Her eyes widen. “Wow, I thought my dad was kidding when he told me that. Guess not.”
“It’s gonna be great. I think everyone will be impressed by something different,” I offer.
“Right, but you know how people around here love their traditions,” she reminds me as if I’d forgotten.
“Absolutely, but sometimes change is good. Keeps life interesting.”
As long as it doesn’t involve the woman I was madly in love with moving hundreds of miles away. Seeing her sitting in front of me like this, so carefree, reminds me of how many good times we had.
She snickers. “I guess you're right, or at least I hope so. Otherwise, my dad may be run out of town.”
“It’ll be the biggest event of the year, and the weather will be perfect—snowy with just enough chill in the air to enjoy some cocoa. I heard a lot of people from the town over will be attending too,” I say as we continue eating.
“Yeah, it’s one big reason I was excited to come home. I’ve missed all the small-town festivities. Chicago’s great, but it’s not Snow Port where there are no strangers and you’re likely to run into your first-grade teacher at the market.” She chuckles as she meets my gaze.
I hope I’m not imagining the way she looks at me, and I’m tempted to ask if she’s dating anyone. There isn’t a ring on her finger, which means she’s not engaged.
“So how long are you staying?”
She takes another sip of her drink. “Until January third.”
“Wow, two weeks. Your parents might not let you leave after that.”
“I know. We’ve missed each other a lot.” She pours more maple pecan syrup on her plate. I grin, remembering how much of a sweet tooth she’s always had. “I knew how important the tree lighting was to my dad since he was in charge of it this year, and since I had the time off, I figured I’d stay and ring in the new year here too.”
After Kellie refills my coffee, I add a little cream and sugar to cool it down, then take a drink. “Is it possible that Sarah Rose is finally homesick?”
“Homesick?” She shrugs and releases a deep breath. “Maybe. For years, I dreamed of living in a big city, taking the train to work, and enjoying the luxuries that a place like that had to offer. I always thought living in a small town meant I couldn’t live up to my full potential with my career. I kinda felt stuck, but I was younger, eager for the experience, and hungry to work. I might be a bit jaded now. After being back for just a couple of days, I realize how much I’ve really missed it here. It’s home and always will be, and no amount of distance will ever change that.” She points her finger at me. “But I’m glad I left. I would’ve spent years wondering what if and been miserable because I didn’t know. It also gave me the perspective to notice the things I took for granted.”
I nod, soaking up every word. “Makes sense. What do you miss the most about home?”
She stares at me for a minute, then bites her bottom lip. “The food. There’s just something about it that makes it special.”
I laugh even though I’d halfway hoped she would’ve said me. “That’s it?” I ask, arching a brow.
“Well, the town gossip too. It was always fun knowing who was over at the Taco House restaurant having margaritas with friends as if it was the most scandalous thing a person could do ’round here,” she says as we clear our plates. “Their chips and salsa…” She releases a sexy moan. “That was the ideal date night. Drinks and Mexican food.” Sarah giggles as if she’s remembering all the times we’d gone there.
I grin. “Yeah, I’m sure the city life is much different.”
“You have no idea,” she admits. “No. Idea. I don’t even know who my neighbors are if that gives you any indication.”
It sounds lonely and sad to me, but I keep that to myself and offer a smile.
When the waitress drops off our check, I hurry and grab it.
“I can pay my part,” Sarah insists.
“A gentleman never allows a lady to pay.” I slide my card to the end of the table, and once Kellie grabs it, she quickly returns the slip with a pen. After leaving a tip, we get up and make our way outside.
We walk back to her house, and I can hear Christmas music lingering from the small shops downtown, and Sarah hums to “Joy to the World.” We fall into step as memories of us together taking over my mind. Once we make it to her front door, I know it’s time to say goodbye.
“Thanks so much for lunch,” she says sweetly and rolls the hem of her shirt, another nervous habit.
I grin. “You’re welcome. Maybe we can do it again before you leave?”
“Yeah, I’d like that. It was great seeing you, Cole,” she tells me with a smirk. “Plus, the uniform is a sight for sore eyes.”
Chuckling, I’m not sure how to take that kind of compliment. Sarah’s always been outspoken and flirty, probably why she’s a great news anchor. People love her bubbly personality, but it’s hard not to.
“Good seeing you too, Sarah.” I give her a side-smile, then force myself to turn and walk to my patrol car before I say something I regret.
When I climb in, I notice she’s still standing on the steps watching me with her head tilted and bottom lip tucked into her mouth. I give her a wave, then she walks inside. Though it wasn’t the first time I’ve seen her since she’s been home, I certainly hope it’s not the last.
Chapter Three
SARAH
I haven’t been able to get Cole off my mind since we had lunch two days ago. Is it possible to forget your first love? Probably not.
I’ve tried to run into him by taking Golden on random walks downtown but haven’t had any luck.
Tonight’s the Christmas tree lighting, and the excitement in the whole town is palpable. We’ve had snow flurries on and off all day, but it’s supposed to stop this afternoon.
Shortly after five, Mom comes home from work and immediately jumps in the shower.
“All the lights worked?” I ask Dad when he returns from finalizing everything for tonight.
He grins ear to ear. “Yeah, and I can’t wait for you to see it. Seriously, it’s like a fireworks show, but with lights on the giant tree.”
Mom enters with a smile, wearing a fluffy red sweater and jeans with boots. “We’re gonna leave in about an hour. Almost ready?” she asks while putting on her earrings.
“For the most part. Just need to freshen up my makeup. Shouldn’t take that long,” I explain.
“Great. I’m gonna whip up something to eat really quick, then we can head out.”
“Sounds good,” I tell her before going to my room.
I change into a thicker sweater and even curl my hair though I know it probably won’t stay. As I put on lipstick, I wonder if I’ll see Cole again. I hope I do.
It was great catching up with him, even if it was a little awkward. Breaking up with Cole was the hardest decision of my life, but I was committed to my career and wanted to see where it led. My hectic schedule caused a significant strain on our long-distance relationship. While it was a mutual agreement, I still carry the burden of it being my fault.