Liam didn’t know if his rustic “Down on the Farm” holiday theme could compete with Cassidy’s whimsical chocolate display, Zoe’s floral magic, or Emily’s heavenly dessert extravaganza. But it didn’t matter. What mattered was that it was him. It was real. It was his story woven in lights and handmade ornaments and a little surprise he hoped would charm the crowd.
“Welcome to the final switch-on,” Mayor Bloomfield boomed. “Our last contestant needs no introduction, but I’ll give you one anyway. Let’s hear it for Liam Hawthorne and his Hot Honey Farm Shop.”
Liam walked to the front and waved, taking the mic from the mayor. “I just want to thank you for coming out tonight. For all the support you’ve shown me and the new shop. And I hope you like what I’ve created for you.” He nodded his head and then disappeared around the side of the shop.
The shop slowly came to life. First with the pine tree forest Liam had staged near the front, each wrapped in warm white twinkle lights.
Then the rustic garland that framed the doors. It was made of fresh pine, dried oranges, and cranberries, tied with burlap bows. A wooden sleigh leaned against the front wall, stacked with wrapped boxes in brown paper and twine.
A spotlight shone on his interactive touches. The hot cider station he’d created in a hollowed-out barrel, self-serve witha ladle, cinnamon sticks, and branded Hot Honey Farm Shop mugs. A mailbox labeled “Letters to Santa” for the kids, with stamped kraft-paper envelopes and pencils tied with twine. His donation box, a handmade beehive box with a sign that read “Sweeten Someone’s Season” beside it.
And if that wasn’t enough, when he reappeared, he had Jackson with him, and two llamas.
Cassidy burst out laughing. “You brought llamas? Oh, come on.”
“I brought llamas,” Liam said with a proud grin. “You didn’t think I’d forget about Daisy and Tinsel, did you?”
“I haven’t seen them since that day in the barn,” she said, her voice softening.
“That was a very good day,” Liam said, voice low.
“It was the best,” she agreed.
“It was the beginning,” he added.
Beside him, Jackson adjusted Daisy’s lead rope, scratching the llama’s neck with an absentminded tenderness that softened the usual guarded lines of his face. His dark hair was ruffled by the wind, and he wore a Hot Honey Farm Shop beanie pulled low over his ears.
Zoe stepped forward with a handful of cut apple pieces, her eyes bright. “Mind if I…?”
Jackson’s lips quirked. “Go for it. Daisy loves attention.”
Zoe giggled as Daisy nuzzled her palm, careful and gentle, her long lashes blinking slowly. “You’re gorgeous, aren’t you?”
Daisy loved the attention, leaning into Zoe so she could scratch under her harness.
Jackson watched, something vulnerable flickering in his eyes, before clearing his throat. “She’s not usually that affectionate. Takes a bit to warm up.”
Zoe glanced up, cheeks pink from the cold and maybe something else. “That’s alright, I can be patient.”
Jackson’s mouth twitched. “I’ve noticed.”
Cassidy’s eyes darted between them, a slow smile spreading across her face. She looked like she wanted to say something to Liam, but the crowd surged closer, drawn in by the glowing lights, the smell of warm cider, and the llamas. Daisy shook her head, the bell on her halter jingling. Tinsel sniffed a toddler’s mitten and looked like she wanted a little taste before the tyke offered her some hay.
“That’s a crowd-pleaser if I’ve ever seen one,” Kit said, appearing at Cassidy’s side with a cider mug in each hand. She passed one to her.
Zoe followed, eyes wide as she took in the display. “Liam, this is beautiful. It feels like Maple Falls. Like home.”
Madison nodded. “It’s exactly what Christmas should be.”
Liam was overwhelmed by the attention. He rubbed the back of his neck, muttering a quiet thanks as more neighbors approached to shake his hand or clap him on the shoulder.
That’s when he noticed Mr. Alders—pushing his way through the crowd in a bulky green coat and…Is that…?
“Is he wearing…?”
“A Team Liam sweater,” Madison confirmed, eyes twinkling.
Sure enough, the old man had purchased a Team Liam sweater. He walked straight up to Liam and gave a stiff nod.
