Page 45 of Howling Holidays

"Thank you, Bonnie." I return her hug, feeling a growing sense of belonging and acceptance among these extraordinary people. "Merry Christmas to you too."

"Logan, always a pleasure," she adds, giving him a knowing grin. He chuckles softly, his amber eyes sparkling with mirth.

"Likewise, Bonnie," he replies, his grip on my hand tightening ever so slightly.

As we continue to mingle with the townspeople, exchanging warm greetings and heartfelt embraces, I can't help but marvel at the way my life has transformed since arriving in Everwood. What began as a journey to reconnect with my roots and find closure has blossomed into something far more profound and magical: a love that transcends the ordinary and a community that embraces me as one of their own.

"There’s Ethan," Logan points out as Ethan approaches us.

"Merry Christmas, Ethan," I say, giving him a gentle side hug.

"Merry Christmas, Emily," he responds, grinning. "I hope you and Logan had a good night last night." His teasing tone elicits a light blush from both Logan and me, which only makes him grin wider.

"Alright, that's enough," Logan playfully admonishes, giving Ethan a mock glare. We all laugh, the easy camaraderie between us.

“Can you believe it?" Ethan leans in, his voice tinged with awe. "The town hasn't been this alive in years."

My thoughts echo his sentiment, and for a moment, I allow myself to be swept up in the joyous atmosphere, soaking in the laughter and shared warmth that surrounds us.

"Look at this," Callie says, gesturing around at the gathering crowd. "I never thought we'd see the day when shifters, witches, and townsfolk would come together like this, united and stronger than ever."

"Neither did I," Logan admits, my heart swelling with pride as I take in the camaraderie among my new friends and family. "But here we are, and it's all thanks to everyone's determination and belief."

As we continue our stroll through the festive square, I find myself reflecting on the journey that has led me to this moment. The loss of my grandmother, the discovery of a hidden world, and the fierce, passionate love that has ignited between Logan and me – it's a tale that defies reason yet feels so undeniably right.

"Logan," I murmur, leaning in close to him as we pause beneath a towering evergreen, its boughs heavy with snow and shimmering lights. "Thank you for showing me what true love and happiness can be. You've changed my life in ways I never thought possible."

He turns to me, his amber eyes softening with emotion. "Emily, you've done the same for me. And I promise to cherish and protect the love we share, now and forever."

With those words, our lips meet in a tender, passionate kiss that seals our commitment to each other and to the extraordinary new life that awaits us in Everwood.

I watch as children gleefully chase each other through the snow, their laughter ringing like bells in the crisp winter air. The colorful lights adorning the square twinkle merrily, casting dancing shadows on the cobblestone streets. I’ve always wanted a family of my own, and now it all seems possible and closer than ever. The thought of having a family with Logan makes me feel warm and cozy despite the cold that nips at my cheeks.

"Come with me," Logan says, his hand slipping into mine. I can't help but admire how effortlessly he navigates the bustling crowd, his strong presence parting the sea of people around us like a magnet.

As we near Amelia's quaint Victorian-style residence, I can already envision the two of us working side by side, restoring the property to its former glory. We pause at the entrance, taking a moment to soak in the sight before us.

"So, any thoughts for the renovations?" I ask, eager to hear his ideas.

He gazes thoughtfully at the house, his eyes sweeping over the peeling paint and weathered shingles. "Well, first, let's fix the exterior. We can repaint the house, perhaps a soft blue with white trim. And maybe add a wraparound porch, where we can sit and enjoy the view of Everwood together."

"Perfect," I agree, my heart swelling with happiness at the image he's painted. "And how about the inside? What should we do with the rooms?"

"Your grandmother's library is incredible. I know how much you love to read and write, so we should keep that as a study. Plus, we have quite the collection of the town’s lore which will be fun to add to," Logan's voice is filled with warmth and affection, and I'm struck by how well he understands me. "The rest of the house will probably have to be bedrooms, though.”

“Why bedrooms?” I reply with a puzzled look.

“You know, for all the little wolves we’ll have running around.” He shoots back with a wink and a chuckle.

“Woah…I don’t know if we’ll needthatmany bedrooms, but I like your thinking!” We both let out a laugh as we pull each other close in a sweet embrace.

"Really though, I love your ideas," I say, tingles of anticipation running down my spine as I imagine our future together in this very place.

We stand outside admiring the house, the crisp winter air grazes my cheeks, turning them a rosy pink. I glance up at Logan, his amber eyes alive with excitement and love and suddenly feel overwhelmed by the enormity of it all - the love I've found with him, the magical world of Everwood, and the prospect of building a life together within these walls. I can't help but think that I've finally found where I truly belong. And together, we will build a life filled with love, laughter, and endless adventure.

I let out a soft laugh, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "You know, I never thought I'd find happiness like this. A loving partner, a family, and a place where I truly belong."

He grins down at me, the joy in his eyes reflecting my own. "Well, life has a funny way of surprising us with what we need most."

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