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“You’re saying there’s nothing going on?”

Micah thought about their recent trip to Seattle. He’d been willing to do anything to erase the sadness from her eyes, and he’d been successful. She’d been happy the whole evening. After leaving the baby store, they’d gone to dinner, where they’d stayed until closing. On the quick flight back to Wishing Tree, she’d fallen asleep in his arms—a memory he would keep close always.

Dena was . . . He mentally paused as he realized he had no idea what she was to him. Someone important. Someone he cared about. For now he was content to let it just be that and figure out the rest of it later.

“We’re just friends,” he lied.

Steve snorted. “Yeah, right. Sell it somewhere else. You’re gone on her and you’re just not willing to admit it.” He tapped the sheet music again. “Not just a song, my friend. It’s a message and one you should pay attention to.”

Reggie carried the last bag to her SUV. Belle was already in the back seat, wearing her newest holiday sweater: an elf design, complete with an elf ears headband.

Normally a trip to The Wreath could be accomplished on foot, but Reggie was heading to a gift-wrapping party.

She’d just settled in her seat and was about to start the car when her phone buzzed with a text. From Jake.

Dinner tomorrow?

Short and to the point, she thought as she studied the words. Not sure how to answer, she dropped her phone in her purse and fastened her seat belt.

She made the short drive to Wrap Around the Clock and found a spot in the rear parking lot. Belle helpfully carried in one of the shopping bags, her teeth firmly clamped around the handle. Reggie grabbed the rest and managed to make her way inside with only one trip. Camryn was at the checkout desk with a line of customers. When she spotted Reggie and Belle, she laughed.

“I love your dog,” she said. “You’re in room six.”

“Thanks. She loves to be loved.”

Wrap Around the Clock had several private party rooms. There were big tables, plenty of chairs and all the supplies one would need to wrap presents. The host simply requested a certain type of wrapping paper, and a dozen or so selections were provided. Meals could be catered by a variety of local restaurants and drinks provided by Holiday Spirits.

Reggie walked into room six and found Dena, Paisley and Shaye were already there, sorting through the holiday wrapping paper Camryn had provided.

“You’re here,” Paisley said, rushing toward her and hugging her, then dropping to her knees to embrace Belle. “You’re such a good girl. Look how cute you are! And carrying a bag for your mom.”

“I went simple,” Paisley said, waving toward trays of food. “Bacon chicken salad sandwiches, a veggie plate, chips and dip, with brownies for dessert.” She pointed to the large and small pitchers. “A non-alcoholic holiday-themed drink for you, Dena, compliments of Howard. And for the rest of us, cranberry coolers.”

Reggie hung up her coat. They all handed over their share of the cost of the meal, then pulled up chairs at the table, distributed plates and napkins, and filled their plates with food. Belle looked briefly hopeful until Reggie told her to go lie down.

“I’ve never been to a wrapping party before,” Shaye admitted as she took her seat.

“It’s fun,” Paisley told her. “You get it all done at once. The nice part, for those of us who don’t have giant houses, is we don’t have to keep all the supplies around. When we’re finished, Camryn tallies up the supplies we used. She’ll even ship packages, if you want. I love being able to choose from all those cute decorations without having to go buy them myself.”

“Plus the tutorials,” Dena said, pointing to the posters on the wall. “See how there’s a picture of the wrapped package and then a list of the supplies needed, along with the cost?”

“Easy for those of us lacking craft skills,” Shaye said, her tone admiring. “This is my first Christmas in town, and I’m enjoying every second.”

Reggie picked up her sandwich. “Yes, but how much of that is Wishing Tree and how much of it is being in love with Lawson?”

Shaye grinned. “It’s about fifty-fifty.”

“Young love,” Paisley said with a sigh. “I want me some of that.” She raised her glass. “To a rich, handsome man checking into the resort and sweeping me off my feet.”

“Oh, not that,” Dena said quickly. “If he checked into the resort, then he wouldn’t be local, so if he swept you off your feet, you’d be leaving.”

Paisley patted Dena’s hand. “But I would never not be your friend.”

“I like having you here. I’m already dealing with the fact that Reggie doesn’t live here anymore.” Dena looked at her sister. “You could move back, you know. You can do your job from anywhere.”

“I have a life in Seattle,” Reggie said, but her protest was mild. Truth was, she was enjoying her time back home. She’d missed the town and had stayed away too long.

Her own fault, she reminded herself. No one had been keeping her from returning. Jake hadn’t even been here anymore.