Christmas in Angel Harbor - Jeannie Moon Page 0,43

the UK?”

“I’d love to. I had such a good time living there. I had an adorable little flat in Covent Garden. It was a fourth-floor walkup, with an amazing view. So beautiful. I walked to work every day. You would have loved it. So many stories.” Her eyes looked distant, like she’d slipped away for a little bit. “Anyway, after that I had a few semesters back in New York, and then I was off to Scotland on that dig—”

The dig that never was, he thought. She was on her way home before it ever really got started. Her studies, and her career, were derailed with one horrible phone call. But in spite of the setback, Jane had made an amazing life for herself in Angel Harbor. She made an impact every single day, even if it wasn’t obvious.

They left the bakery and were standing on the street, neither of them focused on where they were going. Jane seemed to realize she was rambling.

“I guess we should head to my house. I think I promised you coffee.”

“You did. I’m parked right next to your store. Let’s go.” This time, instead of taking his arm, Jane reached down and clasped his hand. Lacing his fingers with hers was so incredibly easy, comfortable—it felt too good to be true.

Could they have a shot at something more than this odd, but special friendship? Did Dan have the nerve?

He had no idea. What he did know was that this woman changed the way he saw himself, and what he valued. Dan didn’t know if there was any way to turn back.

*

Of all the things Jane never expected this evening, the one she expected the least was that she would be sitting in a car next to Danny Gallo on the way to her house.

She’d walked to work that day, knowing the weather would be cooperative. Evening walks home were quick, and sometimes chilly, but she relished the quiet time to unwind from her day. Riding in a low-slung sports car, with French desserts in her lap, was definitely an interesting turn of events.

She couldn’t complain, though, because he was absolutely delicious. And Jane had to admit, she loved being with him, maybe even more now than she did when she was a silly teen.

He was easygoing and funny. His needs were simple, but his goals were still lofty. Dan was a man who took nothing for granted, and while she could sense this in him, it felt like it was new, and he was coming to grips with it himself. He still hadn’t filled her in on everything that had brought about his career pivot, and kept the details to what she already knew.

When he parked in her driveway, the outside lights came on and brought her home into focus. It was the home of her childhood, and her adulthood, and while both eras had their memories, the second act was not what she’d expected.

Maybe it was her own immaturity that had led to her being blindsided by the course correction. Sure, she’d weathered the grief and sadness over her father’s death and the loss of a career that she was passionate about, but was she happy now? Content?

She was. After all this time, Jane could honestly say that while her life wasn’t what she expected, she had no regrets. There was too much to be thankful for to ever be sorry.

Danny was leaning against the steering wheel, looking at the house through the windshield. He was quiet, his eyes unblinking as he took in the details.

“This is a really beautiful house. The changes you’ve made are subtle, and the character of the place…it suits you.”

“Thank you. It’s not large, but it’s perfect for us. Having a good-size piece of property so close to town is a big plus. Chloe appreciates that.”

He glanced over and that enchanting grin made an appearance. “It’s you. Charming, and elegant, but welcoming.”

“Elegant? I don’t know about that.”

“Sure it is. Look at the lines, at the way the room out the back extends without any jerky angles. The gardens are well proportioned, and I imagine bursts of color bring that rich gray to life in the spring and summer. It’s a perfect coastal cottage. Everything fits.”

“Wow,” she said, feeling the flush rise in her cheeks. “You’re great with words. Are you a writer or something?”

“Or something,” he replied. Yep. There was that grin again.

He pulled the door handle and exited the car leaving Jane in a puddle of her