Christmas in Brookfield was magical.
Faith Shepherd walked down the street, taking in the twinkling lights, the friendly conversations, and the gently falling snow. She loved this little town. It had been her home for a year and a half now. After she'd lost her husband in a tragic car accident, she hadn't been able to remain in Hope Valley. It held too many painful memories. She saw Carson everywhere she turned. Faith had known in order to heal, she had to move on.
Nathan and Elizabeth Grant had been her emotional support through her pain. They both knew what it was like to lose a loved one. When Faith admitted she could no longer stay in Hope Valley, Nathan had suggested Brookfield. The small town was not too far away, so she could still visit her friends when she wanted, but it didn't hold the memories that caused her so much pain. Brookfield had a nurse, but they were in desperate need of a doctor.
It was an easy decision. Faith visited Brookfield and met Maggie Parsons-Moody. The nurse was delighted at the prospect of having a doctor in town. The two had formed a natural connection immediately. Within a week, Faith had requested a new doctor for Hope Valley, packed her bags, and headed for her new home in Brookfield.
Last Christmas, she had enjoyed the festivities in town, but it had been a hard holiday. She'd missed Carson with everything in her. This year, she felt a sense of hope. She was healing. She had made new friends. She still saw her old friends. Just last week, Lucas and Fiona Bouchard had come to Brookfield with crates of Christmas wine, ordered by Ronnie at the hotel. She had spent the better part of a day catching up with them and finding out everything that was going on in Hope Valley. Fiona had been glowing, admitting to Faith that she and Lucas were having a baby. The child was due in early summer. Nathan and Elizabeth were expecting their second child at the same time. Lucas and Nathan had a friendly wager going as to which baby would be born first. Elizabeth and Fiona had the exact same due date.
Lost in thought, she didn't realize she was on a collision course with another person until she smacked straight into his chest. Eyes wide, she found herself looking at a sea of red.
Gabe.
He quickly reached out to steady her. "Are you alright, Faith?"
She blushed, berating herself for not watching where she was going. "I'm fine, Gabe. Are you okay? I walked right into you."
His easy smile graced his face. "I might limp for a few days, but I think I'll survive."
Faith chuckled. Gabe always knew how to make her laugh. She appreciated that aspect of his personality. He didn't take himself too seriously, but he was a Mountie with stellar instincts. Brookfield was safe in his hands.
"Faith! Gabe!"
They turned together to see Sam and Lillian Tremblay headed in their direction. Lillian's stomach was gently rounded, as the couple was expecting their first child in a few months. Faith smiled to herself. It seemed to be the season for babies. Nathan and Elizabeth, Lucas and Fiona, Sam and Lillian. She suspected Grace Stewart was pregnant as well, but the young woman hadn't announced it yet.
Lillian reached them slightly ahead of her husband. She embraced Faith while Sam and Gabe shook hands. Lillian pulled back, her face glowing. "We came into town to sign up for the Christmas scavenger hunt!" she said. "You should try it this year, Faith! It's so much fun."
Every year, Brookfield had a scavenger hunt, a day-long process that allowed people to work around their schedules. The rule was that the three tasks had to be completed before day's end. It wasn't a scavenger hunt in the traditional sense - the point of Brookfield's version was to have fun and be creative. Faith was intrigued by the concept, but she wasn't sure she was ready to commit.
"I don't know," she hedged. "This is a partner event, and I don't have anyone to participate with."
"Gabe is still looking for a partner," Sam said, grinning at his friend. "Aren't you, Gabe?"
"Huh?" Gabe blinked, looking confused. "No, I wasn't planning on participating this time…"
"Nonsense," Lillian said, waving her hand to cut him off. "You two would be a perfect pairing, and the scavenger hunt is always so much fun!" She slid an arm around Faith's shoulder, giving Gabe puppy eyes. "You wouldn't want to be the reason Faith doesn't get to have a little fun this Christmas, do you?"
Faith's cheeks flamed with color. The last thing she needed was for Gabe to get roped into something he didn't want to do because of her. "Lillian, that's really not necessary," she protested, shooting Gabe an apologetic look. "I can always try next year."
"No," Gabe said firmly, giving her a smile. "I'd love to be your partner, Faith. I think we can both use some fun in our lives."
"Are you sure?" Faith asked.
Gabe nodded. "Absolutely." He leaned forward, winking. "Besides, someone's gotta give that guy a run for his money." He jabbed a finger in Sam's direction.
Sam laughed, pushing Gabe's shoulder. "I fully intend on winning, my friend."
Lillian's brows shot up. "You plan on winning?" she repeated, a hand on her hip.
Sam grinned, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close. "Sorry. I meant we plan on winning," he amended, leaning down to give his wife a sound kiss.
Faith chuckled quietly. Sam and Lillian were still as much in love as ever. It was sweet to see. But it also made her miss Carson. Swallowing the tightness in her throat, she directed her words to Gabe. "Do you want to sign up now?"
Gabe nodded. "Might as well." He grinned, offering her his arm. "May I escort you, Mrs. Shepherd?"
She smiled, sliding her hand into his arm. "Thank you, yes."
The four friends walked together to the general store, where they signed up for the scavenger hunt. It was set to take place on Saturday. They would have the entire day to complete the three tasks which were yet to be revealed. After signing their names to the list, they went their separate ways. Gabe smiled at Faith, telling her he'd see her in a few days.
Faith walked home slowly, breathing in the cold air. She was headed to an empty house, one that had no husband waiting for her. A sense of loneliness washed over her. She knew she had friends here, but she missed having a special someone to confide in. Someone to share life's ups and downs, a best friend, a partner. A tear slipped down her cheek. She brushed it away quickly, hoping no one noticed.
A memory filled her mind. Only weeks before his death, she and Carson had laid in each other's arms by the fire, content simply to hold each other.
"Faith?"
She turned in his arms to look at him. "Hmm?"
Carson's tender blue eyes caressed hers as his fingers grazed her cheek. "I want you to promise me something."
She smiled. "Anything for you."
His eyes were serious. "I'm more than a decade older than you. My time is likely to come sooner than yours."
Faith's eyes widened. She started to protest, but he laid a gentle hand against her lips. "I'm not saying anything will happen, Faith. But I want you to know that if something does happen to me, I want you to continue finding the joy in life. I want you to be happy." He smiled. "I want you to promise me you'll find love again if it comes your way."
"Carson," she protested, gripping his hand and pulling it from her mouth. "Nothing is going to happen to you. We are going to live a long and happy life together." She reached up to kiss him, lingering for several wonderful moments. "We're going to have children and watch them grow up, and then we'll watch them marry and have children of their own. We'll work together to bring health and healing to the residents of Hope Valley. That's our life's path."
"I hope you're right," Carson said, smiling as his fingers continued to roam her face. "But just in case, I want to hear you promise."
What did she have to lose? Faith nodded. "I promise."
A look of relief filled Carson's eyes. Without another word, he bent to kiss her, and all other thoughts vanished from Faith's mind.
Two weeks later, he was gone. Faith's heart had closed that day, shut up in her pain and grief. Moving to Brookfield had helped, but she hadn't found anyone she thought she could love as much as she'd loved Carson.
The loneliness ate at her, especially at night. Tears slipped from her eyes in a steady stream now. Faith kept her head ducked, though the streets were mostly deserted. She longed to be able to honor Carson's final wish, for her sake as well as his, but she wasn't sure she was ready.
She came to a stop beside the Wishing Tree. Wrapping her arms around her body, she looked up at the symbol of hopes and dreams. On an impulse, she reached for a tag and wrote her secret wish on the back before hanging it on the tree.
I wish to open my heart again.
The night before the scavenger hunt, Gabe finished his rounds late. He made his way to the small apartment attached to the NWMP office, tired and ready to fall into bed. Just before climbing the steps, he noticed a lone woman stepping out from the infirmary. The light from the street lamp fell on her blonde curls.
Faith.
Gabe felt his stomach leap into his chest. She locked the door and then made her way to the stairs that led to the apartment above the infirmary. She walked slowly, looking as if the weight of the world was on her shoulders.
Gabe's heart hurt for her. He knew she was trying to move on after her husband's death, but he also knew she was scared. Losing a loved one changed a person, and Faith Shepherd had been changed when Carson died. Gabe longed to be able to comfort her, but he wasn't sure she would accept it. He was a listening ear anytime she needed it. Their friendship had grown slowly but steadily since she came to town.
He was afraid to offer too much, though. Over the months that Faith had been in Brookfield, Gabe found himself inadvertently falling for her as their friendship grew. She was kind, compassionate, strong, and intelligent. Her beauty shone inwardly as well as outwardly. Within a year, he had fallen hopelessly in love with her - silently and from afar.
When Sam suggested Gabe and Faith do the scavenger hunt together, he panicked. Spending an entire day alone with Faith sounded like heaven and torment at the same time. He wasn't sure he'd be able to be around her that much without letting her know how he felt. His initial thought had been to say no, but when he saw the light of interest in Faith's eyes, he knew there was no way he could deny her.
He would just need to figure out how to protect his heart.
The morning of the scavenger hunt was bright and full of excitement. Faith ate a hearty breakfast, then made her way to the town square for the beginning of the hunt. Gabe met her in front of the infirmary, smiling as he held up a thermos from a bag at his side. "I have fuel," he said, his eyes twinkling. "Coffee and muffins for the inevitable snacking urge around midmorning."
Faith laughed. "Perfect. Thank you, Gabe." He was always so thoughtful.
"Good morning, Brookfield!" Ronnie Stewart's voice bellowed through the air. "Are you ready to kick off our annual Christmas scavenger hunt?"
Cheers sounded from the crowd. Faith smiled at the enthusiasm.
Ronnie held up a hand, silencing the crowd. "Each of you will receive a card with the first of three tasks," he said. "Once you complete each task, you will come to the hotel for your next task. Remember, scoring is based on both timeliness and creativity. It's not solely who finishes first."
Faith accepted a card handed to her by a young boy. Once every team had one in hand, Ronnie shouted for the cards to be opened, and the hunt began.
Gabe peered over Faith's shoulder as she opened the card. "Decorate a Christmas tree in the woods," she read out loud. She looked at Gabe, brows raised. "In the woods?"
He grinned. "Sounds like fun! I guess we need to find some ornaments and a way to transport them."
"I have lots of garland and tinsel at home," Faith said, remembering the boxes stored under her bed.
Gabe nodded. "Perfect. And I have more ornaments than I know what to do with, thanks to my mother. Shall we gather what we have and then meet back here?"
Faith smiled. "Sounds good."
They went their separate ways, but were back with their treasures within fifteen minutes. Gabe fashioned two packs out of large sacks. They were able to load their find in both packs and make the short walk to the woods. It didn't take long to find the perfect tree. It was Gabe's height, with full branches and the wonderful smell of pine.
"This is it!" Gabe said, nodding in approval when Faith pointed it out. They set down the packs, grateful to release their burden. The makeshift bags had become heavy over the short walk.
Faith pulled out the red garland. They wrapped it around the tree from top to bottom, then draped tinsel over the branches.
"This is a nice task," Gabe said, walking around Faith to add some tinsel to a branch near hers. Their arms accidentally brushed, sending an unfamiliar tingle through Faith's body. She blinked, wondering what had come over her. She tried to sound unfazed as she answered.
"It is. I would never have thought of decorating a random tree in the woods, but it will be very pretty once we're done."
"I think so too," Gabe said. He made no indication that he had felt anything in that small arm brush. Faith wasn't sure whether she was relieved or disappointed. Once again, she shook the thought from her mind.
This was Gabe! Her friend. One moment of awareness after a year and a half was hardly grounds for a sudden attraction. She must be feeling the effects of her loneliness.
Putting her mind back to the task at hand, she finished her tinsel hanging. Gabe then pulled his pack to the tree. "Here are the ornaments," he said. "There should be enough."
Faith pulled a roll of gold ribbon from her pack. "And we can use these to create bows on the tree," she said.
Gabe smiled. "I like it." He nudged Faith with his shoulder, his grin growing. "Are you having fun yet?"
She looked up to reply, but caught her breath. Gabe was so close. His brown eyes were warm and full of laughter. Her breathing grew shallow.
What was happening to her?
Gabe's eyes slowly grew serious. They stared at each other for a long moment. What was going through his mind?
Clearing his throat, Gabe moved to the other side of the tree. "I'll start over here," he said, his voice not quite itself.
Silence fell on them for a time. Faith chewed on her lower lip nervously as she tied bows to the branches. Her reaction to Gabe startled her. She didn't want to analyze the feeling too closely. She was afraid of what she might find.
They soon settled into a comfortable - and safe - conversation. They talked about Gabe's Mountie activities over the past week, Faith's patients, and their plans for Christmas. Neither one was spending the whole day with friends. They both planned to attend Christmas services, and both were invited to the orphanage for Christmas dinner with the Tremblays, the Stewarts, and the children. The rest of the day would be one to relax.
Faith wasn't sure if she liked the idea of being alone for even a portion of the day, but she knew people had families and wanted to spend it with them. She was thankful that she would have some time with friends, at least. She briefly wondered if she should invite Gabe to spend the afternoon with her, but she quickly pushed the idea away. It might give him the wrong idea.
She blushed. Since when was she concerned about Gabe getting the wrong idea? He probably felt nothing but friendship for her. Which was exactly what she felt for him.
Wasn't it?
They switched sides, ornaments and bows going up quickly. When they finished, they stepped back to admire their work.
Gabe stood with his hands planted on his hips, a wide grin on his face. "It's perfect!" he pronounced. He slid an arm around Faith, his hand resting loosely on her shoulder. "I think we outdid ourselves."
Faith was having trouble thinking with Gabe so close. "Yes," she replied, her voice breathless. "It's a lovely tree." She sent up a silent prayer of thanks that her voice didn't tremble. A shudder involuntarily went through her, making her shake.
Gabe looked at her in concern. "You're cold," he said, worry in his tone.
Not really, Faith thought, though she wasn't about to admit the real reason for her shaking. Whatever this was, it was new and unsettling.
Gabe poured her a cup of coffee, then offered her a muffin. She thanked him, enjoying the treats while they admired their Christmas tree. When they finished their snack, they gathered up the empty packs and got ready to head to town for the second task.
Faith could only hope her feelings returned to normal soon.
Gabe felt like a wreck of emotions. He'd known being this close to Faith for an extended period of time would be hard, but he hadn't realized how hard. Their little touches had affected him strongly. At one point, their eyes had locked, and he'd nearly done something crazy. It had taken every ounce of self-control to keep his eyes from drifting to her lips as they had stared at each other for what felt like an eternity.
He had to get a grip on his feelings. Faith needed to come first, not himself.
They finally reached the hotel. Gabe almost let out a sigh of relief. They told the judges where to find their tree, and Ronnie handed them the second card. Faith took it, excitement on her face. The excitement dimmed when she read the task. "Bake a Christmas treat and present it to the judges." Her face fell, and she looked at Gabe with something bordering on desperation. "Gabe, I can't bake! At all!"
He almost laughed at the panicked look on her face. It was adorable. But he didn't want to cause her further distress. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he looked into her eyes. "It's alright, Faith. I do know how to bake."
She blinked, a stunned look replacing the panic. "You...do?" She blinked a few more times, a slow smile spreading over her lips. "No offense, but you don't exactly look like the type who can bake, much less something like Christmas treats."
He let go of her, placing a hand on his heart in mock offense. "I'll have you know I've won bake sale competitions a time or two growing up. In fact, my mom's gingerbread cookie recipe is the best I've ever come across. I think that's what we should make." He winked. "I've been told I'm a good teacher. I think we'll be fine."
Faith laughed, the sound music to Gabe's heart. "Alright, I'll trust you," she said, though her words were laced with doubt.
Gabe grinned. "Let's use your apartment, if that's okay. I don't think my oven will fit a tray of cookies."
Faith agreed readily. They picked up the ingredients needed from the store, then headed to her apartment.
Gabe took in the small space in a glance. It told him a lot about the woman with him. The single room was well organized, with the bed neatly made and little knick knacks spread throughout, creating a homey environment. Colorful rugs made the room bright and cheerful. The kitchen was on the far side of the apartment, with cooking utensils and pans hung on the wall to save space.
It was very warm and cozy.
Gabe was starting to have second thoughts about making cookies in such a place. He already felt a closeness to Faith. To be here, in her home, doing something as domestic as baking cookies together that were part of his family Christmas traditions...it seemed like a recipe for disaster where his heart was concerned. It was far too easy to picture a life with her in such a setting.
A life that was not likely to come to pass.
Holding back a sigh, Gabe accepted the apron Faith handed him. The longing pulsing through him was almost too much to take. Abruptly, he handed the apron back.
"Molasses!"
Faith looked startled at his outburst. "What?"
"We forgot molasses," Gabe repeated, saying the first thing that came to his mind.
Faith frowned. She picked up a small bottle sitting among their groceries. "Gabe, it's right here," she said. Her brows knit together. She came closer. Gabe took an involuntary step back as she advanced on him.
She gripped his arm. "You look flushed," she said, pressing the back of her hand against his forehead. "No fever, though. Are you feeling alright?"
No, he thought, the panic taking hold. He needed to get out of there. "I think I just need some air," he said, squeezing the words past his tight throat. "Just give me a minute."
Faith nodded uncertainly. Gabe hurried from the room, down the stairs, and out into the cold. The wind had picked up. It helped cool his face. He sank onto a bench outside the infirmary, putting his head in his hands. He wasn't sure why being around Faith was suddenly testing the limits of his self-control, but all he wanted was to wrap his arms around her and tell her that he loved her. That would never do. She was still grieving the death of her husband. No matter how strongly Gabe's feelings ran, he couldn't tell her.
How was he going to get through the rest of the day?
Faith paced her small living space until Gabe finally reappeared. He looked better as he walked toward her, an apologetic smile on his face. "Sorry," he said, hands deep in his pockets. "I'm not sure what came over me. Hopefully it doesn't happen again"
She took his hands, searching his eyes. "Are you sure you're alright?"
Something flickered in his eyes. He gently extricated his hands from hers, giving them a gentle squeeze before letting go completely. "Yes," he said, his voice confident once again. "Let's go bake some cookies."
Still feeling unsure after his strange display, Faith nodded and followed him to the kitchen. He tied an apron around his waist and gave her a grin. "Lesson number one: learn how to properly measure flour." He held up some measuring cups. "Let's see how this goes."
Faith concentrated on filling the measuring cup and leveling the flour, then poured it into a large mixing bowl. An impish impulse came over her as she watched Gabe mix a few ingredients together. She gripped a fistful of flour and hid it behind her back just as Gabe turned toward her.
"Now you add the ginger, salt, and…" His words ended abruptly as Faith tossed the flour into his face. He sputtered for a moment, shock written on his features. Faith's giggles filled the room. A slow grin spread over Gabe's face.
"That's how you want to play, huh?" he said, a mischievous light in his eyes. He grabbed some flour and tossed it in her direction. She laughed and ducked, but Gabe circled her waist with one arm while reaching for more flour with the other. They were both laughing too hard. Once the laughter slowly subsided, Faith realized she was pressed tightly against Gabe. Their arms were encircling each other. She could feel tears on her face from laughing so much. Her stomach hurt in the best way possible. She hadn't laughed like that in a long time.
The awareness she'd felt in the woods came over her once again as she looked into Gabe's eyes. They were locked on hers, and he made no move to let her go. One of his hands came to her face, softly cupping her cheek and wiping the tears away with his thumb.
Faith caught her breath, an undeniable attraction filling her. Gabe's eyes shifted. Faith's heart started pounding in her chest as she realized he was looking at her lips.
Would he kiss her? Was he attracted to her as well?
She had never considered the possibility before. The two of them had simply been friends for so long. These new feelings were foreign to her. Was this a reaction to being close to a man, or did she truly have feelings for him?
Gabe leaned forward slightly, then suddenly pulled back. The look in his eyes pierced her heart. She recognized longing, and it made her catch her breath. Before she could analyze the look further, he let her go.
"We should probably get those cookies finished," he said, clearing his throat. "We still have a third project today, and who knows how long that will take."
Faith nodded, a little bewildered. She was sure they had just shared a moment, but Gabe was acting like nothing had happened.
It stung a little. Faith didn't want to think about why that might be.
She turned her attention to the cookies. After following Gabe's instructions to the letter, she had a dough that looked promising. He showed her how to roll it out and cut the cookies. Soon they had them in the oven.
Faith let out a breath. "Hopefully they turn out."
Gabe grinned. "They'll be perfect. Once they're finished baking, we'll make the icing and decorate them!"
He looked so much like a little boy in his excitement, Faith couldn't help laughing. "Maybe I'll leave that to you. I've never decorated cookies before."
A stunned look crossed Gabe's face. "Never?" He sounded horrified.
Faith nodded. "Never."
"Well, Mrs. Shepherd, you're in for a treat," Gabe said, wiggling his eyebrows. "It's a proven fact that cookie decorating lifts the spirits and makes for a grand time."
"Is that so?" Faith asked, tilting her head playfully. They were back on friendly ground, and she had to admit it felt safe.
"Yes," Gabe replied, raising his hand solemnly. "I promise you this will be the adventure of a lifetime."
She chuckled at his declaration. By the time they pulled the cookies from the oven, she was more than ready to make the icing. She felt slightly impatient waiting for the cookies to cool, but soon they were working together to make smiley faces and buttons, laughing their way through the process as they teased one another playfully.
"Alright," Gabe said, looking at their finished product. "I think we are done here. Let's get these plated and take them to the judges."
"Wonderful," Faith replied. They packed up the cookies, then together walked the short distance to Ronnie's hotel. He met them with a smile and the final card. Faith opened it eagerly, excited to see what the last task was.
"Make a Wishing Tree wish come true," she read.
"That's a good one," Gabe commented. "Let's go see which wish we'll work on." He offered her his arm. "Shall we, m'lady?"
A small giggle escaped Faith at his antics, but she noticed a shot of warmth spreading through her arm as she took his. Rather than pushing it away, she embraced it.
Gabe looked at various wishes on the tree. All of them were good, but he couldn't find one that spoke to him. Faith was on the other side of the tree, searching out wishes as well. He turned yet another tag to see what the writing said. His heart stopped momentarily.
Faith's handwriting stared back at him. I wish to open my heart again.
His breath hitched as he stared at her neat script. The words penetrated the wall he'd been trying to build around his heart all day. He looked up sharply, seeing Faith through the branches of the tree.
She was smiling as she pulled a wish from the tree. Her blue eyes were bright and happy, the smile on her lips joyful and free. She looked perfectly serene in that moment.
Gabe looked down again at her wish. Dare he hope it meant she might be open to letting him into her heart? The fact that she wanted to move on spoke volumes. He knew she still missed Carson every single day. She would always miss him. But maybe, just maybe, she was developing room in her heart for a new love.
He couldn't help hoping with everything inside that it was him.
He placed the wish in his pocket, a silent wish of his own forming in his heart. Gabe wanted to be the one to make her Christmas wish come true.
"Gabe!"
Faith came around the tree, grinning. "I think I found the perfect one!"
Her smile did funny things to his stomach. Focusing on the paper in her hands, he mustered up a confident, carefree tone. "What does it say?"
She looked down at the paper. "We wish for a puppy." Grinning, she let out a laugh. "It's from the children at the orphanage. I've heard them asking Lillian time and again for a puppy. The Morgans' dog had a litter about two months ago. The pups should be ready to find new homes soon. It's perfect!" Her eyes were shining. "Can we do it, Gabe?"
He grinned. There was no way he was going to refuse her. "Of course." His grin grew. "Besides, I'd love to see the look on Sam's face when we present him with a puppy." He sobered slightly. "You do know we'll have to ask him and Lillian first."
She nodded. "Let's go find them!"
They didn't have to go far. The Tremblays were heading for the Wishing Tree themselves.
Sam chuckled when he caught sight of them. "Trying to stay one step ahead, Kinslow?" he asked, his teasing good-natured.
Gabe raised a brow. "Actually, we need your help with our next task."
"Our help?" Lillian and Sam came to a stop beside them. Lillian looked intrigued. "Help with what?"
Faith showed them the wish. "Your kids at the orphanage really want a puppy," she said. "I know where to find one." She bit her lip. "I know this is a huge ask, but I really feel like this is the wish we're meant to make come true. Can we get a puppy for the children?"
Sam and Lillian exchanged a look. Gabe couldn't read their expressions, not until Lillian looked at them with a big smile. "Of course you may," she said. She looked excited. "We've been talking about getting a puppy. This is the perfect opportunity." She reached out, placing a hand on Faith's shoulder and smiling between her and Gabe. "Thank you both. The children will be thrilled."
Gabe wasn't sure if the children would be as thrilled as Faith. His friend looked positively radiant. "Thank you!" she squealed, pulling Lillian into a hug. When the women stepped apart, Faith took his arm and tugged him away. "Come on, Gabe! We have puppies to find!"
He laughed, letting her lead him to the outskirts of town, where the Morgans' farm stood. Five wiggly, energetic puppies greeted them in a pen. The little yips of excitement were adorable. Gabe wasn't sure what kind of breed they were, but they were fluffy and cute and sure to warm the hearts of the children at New Hope Orphanage.
Faith sat in the middle of the pen. All five puppies scampered around her. One jumped into her lap and refused to move, snuggling down in contentment as she petted it. Gabe watched her gentle hand moving over the pup's fur. Her tenderness was beautiful to behold.
She smiled softly, burying her face in the little one's coat before looking up at Gabe. Her eyes were shining. "I think this is the one."
Gabe smiled back, his heart becoming ever more firmly hers. "I'll talk to Mr. Morgan."
Within twenty minutes, they had a note with the sale of the puppy in hand. It had to stay with its mother another few days, but it would be ready for its new home by Christmas.
Faith was glowing as they walked back to the hotel to show proof of fulfilling a Wishing Tree wish. "That was so much fun," she sighed, leaning her head on Gabe's shoulder as they walked. "The children are going to be so happy with their new puppy. She's a sweetheart."
"That she is," Gabe agreed, enjoying their closeness. He considered wrapping his arm around her shoulders, but thought the better of it. Her wish was burning a hole in his pocket. Gabe wondered if now was the time to tell her what was in his heart. Today had been the best day he could remember, even with the inner turmoil of wondering if she could ever feel the way he did. Just being in Faith's presence for hours on end had been magical.
They found Ronnie and gave him the proof of sale for the puppy, along with the note containing the children's wish. The man's face split in a grin. "Congratulations, you two," he said. "You finished first. Time-wise, you won, but as you know, we won't have final results until a little later, after the judges have had time to look over everyone's creations and wishes. Come on back to the town square at seven o'clock." He glanced up, then chuckled. "It looks like you have one more task to complete."
Gabe's brow wrinkled in confusion. "What do you mean? There were only three, and you just said we were the first to finish."
Ronnie winked, pointing upwards, then slowly sauntered out of the room. Faith and Gabe were left alone.
Gabe had a feeling he knew before he looked. Glancing up, he saw that he and Faith were standing directly beneath a sprig of mistletoe. His face reddened. He looked down to see Faith watching him, uncertainty mixed with some other emotion he couldn't read. As much as he wanted to kiss her, he didn't want her to be uncomfortable or kiss him because she felt like she had to.
"We don't have to," he said softly.
She regarded him cautiously, her eyes filled with something akin to hope. It lit hope within Gabe as well.
"What if I'm open to it?" she asked, her voice barely audible.
Gabe's lips parted in surprise. "Are you sure, Faith?" he asked, holding his breath as he waited for her answer.
She nodded slowly, stepping forward. "Yes," she whispered.
Closing the distance between them, Gabe took her in his arms. He'd hoped so long for this moment. Now that it was here, he was afraid he might be dreaming. Faith's arms slid around his back, assuring him that he was not in fact dreaming. Her solid, warm presence confirmed that.
He lowered his head until their lips met. An explosion of feeling burst inside at the electric touch. Gabe told himself to keep the kiss short and sweet, not wanting to overwhelm Faith in any way.
Sweet it was. But short? Gabe soon found he couldn't pull away. He didn't want to. Faith willingly kissed him back, showing no sign of wanting to end their first kiss.
After a few moments, with a great amount of willpower, Gabe pulled back enough to break their kiss. Faith's eyes remained closed, her lips slightly parted, her arms around his neck. He wasn't sure when they'd moved from his back, but he liked the feel of her hands playing with the hair at the nape of his neck.
"Kiss me again?"
The quiet question, spoken without Faith opening her eyes, sent shock waves through Gabe's body. He couldn't believe she asked, but he wasn't about to deny her request. His lips descended on hers again. This time, he poured months of pent-up love and passion into their kiss.
In Faith's arms, it finally felt like he had found home.
Gabe's kiss was strong and sure, turning Faith's legs to jelly. It felt so good, so right to be kissed by him. Her doubts had all fled the moment his lips first touched hers. Their first kiss had convinced her that she did indeed have feelings for him. Their second kiss was showing her how strong those feelings were. When they finally broke apart, both were breathing hard.
"Faith," Gabe gasped. He looked into her eyes as his hands found their way into her hair. "There's something I need to tell you. Something that's been on my heart for a long time."
She searched his eyes. "You can tell me anything, Gabe," she said.
He ran his hands through her curls. "I love you, Faith," he said. The words were simple but powerful. They rocked her to the core.
"Really?" she asked, amazed at his admission.
He nodded. "Really. I fell in love with you months ago." He let his hands travel to her back. "I know you aren't ready to say the words back. You're only now ready to move on." He smiled. "But I'll be here waiting, loving you until you can say the words to me."
Her heart leapt in her chest. There was no fear, only excitement for their future. "I hope I can say it to you soon," she said softly. "You're a good man, Gabe." She tilted her head. "But how did you know I'm ready to move on?"
He grinned. "Besides your response to my kisses?" He chuckled as Faith's cheeks bloomed with a blush. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a familiar piece of paper. "I found this."
Faith looked at the words she'd written only a few days before. I wish to open my heart again. She looked back at Gabe, saw the tenderness written all over his face.
"Have you opened your heart again, Faith?" he asked, his voice uncharacteristically serious.
She nodded, feeling no hesitation. "Yes, Gabe, my heart is open," she said. "I want to explore these feelings with you." She placed a hand on his cheek. "I like you very much."
He smiled. "That's perfect for now." He leaned forward, tasting her lips once more. "I look forward to our courtship." He pulled back. "You will let me court you, I hope?"
She grinned. "Absolutely."
An answering grin spread over Gabe's face. "Wonderful."
They stood for a while together. Eventually, Gabe reluctantly lifted his head. "I suppose we should make our way to the square soon."
Faith smiled. "Or we could stay here for a while longer. Just you and me."
Gabe looked surprised yet intrigued. "Don't you want to know who won the scavenger hunt?" he asked, raising a brow.
Faith shook her head. "It doesn't matter," she said. "It's only for bragging rights. Besides, I can't imagine a happier moment than this one here and now."
Gabe chuckled, his hand rubbing circles on her upper back. "Then we'll just stay here until you get tired of me," he teased.
Faith knew for certain that was impossible. "Never," she said, locking her arms around his back. "I could stand here forever, Gabriel Kinslow. As long as you're with me."
He smiled, resting his forehead against hers. "Will you spend Christmas with me?" he whispered, holding her close.
Happiness burst through Faith. Joy danced in her heart as she looked into Gabe's beautiful brown eyes. "Yes," she whispered back.
He smiled, cupping her cheek in one hand and delivering one more sweet kiss to her lips. They nestled in each other's arms, her cheek resting against his chest as his head rested against hers. Faith was perfectly content.
Her heart was open again. She had a feeling she would finally be able to honor Carson's final wish. She also had a feeling he would approve of Gabe.
A beam of sunlight burst through the clouds, enveloping Gabe and Faith in its soft light. She smiled against Gabe's chest, burrowing closer as his arms tightened around her.
It felt like confirmation from heaven.