A week passed by and the memories of Noelle and Jacob had yet to fade in Cole's mind. The suffocating embrace Jacob left him with could still be felt. That night he prayed to whoever was listening to give that little boy everything he deserved and although no one answered back, he was certain they would heed the call.

Luckily for Cole, his older brother kept the role of Santa up until their uncle reclaimed the crown for himself, citing his back was healed and the next dose of medicine that was needed was children's laughter. Cole decided to continue helping, but more behind the scenes as to not cause any commotion. Social media had blown up with tagged pictures of him and everyone letting their friends and family know where he was. The first couple of days after that were extra busy, but the family could only rejoice in having more people around.

Other forms of good came from that day. Cole's short, but informative conversation with Noelle's brother turned into a business opportunity and gave Cole more time to attempt to keep out of his own head thar held lingering thoughts of a certain beautiful woman. He was kidding himself though, as it was impossible to go a few minutes without thinking of those enchanting eyes he longed to get lost in.

It was the weekend once again and that meant the farm would be bustling with visitors. Even more so now that the week gave them a few inches of powder fresh snow and turned the place into a winter wonderland. Cole spent the better part of morning helping clear the parking area and the walkways to help avoid any accidents. What had him wide awake early in the first place was the hope that he might see her again. Or at least that her brother would make it to the farm and he could find another to be around her again.

Mid-morning flowed into early afternoon and Cole had become more and more doubtful of his luck in seeing Noelle again. He understood people had lives they had to get to and he couldn't control that, but it didn't lessen the longing in his heart. He strolled around the farm, face covered up so no one would notice him as he looked endlessly for the familiar face or voice he met on the phone. Not having anything else to do and with all his family around to cover the workload, Cole decided maybe it was best to head back to his cabin to relax his aching knee and heart.

As he headed out he passed by the area where he played a faux Santa a week prior and saw the line of patiently waiting families. He glossed over them to take one last look for Max or "Uncle Max' as he was referred to by Jacob. When he got close to the end he had to thank his lucky stars because before him was said man, his wife, a little girl who he assumed was their daughter, and Jacob. His heart jumped at seeing the little boy again, with the look of excitement and awe plastered on his face. He searched beyond them and didn't see his mother though which made his stomach drop. Perhaps she was busy this time around. Or maybe she was worried about seeing you again and her feelings match his overly confident mind said to him.

Because they were the only people he was hoping to see, he made his way to them quietly with the hope no one would think he's cutting in line. He also didn't want anyone to notice he was wandering around the farm today. Maybe some other day he would flaunt his fame and take all the selfies people wanted, but today was not that day. As he approached, he noticed Jacob pointing out everything he remembered from the previous trip and kept the little girl engaged while Max and his wife discussed something amongst themselves. Taking a deep breath before continuing towards them, Cole tried his best to hide his nerves and prepared to make a positive impression.

Surprisingly, he failed to garner any attention from surrounding people until Jacob looked his way. It took only a few seconds for Jacob to realize who it was before a smile broke out on his face. "Cole!" Jacob yelled which finally caused some heads to turn before the little boy ran straight into his legs and wrapped his arms around him tightly. Max followed suit a moment later and neared Cole, the same look of awe in his face from the phone call they shared before. He was taller in person than Cole imagined. Maybe it was because his sister was so small he'd assumed the same of her sibling.

"Holy cow, you're huge," was the first thing out of Max's mouth. Cole couldn't help but laugh heartily while mussing Jacob's hair as the little boy let go of his leg. Cole then reached his hand out to Max and greeted him.

"I made sure to eat my veggies and drink my milk," was Cole's response. He tended to say that often, especially when he was in front of kids to help their parents, but it also wasn't a lie. Growing up, there was no fuss from him as Cole ate anything and everything. It was still true to this day, although he had to slow his calorie intake since retiring from football.

After greeting Max, Cole led them back to the line so they wouldn't lose their place. He introduced himself to Max's wife as well as their little girl who was waiting patiently for her turn on Santa's lap. He decided to wait with them in line and make small talk with them which was rather easy. Only a few people noticed him and went out of their way to talk to Cole and ask for a picture which brought great relief to him. Cole was too invested in finding more about Noelle. Getting to know her family was hopefully a sure way in.

"So...Jacob," he turned his attention to the little boy who was jumping around to stay warm. "Did you leave your mom by herself to hang out with your Uncle today?" He realized it wasn't the smoothest way to ask about her, but he was too nervous to think of a better way. He hoped it wouldn't be too obvious to Noelle's brother and sister in law, who were probably more perceptive than a kid.

Jacob shook his head and smiled, thrilled to have Cole's attention. "My mama is busy with work stuff today and she asked if I wanted to have a sleepover with them," he pointed to his family. "Do you sleep here?" Jacob quickly changed the subject with his question that made the whole family laugh and him giggle.

"I live here at the farm yes, but my place is far away from all of this. I like my peace and quiet," Cole responded. "This farm is my family legacy so I thought it was best to come back when I retired."

"Retired? Is that like being tired again?" Jacob asked so innocently it made Cole's heart flutter in cuteness overload. He wanted to answer every question Jacob had, but again, he had some work ahead of him to be deserving of the chance.

"No, it means I left my job to enjoy a more leisurely lifestyle. I was getting too old for football," he told the little boy whose attention was hyper focused on him and it made him rather nervous.

Jacob's attention was ever changing and the next thing he brought up was being thirsty. "I want the hot chocolate with a cinnamon stick in it like my mom got  last time," he told his uncle. His Uncle Max was trying to convince him to wait till after his cousin saw Santa so they could all go, but Jacob was getting close to impatient. Cole then decided maybe he could be of some use to this family.

"I can take him," he said in the middle of Max trying to bribe Jacob. "I mean...if you don't want that, I totally understand. We've literally just met," he said while rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. "We can be quick and it's just over there," he pointed towards the stall that served hot beverages and the best apple turnovers he ever had. Cole hoped he hadn't stepped on anyones toes with the offer. The last thing he wanted to do was make this wonderful family feel uncomfortable, especially if it would cost him the chance at getting to know Noelle.

Before he could overthink too much, Max saved him from himself. "That would be wonderful actually, if you don't mind Cole...uh...Mr. Kingston." Cole had to chuckled at Max and his nervousness.

"Just Cole, please," Cole said before crouching down to Jacob. "Shall we go on a little adventure?"