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“What about you and Grant?” Rhett asked.

“What about us?”

“C’mon, Professor, I’m almost as smart as you. I can see it.”

I let out a long sigh. “He won’t go there.”

“Because of Jack and the band?”

“That’s right. I think, anyway. He’s not exactly forthcoming when it comes to his heart. I don’t know how he feels about me. I’m getting mixed signals. I’m afraid I’m setting myself up for a “Hard Candy Christmas.”

“I really hope not,” Rhett said.

“I thought you might be against us—because of the band.”

“I’m hardened in many ways, but I still know love’s the most important thing. If we have a chance for it, we have to take it.”

“I wish Grant saw it that way,” I said.

“If you’d ever met his parents, it would all make sense. He’s afraid to lose the only family who truly loves him for who he is.”

“I’d love him that way too,” I said. Saying it out loud, I knew it was true.

“Hang in there, Professor. Apparently this place is known for its Christmas miracles. I think we could both use one.”

We were at my cabin. I squeezed his hand. “You let me know if you want to talk, okay? I’m still like your little sister even though you’re a big shot now.”

“You’ll always be my little Professor,” Rhett said, his voice gruff. “I’m here for you too, okay?”

I gave him a smile, then headed into my cabin, closing the door behind me, comforted by his words and his love. Maybe neither one of us should give up on a miracle.

9

GRANT

December 8

Free Night

Cold snap · Could drop to single digits

Supper: Grilled cheese · Tomato soup

On December 8th, I woke to a note under my door.

Grant,

Would you like to watch movies with me tonight at my cabin? The month is getting away from us and we’ve only watched one of our movies. After supper?

Love,

Luci

I’d read it three times, running my thumb over the words as if it were Luci herself.

Our movies.

Our cell coverage was spotty on the ranch but I tried texting her and it went through as delivered.