Marry Me at Christmas (Fool's Gold #19)(21)

“I thought I recognized you,” Madeline’s mother said, surprising him by hugging him. “Are you here to see the tree lighting?”

“Sure.”

She held him close a half second longer than he thought she would. Like a mom. He’d lost his mother when Ginger had been born and his dad hadn’t been one to date so there’d never been a woman around to take care of things. While his dad did his best, some things had been lacking.

Loretta released him and smiled. “Then come watch with us. These kinds of things are better when shared.”

She linked arms with him and led him toward the right side of the square. There were people everywhere, but she wove through them, guiding him to a destination he hoped included her daughter.

“Joseph and I used to bring Robbie here when he was little,” she said. “About the time he turned fourteen, he decided he was too mature to bother with silly traditions. So we left him home. When we got back, we found him crying in his room. It was the last time he missed the tree lighting.” She sighed. “Then we had Maddie and got to start all over with a new little one.”

“You were lucky with both your kids,” he told her.

“We were. Very lucky. Children are a blessing.” She glanced at him. “You don’t have any?”

“No. I’m not married.”

The smile returned. “These days marriage is more of an afterthought. Not always necessary.”

“I’m a traditional guy.” He wanted a wife—someone who was a partner. He wanted to be there for someone and to be able to depend on her in return.

“So what’s the problem?” Loretta asked, her tone light. “From what I can tell, women find you attractive. You have a job and you can carry on a conversation. They could do worse.”

He grinned. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

“I like to see the best in people. I’m sure you have your flaws.”

“I do, but let’s not talk about them.”

“Which means I’ll ask the question again. What’s the problem?”

“What I do, who I am, makes it difficult to have a serious relationship. There are outside pressures. The press gets in the way. The fame.”

Loretta stopped walking and studied him for a second before glancing around. “Am I missing them?”

The question was asked in a gentle tone, but the words made him feel foolish. “It’s different here,” he mumbled. “Trust me—it can be intense.”

“I’m sure it can. I just wonder...” She stared into his eyes. “Jonny, have you ever been in love?”

“No.”

She tucked her arm in the crook of his elbow and moved through the crowd. “You need to give it a try. Falling in love is magical. I remember the day I met Joseph. There was no warning. I was minding my own business when there he was. He smiled and introduced himself and that was it. I felt it.”

“Felt what?”

“Lightning. I was struck by lightning. Oh, there are other ways to describe it, but the truth is I knew from that moment he was the one. Fortunately, he felt the same way. We’ve been together forty-eight years.” She smiled. “I won’t lie and say there haven’t been times I wanted to back the car over him. Living with someone is always a challenge. But there hasn’t been a single day that I haven’t been grateful to have found him. Joseph has given me a wonderful life and two beautiful children. I want that for you.”

“Joseph isn’t my type.”

She laughed. “See. You’re charming. Put that charm to good use and find a girl. Fall in love. Get married. Have children. You’ll be amazed at how happy all that makes you.”

He wanted to point out that she didn’t know him well enough to make that assessment, but he couldn’t help thinking she was right. That was exactly what he wanted.

“You make it sound easy,” he told her.

She faced him again. “Love is many things, but it’s not easy. It requires everything. Whatever you’re most afraid to give is exactly what it will demand of you. But it’s worth it. That’s the secret. It’s worth it.”

Before he could ask her what she meant, he spotted the woman he’d been looking for. Madeline hurried over.

“Mom, are you being scary? Jonny looks trapped.”

“Not trapped,” he assured her. “Mesmerized.”

“Uh-huh. If only that were true.”

“I found Jonny waiting for the tree lighting and told him he should be with friends.”

Madeline looked at him. “You don’t have to stay with us.”

“I want to,” he said, telling the truth. “You have a tradition and I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of that.”

He was going to say more, but the music faded and Mayor Marsha stepped up in front of the microphone.

“Welcome, everyone,” she began. “This is our sixty-second tree lighting.”

As if on cue, snow began to drift down from the sky.

“How does she do that?” Madeline asked. “I swear, the woman knows God personally.”

“Maybe they text.”

She laughed. The sound was as light and engaging as the Christmas bells he could hear in the distance. Without considering what it meant or any consequences that could follow, he put his arm around her. For a second Madeline didn’t move. Then she leaned into him, snuggling close. Jonny liked the feel of her next to him. He liked her family and this town and the fact that it was only a few weeks until Christmas. Because for now, he could fit in, just like everyone else. And sometimes, that was the best gift of all.