The snow was falling lightly as Bree followed Trent outside. Uncle Tom’s pickup truck was almost as old as Bree was, but he did his best to keep it running, because it was his baby. It sat idling out front, breathing as heavy as Bree had been just the night before when she’d hauled the suitcase up the stairs. Had that only been a few hours ago? So much had changed since then.

As Trent slowly turned and looked at her, she was reminded that just as much had stayed the same. He had almost kissed her--again. It just didn’t seem like it was meant to be. She should just tell him goodbye and forget about him. Maybe Christy and Abby were right and she should find out the name of that guy that had gotten her guitar back when it was stolen.

“Howdy there, Trent,” Uncle Tom said, hopping out of the cab to grab her suitcase from him. “It’s nice to see you. Boy, you’ve gotten tall.”

“It’s nice to see you, too.” Tom took the suitcase but gave Trent a hug. They knew him from all the times he’d been over at Bree’s house when they’d visited when Bree and Trent were younger.

“Oh, my goodness! Trent Walker!” Aunt Stacy gushed as her husband stuffed Bree’s suitcase in the small back section of the truck behind the front seats. There was a sideways jump seat back there, too, and Bree knew she’d be getting acquainted with it soon. It was okay, though. It wasn’t that long of a ride home.

Trent hugged her aunt. “It’s nice to see you, Mrs. Hitchens.”

“Mrs. Hitchens! Now, you call me Aunt Stacy!” She hugged him so tight, Bree thought she might cut his air off. “How have you been? We don’t see enough of you anymore.”

“Good, good.”

“Still studying accounting? Gonna join your dad’s firm?”

“I am still studying accounting, but I’m not sure where I’ll be working. Hopefully, I’ll get an internship this summer, and that’ll give me some direction.”

“Oh, I’m sure anyone would be glad to have you.” Stacy turned to Bree. “Hi there, precious girl. Give me some sugar!”

Stacy’s arms were wide open, and Bree stepped into them. Her aunt had the strongest hugs. She kissed her cheek, and Bree was sure she’d have a streak of red there, but she didn’t mind. “Thanks so much for coming to get me.”

“Any time, girl, any time. Are any of the rest of your friends from high school inside?”

“Yes, quite a few of them. Christy and Abby….”

“Oh, I’ve got to get in there and see my Abby girl. It’s been too long!”

Stacy and Tom went flying up the walkway like it was their own long lost children inside, and Bree turned and giggled at them. They were such good people. She’d already said her goodbyes, though, and she didn’t want to go back inside.

She turned around to see Trent standing in front of her again. He was staring at the toes of his shoes but glanced up at her and smiled. “You’ve got lipstick… everywhere.”

“Oh, gosh. Aunt Stacy… and it has to be red.” She wiped at her cheek but figured she wasn’t getting anywhere.

Trent stepped over, and using his thumb, he wiped it away, gentle but firm.

His touch on her face left her knees feeling weak, her spine tingling. She wanted to say something about what had almost happened. But they’d tried that song and dance once, and they hadn’t gotten anywhere. It was futile.

He was looking at her so intently, though, she couldn’t help but stare back. His eyes were the same color as the sky behind him, and all she wanted to do was wrap her arms around him, press her lips to his, and never let him go.

“Bree….” His voice was a breathy whisper, and the distance between them was closing up again. There were years of space in those few inches, miles and miles of minutes. When his mouth was finally on hers, the intensity had her digging her hands into his shoulders, struggling to breath as her lips melded into his.

He tasted like mint and fresh falling snow, and she didn’t ever want this moment to end. Bree felt herself floating up among the clouds, back in time to years ago when she could’ve made him hers if only she would’ve taken advantage of that missed opportunity. Now, here they were together, years later, and this kiss was everything she could’ve ever hoped for and so much more.

The sound of the door behind her sent him away from her. The snow, falling heavier, stood sentinel between them. Bree’s breath was labored, and she knew her face was flushed. Trent bit his bottom lip, and she thought maybe she should stay….

“All righty! Let’s get loaded up!” Aunt Stacy said, patting her on the back. If she noticed anything about the way they were looking at each other, she didn’t say anything.

“I have to go,” Bree said, wishing that weren’t the case. If he’d kissed her earlier, before she’d called them, perhaps he would’ve changed her mind.

“Yeah. Okay. I’ll… talk to you soon.”

She nodded. She hoped so. After a kiss like that, they couldn’t deny that they were meant to be together, could they.

Trent walked past her, taking her hand for a moment, and then letting it go. Her fingertips still felt the warmth of his flesh after he’d moved on. Her lips still felt swollen from his touch, and the taste of him lingered in her mouth.

“Bree?” Uncle Tom called. “You comin’?”

“Yes. I’m coming.” She took one last look behind her. Trent was standing at the door, looking over his shoulder. He gave her a small wave and then disappeared inside.