Page 71 of Holly and Ivar
Holly: That certainly helped.
Ivar: Next time, let’s aim for fewer life-altering revelations and more cookies.
Holly: Deal.Sweet dreams, Ranger.
Ivar: Only if you’re in them, Kringle.
CHRISTMAS EVE COUNTDOWN
DAYS
37
be-leaf in magic
Holly
Thenoonsunglintedoff the snow, bright enough to make Holly squint as she helped Liv tie the last garland to the gazebo rail.Her fingers were numb, her cheeks flushed, and yet there was a deep satisfaction in seeing the square come together.
Tomorrow was the last day of the carnival, and Liv wanted the gazebo to look spectacular as it would host a full day of choirs and bands before the festivities ended with a town-wide dance.
She reached for the last garland, laughing under her breath as Liv adjusted it for the third time.“Perfectionist tendencies run in your family, you know.”
Liv arched an eyebrow.“You’re one to talk.”
Before Holly could answer, a familiar voice carried across the square.
“Holly!”
She turned.Chad stood at the base of the gazebo, his expression sharp enough to cut through ice.
“Hello, Chad,” she said carefully.“Enjoying the festival?”
“Hardly.”He took a few measured steps closer, boots crunching on the packed snow.“You must be proud of yourself.”
“Proud?”
“Rowan called the town hall today.She’s blocking the development.She says you and your friends convinced her to keep the land as it is.Now she’s even talking of moving here.”
“We never told her not to develop the land,” Liv said, moving beside Holly.
“Not in so many words.”His hand shook as he ran it through his hair.“I don’t know who you are, but you’re obviously not an investor.So tell me, Holly, who are you?”
“I’m someone who believes this forest deserves to stay whole.”
Chad let out a humorless laugh.“Whole?You think these people will thank you when the jobs don’t come?When nothing changes?”
“They don’t want change if it destroys what’s already good.”
He started to go, then paused.The edge in his voice broke for the first time.“Rowan’s all I’ve got left.You should’ve stayed out of it.”Without another glance, he disappeared down the snowy street, swallowed by shadow and distance.
Holly exhaled shakily, realizing her hands were clenched.Liv placed an arm around her.“Don’t let him upset you.”
Suddenly, Ivar appeared behind them, out of breath, with Al trotting at his side.
“Ivar?What on earth?Did you run here?”Liv asked.
He nodded, still catching his breath.
