"Where were you all day yesterday?" Ashley asked as her and their mother fixed up a large breakfast.

"Out," was the short response Cole came up with as he sipped on his coffee while replaying the evening before. The fact that Noelle stood up for him to her brother as well as let him stay for dinner at their home was like he was in a dream and he didn't want to wake up. Sadly, when it was Jacob's bedtime he knew he shouldn't overstay his welcome and called it a night as well.

Jacob gave him the biggest hug he could imagine and said he needed to come over again. Something Cole would have easily said yes too, but he didn't want to overstep and say the wrong thing. Noelle was quiet yet pleasant the whole time too. She sat back and seemed to enjoy the boys antics and be the observer. It was a much more calm Noelle compared to the one he witnessed at the farm and at lunch. Maybe it was because she was in the comfort of her own home. Another part of him hoped it was because she was getting comfortable around him. Wishful thinking he supposed.

"Okay yeah, but out where?" His sister pried. He knew she only meant well, but her bugging him took him out of his thoughts. Out of the pleasant evening he spent with two of his new favorite people.

"Just out. Why?"

"Z might have mentioned something last night," she said smugly. She knew. Only he didn't know how much she knew and if he said anything it might be just to get more information she didn't already have.

"If he already told you, why are you asking me?" Yeah he grew up with mind games his sister liked to play. Sure, she could probably one of the best interrogators in the world, but when you knew all her tricks it was easy to egg her on and frustrate her.

She blew up at her bangs in impatience, their mother trying not to let a smile break through. Cole knew his mom would also want to know where he was, but she knew Cole would come to her in his own time. He was glad she didn't like to meddle. It would only stress him out more and throw him off his plans.

"I want to hear it straight from the horses mouth. What's her name?" Cole loved his sister, but sometimes he wanted to pretend he didn't have one. Like right now and in high school when she caught him buying a box of chocolate for a girl he had a crush on. The teasing was relentless and it made Cole and to roll into a ball and hide. He didn't like to be teased when it came to matters of the heart, it was a sensitive place for him. His sister ended up helping him out a lot afterwards though after feeling guilty for making him bashful.

"How about I give you a name when I'm sure it's actually a thing." The last thing he wanted to do was jinx himself. Sure yesterday ended up well, but it felt so brittle that one small wind could bring it all crumbling down again. He didn't know how to handle such a delicate situation. Maybe he could use the help of his sister. He did already have his brother's help even though it was messy.

"You're no fun," Ashley teased as she went back to plating the bacon she was managing. He couldn't be upset with her when she was bringing the most delicious food in the world to him. That was their relationship. They loved each other and drove one another insane at the Colee time. He was closer to his sister since being back, although he worried endlessly about his brother.

Breakfast seemed to get in the way of Ashley's prying and before Cole knew it, it was past lunch. Right after getting his fill of too much bacon and eggs, he made work on the farm, tending to the horses and pigs instead of being around people in the holiday festival area. Noelle may think he loved being around people and basking in their praise of him, but he had a rather small social battery. He could be pleasant and easy going around people, but it still took some time to recover afterwards. He was glad there was plenty of other work to do and most people still working this time of year at the farm were grateful to be able to spend extra time with their families with his help.

Cole was so busy around the farm he ignored his phone and he almost squealed in glee when he saw a message from Noelle later that day. It was a picture of Jacob throwing a foam football at his uncle. The image warmed his heart and he couldn't erase the smile even if he tried. He quickly replied after noticing the message was from over an hour ago and he didn't want her thinking he was ignoring her.

Cole - His form is better than a lot of guys I played with in the pros

Much to his delight the phone buzzed only moments later.

Noelle - He says he'd rather play the position his 'Cole friend' plays

Cole - I can show him a thing or two if you'd like

Noelle - I'm sure he'd like that although he might not absorb much. He gets bored very fast

Cole - I'd still like to see you guys again. If that's okay

The typing appeared for a few seconds and then disappeared. Cole's stomach dropped, worried that he may have been too pushy to see them again. After a minute staring at his phone the typing appeared again.

Noelle - I think that can be arranged. Aren't things busy at the farm though?

Cole - They are, but we have extra hands. I have plenty of time to help around the place without having strict hours.

Noelle - Must be nice...

She followed with a winking emoji. He was glad she was so playful through text. He hoped he could find more reasons to get the playful side out of her.

Cole - It is nice especially when I want to hang out with my new best friend Jacob.

Noelle - Fair enough. This might be too much to ask, but Jacob's preschool is putting together a little Christmas Choir night and I'm sure he'd love to see you there. It's next Friday at the theater near his school.

Cole - No need to ask me twice. I'll definitely be there. Just let me know what time.

Noelle - There's only street parking so...it might be best to meet at my house. It's only a three block walk to the place. If you are okay with that

Cole's blood was rushing. She was comfortable enough with him to ask him to an event and to practically show up with him. It wasn't a date yet it felt so close to one he wanted to jump for joy. Instead he chose to respond before she overthought and retracted the offer.

Cole - I'm 100% okay with that. See you then

Cole felt so alive after such a small interaction, but it meant more than anything to him that she chose to reach out to him first, then invite him to something. Maybe he did stand a chance. Maybe he could be the one to give Jacob his Christmas wish.