Page 9 of A Perfectly Splendid Christmas (On the Way to Christmas)

Kacey smiled over at Drew as he drove his Honda down Splendid Lake Loop toward his parents’ lakefront home. She folded her

arms over her middle and settled back in the seat as she contemplated how much fun she’d already had this evening. She didn’t

want it to end.

“What are you smiling about?” Drew asked.

Heat infused her cheeks as she turned toward him. “I was just thinking about that time we took your dad’s boat out without

asking, lost track of time, and then got in trouble when we brought it back.”

Drew snorted. “I remember that clearly.”

“I still don’t understand why you were in trouble though. We didn’t damage the boat.”

“It was because I didn’t ask first.”

“And that was my fault because it was my idea. Again.”

He gave her a sideways glance. “You didn’t force me, Kace.”

“No, but I seemed to always get you into trouble.”

His expression became intense, and her throat suddenly felt dry.

“It was always worth it.” His features softened with the admission.

Drew steered his car onto the long, winding driveway that led to his parents’ sprawling, two-story brick colonial home that

sat on at least five acres of lakefront land. This was where Drew had grown up and where Kacey had spent countless hours with

him. Memories poured over her as Drew drove halfway up the driveway and flipped off the headlights.

“What are you doing?” she asked as he killed the engine.

He pushed open his door, and the dome light lit up his devious smile. “We’re going to sneak out onto the pier.”

“Because you want to avoid seeing your parents.”

“Come on, Kace.” He climbed out of the car and then stuck his head inside. “Where’s your sense of adventure?”

She smiled and launched herself out of the car and met him at the front, where he threaded his warm fingers with hers, her

skin humming as an electrical current shot through her veins. Their shoes crunched along the rock driveway as they jogged

past the four-car garage, past the huge deck that ran the length of the back of the house, and down the path toward the lake.

Kacey sucked in a breath as she took in the beautiful lake, sparkling in the light of the moon and the stars.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“I forgot how gorgeous the lake is.”

“Well, then it’s a good thing I brought you here, so you can remember how much you love it.” He led her down the hill to the

pier that stretched out over the glistening water.

She breathed in the familiar scent of the lake and looked out across the water toward the lights glowing from the Splendid

Lake Cabins and Marina resort, which was run by their classmate and friend Brianna Porter and her family.

When they reached the end of the pier, they both sat down, and she took in the sound of the water lapping against the pier

and a dog barking in the distance. The sky was clear as the stars seemed to twinkle for only Kacey and Drew.

“Are you cold?” Drew’s voice was a low rumble next to her ear, sending a tremor through her.

She shook her head as happiness bubbled through her. She wouldn’t care if the lake was frozen over as long as she had Drew

beside her.

She settled into a comfortable silence and enjoyed the view of the water shimmering in the moonlight.

“I’ve been meaning to ask... are you seeing anyone back in Charlotte?”

Her eyes snapped to his face, but he was looking out at the water, his expression unreadable. “No. Are you seeing anyone?”

“No.” He gave a little laugh and shook his head. Then his tone became more serious. “Have you ever seen yourself getting married

and having a family?”

“Someday, but probably not anytime soon.” Kacey ran her hands up and down her legs as she wondered what Drew was getting at.

He nodded and sucked in a breath. “Could you see yourself staying in Splendid Lake?”

With that question, Drew turned to face her. She studied him, wishing she could read his thoughts. “Why all these questions?”

He shrugged and a small smile formed on his lips. “I’m just trying to get reacquainted with you.”

She hesitated. “You know I’ve always dreamed of living in a city.”

“So that’s a no.”

She angled her body toward him. “What about you?”

He let out a breath. “I love it here.”

“Any Christmas wishes?” Kacey could think of one of her own.

He chuckled. “I have everything I need.”

She scanned the glorious dark sky and felt his eyes focused on her, pulling her gaze to meet his. The intensity in his expression

made her lose her breath.

Drew reached up and cupped his hand to her cheek. She leaned into his touch as he tilted his head toward hers. Her breath

hitched, and her pulse raced as she waited for his lips to meet hers.

“Who’s out there?”

Drew jerked back and looked to where the voice called from the end of the pier. “Dad! It’s me!” He jumped to his feet and

held his hand out to Kacey.

She latched on, and he helped her up. She pressed a hand to her chest, trying to catch her breath.

Drew’s father still stood at the end of the pier. “Why didn’t you come to the house?”

“We didn’t want to bother you and Mom,” Drew said, resting his hand on Kacey’s shoulder.

She lifted her hand in a wave. “Hi, Mr.Murphy.”

“Kacey Williams,” he said. “It’s been a long time.”

She nodded. “Yes, it has.”

“Come inside and visit.”

“We should really be going,” Drew said.

“Nonsense. I insist,” his father said.

“Okay,” Drew said, sounding resigned.

While his father started up the hill toward the house, Drew took Kacey’s hand in his and motioned for her to slow her pace,

putting some space between them and his father. “I’m sorry,” he muttered. “I was hoping we could sneak out of here without

seeing my parents.”

“It’s totally fine.” Kacey smiled and gave his hand a squeeze.

Drew and Kacey followed his father up the deck stairs and into their enormous family room. She glanced around, spotting new

furniture and a larger flat-screen television than she remembered from high school.

Mr.Murphy had also changed. His dark hair was mostly peppered with gray, and his dark eyes were rimmed with wrinkles. He

also looked as if he’d gained at least twenty pounds, and Drew was now at least a few inches taller than he was.

“Marilyn,” Mr.Murphy called, “you’ll never guess who I found out on the pier.”

“Who is it, Randy?” Mrs.Murphy appeared in the doorway, and she smiled as she hurried into the family room. “Drew! Kacey!

Oh my goodness. What a nice surprise.”

Although Drew had received his angular jaw and perfectly proportioned nose from his father, Kacey had always noticed that

his gorgeous green eyes and sweet personality came from his mother.

Drew nodded and smiled. “Hi, Mom.”

“It’s nice to see you, Mrs.Murphy.” Kacey shook her warm hand.

“Call me Marilyn.” She motioned for them to follow her. “What on earth were you doing out on the pier in this cold weather?”

“We were taking a trip down memory lane,” Drew said.

And your son almost kissed me, but your husband interrupted! Kacey pinned a smile on her face as the recollection of that moment made her legs feel like cooked noodles.

Marilyn waved them over. “Come into the kitchen, and I’ll make some cocoa.”

Randy followed his wife out of the family room.

Drew turned to Kacey. “If you want to go home, we can leave. I’ll make up an excuse.”

“Hey, it’s okay.” Kacey took his hands in hers. “We can visit with them for a little bit. It will be fun.”

“Drew? Kacey?” Marilyn called.

Drew faced the doorway to the kitchen. “We’re coming, Mom.”

Kacey and Drew entered his parents’ enormous kitchen, and she felt as if she’d stepped back in time. The kitchen had the same

pristine white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, gray tile, and the matching island in the center surrounded by white

barstools with gray seats.

The white table and chairs still sat by the sliding glass doors that led out to the deck overlooking the beautiful lake.

“Have a seat,” Marilyn instructed.

Kacey sat beside Drew, and his father took a seat across from them.

“Are you back for good, Kacey?” Marilyn asked as she filled the kettle with water and set it on the stove to boil.

Kacey shook her head. “No, I’m just here until I find another roommate in Charlotte. I might just get my own condo. I’m working

remotely and helping my sister run her bakery while I’m in town.”

“That’s a shame. I was hoping you’d say that you were here to stay.” Marilyn frowned over at her before retrieving four mugs

from the cabinet. “What do you do?”

“I’m a graphic designer. I design websites and promotional materials.”

Marilyn smiled. “How nice. I recall how you were very artistic. I still remember your artwork on display at the high school.

You even won a few awards and that nice scholarship because you’re so talented.”

“Thank you,” Kacey said.

Marilyn disappeared into their huge pantry and emerged with a box of hot chocolate mix. She pulled out four packets and poured

them into the mugs.

“We haven’t seen you in a while, Drew.” Randy nodded at his son. “What’s been keeping you so busy?”

“I’m directing the children’s choir for the Christmas Tree Lighting Festival.”

“How nice,” Marilyn said.

Randy’s brow furrowed. “Why would you want to take that on?”

Out of the corner of her eye, Kacey noticed Drew’s spine go rigid. “Dana Hansen had an emergency and asked me to fill in.”

“Oh no, what happened?” Marilyn asked.

Drew explained how Mrs.Hansen had to rush to Florida to care for her mother.

“Oh dear.” Marilyn shook her head. “I’m sorry to hear that, but I’m glad you were able to help her out.” When the kettle started

to whistle, she picked it up off the stove and poured the hot water into the mugs. She stirred them and then added whipped

topping before placing them on a tray and carrying them to the table.

“Thank you.” Kacey sipped her cocoa and enjoyed the warm, chocolatey drink. “It’s delicious.”

Randy gave Drew a pointed look. “So why did you take on the choir?”

“I just told you, Dad.” Drew’s words were measured. “Dana Hansen needed the help.”

“You already said that, but why would you want the hassle? Does it pay well?”

Drew set his jaw and his nostrils flared. “Dad, I happen to enjoy the kids. That’s why I became a teacher. As I’ve told you

before, sometimes it’s not about the money.”

Kacey touched his arm, hoping to ease his tension, but he continued to glare at his father.

“When is work not about the money? You know I want to retire, and I’d rather leave the firm to you than to a stranger. You should really consider

a career change, so you can afford a comfortable future.”

Drew picked up his mug and took a sip, then set it back on the gray place mat. “I applied for a music department head job

in Newton, and it pays real money.”

“How exciting, Drew!” His mother reached over and patted his hand. “We’ll miss you, but what a great opportunity.”

Randy nodded. “Have you interviewed for it yet?”

“No, I’m still waiting to hear back.”

“What are your plans for the holidays?” Kacey asked, hoping her voice sounded bright as she jumped in to change the subject.

While Marilyn began talking about Thanksgiving, Kacey noticed Drew’s posture relax slightly.

When they finished their hot cocoa, Kacey thanked Drew’s parents and then walked with him out to his car. They were both quiet

as they climbed into the Honda and he backed out of the driveway.

The silence stretched between them while he gripped the wheel and stared out at the road ahead of them.

“Are you okay?” she finally asked.

He heaved a deep sigh that seemed to come up from his toes. “I’m sorry you had to witness that.”

“You don’t need to apologize.”

“I get so tired of having the same conversations with my father. If he knew me, he’d understand I don’t want to go into financial

planning.”

Kacey touched his arm. “I understand you and I’m really proud of you for following your dreams and becoming a teacher.”

“Thank you.”

When they reached his house, she pulled her keys out of her purse as they walked over to her car together. She looked up at

him. “Thank you for a wonderful supper and a visit to the pier. I had a great time tonight.” She glanced down, feeling nervous

now that they were alone together again, and close enough to touch.

He smiled down at her. “I did too.”

“Let’s do it again soon.”

“Absolutely.”

She hesitated for a moment and waited for him to lean down and kiss her, but he took a step back. Confusion buzzed through

her. Perhaps she had imagined the moment on the pier. Still, she’d been certain he was going to kiss her before his father

had interrupted.

“Text me when you get home,” he said. “I want to know you made it okay.”

“I will,” she said, unlocking her car and climbing in.

Kacey waved to him before backing down the driveway. As she steered down the street, she shook her head to try to clear her

thoughts. Perhaps she’d misread Drew, and he still only wanted to be friends.

She couldn’t tamp down the disappointment that cast a shadow over the evening.