Page 22 of Once Upon a Frosty Winter

“That’s all I could ask for, I suppose.”

“You really are wicked,” I tease and pull her closer to me for a kiss. “And I love you for it.”

Her eyes go wide. “What did you say?”

“I love you.”

It’s the first time I’ve ever told anyone other than my mother that I love them. She doesn’t move or so much as even blink. I hold her more firmly to ensure I haven’t spooked her, and she runs away from me. “I wouldn’t say it unless I meant it. God knows I wish I didn’t. I’ve tried not to fall in love with you, I swear. But, Hilda Queen, I do love you.”

Then the most miraculous thing happens. She smiles. A wide, genuine smile—the kind that Mira gets.I’m getting a Mira smile! She loves me too!I really want to pound my chest and fist-bump the air. Her cheeks turn an adorable pink as her eyes become shiny with unshed tears.

“Promise me we’ll spend every Christmas dancing in the apple orchard.”

“Promise.”

Hilda tries to maintain her cocky, cool composure, but she can’t stop smiling as she speaks. “Then, yes. I’ll marry you.”

I lift her off her feet and spin her around. As I lower her back down, I claim her lips and kiss a moan from her. She pulls back and smiles again at me.

“And Jax…” Her words come out breathless. “I love you, too.”

Off in the distance, I hear a voice say “I told you he was going to propose.” And then another one hiss, “No. I said last year that man was going to marry her.”

“You didn’t say tonight, though.”

THE END

MORE FROM MISTLETOE CREEK

Once upon a time…it’s how every good fairytale starts. But these aren’t your childhood fairytales. This holiday season, eleven of your favorite authors are spicing up your favorite fairytales all set in the small town of Mistletoe Creek, Tennessee. Grab your cocoa and meet your Prince Charming because happily ever after has a whole new meaning…

Grab the whole series!

Robbing from Mistletoe by Ember Davis

Once Upon a Frosty Winter by Gail Haris

Midnight in Mistletoe by Breanna Lynn

The Wolf and the Woodsman by Mae Harden

Wicked Love by Emmanuelle Snow

Say My Name by Alina Lane

All Snowed Gin by Claire Hastings

Taming Mistletoe by January Rayne Entangled by Aria Wyatt

Mistletoe Wishesby Sasha Marshall

Acknowledgments

Who doesn’t love the Evil Queen? I enjoyed so much playing off her tale and giving it a Christmas twist. Thank you so much for taking time to read this novella!

I have to think my dear friend Breanna for getting this world together! You’re amazing! All your dedication to this – PLUS being a mom, author, and all that you do. I also want to especially thank the wonderful Mae Harden! You did such an amazing job with the covers and graphics.

Huge shout out to Amanda Cuff for always saving my last minute ass. Another badass mother, author, and wonder woman who does it all and manages to ALWAYS save the day.

---