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“I can’t believe Dawn is all grown-up and married now,” Fern says, trying to redirect the conversation. “I still remember when I used to babysit her.”
“Such a good girl.”
“I’m just glad that she and Jack finally found each other.” Merry checks her bet and turns to Fawn.
“They wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for us,” Fawn reminds the other two.
Both other women nod in agreement.
“I thought that was never going to happen no matter how many times we kept signing Dawn up to volunteer with Jack at Parks and Wildlife.” Merry rolls her eyes.
Fawn shrugs. “They finally stopped fighting it.”
“It was a beautiful wedding,” Fern says.
“I already said that.” Merry stares at Fawn.
“Who cares? It’s still true.”
“We need more weddings.” Fawn checks her bet and Fern deals the last card.
“No one is close to dating, let alone marriage.” Fern studies her cards in her hands before lifting her shrewd gaze to the five cards on the table.
“Neither were Dawn and Jack last year and look at them now. On their honeymoon.” Merry clasps her hands together and the cards in her hand crinkle.
It wouldn’t be the first deck to be lost to their lack of attention. And it definitely wouldn’t be the last.
“So what are we going to do about it?” Fawn asks.
“Same thing we always do,” Fern responds. “Let’s see, there’s Pierce and Hudson. Either of whom would be a catch.”
“Don’t forget Robyn or Elle. But not for either of those boys.” Fawn taps her lip as she adds to the list.
“No, all four of them are ready for something special. Something spectacular. It’s…” Fern’s voice fades as her attention shifts back to her cards.
“It’s matchmaking time,” Merry says and gasps when Fawn pushes in all her chips.
“All in, ladies. Who’s next?”
Chapter One
Nina
The funny thing about a memory is every time you remember it, something about it changes. It can be a small detail, something you wouldn’t even notice. Eventually, what you remember wouldn’t be what actually happened at all. Better yet, the memory will leave you wondering if that moment even happened at all.
It’s how I feel right now, holding an old, wrinkled picture in my hand proving a certain moment did happen, but the man in the photo? I don’t know him anymore. I don’t want to know him.
Don’t lie, Nina.
A voice in the back of my head whispers, damning me with the truth. The longer I stare at the photo of us as kids, the more my eyes burn. Simon St. Claire was my childhood best friend, the boy who had my heart from day one, and the person I counted on for everything.
Until one day, he proved that I shouldn’t.
“Hey, Nina!” Chris shouts as he jumps out of the truck carrying the town’s Christmas tree.
Christmas is a huge celebration in Mistletoe Creek. The town turns magical. Big red ribbons alternate between wreaths with ornaments on every other lamp post. The Christmas festival will be happening soon, then the gingerbread house decorating contest, and the one thing I dread most— the masquerade ball.
I dread it because Fern, Fawn, and Merry are always trying to set me up with someone. Every year, I try to get out of it.
