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As I stroll through the property, my eyes land on a couple waiting in line for the train, a baby bundled against the woman’s chest. The man beside her leans down and kisses the baby’s cheek before wrapping an arm around them.
A pang tightens in my chest at the sight, and I quickly look away.
I never gave much thought to having kids. If the right person came along, I figured the decision would just come naturally.
I guess the right person did come along, because the decision was the easiest one I’ve ever made. There was no question in my mind. I wanted a family with Wynter.
Hell, I wanted everything with her.
But I wasn’t the right person for her.
Maybe one day I’ll find the one. But I’m not there yet. Not when every woman I see reminds me of Wynter.
Her smile.
Her laugh.
Her heart.
I continue past the train and along the rows of booths, making my way to the centerpiece of the Holley Ridge Christmas Festival.
The Norway spruce.
It doesn’t matter that I’ve seen this tree every day throughout the Christmas season. I still stop and admire it as I pass. I’m not the only one either. Dozens of people are gathered around it, some waiting in line for a photo, others happy with just a selfie.
Of course, when I notice a brunette in a red coat standing in front of it, I’m immediately reminded of Wynter all over again.
From behind, she looks so much like her. Long legs. Wavy brown hair. Curvy figure.
When she turns around, I brace for the disappointment I know is about to come when it’s not her.
But it never happens. Because she isn’t just someone who looks like Wynter.
It is Wynter.
She looks…different.
Not physically.
She still has the same gorgeous hair. Same full lips.
But her eyes are different. Bright again. Full of life.
Like she’s finally stopped carrying the weight of everyone’s expectations on her shoulders.
A small smile curves across her lips when she sees me. “Joshua.”
“Wynter.” I swallow, my gaze dropping from her face to the little bundle in her arms.
Button nose. Rosy cheeks. Pink lips.
“You…” My voice catches. “You have a baby.”
“I do.”
I knew she’d had her baby. Bennett told me. He didn’t go into the details, sensing the wound was still too raw.
He was right.
