now stood next to it and wondered what the future had in store for me.
I’d been praying for a sign since I’d moved to the island, and as Wyatt pointed out, with a little digging, the answers were kind of obvious once the correct questions were asked.
What did I like?
What made me feel better?
With Wyatt as my newly elected therapist, we’d managed to whip out all the brittle and fudge, and several batches of bonbons. There should be plenty to offer at the market.
Wyatt had some things to do at his office, and I was finishing up the last batch of brownies. Those dried out the quickest, so I saved those for last.
The moment the oven dinged, I wandered over and pulled out the two trays of brownies.
Wyatt wanted me to meet him over at the Christmas Market and also made me promise to bring my skates.
Renee had gone shopping for me to pick out a tablecloth and some holiday décor for our booth. I hadn’t even had time to look at everything that was stuffed into the plastic bag. I just had to remember to bring it with me.
My phone buzzed, and I looked down to see Trevor’s number. My chest tightened, and I wondered about picking it up. This did follow the usual pattern. I stood strong and let it go to voicemail. It was time to break the cycle.
I glanced at the clock and decided to head over to the town square, which was near the marina and the location of the Christmas market.
Truthfully, ever since I’d arrived on Fireweed, my days and nights had been so filled with the candy store, I still hadn’t had much time to explore the island. Hopefully after the Christmas Market finished, I could spend the next day experiencing what Fireweed had to offer.
It hadn’t snowed in recent days, but the temperatures had stayed cold enough to keep what white stuff there was on the ground. The sidewalks had been cleared, and I was finally getting acclimated enough in my scarf, hat, gloves, and goose down coat to trundle toward the square.
Fireweed went all out for Christmas, no doubt about it. But this time as I took in the décor, I felt less intimidated. I no longer felt like the red Christmas bows strung from one side of the street to the other were going to strangle me.
The painted snowmen on the storefront windows looked cheery and inviting rather than menacing, and the nativity scene tucked under a large maple at the end of the sidewalk felt right. Everything about Christmas felt right.
And welcoming.
I smiled to myself, wondering if it was Wyatt who’d helped me to see a little more clearly, or if I’d just grown a little.
Maybe creating chocolates was good for the soul.
I spotted several white tents and an area with a white picket fence. Must be getting close.
As I ventured toward the largest tent, I saw the mammoth sign for Fireweed’s Christmas Market, and it brought a smile to my face.
There was something so sweet about it, so unassuming.
“There you are.” Wyatt’s voice carried in the wind, and I looked toward the sidewalk in the other direction.
“All done at the office?” I grinned, instantly warming at the sight of him.
“I am. I’ve got good people in charge, but I need to check in every so often. It’s our busy season with the holidays and all.”
I nodded, feeling giddy just being near Wyatt.
He held my gloved hand in his and tugged on me to head in the direction of the largest tent. “You’re in booth twenty-four.”
I looked around to see the market bustling with people, containers, and the spirit of Christmas. Green garlands had been wrapped around every possible pole, post, and beam. Wreaths had been hung at every booth, and the red carpet runners only added to the festive spirit.
“Oh, shoot.” I scrunched my nose in disappointment. “I forgot the bag of decorations Renee picked out for the booth.”
“Are they at the shop?” Wyatt asked.
I nodded.
“I can go get them. That way, you can stay warm inside here where all the heaters are.”
I grinned. “Seriously? You’d do that for me?”
“Of course.” He leaned in and gave me a quick peck on my cheek.
After a few minutes, an older woman with bright eyes came over and grinned. “New love is always so magical, isn’t it?”
I chuckled nervously. “Oh, I’m…Uh…We’re not there yet.”
She smiled. “Well, one of you is. I’m Hildie.” She reached her hand out, and I quickly shook