Page 23 of Whisk Me Away

An unbidden smile took over my face as my eyes locked with his. I mouthed “thank you”, which he returned with a single nod of his head. The sound of the oven timer registered through the fog in my brain, pulling my attention to the kitchen.

When I finished pulling the scones from the oven and loading them in the display case, Brant was no longer seated in one of the pink velvet armchairs. Instead, a group of teenage girls crowded around the seats, each reading a book while they laughed and talked over the pages.

My heart fluttered in my chest at the sight. My dreams were coming true, one small step at a time.

CHAPTER 15

BRANT

As Christmas Eve descended upon Ashwood Falls, I could feel a buzz in the air, a palpable anticipation that swept through the quaint streets and cozy homes of our small town. For as long as I could remember, Christmas Eve had been a cherished tradition in our community, a time when neighbors would come together to celebrate the spirit of the season. The evening always began with a candlelight service at our little white church, where the choir voices filled the air with melodies of hope and joy.

As the last notes of the hymns faded away, the entire town gathered in the town square, beneath the starlit sky, we awaited the grand spectacle that was the annual Christmas parade.

Each year, the parade seemed to grow more vibrant and enchanting, a testament to the creativity and community spirit that thrived within Ashwood Falls. Every shop in town crafted its own float, with shimmering decorations and filled with laughter and cheer. From the local craft store with its giant ball of yarn atop the float with the knitting circle ladies scattered across it, to the local toy store's whimsical display of cuddly teddy bears and shiny toy trains, each float told a story of love and tradition.

And then there were the floats that represented our schools. I could still vividly recall the thrill of riding atop a float with my high school football team, waving proudly to the cheering crowds lining the streets. Dressed in our jersey’s thinking we’re hot stuff, when in reality we were probably obnoxious little idiots up to no good.

As the parade would wind its way through the heart of Ashwood Falls, I couldn’t help the swell of nostalgia mingled with excitement. For me, this annual tradition was more than just a spectacle. It was a timeless reminder of the bonds that united us as a community and the enduring magic of the holiday season.

It was an honor to serve and protect these people, this town I grew up in and despite its flaws, I loved dearly. I was thankful that I could still be around and partake in the festivities while on duty. Tomorrow, I had my guys stay home while still on call, just in case anything crazy happened. I would head to Gram's house first thing in the morning and spend a few hours with my family before heading to the station, where I would spend the rest of the day making sure the town was safe.

"Evening, Sheriff," Jim said with a lift of his chin.

"Merry Christmas, Jim,” I meandered my way to the table piled with food.

"Help yourself. The least we could do is feed you while you prowl around the streets looking for danger,” Jim chuckled.

"Not quite sure that's how I'd describe what I do, but thanks. I'll take you up on that offer,” I responded before grabbing a plate and loading it with ham, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole.

I had yet to eat today, and this food smelled amazing. I tipped my head in thanks and shoveled a spoonful of the creamy, white mashed potatoes into my mouth.

I walked around the town square, taking it all in as I finished my food. Once I was done, I tossed the plate in a nearby trash can. I brushed my hands along my pants and checked to ensure I hadn't spilt anything on my uniform.

"Brant!" My head snapped up at my name being called from across the street.

Brock stood across the street with Brooks and our friend Ryan. Ryan worked at the fire station with Brock. He also attended high school here and had always been good friends with Brooks.

I strode across the street and pulled each of them in for a quick bro hug.

"Busy night?" Ryan asked.

"Not bad. Only had to break up one teenage fight a little while ago. What about y'all?" I asked, eyeing Brock and Ryan.

"Nothing yet. Praying it stays that way so we can sleep tonight before we get off in the morning,” Brock replied.

"No kidding,” Ryan sighed. "We really don't need a repeat of last year."

An involuntary shudder passed through each of us.

Last year, we had a call out to a house on the outskirts of town that needed both fire and medical services. I stayed to make sure everything was handled and take everyone's statements.

The couple who lived there had forgotten about the ham they had in the oven, resulting in a fire in the kitchen. If they had called us at that point, it probably would have been okay, but instead, they tried to fix it themselves. Which in turn caused the fire to spread, burning the kitchen and living room to the point it was unlivable for a few months. The lady got a little too close to the fire while trying to put out the fire, which caused second-degree burns on each of her arms.

Yeah, last year was a disaster, and I could definitely do without a repeat.

"You could say that again,” I huffed out a laugh.

"You meeting us at Gram's in the morning?" Brooks asked with a lift of his eyebrows.

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