Page 100 of A Love Like Christmas Time
“Nope.” Nic hands him her own mug. Apparently, they’re sharing. “Well, friends,” one by one, she meets our eyes, “to a fun Christmas market.” She takes her mug back from Henry and holds it in the middle of our little circle. Henry, for lack of options, puts his hand around it too, making Nic giggle.
“To that.” I grin and clink my mug against hers. Caleb and Kieran clink theirs against ours too, and all of us, apart from Henry, collectively take a sip.
“Fuck, that’s good.” I groan as the hot liquid slowly warms me from the inside.
“Good evening, everyone!” Harry’s voice blares through the speakers, and I turn to the stage. We stand far to the side at an angle that barely lets us see Harry up there, only a thick, gray winter coat, his face barely visible between his hat and scarf.
“Thank you, everyone, for participating in this year’s Christmas market! All proceeds will go to a charity that will be decided by the very person to earn this year’s biggest donation. But first, I want to say that I am incredibly proud of you all. We’ve exceeded any amount ever gathered. Before we continue, this deserves a round of applause.”
He waits, but since everyone’s hands are occupied with warm beverages or glove-clad, he doesn’t get much of a reply.
“Anyway,” he continues unperturbed, “every year, my heart is so full, seeing what you and the Wayward Hollow Christmas Market can accomplish. This year is no exception. That being said—” He holds up a sheet of paper. “We’ve tallied up all the votes and donations. As you all know, the winner gets to decide on next year’s theme and which charity will receive the funds.” There’s a dramatic pause. “In our hearts, I think we can all agree that the real winner of this event is the charity chosen. But the most votes went to…” He unfolds another sheet and narrows his eyes to read the result. “Kieran. Congratulations, please come on stage.”
“You did it, man!” Henry breaks into a cheer, clasping Kieran’s shoulder and shaking him excitedly.
“Congratulations,” Nic and I say in unison, though I’m not sure either of us is doing a great job at masking our jealous undertones.
“We’ll beat you next year,” I say with a nod and take his mug from him to free up his hands.
“Sure you will,” Kieran teases, then makes his way through the crowd to receive a plastic award that’s tiny enough to disappear in his hand as he accepts it, and a handshake from Harry.
After the cheers subside, and Kieran has returned after receiving so many shoulder clasps I fear for his back, Harry reaches for the microphone once more.
“And now, it’s time for the highlight of the evening and Christmas time in Wayward Hollow!” He points toward the giant Christmas tree in the center of the square. “May I get a countdown, please?”
The music turns louder—‘O Christmas Tree’coming from every corner. People around us sway with the song, some of them humming along as all other lights slowly dim. We turn to the tree, Caleb’s hand finding mine in the dark.
“Three, two, one!” The crowd chants, and then, row by row, the lights around the tree light up.
“Oh, it’s pretty,” I whisper, taking another sip of my mulled wine.
“It is,” Caleb mutters. From the corner of my eye, I see him staring at me.
“You’re so corny.” I can’t help but giggle, not sure anymore if my cheeks are red from the alcohol or this interaction. “Do it again. I like it.”
“And I likeyou,” he whispers back. I lift my head and purse my lips. He leans in and kisses me, letting go of my hand to lay it at the side of my face, earning a cheer from Kieran. When he breaks the kiss, I can’t help but smile at him, happiness quite literally not letting me stop.
“I’m so happy for you two,” a teary voice says, and my gaze jumps to Kieran, confused yet amused.
“Are you crying?”
“No, I’m not,” he presses out quickly and clears his throat. “Alcohol just makes me a little emotional.”
“Aww,” I say and nudge his arm with my elbow.
“And I might be the tiniest bit in my feelings about being single.”
“You’ll find someone,” I assure him and squeeze his arm. “Nic and I could help you.”
“I’m not sure if that’s a promise or a threat,” he replies, and playfully punches his arm.
“Don’t worry,” Henry says with a barking laugh, throwing his arm over Kieran’s shoulders. “If it’s a kiss under one of the mistletoes you’re after, that can be arranged.”
“What the—no!” Kieran laughs and puts his palm in front of Henry’s face when he tries to give him a smooch on the cheek.
“He might have had a mulled wine or two too many,” Nic whispers amusedly, taking a sip of her non-alcoholic drink.
Not much later, we’re at home, warming up under a thick blanket on my couch, my cold feet pressed against his warm calves. Taytay is curled up in my lap, while Jenna has declared Caleb her personal jungle gym. An old Disney Christmasmovie plays on the TV, but I’m staring at the flames of the fire Caleb lit in my fireplace.
