Page 26 of Chloe

Oliver shrugs, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Years of practice. You should see the gingerbread houses we make at the store every year.”

As the evening wears on, the market becomes even more magical. The lights seem to twinkle brighter against the darkening sky, and the sound of carolers fills the air. Oliver and I find ourselves drawn back to the skating rink, now illuminated by strings of fairy lights.

This time, as we glide across the ice hand in hand, I feel completely at ease. The fear of falling, both literally and figuratively, seems to have melted away. Instead, I’m filled with a warmth that has nothing to do with my winter coat and everything to do with the man beside me.

“Chloe,” Oliver says softly as we come to a stop at the edge of the rink. “I’m really glad you’re here.”

The sincerity in his voice makes my heart skip a beat. “Me too,” I reply, surprised by how much I mean it.

For a moment, we just stand there, our hands intertwined, gazing at each other. The world seems to fade away, the bustling market becoming a quiet backdrop to this perfect moment. Oliver’s hazel eyes, flecked with gold in the soft light of the lamps, hold mine. I can see every emotion I’m feeling reflected back at me—hope, joy, and a touch of nervous excitement.

Then, slowly, Oliver leans in. I meet him halfway, my heart racing in anticipation. As our lips come together in a tender kiss, I’m overwhelmed by a rush of sensations. His lips are soft and warm against mine, a stark contrast to the chilly winter air around us. The kiss tastes like hot cocoa and possibility, sweet and comforting, yet thrilling with the promise of new beginnings.

I catch the faint scent of his cologne mingling with the crisp winter air and a hint of sweet vanilla from the nearby food truck. The gentle pressure of his lips sends a tingling sensation through my body, from the top of my head to the tips of my toes.

As we kiss, I hear the town clock chime the hour. The deep, resonant tones seem to reverberate through me, marking not just the time, but the start of a new chapter in my life. The sound mingles with the soft rustle of snowflakes falling around us and the distant echoes of Christmas shoppers.

Oliver’s arms encircle me, strong and secure. I feel the rough wool of his coat beneath my fingertips as I rest my hands on his chest, the steady beat of his heart a comforting rhythm against my palm. The warmth of his embrace contrasts deliciously with the cold snowflakes melting on my cheeks.

When we finally part, both a little breathless, I open my eyes to see Oliver’s face lit up with a joy that I’m sure mirrors my own. His smile is soft and tender, filled with a warmth that makes me feel cherished and cared for.

“Wow,” he whispers, his breath forming a small cloud in the cold air between us.

I can’t help but laugh softly, feeling giddy and light-hearted. “Wow indeed,” I agree, my voice barely above a whisper.

As we stand there, still wrapped in each other’s arms, the world slowly comes back into focus around us. The twinkling lights, the gently falling snow, the bustling Christmas market - it all seems brighter, more vivid than before. This kiss, this moment, has awakened all my senses, making me feel more alive than I’ve ever felt.

It’s as if I’m experiencing the magic of Christmas, of love, of Benton Falls, all at once, with every fiber of my being. And as Oliver takes my hand, ready to continue our evening stroll, I know with absolute certainty that this is just the beginning of something wonderful.

As we make our way off the ice, I’m struck by how different I feel from the woman who arrived in Benton Falls just a couple of weeks ago. The drive for success and financial security that has defined me for so long seems less important now. Instead, I find myself valuing the connections I’ve made, the joy I’ve found in simple moments like this.

We return our skates and begin the walk back to town, our hands still linked. The streets are quiet now, most of the townspeople having headed home for the night. But the Christmas lights still twinkle merrily, and the occasional sound of laughter drifts from houses we pass.

“So,” Oliver says as we near my grandmother’s house. “What did you think of your first Benton Falls Community Ice Skating Night?”

I pretend to consider for a moment. “Well, the company was pretty good,” I tease. “But I think I might need a few more lessons before I’m ready for the Olympics.”

Oliver laughs, pulling me closer. “I’d be happy to volunteer as your personal instructor.”

As we reach my front porch, I find myself reluctant to say goodnight. The evening has been like something out of a dream, and I’m afraid that once it ends, the spell will be broken.

“Oliver,” I say, turning to face him. “I want you to know... I’m really happy I came to Benton Falls. And I’m really happy I met you.”

The smile he gives me in response is so warm, so full of genuine affection, that it takes my breath away. “I’m happy too, Chloe. Happier than I’ve been in a long time.”

He leans in for another kiss, this one deeper and more passionate than the first, like he’s trying to tell me something, our hearts whispering to one another. When we finally pull apart, we’re both a little breathless.

“Goodnight, Chloe,” Oliver says softly, his forehead resting against mine.

“Goodnight, Oliver,” I reply.

As I watch him walk away, his figure fading into the snowy night, I’m filled with a sense of contentment I’ve never experienced before. The old Chloe would panic right now, making plans to leave town and forget this ever happened. But as I unlock my door and step inside, I realize I don’t want to run anymore.

For the first time in a long time, I feel like I might belong. And as I get ready for bed, the memory of Oliver’s kisses still tingling on my lips, I allow myself to hope that maybe, just maybe, I’ve found someone I belong with too.

The secret of my donation to save Oliver’s store, which had been burning inside me all evening, now feels like a warm glow in my chest. It’s no longer just about saving a business. It’s about preserving a piece of this community that I’m growing to love, about ensuring that the joy and warmth I’ve experienced tonight can continue for years to come.

As I drift off to sleep, my dreams are filled with twinkling lights, the sound of blades on ice, and the warmth of Oliver’s smile.

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