The glow coming from Maisey’s face could have lit up the entire room. Dakota was genuinely happy for her friend, for all of them. What started as a silly game to some and to others, more of a deceitful way to get a man, had turned out to be more coincidental than anything. Fate seemed to be in the cards for Dakota and her friends, with or without a game. All Dakota had to do was let fate happen. Finn’s comment earlier no longer worried her. She didn’t need the ladies to convince her to be brave. At that moment, she decided to let love happen. Whether she asked Tristan out, he asked her out, or she allowed Becca to set them up like she’d suggested for the upcoming Christmas party at the Tanner Vineyard, it didn’t matter. Love was already in the air since the first day she’d met Tristan. She liked him and Becca continued to tell her that he was definitely interested, but he’d just been busy since his quick trip abroad. Just like she’d been pre-occupied with her thoughts of how to have that chat with Dr. Withers and tell him she believed him to be her dad.
Finn and Keaton appeared from the kitchen with champagne and flutes. Tonight was a celebration of friends. Tomorrow, she’d call Dr. Withers and then she’d call Becca back about the Christmas party. Keaton filled the round of glasses and cheers followed.
Keaton offered to drive Dakota home after dinner, but she wanted to pass by the magical lights at the town square once more that night. They gave her peace and hope that her wishes would come true. She just needed the strength to be courageous and that had grown in the past couple of weeks. She knew it was time to let the cards fall as they may. A trail of lights led her back to the town square as the homes along her way displayed an array of Christmas lights. She stopped at the incredible view before her; the spectacular sight of the festively-lit town square. Dakota stood for a moment and gazed at the magic she’d helped arrange. Her stroll had been quiet. She hadn’t seen a soul. Lost in her thoughts, she jumped at the sound of her name. She knew his voice instantly and calmed. “Tristan”
She noticed his truck parked just feet from them. His lights streamed across the square but she assumed with all the lights she hadn’t noticed him pull up beside her. Her mind had drifted between him and her father, probably the reason she hadn’t heard his truck.
“Evening, Miss Country Girl. I hope I didn’t frighten you. I do remember you’d said three strikes and I’m out.” His laughter that followed seemed like a nervous chuckle to her. She wondered if he was as nervous to talk to her as she’d been to talk to him.
Dakota reassured him. “No, you’re still safe.”
He lifted his hand to his chest and blew out a breath. “Good to hear.” He stood beside her for a moment in silence and then acknowledged the beauty of the lights.
“I heard you had a hand in this gorgeous set-up.”
She turned and grinned. “I did.” She turned back to the display and sighed. “It’s breathtaking, isn’t it?”
“That it is, but it’s a shame to enjoy it alone.”
“I’m not anymore. You’re here now.”
She felt his hand slightly touch her back. Even through the thickness of her coat, his touch ignited immense heat. Becca’s words that he was definitely interested struck her mind. But his words that followed his action confirmed it.
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
His few simple words touched her heart tremendously and created a flutter within it. She looked up into the most brilliant eyes that reminded her of the Pacific seas and smiled.
“That’s so sweet. I’m happy you’re here.”
He took her hand and led her to a nearby park bench. He brushed the snow from it, removed his scarf, and then laid it on the bench. He motioned for her to take a seat. He sat beside her and placed his arm around her and pulled her in close.
“Now we have front row seats for this spectacular show.”
She’d never felt so relaxed. Her mind drifted as she looked forward at the lights until he spoke.
“You seem a little distracted tonight. Is everything okay?”
Dakota smiled and then turned to look into those calming eyes. She felt as though she could tell him her darkest secrets, if she had any. Silently she chuckled inside, she did. There was a secret she hadn’t yet shared with anyone.
“Sort of,” She shrugged and then laughed. “I feel somewhat indecisive lately.”
He brushed her hair aside that had fallen out from beneath her hat. “Why’s that?”
She sighed. “There have been a couple of things on my mind lately. Well, two men to be exact.”
His expression told her that last comment didn’t come out right. She laughed. His eyebrow lifted in question.
“That didn’t come out right. What I meant to say is that I’ve had two men on my mind. One, I’m having difficulty finding the right words to tell him something. The other, finding the right words to ask him something.”
Silence filled the air for a moment as she thought of what she’d just said.
“That doesn’t make sense, does it?”
He shook his head. “Sounds a little confusing,” he admitted.
She replayed her words in her mind again. Does he think my heart is swaying between two men? She gazed into the confused look in his eyes. She felt as though she could stare into those eyes for the rest of her life.