Page 107 of Mad About Yule

I pull on my parka and knit hat and walk out the door with Lila. We stroll up Maple Street arm in arm like we did when we were little girls, eager to get to the tree.

Maple Street’s parking is full up, and shoppers bustle in and out of stores on both sides. Night has settled over Sunshine, and the storefronts glow with fairy lights, sprigs of holly, and brightly colored ornaments.

Lila hugs my arm tighter. “I’ve missed this.”

“You can have it again. But only if you want it. No pressure.”

“I really think I do. I’m not sure how I’ll make a living yet, but I want to try.”

A small knot of people crowd around Henderson’s window to watch the trains as they make their infinite loop around the tiny replica town. I added some real gems to the Christmas scene inside after Griffin and I set it up. A bright red wagon, an old wooden sled, several tin cars and trucks, plus felt dolls in all shapes and colors from The Painted Daisy round out the scene. Overhead, the string lights I rigged glitter like a canopy of stars.

Two little kids press their noses against the glass as they watch the trains go around, their faces aglow in the lights. Every murmur of appreciation just floats me higher on this cloud of pride and joy.

At town square, people press in around the twenty-foot tree, dark now as everyone waits for someone hidden off of Maple Street to throw the switch at the right moment.

My mother waves frantically, barreling toward us. I can’t tell if Dad is parting the crowd for her or if she’s using him as a battering ram, but they buzz our way.

“Look at everything you’ve done,” Mom crows. “This is better than I ever expected—and I expected a lot.”

“You’ve done well, Hope.” Dad’s praise is softer, but oh, I love that look of pride in his eyes.

“I saw Mayor Martinez earlier,” Mom says, speaking loudly over the murmuring crowd. “He sounds ready to hire you on the spot for that tourism position if you think you could take it on.”

“If he wants to talk about hiring someone, it should be Lila. I did a lot of work, but she knew how to bring in the crowds.”

“Oh, you don’t want a job down here.” Mom’s smile falters as she looks Lila over. “Do you?”

I give my sister’s arm one last squeeze and let her go.

She steps closer to them, her arms out like she’s ready to wrap them up in a hug. “Mom, Dad. We have some things to talk about.”

I pat her on the shoulder. “I need to get to the Winter Wonderland, but you’ve got this.”

Her happy little grin warms me right up. “Go get him.”

Weaving through the crowd, I’ve got enough energy running through me I could light the huge Christmas tree myself. When I reach the Winter Wonderland, all the little lights in my chest spark and crackle like they’re about to pop.

The small buildings stand all aglow, thanks to the string lights Griffin looped beneath the eaves. Children jostle each other for better views as they circle the buildings, cooing at the reindeer corralled between them. In the very center of the colorful village, Santa sits between two patio heaters, listening to earnest wishes. The line to sit in his lap stretches all the way back to the tree.

I could burst from joy.

In the distance, the soft tones of the church choir singing “O Christmas Tree” grow louder as they walk down Maple Street, and a hush falls over the crowd. A buzz fills the air as we wait for the magical moment the tree’s lights will come on, ushering us fully into the season.

And then, my heart really does burst from joy.

Griffin steps out from behind the Wonderland bakery, his eyes locked on me. I want to fan myself, he’s so handsome. That sharp jaw, those piercing hazel eyes that never miss a thing, that full, smirking mouth that gives as good as he gets—inallthe ways.

Oh, I love this man. And I’ve been absolutely ridiculous to think I could or should ever hide that from anyone.

I had an apology speech running through my head all day, but in this moment, the words aren’t as important.

With electricity glittering through my veins, I rush through the people around the Winter Wonderland and launch myself straight into his arms. He picks me up without hesitation, and I kiss him with everything I have, confirming enthusiastically thatI’m with him.

Thankfully, he kisses me back just as eagerly. I melt against him, almost painfully happy in his firm embrace. Somewhere behind us, a round of applause goes up, and I remember all the little children scattered nearby. The kiss is fully PG-13, but that might have been too much for a few of the littler ones.

I pull back and cup Griffin’s face in my hands. “I’m sorry I was afraid to tell you last night that I’m yours. I’ve been worried about the wrong things. I don’t care what anyone else thinks—they can say whatever they want behind my back or straight to my face, but I won’t let that stop me from loving you.”

Okay, that went beyond what I thought I’d say tonight, but the words are out. Now, all I can do is see how he’ll respond…

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