Page 87 of Yuletide Acres

“Do I have yours?”

“Sunshine, you always had mine.”

With a final kiss, he’s off down Main Street, and I return inside, grateful for the warmth of the heaters and the people of Yuletide Acres.

* * *

To say the festival is a success is an understatement. I swear that the entire town has descended on the arena and the area is filled with twinkling lights, delicious aromas and holiday music.

After running around for the first half of the day, I now have time to enjoy the festivities, Marissa by my side. As soon as she arrived, she ran straight for me, and has been stuck to me ever since. Dylan apologized, stating that his mini me couldn’t be dissuaded, but the child is hardly a bother. On the contrary, she lights up a part of my heart that has never seen the light of day.

Dylan, ever the popular mayor, makes his rounds with the residents, and I feel such pride to be connected to this man. It’s obvious he adores the town and her people, and he takes such a vested interest in their lives. They’re lucky to have him.

I know I am.

He ascends the stage at the front of the arena, grabbing the portable microphone with a smile. “Good afternoon, Yuletide,” he bellows, chuckling at the uproar from the crowd. “It sure is nice to have the town together, and I’m glad that Montana cooperated to bring us a beautiful day. I want to thank our newest resident for putting this all together. So, come on up here, Poppy. I have something to say to you.”

My eyes widen as a cold sweat dances over my skin. I’m a friendly person, but public speaking makes me break out in hives. I shake my head, gripping tight to Marissa’s hand. “I’m good here,” I call back with a nervous titter.

“Don’t make me come down there and get you,” Dylan warns, winking in my direction.

“Go on,” Estelle murmurs from my right, giving me a gentle nudge. “Have to abide the mayor’s wishes.”

With flaming cheeks that I plan to blame on the brisk cold, I climb the steps to the stage, coming to stand next to Dylan. “Well, you have me. Now what are you going to do with me?” It’s the best I can manage under the circumstances. I have about ten thousand eyes focused on me at the moment.

Dylan places the microphone in the stand and grabs my hand. “You hate this, don’t you?”

“Very much so. I mean, I love Yuletide Acres, but this is so very public.” I wave to the crowd. “Can I go hide now?”

“No. You’re famous. You saved two of Yuletide’s residents.”

“Please, let’s not talk about that.”

“Everyone already knows. So, we have selected you to light the tree.”

My heart warms at his statement. “Can Marissa light the tree with me? I’d like to do it in honor of Merry West. She is the reason we’re all here.”

Dylan bites his lip and I see his eyes bright with emotion. “Yes, she can.”

Estelle brings Marissa to the stage, and she bounds up, running toward the giant pine tree in the center. “I get to light it?”

I nod, pointing toward the switch. “You sure do. It’s for your Mama, so you know it’s going to be extra beautiful.”

Marissa smiles, but she’s too young to understand the sentimentality behind my words. All she’s ever known is not having a Mom here on earth. No matter what role I play in Dylan’s life, I plan to act as a surrogate of sorts to his little girl.

It’s what Merry wants. It’s what my heart needs.

She flips the switch, and the gigantic tree comes to life, twinkling in all its glory. Then, as if by magic, straight from heaven, snowflakes begin falling and I know Merry is still here. She’ll always be a part of Yuletide Acres, and instead of being intimidated by that fact, I’m warmed.

“You did so good,” I murmur as I gather her into a hug. “Come on, let’s get some hot chocolate with extra marshmallows.”

“No, sorry,” Dylan objects, grabbing my free hand. “I’m not done with you yet.” He bends close to me, his beard tickling my skin. “Thank you for that, Sunshine.”

“You’re most welcome. Can I please go, since I’m such an agreeable person?” Come on, man, cut me some slack.

Dylan smiles, standing close to the microphone. Great, he wants everyone to hear. “A big part of the festival is that each person makes a Yule wish. You made a wish earlier, didn’t you, Poppy? Would you mind telling them what it was?”

I release a nervous chuckle. “To be around you and Marissa. To spend time with you both as friends or—”

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