Page 118 of Light My Fire Three Times
Well,it’s here.
The Winter Solstice Lantern Walk.
Same as every year.
I should be excited about it. I mean, it’s the thing to do in this town… everyone shows up, walking through the frosty streets carrying lanterns that light up the longest night of the year. It’s a small-town tradition, a chance to pause and appreciate the season.
But I’m not feeling any of that.
Not tonight.
The cold air bites at my face as I stand on the edge of the crowd, hands shoved deep into the pockets of my coat.
The festive lights twinkle in the trees, the streets are lined with wreaths and garlands, and the smell of hot cocoa and fresh pine fills the air.
It’s nice, but it doesn’t stop the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, that’s for sure.
The streets are alive, with families bundled in thick scarves and mittens, laughing and chatting as they stroll down the street, lanterns swinging in their hands.
It’s the kind of evening that’s supposed to be full of warmth and good cheer, but all I feel is a knot in my chest. A constant reminder of the fight I had with Olivia, of the way things went south between us.
I didn’t expect things with her to get so complicated. It was supposed to be simple—just a fun time. But I got way too attached, and now… well, now I’ve messed it all up.
The lights on the trees flicker, and I hear the soft sound of bells jingling as someone walks by. It should be comforting, the sound of Christmas bells, but all I can think about is Olivia and what I said to her.
I overreacted. I let my protectiveness get the better of me. I was a fool.
I spot Ivy up ahead, with her giant family surrounding her.
I remember when she first arrived in town, when Jesse introduced us to everyone. No one knew then that she’d end up with three husbands and four children. It’s wild how much her life has changed.
Ivy waves as soon as she spots me, her usual entourage trailing behind her. Mitchell, Timothy, and Freddie all have their hands full with the kids, but they’re grinning.
They don’t have a care in the world. The sight of them, all wrapped up in the season, fills the air with this strange warmth.
I can’t help but feel a little envious of the ease with which they all seem to move through life. Especially Penny, who seems to be constantly laughing as she swings the lantern by her side.
“Leo!” Ivy calls, pulling me from my thoughts. “You good?”
I force a smile, shoving my hands deeper into my coat pockets. “Yeah, just… you know, taking it all in.”
She raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “You sure? You look like someone kicked your dog.”
“Just enjoying the lantern walk,” I mutter, doing my best to sound casual, but there’s a tightness in my chest that won’t go away.
“I hear things got a little…” Ivy sucks in a sharp breath. “Tense with Olivia again.”
I furrow my brow. Again, I don’t know how much she knows, so I nod.
“Leo, try to make it right with Liv. She’s going through a hard time.”
“I know.” The weight presses down on me even more. “I want to make it right.”
Penny calls out to Ivy, and the family starts walking with everyone else, blending in with the sea of lights. But before I can even consider joining them, someone else catches my attention.
“Leo, my man!”
“Silas Grant, it’s been a while.” I force a smile as he bypasses the street performer, singing acoustic Christmas Carols. “The ranch must be keeping you busy.”
