about her too. “Hopefully, I’ll be able to throw in a few more before you leave town.” I pop a fry in my mouth.
“So are you excited about the tree lighting in a few days?” she asks as I take a bite of my cheeseburger.
“Yeah, it’ll be fun and really beautiful to see. The tree your father picked out this year is the biggest one yet, and I heard he reprogrammed the star and lights to blink to the music or something,” I say, then add, “Of course, it’s speculation from the old ladies at the bakery, but you know how things are ’round here.”
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,”