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“I can’t ask you to do that!”

“It’s fine,” Vanessa said firmly. “I really don’t mind, Imogen, I promise. Jackson is going to watch Philip today once he’s got the diner up and running, and he won’t mind having Katie over too.” She pulled out her phone. “I’m calling Dr. Thurman’s office right now. They always have emergency slots available in the morning.”

Imogen bit her lip, chewing on it worriedly. “Wait… don’t say anything to Lincoln, okay? I don’t want him to worry. I’ve been trying not to let on that I’m not feeling well.”

Vanessa paused, her finger hovering over her phone screen. She turned back to Imogen, concern written all over her face. “Imogen, he’s your husband. Don’t you think he has a right to know that you’re not feeling well?”

“He’ll worry,” Imogen said, and even she could hear how weak the excuse sounded. “He’s been so busy with the ice rink, making sure everything is perfect for the festival. And Katie has all these plans for winter break. Everyone has so much going on. I don’t want to add to anyone’s stress until I know for sure what’s wrong.”

Imogen could see the internal debate playing out on the Vanessa’s face. Finally, Vanessa sighed. “I don’t like keeping things from Lincoln. He’d want to know what’s going on with you.”

“I know,” Imogen said quietly. “I know he does. But please, Just for today. Let me go to the doctor, let me find out what’s actually wrong, and then I’ll tell him. I promise.”

Vanessa studied her for a long moment, then nodded slowly. “Okay. But only because you’re promising to go to the doctor right now. If you back out, I’m telling Lincoln myself. Understood?” The worry in her face was clear, and Imogen nodded.

“Understood,” Imogen promised.

Vanessa pulled out her phone and dialed. Imogen listened as she spoke to the receptionist at Dr. Thurman’s office, explaining that she had a friend who needed to be seen urgently. Within minutes, it was done. Imogen had an appointment at eight-thirty.

“The keys to the shop are in my purse,” Imogen said, feeling another rush of nausea. “I’ll grab them for you. The check-out system is pretty straightforward, and there’s a binder under the counter with all the pricing information. Most of the chocolate is pre-packaged, but if anyone wants custom gift boxes, the instructions are⁠—”

“Imogen,” Vanessa interrupted gently. “I’ve got this. Go get dressed. Get to your appointment. I’ll handle the shop, and Katie and I will take care of Philip. Everything else can wait.”

Imogen nodded, tears suddenly pricking at her eyes. She knew how lucky she was to have such a good friend, who would help her when she needed it and push her when she was reluctant to take care of herself. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Really. Thank you.”

She made her way upstairs quietly. In the bedroom, Lincoln was still sleeping, his face peaceful in the early morning light. She wanted to wake him, wanted to crawl back into bed beside him and curl up in his arms instead of going to the doctor and finding out why she felt so horrible for the first time in recent memory.

But she didn’t. Instead, she dressed quickly and quietly in jeans and a sweater, pulled her hair back in a ponytail, and grabbed her coat and bag. She paused at the bedroom door, looking back at her sleeping husband one more time.

Downstairs, Vanessa had already retrieved the shop keys and was sitting on the floor with Katie and Philip, helping to unpack the gingerbread house kit. She looked up as Imogen came down the stairs and gave her an encouraging smile.

“You’ll be fine, I’m sure,” Vanessa promised. “They’ll get you fixed up in no time.”

Imogen nodded. She bundled up against the cold, checked to make sure she had her insurance card and her phone, and headed out into the snowy morning.

The drive to Dr. Thurman’s office was short—everything in Fir Tree Grove was short—but it felt endless. Imogen’s mind raced with anxiety, and she hoped that Vanessa was right.

It was just a stomach bug.

CHAPTER NINE

The morning air was sharp and chilly as Christopher pushed through the door of the Snowdrift Diner, the familiar jingle of the bell announcing his arrival. The warmth inside wrapped around him immediately, carrying with it the scent of fresh coffee, bacon grease, and something sweet—cinnamon rolls, he thought, taking a deeper breath. The diner was in post-breakfast rush, with only a handful of locals scattered among the red vinyl booths, their conversations creating a low, comfortable hum that Christopher had always found soothing.

He spotted Jackson behind the counter, wiping down the espresso machine. “Morning, Jackson,” Christopher called out as he approached the counter, unwinding his scarf from around his neck. The contrast between the cold outside and the warmth inside always made his cheeks tingle.

Jackson looked up, and his face broke into a wide smile. “Christopher! Right on time. I’ve got your pecan pie boxed up and ready to go.” He gestured toward a white bakery box sitting on the counter near the register, tied with a red and white string.

“You’re a lifesaver,” Christopher said, pulling off his gloves and tucking them into his coat pockets. “I’ve got a full house tonight, and I promised everyone something special for dessert.”

“Well, you can’t go wrong with pecan pie,” Jackson said, moving toward the register. “Especially not mine. I’ve spent years perfecting that recipe.” He chuckled. “How are things at Hearthside? Keeping you busy?”

“Absolutely,” Christopher replied, leaning against the counter. “I’ve got a couple from Seattle, a family with two kids who are absolutely losing their minds over the snow, and a solo traveler who seems to be writing something—she’s always got her laptop out in the sitting room. It’s great, honestly. I love seeing all of them.”

Jackson grinned as he rang up the pie. “Sounds like a good mix. The holidays always bring in interesting people.”

Christopher pulled out his wallet, taking out his card. “How are things with you? How’s Vanessa? And Philip?”

Jackson’s face lit up. “I couldn’t be happier with my life,” he said, sincerity in every word. “Vanessa and Philip—they’re so amazing. I keep thinking I’m going to wake up and find out it was all a dream, you know? I can’t wait for another Christmas with her, and to spend our first one with Philip, making all those new memories.”