Page 13 of Mountain Man's Autumn Angel
“No pressure for this year’s event,” Clayton said dryly.
“We’ve got this,” Marissa said confidently. “Same as always. Great vendors, amazing food, and enough holiday magic to make even the Grinch believe.”
“Don’t forget the new additions,” Ayden added. “The ice skating rink and the gingerbread village are going to be incredible.”
I looked around at these women—my dearest friends, my chosen family—and marveled at how far we’d all come. We’d built businesses, raised children, and created something special together. The Wildwood Valley Christmas Festival wasn’t just a local event anymore. It was a tradition that brought families together from all over the region.
“You know what the best part is?” I asked, watching as Luca helped Wren catch a particularly elusive firefly. “Ten years ago, I thought I was just coming here to sell a few pieces of pottery. I never imagined I’d find my home.”
“Or your family,” Parker added, gesturing to all of us.
“Or your empire,” Calliope teased. “Seriously, Melanie, you’ve got the most successful business in three counties.”
“We all do,” I corrected. “Look around. Marissa’s spice blends are in grocery stores. Cecelia’s popcorn is at every festival in the state. We built this together.”
“Group hug,” Juniper announced, jumping up from my lap.
And somehow, impossibly, all of us—adults and kids alike—managed to squeeze together in one massive, laughing, slightly chaotic embrace.
As we settled back onto our blankets, I caught Luca’s eye. He smiled that slow, sweet smile that had captured my heart from the moment we met. I knew that no matter how big the festival grew or how successful our businesses became, this—these people, this place, this love—would always be the real magic.
The fireflies danced, the bonfire crackled, and somewhere in the distance, I could swear I heard the faint sound of Christmas music carried on the autumn breeze.
Perfect.
