Page 33 of Wedding Bells in Silverwood

“That’s the mayor,” Holly whispered to her mom and Kim.

“Well, good evening, citizens of Silverwood,” the mayor said into the mic.

The applause grew and then subsided when Mayor McGuire raised her hands.

“Thank you. And welcome to this year’s tree-lighting ceremony. I’m particularly fond of this time of year, and I’m sensing, from all those smiling faces out there, that you are too. Before we begin, I’d like to bring up on stage someone you might be familiar with. Mr. Nicholas Mason Senior.”

Vivian moved closer to Holly. “Oh, did you know he would be up there?”

“No.” Holly wiggled her fingers at him. “I had no idea.”

“Last year,” Mayor McGuire continued as she put a hand on Mr. Mason’s back, “your amazing and generous support was integral in helping Mr. Mason receive the medical help he needed. Not only did you all pull together to get our glorious tree ready in time to win the state-wide decorating contest, but your dedication to donating the grand prize to fund Mr. Mason’s treatment showed the true spirit of Christmas.”

The crowdwhoopedand hollered.

“And, of course, we can’t forget the team that made it all happen and gained a moment of fame for our town: the Silverwood Alaskan Malamutes.”

Nick, Rachel, and the owners of the other Malamutes climbed the stage individually with their dogs on leashes. Nick nodded to Holly. The nine Malamutes sniffed each other, tails and tongues wagging, and some playfully pawed the other.

The crowd went wild, and the band played a quick chorus of “Jingle Bells.”

Holly hoped none of the dogs would begin to howl. If one started, the rest would join in, and no one would be able to hear anything else. Luckily, the Malamutes seemed to be on their best behavior.

“To continue in the spirit of giving, I am happy to bestow the honor of lighting the festival tree to our very own Nicholas Mason Senior.”

Holly smiled, clapping for her future father-in-law.

“Thank you, Mayor McGuire.” Mr. Mason gave her a half-bow. “And thank you, fellow citizens. I can’t believe I’ve never done this in all my years in Silverwood.”

He chuckled, and laughter bubbled through the crowd.

“It’s a privilege to light this year’s tree.” Mr. Mason rubbed his palms together and reached for the box sitting on the podium. The box contained a big red button, which Mr. Mason pushed with bravado.

Vivian gasped as the lights on the tree came on. For a minute, everyone was silent, and Holly felt as if magic filled the air. The crowd applauded, and the band played another song.

The mayor and everyone on stage waved as they walked out of the spotlight and joined the masses. As amusement and conversations started up again, Holly glanced around. Her skin crawled as if someone were watching her, causing her to rub her arms and scan the crowd.

It’s probably just someone I know spotting me from across the square.

But she didn’t see anyone special looking her way. Holly shivered and moved closer to her mom, anxious for Nick to hurry through the throng of people to join them.

“Are you okay?” Vivian asked.

Holly didn’t want to seem any more paranoid than she already was, and she didn’t want her mom to worry when there was probably nothing to worry about.

“I’m just cold,” Holly lied.

When she looked around again, she spotted Nick heading her way. As he wound his way through the crowd, saying an occasionalhelloto those he passed, Holly’s muscles relaxed.

“Hey,” Nick said as he reached her.

Cupid sniffed Holly’s boots and sat beside Nick. Before she could utter a response to Nick’s greeting, Holly wrapped her arms around him and squeezed. She had the urge to be still and let the relief set in.

Nick placed a kiss on her head. “You good?”

She buried her head in his shoulder. “I’m just glad you’re here now.”

Chapter Eleven

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