Page 64 of The Cinnamon Spice Inn (Maple Falls #1)
Madison stepped out of the Cinnamon Spice Inn with two large cups of coffee. The chilly November wind blew her hair across her face, carrying the scent of the never-ending cinnamon rolls coming out of Kit’s kitchen.
Madison tucked deeper into her mother’s emerald knit scarf.
Christmas was just around the corner, and Madison couldn’t wait.
She’d already picked out the Christmas tree from Liam’s farm, the one that would dominate the inn’s great room, and she was just waiting until the day after Thanksgiving to unbox all her mother’s holiday decorations.
She’d pull out all the stops, twinkle lights and fresh evergreen draped across the mantel, red and green throw pillows on the couches, her mother’s miniature Christmas village on full display in the lobby.
It would be beautiful, and Madison knew all the guests would love it.
The inn’s calendar had quickly filled up after the grand reopening.
Every room was booked, and it would be a lovely way to welcome in the New Year.
This year’s holiday season would be filled with joy, love, and zero pressure, unlike for the businesses selected for the Christmas Countdown Competition.
Madison was relieved not to have to participate in the decoration contest. She and Zach had worked hard enough that fall and were ready to spend winter’s long nights cozied up in each other’s arms at the farmhouse.
They still had plenty of rooms in their new home to break in…
But that didn’t mean they wouldn’t pop into town and enjoy the festivities. Madison’s money was on Cassidy and her chocolate shop to take the grand prize, while Zach was sticking by Liam’s side and his farm shop. Sparks were sure to fly between the competitors. She’d bet money on it.
Madison was still thinking about the upcoming competition when she stopped to watch a couple pose in front of the newly planted maple tree, its red-orange leaves glowing in the afternoon light.
It had broken her heart when they’d lost the original tree, but this new one was strong, beautiful, and full of promise. Zach and Madison had planted it side-by-side, placing it securely in the earth where its roots would grow deep for years to come.
Zach joined her right on time.
“Hey.” His voice rumbled low behind her, followed by the warm press of his hand against the small of her back. “The place looks great, but you look…” He let his eyes linger appreciatively as she handed him his coffee, voice dipping to a whisper. “Even better.”
Zach’s arm slipped fully around her waist as they started walking. “You did it, Mads. This inn, this life… you made it happen.”
“We did it,” she corrected softly. “We found our way back together.”
Zach nodded, always more action than words. But then he paused near the tree. “I was so scared that you’d leave. That I’d open up and get gutted all over again.”
Her breath caught. He rarely talked about his feelings like this.
“But I wouldn’t change any of it,” he added. “Not one damn thing. You’ve made me believe in love again. In building a real relationship. And as long as there’s breath in my body, I will love you.”
Madison turned toward him fully. “Zach…” Her voice caught, but she didn’t look away. Instead she reached up, cupping his cheek, grounding them both in the moment. “I’ve been scared, too. Of messing it all up again. I know I can be… a lot.”
Zach chuckled, reaching up and taking her hand in his own. “My very own firecracker.”
“You light me up, but you also ground me.” She leaned into him. “And every time I worry about being too much, every time I am overwhelmed, I think of you.”
His voice dropped to a whisper against her ear. “We’re both going to mess up, and that’s okay. So long as we work through it together. And I don’t want perfect. I want real. I want us.”
She smiled through the tears. “And I will love you through every season, for the rest of my life.”