Since the doors opened at seven a.m., only ten families had stopped by Jessa’s booth. Granted, the primary people who came to the festival this early were town regulars who already knew everything that Jasper Lake had to offer. Around ten or so, visitors would stroll by, then stop for more information. She’d hand them a pamphlet, offer them suggestions on what to do while in town, and ask for an email or physical address so she could add them to the town’s mailing list.

During the lulls, she browsed the tables near her, remaining close enough she could hop back to her place if anyone came within a few feet of stopping. Too bad all the craft tables are on the other side. Those were the big draw for her. She could spend hours examining each handmade piece of art, whether a trinket only good for display, or a functional creation like the embroidered hand towels she’d purchased as a Christmas gift for her aunt last year.

She believed in putting thought into every gift she purchased, no matter how small or large, and she loved the personal touch of crafted gifts. Although she’d teased Landon for not being ready for Christmas, she didn’t have much room to talk. So far, she’d only bought a present for Aunt Ruth and Phoebe. She saved a solid seventy percent of her Christmas shopping to do at the Lakeside Christmas every year.

Once her thoughts traveled to Landon, she had trouble not thinking about him. At nine o’clock, give or take a few seconds, Jessa began the lookout. He wasn’t due for another hour, but that didn’t stop her eyes from wandering around the building in search of him. She forced herself not to read a deeper meaning into his visit.

After spending Wednesday evening, the night of his call, pondering it, she concluded she’d have to wait and see. Maybe he wanted to see her again, maybe not. Perhaps he needed a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and sought respite in Jasper Lake. Whatever his reason, it would be revealed in due time, but her heart preferred one particular explanation.

She wanted to be his motive. Was that so wrong? She didn’t think so.

A family she didn’t recognize slowed down at her neighboring table for The Museum of the Frontier. She listened to Adam Hauck give a rundown of exhibits and invite the family to the living history display outside starting at noon. After several minutes with Adam, the family moved to her.

They could have been her family twenty years ago. Three girls, one boy, and the age differences appeared to be steps of two like in her family. The parents smiled and interacted joyfully with their children, no signs of strain. By all appearances, they genuinely enjoyed family time.

The site tugged at Jessa’s heart, made her long for what had been, but those days were long gone. Only by God’s grace could they return.

She welcomed the family, saying a silent prayer their lives would never be jolted like her family’s had been. She knew those chances were unlikely—life happened and brought with it trials—but she couldn’t help but want the best for this family who reminded her of better times.

The dad picked up a brochure and flipped through it. “Our children will be attending summer camp this year across the lake, and my wife and I would like to stay nearby.”

“Dad.” The daughter who appeared to be the eldest groaned. “I’m too old for you to hover over me.”

“I know, sweetheart.” He winked at his daughter. “That’s why I said nearby.”

The girl, who couldn’t be older than ten, hung on her father’s arm, a stark contradiction to her claim of seconds ago. Jessa related. She’d been eager for independence while still clinging to the familiar safety of her own dad. For as long as she could, she kept the family’s attention while she relayed why Jasper Lake would be a great place to stay while their children enjoyed camp.

After they walked away, Jessa snuck a peek at her phone. Landon would be there any minute. Where was AJ Jefferson, owner of Jefferson Insurance and her replacement at the table? She couldn’t leave the booth without a representative. She stood on her tiptoes, craning her neck for any sign of AJ. At six feet four inches, he would be hard to miss.

Getting annoyed—anxious—she grabbed her phone with the intention to call him. In the nick of time, she realized she’d gotten confused. Flustered in anticipation of Landon’s arrival, she’d forgotten she was manning the table until noon, two hours from now. Thank goodness she hadn’t called AJ and embarrassed herself.

However, where was Landon? She had thought he’d come straight to find her once he arrived. Now that she admitted the thought, she realized how arrogant it sounded. Why would he immediately seek her out when she’d told him she’d be busy?

But not even a text to let me know he made it safely?

For her own sake, she hoped he showed up soon. Her brain didn’t have the self-control to stop questioning and second-guessing every little action or lack of. She hadn’t been interested in anyone since she broke up with Chris, and she hadn’t missed the random bouts of insecurities that accompanied a new, potential love interest.

The crowds increased and brought more people her way. During a quick downtime, she pulled her compact from her purse and examined her reflection. No lipstick on teeth, no clumps of mascara smeared, no shiny forehead or nose. She returned the compact to her purse and ran a brush through her hair.

She looked up, straight into Landon’s eyes.

Their sparkle said it all—he’d been there long enough to see her primping.

Embarrassed to be caught, she told a white lie. “I had an everything bagel earlier and felt a poppy seed stuck between my teeth.”

She stifled a groan. That sounded worse than the truth.

“Sorry, I’m late. I got stuck in accident traffic thirty miles before the interstate detour.” He gave an apologetic smile. “And of course, my phone slid and got lost under the seat so I couldn’t call to tell you.”

“It’s okay. I didn’t realize it was after ten until a few minutes ago, and then figured you were touring the vendors.” Stop the little white lies.

“No, I came straight here after finding a parking spot.”

That added knowledge made her heart smile. Recovered from her embarrassment, she took a good look at him. Funny how she had his features memorized like she’d known him all her life. His eyes were asymmetrical, the left smaller by only a bit, but it didn’t detract from his features. If anything, it made his expressions more pronounced, whether he was frustrated, pensive, or comical.

He’d taken her advice to heart regarding layers. Underneath an unbuttoned wool coat, he wore a charcoal infantry sweater and a grey t-shirt peeked out front under that. He’d need all three layers outside, especially after the sun went down.

“You’re free at noon, right?” He looked at his watch. “Another hour?”

“As long as my relief shows up.”

“I smelled coffee on my way in. Would you like a cup?”

“That would be great. Thanks.” Despite the room filled with people, a chill remained in the air. She reached for her purse and grabbed a dollar.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ve got it.” He sniffed. “I smell donuts, too.”

“Scottie’s is selling those. Try their maple cream filled. It’s the best you’ll ever have.”

He disappeared into the throngs of people, and she returned to her job. Fifteen minutes passed before Landon came back, and another ten before her table cleared, and she had a chance to talk to him.

She gladly accepted the coffee and took a sip. “Mmm, peppermint creamer. How’d you know I liked it?”

“Took a wild guess. I remember how excited you were about the seasonal flavors at Addy’s, so I figured you’d enjoy the peppermint during Christmas.”

“Thanks.” The coffee tasted sweeter for his consideration and thoughtfulness.

He handed over a white paper bag. “I picked you up a maple donut as well. They just brought in a fresh batch from the bakery.”

“Did you eat one yet?”

“Maybe.” He drew the word out on a long breath with a mischievous gleam in his eyes. “Maybe two.”

She laughed. “It’s hard to eat just one, but after two, your stomach will remind you that too much of a good thing does exist.”

“Speaking from experience?”

“Yes, and lots of it.” She placed the bag next to her purse, intending to eat the donut later once she could savor it. “I’ll never be one of those girls who pretends to eat healthy all the time. You can take away my bread and fried food, but don’t mess with my sugar.”

He lifted his Styrofoam cup to his mouth and took a drink. “If I ever make you mad, remind me to pick you up a box of chocolate instead of flowers.”

“Or…” She wiggled her brows. “You could do double duty with a bouquet of chocolate flowers.”

“I’ll remember that.”

AJ showed up to relieve her and insisted she leave now despite twenty-minutes remaining on her shift. “Enjoy the rest of the day.”

She grabbed her purse and tucked the donut bag inside. “Thanks. I owe you one.”

“He seems nice,” Landon said as they walked away.

“AJ? He’s the best.” She glanced back at the middle-aged, balding man. “He comes across very serious, but he’s a jokester. We can always count on him to make us laugh during our meetings when things get boring.”

He shook his head. “I can’t see it.”

She nudged his arm. “That’s because you’re judging the book by its cover. Trust me, spend ten minutes with him, and your ribs will hurt from laughing.”

“I believe you.”

“He’s generous as well. Several years ago, he and his wife started a food bank at their church and use personal funds to stock it when it runs low.”

His sly smile reappeared. “I’m glad you mentioned he had a wife. For a minute, I thought he might be competition.”

She snorted. “He could be my dad.”

He shrugged. “Some women like older men.”

“Not me. I prefer them within the same decade.” Her cheeks warmed with the sudden realization they’d been flirting.

“Someone, who is, say, twenty-eight right now?” His cheekbones became more pronounced with his high grin.

She tapped her fingers. “I’m twenty-seven, so I’d say that’s a good age.”

“Glad to hear.” In a fluid, unpretentious movement, he reached for her hand and laced their fingers. His gaze met hers, silently asking permission, giving her the option to pull away.

There would be questions later, curious glances from her friends and neighbors, but none of that mattered for now. She and Landon had been brought into each other’s lives for a reason, and she had a hint of what it could be. Time would tell, but she’d enjoy the present.

She squeezed his hand. “Where to next?”

He took a deep breath. Both knew the question had multiple layers, but he replied to the surface. “What all is there? You’re the expert.”

“I’d suggest starting outside and knocking that off the list before the sun goes down. We’ll have plenty of time.”

They waded through the crowd until they reached the side door. As Landon reached for it, the door opened from the outside and Drew and Amie Sullivan walked in.

“Merry Christmas.” Amie reached to give her a friendly hug, then paused, casting a conspicuous glance at Jessa and Landon’s joined hands. To her credit, she raised her gaze and acted like nothing was out of the ordinary.

Drew extended a hand to Landon. “I’m Drew Sullivan, and this is my wife, Amie.”

“Nice to meet you.” Landon completed the handshake. “Landon Reeves.”

“Are you from this area?” Drew used more discretion than his wife in his appraisal of the hand-holding.

Landon shook his head. “Pennsylvania. I found Jasper Lake by accident due to the detour, and it’s grown on me.”

“It has a way of doing that.” Approval brightened Drew’s features. “I tried living away from here after college but moved home after a few years of working in the city.”

Amie looked at Jessa. “You’re not working the chamber booth today?”

“My shift ended at noon. AJ is there now, then Rachel will take over.”

“That’s good. Then you each get to enjoy the activities.” Amie stretched her neck and looked around. “Have you seen Aunt Sally in here? We were supposed to meet her outside, but I don’t see her anywhere.”

“Actually, yes. I saw her at Anna Mae’s quilt booth not even five minutes ago.”

“Great.” Amie tugged on Drew’s sleeve. “I don’t mean to rush, but if we don’t catch up with her now, we might never.”

Drew laughed. “Nothing slows down Aunt Sally.”

“Sounds like my Gran.”

“We’ll see you around. If you’re going to be in town a while, stop over for dinner.” Drew tipped his ballcap, then he and Amie left in search of her Aunt Sally.

Jessa nudged Landon. “FYI, everyone here will know your name within ten minutes.”

“Small town gossip?”

“Jasper Lake is no different.” She rolled her eyes. “Even on a day filled with other activities, there’s always time for spreading news, whether it be real or fake. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it on my account. My brother married a girl he’d just met, and my sister got pregnant her senior year of high school.” He offered a calming, reassuring smile. “I learned a long time ago not to let it bother me.”

She breathed a sigh of relief. Although her family had been a prime target lately, she hadn’t become accustomed to it yet, but since Landon wasn’t bothered, it lifted part of the burden.