When the Wind Chimes - Mary Ting Page 0,89

shoving his cell inside his jacket pocket. “And you’ll have none after this point.”

Lee wrapped his spare gloved hand around mine. The other one held a large backpack. As snow crunched from out steps, we left a trail of footprints behind us.

Lee took us to an area where it was less crowded, where families with smaller kids had gathered. I was surprised how packed it was considering it was New Year’s Eve day.

“Let’s stay here,” Lee said, glancing from the barren tree to the fallen log. “This is a good spot.”

I couldn’t agree more.

“Look, I’m making a snow angel.” Bridget flapped her arms and legs, her back on the crystalline surface. Her cheeks were rosy and she looked adorable in a pink beanie that covered her ears.

“Me too.” Tyler snickered next to her, purposely puffing out breaths and watching cool mist float out of his mouth. “This is fun. Let’s make a snowman.”

The kids rose and dusted white powder off their legs. Then they gathered fresh, fine ice in their gloved hands and patted it into balls next to the tree.

Abby placed her backpack on the log. “Thank you, Lee, for inviting us too.”

Lee flashed a quick grin and set his pack beside hers. “You’re welcome. I do whatever makes Kate happy.”

“Awww. I want you to be happy too.” I caressed his arm, his words filling me with warmth.

“I’m happy when you’re happy.” Lee kissed my forehead and walked toward the kids.

That man. He made my world complete. He filled me up with hope and joy and made me feel like I was enough.

I sat on the log and pulled Abby into my arms. “Steve is smiling, watching his son having a great time.”

“I know,” she said softly. “And he’s so happy you found someone who’s worthy to have you.”

Lee was everything I wanted and never thought I could find. “Steve is also proud of you and your new journey with me.”

After my art exhibition at the hotel, we had gotten countless requests, as Lee had said we would. Abby and I were going to be busy filling orders for the next year at least.

I couldn’t wait to start on this new adventure. It was a dream I hadn’t thought possible. Lee had helped make it come true. I would always be grateful. He was my angel. And perhaps I was his angel too, in a different way.

“How was your date last night?” Abby adjusted her scarf and lowered the zipper on her blue goose down snow jacket.

When Lee and I had decided to give us a chance, he’d taken me out the next day and then last night again. We’d spent those nights talking and getting to know each other. Although he’d kissed me, he hadn’t pressed for more.

“It was great.” I played it off as if it was no big deal, shuffling my feet into the snow, giving me something to do besides look at my sister.

“Great? Give me details.” She lightly smacked my arm with her gloved hand.

I frowned and shrugged, watching Lee using his hands like a shovel to gather more snow. “We had fun.”

“And ... anything else?”

“Abby,” I drawled. “It was only our second date.”

“You didn’t come home, Kate.”

I hadn’t. I’d spent the night in Lee’s arms. We planned to take our relationship slow. I had finally felt peace of letting go of Jayden so I thought it was best not to rush things. Currently, I lived with my sister, but one day soon I would be able to afford a place of my own. And perhaps I would move in with Lee, someday.

When we had told Mona that we were dating, she could not contain her excitement. She’d hugged the both of us and told us she’d hired me hoping we would fall in love.

Mona was our living Cupid.

I picked up a bit of snow and splashed it on Abby’s face. “I don’t kiss and tell,” I said quickly and ran.

“You—” Abby gave chase.

I sprinted in circles around Lee and the kids, leaving footprints, my leg muscles working harder. It was difficult to tread through the snow, especially with my heavy snow boots.

“Don’t fall.” Tyler opened his arms wide, protecting the snowman.

I stopped, panting, and something cold hit my cheek. Flakes fell into my mouth and I spat out liquid. “Hey...” I scowled at Abby.

She was never the one to give up. While chasing me, she’d managed to scoop up a handful of snow.

“Truce.” I stood behind Tyler, moving from side to side, using