Chapter One
SARAH
The fresh Vermont air is something special this time of year. As I walk to my rental car, I realize how much I’ve missed it. Inhaling a deep breath, I take in my surroundings and smile at the decorated wreaths on the light poles.
After six years of living in Chicago, it feels strange to be back home. My parents typically visit over Thanksgiving, but I had to work, so it would’ve been a wasted trip. Since we missed one big holiday together, I decided to fly home for the first time in six years since I have two weeks off for Christmas. My mom and dad love to participate in the town’s festivities, so I knew they wouldn’t want to miss out.
During the hour drive from the airport, I sing along with the Christmas classics on the radio. When I finally make it to Snow Port and cruise through downtown, my eyes light up at the holiday displays in the shops. Everything about this place screams cute snowy town, and Santa is basically their local hero. Growing up here was amazing, and I didn’t want to move, but my career choice made that decision for me. Being a news anchor meant going wherever a job took me, even if it was hundreds of miles away.
As much as the offer to work in a big city excited me, it meant leaving my parents and my first love behind. Cole Massen and I were in the same kindergarten class and started dating in high school, then through my college years. Everyone thought we’d get married, but after struggling to maintain our relationship over a long distance, we called it quits after six months.
I haven’t seen or talked to him in over five years, but he’s crossed my mind dozens of times.
There’s a good chance I’ll run into him, but I’m not sure if I’m fully prepared. My mom has kept me updated on everything about him and this town, not so subtly reminding me I can always move back and marry Cole. While she means well, real life doesn’t work like that. After all this time, we don’t know each other anymore.
“Sarah!” my mom screeches from the porch as I step out of the car. The driveway looks recently plowed, which means I just missed a snowstorm.
“Hi, Mom,” I greet with a beaming smile.
My dad walks toward me. “Hey, kiddo. Let me grab your bags.”
Though I’m twenty-eight, he’ll always call me that.
“Hey, Dad,” I say as he wraps me into a hug.
Mom follows and squeezes me next. “How was your flight, sweetie?”
“Just fine, smooth and safe.”
As the three of us walk toward the house, I realize how excited I am to be home. I grew up here, but since I moved away, they’ve been slowly updating things.
“You finally get to meet Golden,” Mom tells me as we step into the kitchen.
I snort. “I still can’t believe you named your Golden Retriever that.”
“Your mother’s idea,” Dad whispers, snickering.
“I’ve got coffee brewing and muffins in the oven,” Mom rattles on.
“You didn’t have to make a fuss over me,” I tell her, but she quickly waves me off.
“I’ll take your luggage to your room.”
“Thanks, Dad.” I smile at him, then look around the house. “Wow, it looks great in here.”
Kinda like Santa’s workshop threw up inside, but beautiful, nonetheless.
Golden rushes toward me, and I kneel. “Well hey, girl.” I pet her while she licks my face. She’s only a few years old and still full of energy.
Mom hands me a mug, and I go upstairs to unpack my bags before dinner. Though they’ve been remodeling, my bedroom looks like a time capsule. The first time I’d lived on my own was when I moved to Chicago. After I graduated at twenty-two, I worked a side job until I landed the news anchor position a year later.
“Hey, kiddo. Settled in okay?”
“Yeah, just fine. I can’t believe you guys kept my room the same.” I smile, looking at the lavender walls I painted when I was twelve.
“Your mother didn’t want to change anything. Thought it’d make you feel like we’d forgotten about you.”
I give him a sad smile. “Of course not. So many memories in this place, though.”
“I imagine so.” He grins, then thumbs over his shoulder. “I was told to let you know dinner’s ready.”
We walk downstairs and chat about all the things they have planned this Christmas. I’m actually looking forward to it and need a break from my hectic schedule back in Chicago.
“Mom, this smells delicious,” I say as I take my seat.
“Pot roast with potatoes and carrots, your favorite!” she sing-songs.
I can’t remember the last time I ate that. “You remembered.”
“Of course, silly. You only requested it once a week since you were eight.”
Once we say grace, we dive in, and they fill me in on what I’ve missed since we last chatted. It feels good to be with my parents again. I’ve missed them more than I realized.
“I saw Cole’s mother at the market today,” Mom casually says halfway through dinner. “I told her you were flying home, and her whole face just lit up. You should stop in and say hello. She misses you too.”
Though I know she means well, the disappointment in her tone isn’t lost on me. Cole and I were inseparable, which meant our families bonded as well. I know Mrs. Massen was devastated when we broke up.
“Yeah, I’ll have to pop in and visit at some point,” I say softly. Not that it wouldn’t be weird or anything, no…not at all.
After we finish eating, I help clear the table and rinse the dishes. Afterward, Mom catches me up on some of the town gossip, and I give Golden belly rubs. I wish I could have a dog at my apartment or hell, even the time to take care of one.
At eight thirty, my parents say good night and kiss me on the cheek. They’re early risers and are in bed before the nine o’clock news.
“I’m going to take Golden for a walk,” I tell them. “Grab a hot chocolate from the cafe. I’ve been craving one all day.”
“Okay, sweetie. Be careful. It’s icy,” Mom warns.
“I will.” I layer on my coat, hat, and scarf before grabbing the dog leash.
Golden and I walk a few blocks to the town square, and I immediately smile at the memories that flood my mind. Christmas music plays, lights sparkle, and couples stroll hand in hand down the sidewalks.
Fred & Wilma’s café, where I’m headed, has been around since I was a teen. One of the many perks of a small town means they allow dogs inside. Once I’m through the door, I feel as though I’ve walked into the past. Most of the wall décor remains the same, the familiar aroma of cinnamon and vanilla floats in the air, and the same friendly smile greets me at the counter.
“Sarah Rose, is that you, honey?” Wilma rushes around and engulfs me in a hug.
“It’s so good to see you.” I give her a grin. I’m surprised she’s working this late since she and Fred typically work the early morning rushes, or at least they used to. “You’re here late.”
We break apart, and she straightens her apron, then pets Golden’s head. “One of the kiddos is sick, so I covered their shift. No biggie, though. Means I got to see you.” She acts like it’s perfectly fine, but I see the exhaustion in her eyes. “I can’t believe you’re back.”