Page 33 of Mistletoe and Magic

"Thanks for the information. I'll figure something out," Jace said, more to convince himself than to assuage the bank manager's worry.

As the bank manager walked away, Felicity approached again, her curious gaze searching his. "Bad news?"

Jace sighed, facing her. "Sapphire Development is trying to corner us. I have until the last minute of the year to come up with the payment, or I’ll lose the Northwind."

"Jace, we won't let that happen," Felicity said firmly, stepping closer. Her breath was warm against his cheek, and for a moment, he allowed himself to bask in the comfort she offered.

"Your faith in me," he started, his voice rough with emotion, "it means everything."

"Then lean on it, because I'm not going anywhere," she promised, her words wrapping around him like a blanket as she went to join the others.

In that moment, with the town's laughter echoing around him, Jace felt as if he might have to take the offer from the private vulture investors just to hold Prescott off. The battle for the Northwind Lodge wasn't just his fight—it was theirs, and he'd be damned if he let Candace Prescott steal their future without a war.

Jace stood back, watching as the throng of volunteers swarmed over the ski lodge like bees to a hive. The sound of hammering mingled with the cheerful calls of the townspeople who had shown up in droves to support the Northwind's revival. His gaze landed on Felicity, her sleeves rolled up as she handed out assignments with a clipboard in hand, her smile never wavering even as she worked.

"Jace, can you pair up some of your guys with the Hendersons?" Felicity called out, her voice cutting through the cacophony of construction. "They're ready to tackle the new reception area."

"Already on it," Jace replied, his voice laced with the husky timbre of a man both grateful and humbled. He whistled sharply, signaling two of his employees to join him by theburgeoning structure that would soon welcome guests with renewed warmth.

He couldn't help but be touched by the scene unfolding before him. Each volunteer brought not only their time but also their skills, and by matching them with his seasoned crew, progress multiplied exponentially. The air was electric with enthusiasm, every nail driven and board sawed infused with community spirit. If he could just get his hands on enough cash to pay off Sapphire Development, finish the renovation, and open the lodge, then all of this wouldn’t be for nothing. He was determined to throw a New Year’s Eve party for the whole town.

As he walked among the busy bodies, Jace noticed something else—piles of lumber, paint cans, and fixtures all donated by local businesses. It wasn't just labor; it was materials, too. The generosity of Christmas Valley astounded him.

"Look at this," said Tom, one of his workers, slapping Jace on the back and pointing toward a stack of shingles. "These should keep the snow out for a few more winters, huh?"

"Tom, I can't even begin to thank everyone who has pitched in," Jace responded, feeling the weight of each act of kindness pressing warmly against his chest. "This... all of this, it's more than I ever expected."

"Hey, this lodge means a lot to people—not just in terms of economics, either. There’s an awful lot of good memories tied up here. We’re all in this together," Tom reassured him, his own eyes reflecting the collective hope of the town. "Besides, when the Northwind prospers, so does everybody else."

Jace nodded, clapping Tom on the shoulder before moving on to check on another group of workers. With every step, he felt the intimate connection between the lodge and the people around him grow stronger, weaving a tapestry of shared memories, dreams, and aspirations.

Amidst the flurry of activity, Felicity caught his eye from across the room. They exchanged a knowing look—a silent conversation that spoke volumes of the unspoken bond that had formed between them. Why hadn’t he said out loud what he knew he felt?

As dusk began to settle, and the mountains cast long shadows over the valley, Jace couldn't shake the warm glow that filled him. Against all odds, they were turning the tide. And with every plank nailed and every brush stroke painted, they weren't just rebuilding a lodge—they were fortifying a love that was becoming as solid and enduring as the very foundation of the Northwind itself.

Jace watched as Felicity tied an apron around her waist, her movements deft and graceful amid the chaos of the bustling bakery. The smell of fresh-baked cookies wafted through the air, a homey scent that seemed to wrap around him like a warm embrace. Despite having been on her feet since dawn, there was no sign of weariness in her step as she filled tray after tray with delectable treats.

"Need a taste tester?" Jace teased, leaning against the doorway with arms folded across his chest.

Felicity glanced over her shoulder and flashed him a smile that could thaw the deepest winter freeze. "Depends on what it is you want to taste. These just came out of the oven; you’ll burn your tongue."

He accepted the challenge, kissing her deeply before plucking a chocolate chip cookie from the tray and blowing on it gently before taking a bite. The rich, gooey center was perfection itself, a testament to Felicity's culinary prowess.

"God, these are good—almost as good as you," he murmured, crumbs tumbling from his lips as she blushed. "You'll have everyone working double-time just for a taste—of the cookies, not you. That delectable treat I reserve only for myself."

"Then my mission is accomplished," she replied, her eyes twinkling with mischief. There was something about the way her gaze lingered on him, full of warmth and unspoken promises, that made his heart race and his groin tighten. He couldn’t remember being this randy since he was a kid.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the village square, the sound of music and laughter began to fill the air. Lanterns swayed gently in the evening breeze, their glow illuminating faces flushed with excitement and anticipation.

Jace followed Felicity outside, helping her to carry her trays of treats. He stood amidst the crowd, watching as couples danced and children chased each other around stands laden with crafts, artisanal foods, and local produce. The benefit events had brought the community together in a way none could recall seeing before, infusing Christmas Valley with a vibrant energy that was infectious.

"Look at this place," Felicity said, coming to stand beside him with a tray of cupcakes in hand. "It's like the whole town has come back to life."

He nodded, unable to tear his eyes away from the scene before him. The little shops that dotted the square were ablaze with light, their windows proudly displaying signs of increased sales and prosperity. It was clear that the impending revival of the Northwind Lodge had sparked something much bigger—a hope for the future that extended far beyond its walls.

"Thanks to you," Jace said, turning to face her. "You've given them something to believe in."

"Me?" Felicity's laugh was soft, self-deprecating. "I'm just the one with the sugar. You're the one with the vision."

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