Chapter 27

"Are you almost ready, Paige?" Josie called. She was standing in front of her entryway mirror, adjusting a red beret on her head. She noticed that her eyes were sparkling brightly, and there was an added flush to her cheeks.

I look happy,she thought, smiling at her reflection. And I know why. I'm so excited about tonight.

"Be there in a sec!" Paige called from her bedroom. "I want to put a layer of fleece-lined leggings on under my jeans!"

Josie smiled. They were on their way to an outdoor New Year's Eve celebration, and since the sun was about to set, they knew they were in for a cold evening unless they prepared carefully. Josie had bought them both hand warmers and packed two thermoses filled with hot peppermint tea. She herself was wearing long underwear, two pairs of socks, a sweater, and a comfy fleece under her coat.

"Smart!" she called back.

Things with Paige are going so well,she thought, feeling a glow of happiness. We're so comfortable with each other now. This is the sisterly relationship I always wanted us to have.

"Okay," Paige said breathlessly as she appeared around the corner. "Now I'm properly padded like a marshmallow."

Josie grinned at her sister as she put on her warmest winter coat and a hat, scarf, and mittens. As soon as they were both ready, they set off toward the park in the center of town, where the celebration was going to take place.

"You're going to love this," Josie assured her sister as they walked. "Blueberry Bay's holiday parties are so much fun."

Paige grinned at her. "I know, I remember Thanksgiving."

They reached the park, and Josie's jaw almost dropped when she saw how enchanting it was. Colored strands of lights were wrapped around the trees and strung from branch to branch, turning the little park into a fairyland of lights. Various tables had been taken over by local vendors who were selling hot treats and savory snacks. In the white-painted gazebo, a jazz band decked out in winter coats and Santa hats was playing a cheery Christmas tune.

Josie's eyes scanned the crowd eagerly, looking for Wesley. They'd planned on meeting each other there but hadn't specified a time or a place. Then she caught sight of him, standing under a birch tree, sipping a coffee and listening to the band.

She hurried over to him, and Paige followed. His face lit up into a grin when he saw her, and he gave her a warm hug. As she was pulling out of it, she noticed a cluster of some of their friends a few feet away—Tommy, Sandy, and Daniel.

Tommy waved eagerly to Paige, and she hurried down the sidewalk toward him. Wesley and Josie followed, cheerfully greeting their friends. In another few moments they were joined by Dane and Alissa, and Caitlin, Michael, and Pearl. Everyone was warmly bundled up in coats and hats and gloves.

"Isn't this enchanting?" Alissa asked, gazing at the twinkling lights. "When I heard this celebration was going to be outside, I was a little taken aback, but it's totally worth it."

"And it will be even better if we get some warm beverages in our systems," said Michael. "Does anyone want hot cocoa?"

The friends wandered to a beverage vendor, and everyone who didn't already have a drink bought one. Pearl spun around in a circle like a swirling snowflake just before she got hers, so excited about it that she had to dance.

Josie noticed how at-home Paige seemed with all of her friends, and her heart glowed.

This is going to be a great night, she thought. Everyone's in a happy, festive mood. What a lovely way to ring in the new year.

"We have some news," Daniel said, grinning at his wife, as they all stood near the gazebo and enjoyed the sounds of the band.

"What is it?" Josie asked, but judging from the way Paige was grinning from ear to ear like she already knew something, she felt confident it had something to do with Tommy.

"Well, it's twofold," Sandy said, smiling happily. Josie noticed that there was an added flush to her cheeks—a certain look about her—and for a moment she wondered if…

"I'm pregnant," Sandy said, and the group erupted into gasps and exclamations of joy.

"That's wonderful!"

"Oh my goodness, congratulations!"

"You are?"

"Yes!"

"And that's not all," she continued, laughing and holding on tightly to Daniel's hand. "We've also asked Tommy if we could adopt him, and he said yes."

This time people actually cheered. Paige just about tackled Tommy in a hug, and the friends patted him on the back, warmly offering their congratulations.

"I knew it would all work out!" Caitlin said, her eyes shining. She beamed at her friend, and Sandy grinned back at her.

They all excitedly discussed the future as they began to wander through the crowd. They purchased food along the way—miniature mince pies, barbeque chicken, poutine fries, and breaded mozzarella sticks with seasoned marinara sauce. Everything was piping hot and smelled delicious—and Josie's poutine fries melted in her mouth. Wesley laughed at how excited she got about the taste.

"I've got to get a recipe for these," she said, placing her hand on her heart. "Caitlin, you should make these for the next pop-up dining experience!"

"That's a great idea," Alissa agreed.

After about an hour, Caitlin and Michael headed home, wanting to make sure that Pearl got to bed on time.

"See you all soon!" Caitlin called, unable to wave since she had one hand in Pearl's and one hand in Michael's. Pearl waved for her with unmatchable enthusiasm.

They stopped inside a heated tent to play board games for a while, eating a second round of food and sipping their hot beverages. After that, they went for another walk, enjoying some amateur ice sculptures that Blueberry Bay residents had made.

After a while, Josie and Wesley started to wander away from the main group, wanting a moment to themselves. The stars shone brightly overhead, and the distant music added a dream-like atmosphere to the night. He took her hand in his and for a while, they just walked quietly together.

"This has been so much fun," Wesley said, smiling down at Josie. His eyes were shining, and she felt her heart do a somersault.

"Yes," she agreed. "This evening has been perfect."

For a moment, they just grinned at each other.

I like spending time with him so much,she thought.

"So," he said, after another comfortable pause. "Are you going to make any new year's resolutions? Anything you want to change in the new year?"

"Hmm." She leaned toward him playfully as they walked. "Honestly, I can't think of anything that I want to change about my life right now. I've reconnected with my sister, and I've met this seriously amazing guy."

"Oh, really, now?" He grinned.

"Yeah." She slowed down her pace, and he slowed down with her. She looked right into his eyes when she said her next words. "If anything, I just want next year to be more of the same."

He squeezed her hand tightly, happiness reflected in every line of his handsome features. "That sounds like a great plan to me."

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