Jake insisted on checking Sophia's car again.
She stood beside him under café awning.
"You know I have roadside assistance."
"I've seen their response time."
"True."
Jake closed hood.
"Good."
Sophia hesitated.
"So."
"So."
This was the awkward part.
The date ending.
She had forgotten how much she hated it.
Jake looked equally uncertain.
That helped.
Sophia said:
"I had a good time."
"Me too."
"Despite the car."
"Because of car."
She smiled.
"Maybe."
Jake stepped closer.
Snow landed on his shoulders.
Sophia looked up.
He waited.
That mattered.
Did not assume.
She moved closer instead.
Their faces only inches apart.
Sophia whispered:
"You're cleaner now."
"Mostly."
"Less charming."
"Still enough."
She smiled.
Then kissed him.
Short at first.
Soft.
Testing.
Jake's hand touched the side of her coat.
Sophia kissed him again.
Longer.
He responded immediately.
No hesitation now.
His fingers settled carefully at her waist.
Snow fell around them.
Sophia's heartbeat accelerated in a way that felt almost embarrassing.
When they separated, Jake smiled.
"Blind dates are terrible."
"Awful."
"Never again."
"Agreed."
He kissed her forehead.
"Drive carefully."
Sophia stepped back.
"Text me?"
Jake lifted phone.
"Already have your number."
"How?"
"Emily."
Sophia groaned.
"Of course."
She entered car.
Jake stood until she drove away.
Sophia watched him in mirror.
For first time since Daniel, leaving a man did not feel like relief.
It felt like anticipation.
Christmas morning began at six twelve because Molly believed waking adults was religious duty.
Jake had slept maybe five hours.
Mostly because he and Sophia texted until after midnight.
Not romantic essays.
Small things.
Home?
Yes. You?
Molly stole half my hot chocolate.
Smart child.
Traitor.
Later:
Thank you for stopping.
Jake stared at that message for several minutes.
He replied:
Thank you for breaking down.
Sophia:
That sounded more romantic in your head.
Jake:
Probably.
At six twelve, Molly jumped onto bed.
"Dad."
He groaned.
"Dad."
"No."
"It's Christmas."
"Christmas starts at seven."
"That's not in Bible."
Jake opened one eye.
"You read Bible?"
"No."
"Then."
Molly pulled blanket.
"Did you kiss her?"
Jake sat up.
"What?"
"Emily says you probably did."
Jake stared.
"My sister needs hobbies."
Molly grinned.
"You did."
"Christmas presents."
"That means yes."
She ran downstairs.
Jake followed reluctantly.
Tree lights glowed.
Presents stacked.
Dog excited.
For next hour, Sophia remained outside the room mentally.
Jake tried.
Then Molly opened a small wrapped package from Emily.
Inside:
A framed photograph of Rachel holding three-year-old Molly.
Jake went still.
Molly smiled.
"Aunt Emily found it."
Jake took photograph.
Rachel laughing.
Hair tied up.
Molly covered in flour.
Christmas cookies.
Five years ago.