Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 38335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
The photo captures more than just a fun moment; it reveals three souls who, only a month ago, were mere strangers, but now appear as if they were always destined to meet. It’s a picture I will always cherish, a memory etched into my heart forever.
“What’s wrong?” Mike asks, misreading my silence. “Is it blurry or something?”
I shake my head, my throat suddenly feeling tight. Turning my phone, I offer him a glimpse of the precious moment that’s been frozen in time. “It’s perfect.”
His gaze meets mine, a silent exchange that transcends words.
“Well, look who it is,” a familiar female voice rings out. “Fancy meeting you three here.”
We turn to find Ellie and Gunnar approaching us, with Linc and Dawson in tow.
Poppy gasps her excitement. “Hey, guys!” She runs up to Ellie first, giving her a big hug, then exchanges fist bumps with the guys.
Mike follows suit, shaking hands with his friends, while Ellie and I share a long embrace.
“It’s good to see you,” she says, her voice soft and sincere.
“You too.”
We text almost daily in the group chat we have with Harlow and Penny, but we haven’t gotten to spend much time together since Poppy has come to help me at the store. The flower shop has been just as busy. Some nights, I find her car still outside when I’m heading home.
“How’s your night going?” She casts a quick glance at Mike, her insinuation clear, lacking any form of subtlety.
I swear, she can be as bad as Harlow sometimes. If Harlow wasn’t covering a wedding tonight, she’d be here throwing out a whole bunch of “I told you so’s.”
“It’s been great,” Poppy answers eagerly, oblivious to the hidden meaning in that question. “We’ve been ice skating, decorated cookies, and went on the sleigh ride twice.”
Her enthusiasm brings a smile to my face.
“And you should see Hollis on skates,” Mike interjects with a smirk. “She’s a pro.”
“Shut up,” I laugh, whipping him with my scarf.
“I think she did pretty good considering she’s only been on skates once,” Poppy says, standing up for me.
“Thank you, Poppy.” I give Mike a smug look before delivering a playful elbow to his ribs.
Ellie watches our exchange with a mischievous glint in her eye. “Hey, Poppy, I bet if you ask Linc, he’d take you over to see the fire truck.”
Poppy’s face lights up at the suggestion. “Wow, really? Can we, Linc?”
He scoffs playfully at the question. “Have I ever said no to this pretty face before?”
Poppy giggles behind her hand, clearly flattered.
“What about the ice sculptures?” Mike asks.
“You guys go ahead,” she says, waving us away. “I want to see the fire truck with Linc.”
“Yeah, you two go ahead,” Ellie reiterates, gathering up the others. “We’ll meet you at the bonfire for the fireworks when you’re done.”
Once again, her intention is blatantly obvious.
“Come, small one.” Linc drops to his knees, allowing Poppy to climb onto his back. “I shall show you all the ways of a true hero, unlike your big brother.”
Mike grunts at the jab but gets no chance to clap back before Ellie ushers everyone away, leaving the two of us alone.
I chance a look at Mike, wondering if he feels as awkward as I do.
“She sucks at being subtle, doesn’t she?” he says, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.
“She really does,” I agree with a laugh. “But she’s not as bad as Harlow.”
That girl is on another level.
“Yeah, Harlow has never been one for subtlety, just ask Linc.” He chuckles, amusement and affection infused within the sound.
It softens the smile on my face. “How long have you all been friends for?”
“Most of our lives,” he says, leading us down the mostly vacant path. “I’ve been friends with Gunnar, Linc, and Dawson since elementary school. Ellie has always been part of that since she and Gunnar are so close, but I’d say the rest of our group formed at the start of high school when Penny and Dawson started dating.”
“Wow,” I express, feeling a twinge of envy. “I don’t even remember who I went to elementary school with, let alone had a friend for that long. Must be one of those small-town perks I always hear about, huh?” I add, nudging him playfully.
“Living here can have its perks for sure, but it can also have its drawbacks. There’s no keeping secrets in this town, no matter how hard you try.”
It sounds like something he struggled with growing up. I consider asking, but decide against it, not wanting to tarnish the moment.
As we reach the end of the path, we venture deeper into a dark clearing that offers privacy and a breathtaking view of the heart-shaped mountain. The moon and stars illuminate the peak, further enhancing its beauty.
“It really is a beautiful mountain,” I muse softly.
“It is, but I’ve yet to encounter a mountain that isn’t.”