Page 34 of My Secret Santa Mason

CAMI

The morning air was crisp when I stepped out of the cabin, the sun barely peeking over the snow-covered mountains. Silver Ridge looked like a magical fairy tale.

“Look at that,” I said, pointing toward the bit of the town we could see through the trees. “Isn’t that just spectacular?”

The town was covered in a thick blanket of snow, but the warmth of the little lights had melted patches away, and it was beautiful.

“That’s quite something,” Mason said, stepping out of the cabin behind me.

I was dressed in yesterday’s clothes. I’d had a quick shower, but I would clean up properly when I got home. The storm had passed, and it was time to leave the dream I’d been stuck in with Mason throughout the night.

I turned to him. “Thank you for saving me.”

Mason smirked. “It wasn’t that dire.”

“I actually think it was,” I said seriously. “I wouldn’t have made it home in that storm. And last night was…” I didn’t have the words to explain how incredible it had been with Mason.Everything, from the food we’d had to the wine to the night we’d spent together and waking up next to him this morning. “Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome,” Mason said with a smile, and he leaned down. I stood on my toes to plant a kiss on his lips, and warmth rushed through me. Every bit of contact with him was like that—I was addicted, and I was pretty sure I would never get enough.

“Travel safe,” Mason said. “And if you need anything at all—”

“I know where to find you,” I said with a smile.

He squeezed my hand, and I finally took my leave, walking back toward town.

It was a strange sensation to leave Mason and his cabin behind. I felt torn between the world we’d shared last night and the reality I was returning to. But I could see him again. Of course I could. And the magic we’d felt didn’t have to fade; we just had to incorporate it into our day-to-day life, but we could do that.

I would ask Rae how she managed with Tanner when they’d first gotten together. This wasn’t the first time someone had fallen in love with a rugged mountain man in Silver Ridge.

I smiled at the thought.

When I reached the town, it was still quiet, only just shaking off its slumber. The big Christmas tree in the square was covered in snow, the colorful baubles peeking out, and the lights flashed happily.

These were the kinds of mornings I used to live for—the kinds of mornings I’d loved sharing with Dylan. The idea of it made my heart ache. It was the life I’d thought I would have with Dylan.

But the love I’d had from him hadn’t been the kind of love I deserved.

After one night with Mason, I realized how I wanted someone to make me feel.

Mason made me feel like I was the only woman in the world, like everything needed to stand still because I would be put first, no matter what.

And that was the most incredible feeling ever.

The snow crunched beneath my boots as I walked down the quiet streets.

The decorations around town sparkled in the early light—swags of pine branches dotted with red berries hung in shop windows, handwritten chalk signs promised hot cocoa, and twinkling lights that made everything feel even more magical. The whole town was alive with holiday cheer, and I couldn’t help but feel swept up in it. It was the kind of Christmas spirit I believed should always come with the season and after everything, it felt good to be part of something like this, knowing that I’d helped to make it happen.

I passed a few familiar faces, greeting them cheerfully, and their warm responses reminded me I was truly becoming part of the community. I wasn’t a stranger in this town anymore, and the sense of belonging lifted my spirits as I headed home. Each smile and wave strengthened my connection, grounding me in this new life I was creating. I still wasn’t sure exactly where things with Mason were going, but the thought of him filled me with warmth. Wherever it led, I knew it would be good.

For now, I would focus on the rest of the day.

Rae and Tanner had invited me over to their place for lunch, and I was looking forward to it. I still had some things to discuss with Rae for the Christmas party, and then there were plans still to be made for Christmas Day. Of course, they had suggested I spend that day with them, too. And why not? Being part of their family Christmas felt like another step toward making this place my home. And now that I’d spent time with Mason, getting to know him a little better, I felt like maybe we could invite him, too. He’d probably say no, but it was worth a shot. Besides, Raewas great at convincing people to come out of their shells. Look at what she’d managed with the Secret Santa drawing.

I reached my cottage, the little home nestled in the snow, looking like something straight out of a storybook. The wreath I’d hung on the door was covered in a light dusting of snow, but the sight of it made me smile. Home. I was starting to feel like this place could really be that for me.

I unlocked the door and stepped inside, a rush of warmth greeting me as I shrugged off my coat and boots. I still had some time before heading to Rae’s, so I decided to take a longer shower than I’d had at Mason’s before getting ready.

Maybe I’d wear the ridiculous Christmas sweater Rae had given me as a joke. It wasn’t like I had anyone to impress… well, except Mason. But it was all in the spirit of Christmas, and it would be totally cute.

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