18. Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Through his upstairs window, Justin could hear the excitement rippling through the town as they gathered for the festival. People were set up selling food and drinks, and a large selection of handmade items were for sale as well.

A selection of chairs and chests caught his eye, and he decided to speak with the man and see if a new bookcase could be specially crafted, as his was overcrowded.

Justin shrugged on his coat and buttoned it against the chill in the air. Though it had snowed overnight, the sun was bright and cheerful, and he let himself get swept up in the joyous mood of the town. He stepped carefully, mindful of slippery patches. It wouldn't do for the doctor to need doctoring.

After getting a mug of steaming apple cider, Justin wandered over and talked for a time with the craftsman, then placed an order for his bookcase. When he left there, he spent a short time walking among the people selling delicious-looking treats of all kinds, and settled upon a warm cherry tart.

Leaning against the side of his office, he watched as children ran through the streets with happy shrieks, throwing snowballs at each other. Adults stood in clusters talking and laughing, and young men and women, more than he thought the town had, walked with either nervous or giggly expressions on their faces.

It made him smile to see so many people enjoying themselves. The festival had even brought folks from the outskirts of town. It seemed that everyone looked forward to this event, and had pulled themselves away from their warm homes to come out and enjoy themselves.

As Justin let his eyes take in the sight, he tried to tell himself he wasn't looking for Charlotte. Not specifically. But he was. Deep in his heart he knew that his eyes were seeking her.

He didn't know why he was even there, other than the fact that he'd promised Charlotte he would be. Justin pushed away from the side of his building, fully intending to walk back inside when he saw her.

His breath caught. Charlotte was more than beautiful. She was stunning in a dress made of a deep blue fabric that made her strawberry-blonde curls stand out. She was too far away for him to properly see her expression, but he was glad to know she was there.

Would it be enough to simply watch her? Justin didn't think so. He couldn't. He'd spend the rest of his days loving her, wishing she was his. But he'd blown it. First wasted and then ruined his chance at that. At her.

Not only that, she had refused to open her door when he had finally poured out his heart. All Justin could think about was that she was likely disgusted by him. They'd been friends, she thought, and there he was admitting that he'd fallen in love with her and wanted more.

No, he didn't blame her for ignoring him. She likely thought him abhorrent. Could he blame her? Her employer, pining after her, when she had made it clear her focus and her affection belonged to another.

He had a lot to think about, and a lot to decide about the future. There was a good deal of uncertainty, however, Justin knew one thing—he'd be without Charlotte. She'd made that clear, and his actions had caused the very heartbreak he'd been desperately trying to avoid.