Maybe you can try long distance?” Mom suggested.
Dani held her finger up. “Or you can work remotely from Newton.”
“When are you going to admit that you two are meant for each other and that you need to find a way to work it out?” Mom asked.
Kacey shook her head as they walked into the music store. “We both promised to keep in touch, but he hasn’t said anything about being more than friends.” The truth was she couldn’t stop thinking about that kiss the night of the festival. She’d never felt such an explosion of desire in her life. The memory sent a flush of bashful pleasure through her cheeks and made her light-headed. And she couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe her future could be in Splendid Lake with Drew instead of in Charlotte.
“I think you need to tell him how you feel and then figure out a way to make it work,” Dani told her.
Kacey smiled. “Maybe I will.”
“Merry Christmas!” Kacey exclaimed as Dani, Travis, and the girls walked into her mother’s house Christmas morning. She leaned down and hugged her nieces. “You need to go over to the tree. There are presents there for you.”
Riley took Kelly’s hand. “I’ll help you find your gifts.” She guided her over to the tree.
Dani hugged Kacey. “We have big news.”
“What is it?” Mom asked as she joined them.
Dani looked at Travis as he grinned.
“I got the job with the school system,” Travis said.
“Oh!” Mom gasped. “I’m so happy to hear that!”
“Is it the job that Drew recommended?” Kacey asked.
Dani nodded. “Yes. Drew made it happen.”
“That’s amazing,” Mom said.
“Nana?” Riley called from the Christmas tree. “Will you come over here and help us find our presents?”
Mom smiled over at them. “Of course.”
