Page 1 of Always, For Love

CHAPTER ONE

It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Endless Harbor.

Ariel Hawthorne and Miles Clemens strolled hand in hand, their breaths visible in the crisp winter air as they wandered through the bustling small-town shopping district. The streets were adorned with twinkling lights that draped gracefully from lampposts and shop windows, casting a festive glow on the cobblestone walkways. Festive decorations hung from every corner, evoking a sense of holiday magic in the air.

"Isn't this just lovely?" Ariel mused, her cheeks rosy from the cold and her dark eyes sparkling with joy. "It's been so long since I've experienced a true winter wonderland. We certainly didn't have Christmas like this back in Miami."

Miles squeezed her hand gently, his hazel eyes crinkling into a smile as he looked down at her. "Maine is certainly different than Florida. And I'm glad we could take time out today," he replied, his voice a gentle murmur against the din of shoppers and festive cheer.

"Me, too," she said, feeling herself relax more and more as they walked. The stress of planning their upcoming wedding had been building, and Christmas shopping provided a much-needed distraction from the event, which was itself not even two weeks away. Being engaged to Miles had brought her so much joy, but the pressure of organizing the perfect event was starting to wear on her. Even though they had sworn to hold a small, intimate ceremony, it all still seemed overwhelming at times.

As they continued their leisurely stroll, the sights and sounds of the holiday season enveloped them like a warm embrace. Ariel and Miles found themselves lost in each other's company, their love for one another radiating in the simple act of walking hand in hand. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them and the twinkling lights that reflected in their eyes, until they came upon carolers standing on a nearby street corner, their voices blending harmoniously as they sang familiar tunes that tugged at the heartstrings. Their melodies danced through the air, weaving through the sounds of laughter and footsteps echoing off the cobblestone.

"Listen to them," Ariel whispered, tilting her head toward the carolers. "Their voices are so beautiful. It reminds me of when Charlie and I would go caroling with our friends here, growing up."

Miles nodded, his expression saying that he was recalling his own memories of holidays past. "I bet you and your sister sounded lovely. There's something special about this time of year, isn't there?"

The enticing aromas of freshly baked goods wafted from the open doors of a quaint bakery, tempting passersby with promises of warm gingerbread cookies, rich fruitcakes, and buttery pastries. Ariel inhaled deeply, savoring the scent that reminded her of home and the time she spent in the kitchen crafting culinary masterpieces for the guests at her own B&B.

"Would you look at those!" Ariel exclaimed, pointing to a display of intricately decorated sugar cookies. "I could almost taste them just by looking."

"Careful," Miles teased, "or you'll find yourself with a mouthful of cold window."

Ariel playfully swatted his arm, her laughter ringing like sleigh bells. "You know what I mean, Mr. Literal."

Ariel's eyes sparkled as she spotted a charming boutique nestled amongst the festive storefronts. Its front display seemed to beckon her closer. "Let's check this place out, Miles," she suggested, tugging at his hand excitedly.

"Of course," he agreed, following her into the boutique with a smile. "I'm sure we'll find something interesting in there."

The moment they stepped inside, the soft tinkling of the bell over the door greeted them, mingling with the scent of lavender and sandalwood. The boutique was a treasure trove of carefully curated items, each one seemingly more unique than the last. Delicate jewelry pieces were displayed on ornate stands, their gemstones shimmering softly under the warm overhead lighting. Artisanal home decor lined the shelves, from hand-painted vases to intricately woven baskets.

"Wow, this place is amazing," Ariel breathed, her fingers tracing the edges of an expertly crafted wooden trinket box.

"Everything here seems to have a story behind it," Miles mused, picking up a hand-carved figurine of a sailor navigating the seas.

"Sort of like us," Ariel said thoughtfully. She found herself drawn to a collection of vintage postcards, each one featuring a different coastal scene. As she flipped through them, a few reminded her of Leeside, the big, sprawling Victorian nestled in the bluffs outside of town. It was a place that she now called home with her daughter, Katie, and Miles. Her thoughts wandered to the life she and Miles were building together in Endless Harbor. The small-town charm, the salty sea air, Ariel's very own bed and breakfast, and the restaurant she'd always fantasized of owning; and now, marrying her soulmate. It all felt like a dream come true.

"Look at this, Miles," she whispered, holding up a postcard that depicted a storm over the ocean, a small boat tossed by the tempest. "It reminds me of when we got caught in that storm sailing to Mermaid Cove."

He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. "I remember," he murmured, his lips brushing against her temple. "You're my favorite girl to get shipwrecked with."

Ariel leaned into him, feeling a warmth spread through her chest that had nothing to do with the cozy boutique. The world outside might be cold and hectic, but in this moment, surrounded by beautiful objects and the man she loved, she found solace and contentment. But she still jostled him playfully. "Favorite? I'd better be your only!"

"Let's find the rest of the gifts on our list, shall we?" Miles suggested, his voice brimming with affection.

"Absolutely," Ariel replied, just as her gaze landed on a delicate necklace, its pendant shaped like a paintbrush, the fine bristles crafted with exquisite detail. It was perfect for Katie, her talented daughter, who could spend hours lost in her artwork, her passion for creativity blocking out the world around her.

"Look at this, Miles," Ariel said, excitement lacing her voice. "For Katie. Every time she wears it, she'll be reminded of our support for her art."

Miles leaned in to examine the necklace, his eyes softening. "She'll adore it," he agreed, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair behind Ariel's ear. "Just like she adores her mother."

A faint blush colored Ariel's cheeks as she took the necklace to the counter, feeling warmth bloom within her chest. The simple yet meaningful gift seemed to encapsulate so much of what mattered to her daughter.

"Thank you," she said to the attentive shopkeeper, who wrapped the necklace in tissue paper and nestled it inside a decorative box.

"Your daughter is sure to treasure it," the woman assured her, tying a bow around the package with practiced ease. Ariel hoped so—she and Katie had been through so much over the past year, coming to Maine, renovating Leeside, starting new lives…

With their mission accomplished at the boutique, Ariel and Miles stepped back into the brisk winter air, their breaths forming puffs of white mist. They continued their stroll through the festive shopping district, hand in hand, awash again in the joyful carols carried on the sea breeze.

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