Page 32 of The Mountain that Saved Christmas

We slowly pass by all of the decorated shops that everyone helped with and I'm overwhelmed by the sense of community surrounding us. And to think, none of this would've happened without the help of the Sallys, the Bull Mountain ranch family, and the Arrys.

I know I'll forever be indebted to them for giving me—and the town—this wonderful day.

“Just you wait, Georgie,” Toby says. “The fun has just begun.

And wouldn't you know it, he was right.Not that I'll tell him that!

As we near the end of our mini-parade route, the sleigh comes to a stop in front of Santa's grotto. I catch sight of Ruth and the Sallys standing next to the tree, all of them smiling and waving to us, Ruth's eyes sparkling with what I hope are happy tears.

Stepping down from the sleigh and watching Toby—I mean, Santa—do the same, I take in the bustling town square that's full of more people than I've ever seen. The festival is abuzz withlaughter and music, friends, neighbors, farmers and fishermen, strangers and visitors all coming together to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.

Honestly, it's more than I could've ever wished for.

It's also set the bar for next year sky high!

Before I can worry aboutthat, there's elf business to do, and looking at the long line of excited children waiting for their chance to meet Santa, it's going to be a while.

Lucky for me and Tobes, we're looking forward to this just as much as they are.

Fourhours later, the line outside Santa's grotto has finally disappeared, meaning this Christmas elf is sitting on a park bench next to the little Christmas village having a much-needed break and enjoying my plate of yummy food from all of the stalls that Mags and Red brought me. There's a candy apple, sugar cookies, eggnog-flavored candy, and reindeer jerky. It's all delicious and just what I needed to give me an energy burst.

“That looks like a good selection of snacks there,” Ruthie says with a grin, taking a seat next to me. “How're your feet doin' after all thatelfin'?”

“Like they've been put through a full day's work, that's for sure,” I reply, stretching my legs out in front of me. “But seein' all those kids' faces light up when they saw Santa—that makes it all worth it.”

Ruthie nods. “It really was somethin', wasn't it? You and Toby did a fantastic job today. Santa, his grotto, and his elf helper are the talk of the festival, don't you know?”

“I know I've said it before, but I appreciate everythin' you've all done this week. When I wrote that letter, the verylastthing I expected was for all of you to leave your hometown and come to our Christmas rescue.”

Ruthies face softens. “George, your letter may have been the prompt, but it was the love and spirit of this town and the respect and gratitude they have towardyouthat made all of this—” she waves her hand around, “possible. This festival, the parade, this beautiful tree, all of it, that's because of the good person thatyouare, George. It's high time you realized that Rainbow Springs wouldn't be the town it is without you at the helm.”

I dip my head to acknowledge her kind words. Being a man who's used to being alone a lot of the time—mainly because I'm always working or taking care of town business—I don't think I'll ever get used to hearing praise. That's not to say that it's not touching hearing it all the same.

Ruthie reaches into her pocket and pulls out a small, wrapped present, placing it in my hands. “This is a little gift from all of us.”

I gasp, my eyes jumping up to meet hers. “You didn't have to. You all have already done so much for me?—.”

“Open it, George,” she says warmly.

I unwrap the gift slowly, excited and curious about what's inside. Tears prick at my eyes when I see the beautifully carved wooden ornament shaped like Bull Mountain, complete with its twinpeaks and the big oak tree in the middle, just like I've been told by Ruthie, and like I've read about in Aster Hollingsworth's books.

“It's perfect,” I choke out, knowing it will take pride in place in my home. “I'm goin' to put it on the mantle so that I never forget all of y'all when you're back in Spring Haven.”

“That soundsperfect, George.”

I spot Aggie, Dottie, and Frankie walking toward us. As they approach, I see Aggie holding an envelope in her hand.

“Hey, George. You ready for the rest of your Christmas presents?”

My brows furrow as I hold up the Bull Mountain present. “Honestly, this is more than enough. This iseverythin'.”

Aggie grins. “Oh no, George. One present simply won't do. You're so givin' to everyone else, and now it's your turn. How 'bout you put your hand out? Believe me, you're goin' to love this one.”

As a man with good manners, I do what Aggie asks, holding my hand out. My lips tip up as she smiles and places the envelope with my name on it on my palm. “Special delivery for you, George.”

Intrigued, I open the envelope, my breath catching when I see that it's a handwritten letter from none other than Aster Hollingsworth.

My head jerks up. “How—I mean…yeah, how did you?—?”

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