Page 59 of The Friendship Pact

She nodded. “I knew you liked her. Don’t worry about a thing. I’ll make sure everyone here knows.”

“I have no doubt.”

Nick rejoined Kate.

Before long, his family stopped by and sang Kate’s praises while visiting with her parents.

Throughout the night, Nick and Kate visited and danced with their friends. Unfortunately, they weren’t alone again for the rest of the evening.

Nick’s dad slapped him on the back and said, “I’m glad you listened to me.”

Nick didn’t have time to correct his father, because Paige and Ethan started for the door, and everyone followed them out to the Lincoln Town Car with a sign on the back window reading “Just Married.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

Over the next couple of days, Kate and her parents visited a local winery, bought a few items at the Woodridge’s Christmas Bazaar, and attended an evening performance of The Christmas Carol, put on by their local community group. Kate wasn’t exactly ghosting Nick after the wedding, but had made excuses for why he couldn’t join them. She had been bold and crossed the line of their friendship pact, but now she was second-guessing her decision because she felt guilty about the faux-dating lie and didn’t want to perpetuate the ruse any more than she had to.

She wiped down the counter after having made veggie omelets for breakfast, while her mom loaded the dishwasher. Her parents never skipped breakfast, and she’d expected her dad to complain about not having bread, but he hadn’t. He was happy with the pork sausage.

“I noticed several great shops in town I’d like to explore,” Jill said. “How about some last-minute shopping? You know how I enjoy supporting local businesses.”

“I can’t argue with that since I’ll be one soon too,” Kate said. “I have one condition: you don’t buy me anything. My gift is spending time with you and Dad this Christmas.”

“Christmas is in three days. I make no promises.”

Kate dried her hands on a towel and called out to her dad, who had both cats relaxing with him on the couch. “What are your plans today if Mom and I go shopping?”

“I thought I’d walk around town. Maybe do some shopping on my own.”

“What? Shop before Christmas Eve? Who are you and what have you done with my father?” she joked. He’d always waited until the last minute to buy his gifts. He was the king of procrastination when it came to gift giving.

“You’ll learn. The best deals are on Christmas Eve.”

“That may be so, but you have to deal with the anxious shoppers,” Jill chimed in.

He chuckled. “I doubt there will be a rush of consumer spending in Deer Creek Falls. If there is, I’ll let you know.”

“Remember, the Reids invited us to their anniversary party Christmas Eve, and we’re having Christmas dinner at the lodge. I’ll need gifts.” Jill reminded them.

Kordell sat forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “I hope we aren’t intruding on their festivities.”

“Our daughter is dating their son. We can’t turn down his parents’ invitation.”

“We should get going,” Kate said. Should she come clean about her little white lie before it got out of hand?

* * *

“Oh, Kate. This town is so quaint with Christmas music playing and every shop window decorated. I can see why you wanted to live here.” Jill waved to several people.

“You’re really getting into the small-town life.” Kate nudged her mom’s shoulder. “Already waving and greeting strangers,” she teased.

“Everyone is so friendly.”

Kate couldn’t disagree. She also found everyone pleasant. They approached Rosie’s Diner. The large window depicted a winter scene of miniature flocked Christmas trees. “We’ll have to stop at Rosie’s or the Eagle’s Nest. They’re the only restaurants open for lunch. Mario’s, our Italian restaurant, is open only for dinner during the winter months.”

Her mom entwined arms with her and hugged her close. “Let’s have lunch at Rosie’s, and let’s meet Nick at the Eagle’s Nest for dinner.”

When Nick had texted Kate after the wedding, she’d used her parents as an excuse for not spending time with him. She couldn’t avoid him any longer.