“Smart man.” I finished the last of my coffee. “Let me get a refill, and I’ll be jolly as an elf.”
He tousled my curls before leading the way back inside.
By the time I settled on the sofa, Hank was pulling gifts out from under the tree. “Haley, these two are yours. Zach, I can only find one for you.” Of course Hank would point that out. “And these two are for me.” He pointed at me. “We’ll open one at a time. You go first.”
Like a wimp, I chose Hank’s gift. I tossed the colorful tissue in the air then pulled two nylon sacks out of the gift bag. “Um, what are they?”
“The lime green one is a sleeping bag. It’s a down-stuffed one because you’re always cold. And the blue bag is a hammock. It’s rated up to eight hundred pounds, so you should be good.” He grinned. “We can get a stand for the backyard, or you can tie it to trees when we go camping again.”
Zach pinched his lips together in an attempt not to laugh.
“Thank you.” I’d never wanted a hammock or a sleeping bag. “A stand in the backyard would be great. Sleeping in a hammock sounds relaxing.”
“I think so too. I’ll go next.” Hank unwrapped his giant box then stared at the small bag and card at the bottom. “Jerky?”
“Read the card.” I felt a little bad for using such a big box.
He laughed. “Jerky every month is awesome. Thanks!”
Zach tapped the unwrapped case of beer then pulled a bottle out of the bag. “I wonder what it is.”
“No surprises. Same thing as every year.” Hank turned to look at me. “Next.”
I tore the paper away, but the box didn’t give me any clues unless Zach had gotten me a case of wine. I gave the box a gentle shake.
“It’s not wine, Carrot.” He chuckled.
“That’s probably a good thing.” I yanked the tape off the top and pulled up the flap. I blinked and wasn’t sure if I should laugh or cry. A little plastic pony had been transformed into a planter. And it had a cactus growing out of its back.
“Do you like it?” The uncertainty in his voice was endearing.
Unsure I could get words out, I nodded.
After a second, I pointed at Hank. “Next.”
His eyes widened when he pulled a new fishing rod out of the gift bag. “Thanks, Zach.”
I jumped up, and for the second time in less than twenty-four hours, I ran out the front door in my pajamas. I popped the trunk, grabbed Zach’s gift, then raced back inside. Trying to catch my breath, I stood in front of him. “This is for you. It was in my car.”
His fingers brushed mine as he took the gift. “Thank you.”
“You haven’t even seen what’s inside.”
“Doesn’t matter.” He tore off the paper and lifted the bowl out of the box. “I love it.”
“Snackalicious.” Hank wrinkled his brow. “When did you let her in on your secret snack?”
I was so wrong. Hank wasn’t as dense as a rock. He was more like a boulder.
“Thanksgiving.” Zach ran a finger over the word painted on the side of the bowl. “Thank you, Haley.”
“I’ll be back. I need to close my trunk.” I also needed air.
I took my time walking to the car. With the sun out, the chill had subsided a bit. My heart was simultaneously racing and breaking. Zach had been so thoughtful with his gift. But it didn’t mean anything. Not really.
Stuffing my emotions back behind the just-friends façade, I walked back inside.
“I thought the cactus would be funny. I’m sorry if you didn’t think so.” Zach didn’t even seem to care that Hank was sitting right there.
It was easier to show how I felt rather than say it, so I threw my arms around him. “It’s a great gift. I loved it.” I pulled back and patted his chest. “I can’t even imagine where you found that planter.”
“I made it. I bought the pony and cut a hole in the back.”
He’d scratched two things off my list. I was probably in the clear regarding the puppy.
“Well, it’s impressive.” I stepped away from him and lifted the stockings off the hooks. “Merry Christmas. You’ll have to give Waldo his when you see him again.” I handed Hank his stocking. “Santa showed up last night.”
Laughing, they pulled out the toys and the mini bottles of liquor.
“Are you going to open yours?” Zach nodded toward mine.
I’d hoped to do that when I was alone. “I guess I should.” I pulled out the scented soap, mini tequila bottle, and assorted toys. At the bottom was the little package Zach had dropped in last night.
I could feel him staring as I opened it. If the keychain with the little puppy attached wasn’t enough to make me cry, the gift certificate to the local humane society for a pet adoption pushed me over the edge. “Thanks.”
He nodded.
Hank glanced down at his phone, and a smile wider than any I’d seen in months cut across his face. He nudged Zach and turned the screen so he could see. “Nacha responded for the first time in months.”
Why did the perfect guy have to be best friends with my brother?
Life truly wasn’t fair.
Thankfully, the timer beeped, giving me an excuse to run to the kitchen. After pulling the casserole out of the oven, I took advantage of the moment alone and unwrapped Nacha’s gift.
The necklace with the book pendant was sweet. But it was the note wrapped with it that made me cry.
You deserve a storybook romance. Don’t be afraid to live your fairy tale.
I wiped my tears away before the guys made it to the table.
Chapter 16
The sun hadn’t yet crested the horizon when I parked not far from the barn. The neighbors probably thought I only took pictures in this one spot. That wasn’t the case, but it was a beautiful location.
Magic hovered in the air. The moments before sunrise offered a serenity that I needed. New Year’s Eve was a time for saying goodbye to the old and looking toward the new, which made it the perfect day for Adam and Eve’s engagement pictures.
I still couldn’t say their names together without giggling inside. When I’d suggested they take the engagement pictures in a garden, she’d nixed the idea.
They’d be showing up any minute, but that wasn’t the reason I kept glancing toward the gate. Would nosy neighbors send Zach my way again? As much as I wanted to see him, it would be better if I didn’t. My New Year’s resolution was to get over Zach. Not seeing him since Christmas had helped me move in the right direction.
Adam’s truck pulled through the gate, and I held up two cups of coffee. Eve would need more than one cup before she was ready to smile this early.
As soon as Adam parked, he jumped out and ran around the truck. Instead of helping her out, he carried her to where I stood. “Good morning. We made it. Barely.”
Eve grinned, proving my theory wrong. “He had to throw several pebbles at my window.”
“And let’s just say it’s good that I have a key. The pebbles didn’t work. I made her coffee and sent the dogs to jump on her bed.” He kissed her before setting her down.
“The light is about to be magical, so grab a quick sip of coffee, then we’ll get y’all situated.” I checked my camera and made sure I was ready. “I love that dress. But if you need to do a quick change later, you can slip into the barn. It’s not great, but it’s private.”
Eve bounced on her toes. “Where do you want us?”
“Right over here. Walk this way, stop, hug. Have fun. Adam, talk to her like I’m not here.”
He clasped her hand, and they strolled through the field as light glinted on the top of the grass. When he leaned in and whispered, I wanted to faint. But instead, I clicked the shutter.
After several different poses, I changed out my lens. “Eve, if you want to change, now would be a good time.”
She grabbed a bag from the truck and closed herself inside the barn.
“Are they turning out okay? I’m not always great in pictures.” Adam dropped the tailga
te and sat down.
“There were several that I think both of you will love. I’m not sure what you were saying, but she looks smitten.”
He laughed. “I hope I do too. I don’t want it to look one sided.”
“Oh, you look completely in love.” I looked through the viewfinder, deciding on the next set. “If you need to change, run in as soon as she’s out. I want to get more of this light.”
“I’m only changing my shirt. I’ll do it here.” At least he warned me. “Sorry things didn’t work out with Harper. Eve told me it was awkward.”
I sighed. “That wasn’t Harper’s fault. He’s nice.”
Adam laughed. “‘He’s nice’ can either be taken as a compliment or a soft let-down.”
Eve peeked out of the barn and grinned. “Ready for me?”
“Don’t move, Eve. Adam, walk toward her.” The camera clicked as I moved to capture the photo. “Okay, both of you over there by that corner of the barn.”
I kept them so busy during the rest of the shoot, Adam didn’t mention anything else about Harper.
Eve hugged me before getting into the truck. “Have you heard from Zach?”
“No, why would I?” I hadn’t even told my best friend about the disappointing late-night conversation.
“Just wondering. You’ll call me as soon as the pictures are ready?”
“I promise. The rest of my day is blocked out to edit pictures.” I checked my phone. “Y’all have a good day.”
The truck pulled away, and I packed up my gear. Reluctantly, I loaded my car. Zach wasn’t going to show.
After skipping lunch and spending hours editing, I couldn’t wait to show Eve a sampling of the photos. I dialed as I stretched. “Hey there.”
“If this is about pictures, I will make you dinner if you have anything to show me.” Eagerness raised the pitch of her voice. “And you better be coming over anyway because it’s New Year’s Eve.”
“Start cooking. I’ll be over in a half hour. And I’m not done with all of them, but I can’t wait for you to see these.”
“I’m calling Adam as soon as I hang up. Come over any time.”
I could’ve sent her a link, but I wanted to be there when she saw them. “I’ll leave here in a few minutes.”
Since they’d decided on a February wedding, choosing pictures was time sensitive. I planned to steer clear of Eve’s mother until after Eve had chosen her photos . . . maybe even until after the wedding. Mrs. Taylor was a lovely person but could be a little tightly wound.
My phone rang as I sat down behind the wheel. “Hello?”
“Haley, it’s Harper.”
“Hi.” I really hadn’t expected to hear from him again.
He cleared his throat. “I talked to Adam earlier. February is right around the corner. Anyway, I wanted to get ahead of the game and arrange for a date before someone else filled your dance card. Would you like to be my date to the wedding?”
In my head, I could hear Eve scolding me, telling me to say no. And she was right. “Thank you for asking, but—”
“I won’t make you finish that sentence.” He laughed. “If you change your mind, you have my number.”
“Thanks. I’ll save you a dance.” It wasn’t like I’d have a full dance card that night.
“I’m looking forward to it. Have a good evening.” He ended the call.
Maybe I’d develop a crush on Mr. Harper in the weeks leading up to the wedding.
I set my phone in the cupholder then picked it up when it buzzed. If this kept up, I’d never make it to Eve’s.
I hope your photo shoot went well. The dispatcher knows to ignore all calls reporting a redhead taking pictures at the barn. Zach must have developed a sixth sense about when to insert himself into my thoughts.
We were there early this morning. And I’m really happy with how the pictures turned out. I kept it short and sweet.
I didn’t have a chance to text until now. It’s been a hard day. The somber tone wasn’t like him at all.
I quickly checked the local news. The first article explained his long day. They’d lost a fellow officer in the line of duty. I’m so sorry. Anything I can do?
I’ll let you know. Thanks.
Thinking about Zach, I drove to Eve’s. By the time I pulled into her driveway, I’d decided on a plan.
I knocked as I pushed open the front door. “Hi. Do you by any chance have the ingredients for chocolate chip cookies?”
Eve opened her pantry and started setting ingredients on the counter. “Looks like I have everything, which is shocking. I like to snack on the chocolate chips, but I forgot I had a bag, so you’re in luck.”
“I need to make cookies then take them to Zach. I’ll show you the pictures while they bake.”
She measured out the ingredients. “Talk to me, Haley. Adam won’t be here for another ten minutes.”
“Zach lost a fellow officer today, and I want to be there for him. We had a heart-to-heart at Christmas—”
Eve dropped the measuring cup and pulled me into a hug. “Yay! I’m so happy y’all figured it out.”
“Don’t cheer just yet. Hank made it clear to Zach that any hint of romance was unwelcome. So if things were different, Zach could . . . maybe . . . possibly be interested. But things aren’t different. Zach and Hank have been best friends for twenty years. They’ve become more like brothers. I guess that makes me like a sister.”
Eve backed up and shook her head. “Oh, Haley. I’m so sorry.”
I shrugged. Wooden spoon in hand, I mixed the sugar and butter. “But I don’t want to think about any of that tonight. I need to go over there. He needs homemade cookies.”
“I think Hank needs to get a clue.” She smashed an egg against the side of the bowl. “We’ll figure it out.”
“Please don’t say things like that. I need to learn to be content with the way things are and not continue to hope for the way I want them to be.”
“So what happened to your never?”
“I’d date him in a heartbeat, but it’s never gonna happen.” I pulled broken shells out of the bowl. “Smashing them isn’t a great idea, by the way.”
“Sorry.”
“And tell Adam I’m sorry if I’ve made things awkward with Harper. He asked me to the wedding, but I didn’t say yes.”
“They’ll be fine. I’ll keep my eyes open for another eligible bachelorette to set him up with.”
“I hope he finds someone awesome.” I rolled the dough into balls then dropped them on the cookie sheet.
By the time Adam walked in, we had four dozen cookies in the oven.
“Will dinner keep?”
“Yes. Let’s look at the pictures.” Eve grabbed Adam’s hand as he walked into the kitchen. “Hi. Haley only has a few minutes, so we’re doing pictures first.”
“Fine by me.” He sat down next to her.
I connected my laptop to her television and clicked through the pictures one at a time. Eve’s grin widened with each picture.
“Haley, these are amazing!”
“Y’all are pretty stinkin’ cute. I really want to know what he said to you when I took this one.”
Her cheeks turned red, and Adam laughed. “We’ll never tell.”
When the timer beeped, I handed over my laptop. “There are about five more. I need to grab the cookies.” Heat blasted me in the face as I pulled on the oven mitt. I should have put it on before I opened the oven.
While the cookies cooled enough to keep their shape, I ran back to the living room. The last picture was my favorite.
Eve gasped as I walked around the corner. The picture of her peeking around the barn door was made perfect by the expression on Adam’s face. The man was a natural in front of the camera.
She wiped her eyes then kissed him. “I love all of them, but that last one is—wow!”
“That’s because—you’re wow!” Adam kissed her forehead. “Great job, Haley. Thanks.”
“I’ll come back whe
n I finish editing the others. Probably tomorrow. I’m sorry I can’t stay for dinner.”
Eve shooed me toward the kitchen. “Help yourself to any of the plastic containers in the cabinet. I’ll feed you dinner another night.”
Five minutes later, I was on the road to Zach’s. Showing up unannounced might not be the best choice, but it was too late to rethink my plan.
I ate three cookies on the way to his house. Tempering expectations and squashing hope required extra calories.
Counting to three, I pulled in a deep breath. Before I changed my mind and left the cookies on his doorstep, I knocked.
“It’s open.” Zach was clearly expecting someone.
And I wasn’t that someone.
I set the container on the porch, but before I could walk away, the door opened.
“Carrot?”
“I thought you might need homemade cookies.” I picked up the container and held it out. “They’re still warm.”
“You were just going to leave?”
“It sounded like you were expecting someone.” I shrugged.
A door closed behind me.
“I am, but that doesn’t mean you have to go.” He pulled open the door. “Come on in.”
“Haley, I didn’t know you were coming. I would’ve gotten another order of enchiladas.” Hank had the best timing. Truly.
Zach motioned for me to go inside. “Don’t worry. I’ll share. I may have cookies for dinner anyway.”
“I really didn’t intend to crash your evening.”
He glanced down the walkway and kept his voice low. “If I’d known you were coming, I’d have planned differently.”
Comments like that did not help me with my New Year’s resolution.
“I’ll only stay for a bit.”
Hank smiled, but the strain was visible on his face. His day had been long too. “We don’t mind you hanging around. You’re a lot less annoying now.”
“Thanks.” Still holding the cookies, I walked inside, feeling a tad guilty for my irritation with Hank because both of these guys were dealing with the loss.
I rubbed his back as he passed me. “You okay, Hank?”
He nodded. “I will be. I’m worried about Zach though. He was on the scene when it happened.”
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