Mary couldn’t take her eyes off Jakob’s as her heart hammered. She believed his story about falling asleep, believed now he really had thought of this evening as a date. But being so upset when she thought he’d stood her up had scared her. Jakob was more important to her than she’d ever realized. Even if they started over, she wasn’t sure she could handle it if they broke up again.
“I should be at the reception,” she said, finally tearing her eyes away. “Quinn will wonder where I am.”
“Quinn is too busy being happy. You and I both know that.”
She shivered, and although she tried not to, she looked into his eyes again. Under the light of the streetlamp, she could see a warmth there that reached to her soul. “I don’t think I can do this.”
“Why?” His grip tightened on her shoulders, as if he knew she was ready to bolt. “Tell me the truth, Mary. Let down yer guard for once.”
She wanted to tell him they were better off as casual friends, lie to him to protect her heart. But he deserved the truth. “I’m scared.” There, it was out in the open. She was afraid, and she’d been afraid the first time their relationship changed. “I don’t want to get hurt.”
He ran the back of his hand over her cheek. “I’d never hurt you.”
“You would if you decided you didn’t want to be with me again.” That sounded a little childish, but it was the truth. “Mei heart would break if that happened.”
“Ah, Mary.” Jakob gave her a half smile. “That’s why you were so distant with me.”
“We’d broken up.”
“I don’t mean then.” He stepped closer to her. “I mean when we were a couple. The minute we decided to date, you changed. I’ve thought about this, and it was as if you put a fence between us. Then you kept making it higher and higher until I couldn’t bear trying to climb over it anymore.”
She averted her gaze. “I didn’t mean to.”
“I can see that now. We do strange things when we’re afraid.” He lifted her chin and tilted her face toward him. “And since you’re being honest, I will be too. I was afraid. A little.”
“Just a little?”
“Well, I guess I was more interested in romance all along, so that helped. But yeah. I thought about how it would affect our friendship if we broke up—but not too much.” He ran his thumb across her cheek. “I was too busy thinking of us together than apart.”
“Which I should have been doing.” Her breath caught in her throat.
He nodded. “Like you said, we’ve been down this road before. But it doesn’t have to be the same journey. Our relationship has changed in the last few weeks. We’ve changed.” He lowered his voice. “Can’t you feel it?”
“Ya, but what if—”
He put his fingertip over her lips. “Don’t borrow trouble, Mary. Just enjoy.”
“Enjoy what?”
“This.” He leaned down and kissed her.
The fence came crashing down. The fear that had held her back for so long disappeared, warmth and love taking its place. She was in Jakob’s arms once more, but not like when he’d swooped her up after her fall. Now, cocooned from the Christmas Eve chill, everything between them finally felt just as it was meant to be.
“Wow,” he whispered after they parted.
“Ya . . . wow.” Her heart full, she smiled.
He angled his head, his brow slightly furrowed. “What are you thinking about?”
“Kissing you again.” Her cheeks heated, but she kept her gaze on him. “Well, you said you wanted me to tell the truth.”
Jakob chuckled, cradling her cheek in his palm. “That I did. And here’s another truth—I’m more than happy to comply.”
“There you two are.”
They jumped apart as Quinn, wearing a white cape around her beautiful dress, stepped outside. “I’ve been looking all over for you two.”
“We’ve been out here—” Jakob started.
“Talking,” Mary finished.
“Uh-huh.” Quinn tilted her head and gave Mary a wink. “We’re about to cut the cakes, and I don’t want either of you to miss that.” She turned and headed for the door, then called over her shoulder, “Just remember to invite Tanner and me to your wedding next year.” She opened the door and disappeared inside.
Mary looked at Jakob, and their gazes locked. “She’s putting the cart before the horse, don’t you think?”
He took her hand, then gave it a squeeze. “Maybe. But I have a feeling she might be right this time.” His expression grew serious. “What do you think? Are you willing to give us another try?”
She knew what he was really asking—whether she was willing to give him her heart. This time she didn’t overanalyze or worry or let fear get in the way of her decision. Instead, she reached up on tiptoes and kissed him, not caring if anyone saw. “I’m more than willing.”