Page 69 of Unexpected Gifts

That evening, Luke and Lily arrived to take them all into town for the snowball fight. Afterward, they would attend the Christmas tree lighting in the town square.

The kids were all excited about the snowball fight and chattered all the way into town. By the time they’d found a place to park, a large group had already gathered. Jack had decided to participate, even at risk to his “pretty face.”

Fortunately, he was knocked out in one of the early rounds with no scrapes or bruises. Sophie nor Lily had any interest in having snowballs lobbed at them and were content to sip cocoa and cheer on Jack.

The battle went on for some time. By the end, no one, including Sophie and Jack, could believe who won.

“Lucky,” Jack said. “That sled’s awesome.”

“But we’re happy for the winner, right?” Abby asked gently.

“Yeah, it’s cool.” Jack shrugged. “I mean, I’d rather have it been me.”

After the epic snowball fight, they wandered over to get a place to watch the tree-lighting ceremony. It seemed as if the whole town had converged for the event. No seats were available, but Abby didn’t mind because Luke wrapped his arm around her shoulders. The children waited with a gaggle of friends closer to the tree. Sophie held Jack’s and Lily’s hands, all three huddled close, whispering and fidgeting with excitement.

They weren’t the only ones excited. The crowd, young and old alike, pulsed with energy. Abby had never been to a tree lighting ceremony and felt a little like a kid herself. Children bundled in puffy coats and hats chased one another, shouting and laughing. Couples huddled together, sipping hot chocolate from thermoses as they waited for the countdown to begin.

Abby let her cheek rest against Luke’s shoulder. “This is a great night,” she whispered to him.

“You can’t beat the company.” Luke kissed the top of her head. “Have I told you how pretty you look in that hat?”

She tugged on the brim of her blue knit hat and grinned. “I bought it today. Who knew I’d own so many hats in my new life.”

“Literally and figuratively.”

She laughed. “You’re right.”

Her attention turned toward Lily, Jack, and Sophie, who had managed to wriggle in front and center, their wide eyes fixed on the massive tree.

“Daddy, it’s almost time!” Lily’s voice rang out with delight, her cheeks rosy from the cold.

Abby’s eyes stung, overcome with emotion. How had she ever found her way here? In her wildest dreams she wouldn’t have imagined this was her life or that she would love it so much. The town and the people she’d met had loosened something inside her. Mellowed her a little? Maybe. She didn’t feel that burning ambition to prove herself. Instead, she felt light, despite her responsibilities. She knew it had a lot to do with the man standing beside her with his strong arm holding her tight against his side.

The mayor stepped up to the microphone, his booming voice silencing the excited chatter of the crowd. He thanked everyone for being there and introduced Ruth Ann, who had the honor of turning on the lights.

“All right, everyone! It’s time for the big moment! Let’s start the countdown!”

The whole town joined in, voices ringing together as they counted down from ten.

“Ten… nine… eight…”

Abby watched the kids rather than the mayor or the tree. Jack continued to grip Sophie’s hand tightly, his round face glowing with excitement. Sophie’s eyes reflected the twinkling lights strung around the square. Lily, not wriggling for once, stood frozen in awe, waiting for the big moment.

“…seven… six…”

The sound of the crowd was almost a hum, as though the entire town was holding its breath together. Abby’s chest tightened, the beauty of the moment overwhelming her. It was silly, really. But goodness, it was such a thrilling feeling—being part of a community that spent their Saturday evening waiting for the lightning of a tree as if it were as exciting as a space shuttle launch.

“…five… four…”

She blinked rapidly, the sting of tears building behind her eyes as her gaze moved from the children to the tree.

“…three… two…”

She glanced quickly up at Luke. His eyes locked with hers for a second, and his expression went all soft and dreamy as he drew her even closer to the warmth of his body.

“…ONE!”

The lights blazed to life, white and brilliant against the dark sky, illuminating the massive tree and casting a soft glow over the entire square. The crowd erupted into cheers, clapping and shouting as if the town had just experienced the miracle of the season itself.

---