An Alaskan Christmas (Alaskan Grooms Book 6)

that I was the best thing he’d ever done,” Oliver said. He swiped away tears from his cheeks. “Sometimes I miss him so much it feels like I’m going to burst. I’ve been thinking if I found a new dad it wouldn’t hurt as much.”
“I know what it feels like to lose a parent. When my mom died it felt like the sun had been extinguished. For a long time, it seemed as if there was nothing good anywhere in this world.”
Oliver nodded. “I felt the same way. It’s been better since we moved here. I don’t cry myself to sleep every night like I used to.”
“Oliver, when we lose someone special there’s an ache on our souls. It lessens over time but it never completely goes away. If you find a dad here in Love, that will be terrific. But it won’t necessarily stop you from feeling sad about your dad.”
“I guess you’re right,” Oliver said. “My mom cries sometimes. She says it’s like a rushing river when you lose someone.”
“Your mom is one smart woman,” Finn said with a nod of his head. Maggie was right. Grief was like a rushing river. It hit you when least expected. It could be wild and out of control. Unpredictable.
“I want to make sure you understand this one huge thing. You deserve an outstanding father because you’re an incredible, loving, amazing boy. And if I had to guess, I’d say you’re going to get your wish one of these days. Be patient.”
“It’s okay if you can’t be my dad, Finn. ’Cause you’re already my best friend.”
Finn cleared his throat. Words eluded him. He wanted to grab Oliver and hug him for all he was worth. His best friend. Finn would accept that title with honor. And if he wasn’t so afraid of messing up Oliver’s life, Finn would fight to earn the title of father.

Chapter Ten
As soon as Maggie and Oliver arrived at the winter carnival on the town square, it felt to Maggie as if the entire town of Love embraced her. People approached her and introduced themselves, extending condolences to her about Uncle Tobias and welcoming her to town. Many expressed their enthusiasm about the grand opening of Keepsakes. It was nice to see all of the Prescott brothers—Cameron, Liam and Boone—happily settled down with their other halves. Their younger sister, Honor, who had been a toddler when Maggie had last seen her, was now a lovely young woman.
“Maggie Richards!” Maggie spun around at the sound of her name being called.
Dwight Lewis hadn’t changed in two decades. He looked remarkably similar to the bespectacled, bow tie–wearing boy who had preferred math equations to chasing frogs in the Nottingham Woods. Seeing him after all these years served as a blast from the past.
“Dwight!” Maggie greeted him. He pulled her into a friendly hug. Maggie felt a groundswell of emotion. Even though she and Finn had joked about Dwight the other day, it felt wonderful to see another childhood friend. She felt a little bad about hiding from him, although Keepsakes hadn’t been ready for prying eyes.
A thin, dark-haired woman stood beside him. Dwight reached for the woman’s hand and laced it with his own. “Maggie, I’d like to introduce you to Marta Svenson, my fiancée. Marta, this is my childhood pal Maggie Richards. She’s come back to Love after a long absence.”
Dwight was beaming with happiness. It bounced off him in waves. Maggie felt overjoyed for him and Marta. Finding love was truly a wonderful thing.
It felt nice to be in the thick of things. For too long she had burrowed herself in the shop and neglected making the acquaintances of the townsfolk. Many remembered her from her childhood visits to town. It was very humbling. And heartwarming.
Seeing the square lit up with holiday lights was a spectacular experience. Oliver’s eyes were lit up with joy. As far as the eye could see were Christmas lights—colored lights, white lights, sparkling lights. They extended throughout the downtown area. Jarvis Street was lit up in spectacular fashion. It was a breathtaking sight to behold. The Free Library of Love was decked out in red and green flashing lights.
So far she hadn’t seen Finn. Oliver kept asking for him over and over again as they explored the lights and ice sculptures. He had been looking forward to spending time with Finn this evening. As a diversion she sent him to play with Aidan and a few children from school. Maggie stood and watched from a distance as Oliver raced around the square with absolute abandon. Her chest tightened with pride. He was acclimating nicely to this wonderful town. A casual observer would never have known he was a newcomer to Love.
All of a sudden Maggie spotted a flash of red and a rugged frame. It was Finn! He had walked up to Oliver and lifted him up from behind. Finn was spinning him around in circles. Maggie didn’t need to see Oliver’s expression. She knew he was grinning from ear to ear.
“They’re so sweet together.” Ruby walked up beside her and jutted her chin in the direction of Finn and Oliver.
“They really are,” Maggie acknowledged. “Oliver is Finn’s biggest fan. And Finn is so attentive and caring. He’s been a wonderful friend for both of us.”
“Are the two of you...circling around each other?” Ruby’s brown eyes were twinkling with interest.
“Not at all. We’re just friends.” She quirked her mouth. “Finn isn’t looking for an instant family. Or a wife. And I need stability for Oliver.” She made a face. “I actually caved and went out on a date with Hank Jeffries.”
“How was it? Any sparks?” Ruby asked, curiosity glinting in her eyes. “I know you said you’re not really looking for romance.”
Maggie shook her head. “Hank is a nice man and dinner was delicious, but I can’t really see anything developing between us. As much as Oliver has let it be known he wants a father, I’m not interested in a romantic