Page 51 of Snow Harm, No Foul

“A future together,” I confirm.

She grins, and I replicate it. “I’ve never heard of anything better than that.”

EPILOGUE

IVY

Jill rushes overto my makeshift booth with a gift-wrapped box in her arms and a giant smile on her face. Her lipstick is a bright Christmas red and is slightly smeared at the corner in anI’ve just been kissedkind of way. With all the mistletoe I hung in the bar, I wouldn’t be surprised if she found herself smacking on someone.

“Look at all of this!” she cries, pointing the box at my little table in the corner of the Frosty Mug.

It was Niko’s idea. Since the snowfall had kept most Snowbell Ridge residents locked inside their homes last night, the Christmas Market was moved to today. Now, on this blue-skyed Christmas Eve, a few small booths have been set up in the bar for those who still wanted to have a chance to sell some goodies.

The decorations we set up during the power outage cast a cozy, multicoloured hue in the bar, making it feel homey and warm. I’ve nearly sold out of my slippers and only have a handful of sweaters left.

“Merry Christmas, Jill,” I say, opening my arms for a hug when she reaches me. “You look beautiful.”

“So do you! I love this dress. You look like a Christmas elf.”

I glance down at myself and the green-and-red dress I’m wearing. It reaches my knees and has a full skirt that poofs out when I spin. Niko’s already had his head up it and his mouth all over me . . . my panties never getting returned afterward. I’m pretty sure they’re in the pocket of his pants.

“Thank you.” My cheeks warm as I smooth down the skirt. “I wasn’t expecting such a turnout today. It’s been crazy.”

“Have you been outside lately? It’s even wilder out there. The line for the sleigh rides was over an hour long!”

I blink in surprise. “That’s incredible.”

“You’ve totally killed it, Ivy. Grayson was asking me earlier if you were planning on sticking around for next year.”

“Really? I mean, yes, I am. But wow. I’m flattered.”

Suddenly, she’s shoving the wrapped box into my arms. “Open it! It’s from the office.”

Laughing, I tug at the bow of ribbon at the top. The paper is metallic red with Santa hats on it, and I almost feel bad when I rip it open.

“You could have been a gift wrapper in another life, Jill,” I tease.

She eagerly takes the paper from me. “Maybe I’ll get a booth next year and earn some extra money.”

“I support it.”

The box is plain and doesn’t hint as to what’s inside. I pull at the top and peel the tape away before opening the flaps. The tree ornament inside steals my breath.

“Oh, it’s beautiful,” I whisper, lifting it out of the box.

In the light, all of the small details are visible. From the elegant lace handle meant for hanging on a branch, the way the ornament has been shaped into a chunky ball of yarn, and the sparkles giving it a shine in the low lights, it’s stunning.

“I was shopping a few days ago and found it in the cutest little shop. Usually, we do a Secret Santa in the office, butwith how busy this year has been, there just wasn’t the time to organize anything, so I grabbed it, and everyone chipped in,” she explains.

“But I didn’t get you anything. This is too much, honestly. It’s gorgeous,” I gush, shaking my head.

She closes her hand around mine, keeping the ornament tucked against my palm. “It’s not too much. Your first year at the office should be remembered, especially with how hard you’ve worked to make this event a success. It makes all of us look good.”

“It wasn’t much of a burden,” I admit, already searching for Niko in the crowded bar.

He’s been busy all morning working behind the bar, and I’m already expecting to hear about how he never wants to make another drink again. Poor guy.

And poorme, honestly. Considering my love for peppermint daiquiris, I really hope he’ll make an exception where I’m concerned.

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