They've always been best friends. But sometimes friendship hides something deeper. Miss Anne Thatcher knows she should choose a husband—but none have ever stirred her heart. Except Tobias Hawke, her childhood companion, partner in mischief, and quiet protector. They've shared secrets, laughter, and years of belonging. But love? That would change everything. And Anne isn't sure she's brave enough to risk the one friendship she's never wanted to lose.

He knows her like no one else—and fears she'll never see him as anything more. To Tobias, Anne has always been the one constant in his life: loyal, sharp, and quietly extraordinary. But she's not Little Annie anymore. And lately, every glance seems to echo with something unspoken. He's afraid to reach for more... afraid she won't reach back.

One moment beneath the mistletoe. One question that changes everything. As Christmas draws near, and tradition nudges them closer than ever, Anne and Tobias must decide whether the love between them is worth the risk. Because sometimes, the dearest bonds are the ones worth breaking—if only to rebuild them as something more.

Some questions linger for years. Some are answered with a single kiss... or two.

If you know what it's like to want something you believe you can't have—and to wrestle with the fear of reaching for it—this story will understand you.
This is the prequel to the Whickertons in Love series and was previously published in the holiday anthology Mistletoe & Mayhem.