The amazing woman by my side is so full of life that the look on her face when I suggested we put the packages in the truck and then visit the ice rink was one I don’t think I’ll forget anytime soon. Apparently, she doesn’t have very good balance…something I’m about to witness.

The rink is a small one built on the town square and surrounded by snow-covered trees with lots of twinkling lights. There is outdoor seating and tables with couples holding hands, drinking the warm cider that the concession stand is selling.

As I fasten the skates onto Charlotte’s feet, she glances nervously around us so, standing above her, I force her eyes to mine. “I promise not to let you go.” I kiss her lips, feeling the coldness, so I dip down again and hover. “I’m looking forward to warming you up once we’re home.”

She groans and smiles. “I can’t wait.” She glances at the rink. “I just hope I don’t break anything before then.”

“No way will that happen.” I tug her up and keep my arm around her as I walk her to the entrance onto the rink.

She doesn’t pause and keeps going, stepping with confidence onto the ice. I slip my arm around her waist and take hold of her arm with my other hand. “You have this. Just let your feet glide.”

We start slow, keeping the pace even as confident skaters make turns and twirls in front of us. Couples holding hands catch Charlotte’s attention when she nods toward them. “They look so cute,” she adds, referring to an elderly couple skating by.

“They open the rink every year and have done so for as long as I can remember.”

“That’s so sweet.” Charlotte wobbles but I keep us upright while the song changes to another Christmas carol.

The sound of kids laughing makes me smile, it never stops even when three of them fall over each other ending in a heap on the ice. They roll to their backs laughing while others help them up.

Slowly coming to a stop with Charlotte, the sound of our blades scraping on the ice is familiar. We lean on the barrier, and I admit, “I used to play ice hockey here every winter.” I smile fondly. “Grade four through to grade nine. I loved it.”

“Why did you stop?”

Sighing, I look behind me at the kids again. “We spent a few years at the ranch in Texas, and well, there doesn’t tend to be outdoor ice rinks there.” I grin. “I missed it and then I don’t really know why I didn’t start again when I came home. Just never got around to it.”

“I see the appeal but it isn’t really for me, although I wouldn’t mind watching you out there. I bet you were hot and had all the girls drooling over you.”

Slinging an arm around her neck, I bring her nose-to-nose, and tell her, “None of them were as beautiful or as sexy as you are.”

“Hmm, I love you Tanner Jackson.”

The joy in my eyes is there for her to see as she reaches that inch and kisses me. “You are a very special man and I’m so glad I get to call you mine.”

“Do you want to leave?” I ask, suddenly.

“Tree lot next, right?”

I laugh. “I haven’t forgotten. They also have a large room full of decorations. If you don’t find anything there that you like, then there’s something wrong.” I grin. “They have things for all occasions.”

“Lead the way.” She gingerly steps from the ice and once we have our boots back on our feet, I take her hand and lead her over to the coffee stand.

“This will warm us up. I think fresh snow will be falling soon, but a bad storm isn’t in the forecast until later tomorrow.”

“I’ll never refuse coffee.”

* * *

By the time we arrive at the Christmas tree farm, there are small flurries in the air to match the grey sky. The snow is piled at the side of the lot as I help Charlotte from the truck.

Shivering, she snuggles under my arm, mumbling, “It’s so cold.”

“We won’t be out long, but if you want to wait inside and browse the ornaments while I get us a tree, I’d be okay with that. I just want you warm.”

Opening the rickety door, I shove her inside and grin when she stamps her feet to warm herself up on the old thick mat. Her grin as she meets my gaze warms me up.

“Let me warm up for a couple of minutes. I’m not missing our first time together at getting our tree. No way.”

I brush her hair over her shoulder, and ripping a glove off, I cup the back of her neck. “I love you,” I whisper against her lips before I claim them in a long, searching kiss.

Pulling away, I grin at the sight of her struggling to open her eyes. Everything around us disappears and it’s just the two of us, lost in each other. Her eyes finally flutter open and the silly grin she has on her face has me cupping her rosy red cheeks and bringing her closer for a big sloppy kiss.

Her arms wrap around my neck and mine go around her waist, holding her tightly against me. “I think everyone in town will know about you before dusk,” I breathe between kisses.

Charlotte looks confused so I move my eyes to the side and very slowly, she turns. Our stunned audience takes a moment and then when Maggie, the owner, starts clapping, the rest follow.

I tug Charlotte into my arms and laugh when she buries her face into my chest.

Maggie hushes everyone, and then comes rushing over. I’ve known her most of my life, like I have the majority of people in the town. She’s around eighty and has always been the person people would go to for advice. Like an agony column. As a child, I used to think that she was Mrs. Clause because she’s exactly as the Mrs is depicted in books and on the TV.

“I’ve heard all about you,” she gushes to Charlotte, a huge smile on her wrinkled face. “Just so you know,” she whispers so as not to be overheard, “we’re all so relieved that Tanner came to his senses before it was too late.” Clapping her hands while clearing her throat. “Welcome to our small town, Charlotte. I hope you’ll be staying…”

I laugh. “Nice try, Maggie. Wherever we go, I can promise you it will be together.” I kiss her weathered cheek. “I’ve brought my girl to choose our first Christmas tree. We also want some decorations that will last.”

“Oh,” she mumbles, dabbing at her face. “I’ve waited so long for this.” She takes my hand. “So long, Tanner.”

Releasing her hold, she ushers us back out of the store. “Go and choose your tree, and then come back in here.” The door bangs behind her retreating figure.

I stare at Charlotte and we laugh. “I like her,” Charlotte says on a giggle. “I kept expecting Santa to join her.”

“You’re not far off the truth there.”

She frowns.

“You’ll see.” I shove my glove on and lead her to the tree lot, and we straightaway bump into Maggie’s husband, Kris, as the flurries in the air become thicker.

The smell of pine hits my nose bringing back memories of my childhood. Trees with a light dusting of snow are in lines with gaps between from where trees have been taken. Soft Christmas music plays in the background as kids chase each other around.

It’s a magical place and I used to love coming here, in fact, I’d forgotten how much. I glance at Charlotte and her eyes are fixed on Kris as he helps a customer with her choice of tree.

With a gentle tug on Charlotte’s hand, I lead her deeper through the spruce and finally come to the noble firs. “The thick needles are my favorite.” I lean in and inhale. “Smell that? So fresh and green.”

Her face lights up. “Then I think we have a tree.” She wraps an arm around my waist, and rests her head on my shoulder. “I can’t believe we found one so quickly. My siblings and I would drive our parents nuts when we’d go to get a tree. It would take us forever, but you know what? Our parents never once got angry or annoyed or impatient with us over it. They basically let us run wild around the lot until we settled on one.” She pauses. “There was one main rule set before we’d leave home. No making pests of ourselves and to respect other people. We loved it…Today means so much to me, Tanner.” She tilts her head. “Thank you.”

I’m choked at her memory, and her words, so I dip my head and kiss her. Turns out, we’re right under the mistletoe.