By the time the snow had stopped falling outside, Emily knew one thing for certain: she didn’t want this night to end, and she didn’t want Jack Harrison to ever leave her side.
Chapter 6:
The Christmas Market
The town square was alive with holiday cheer. Stalls lined the cobblestone streets, twinkling lights draped overhead, and the scent of roasted chestnuts, cinnamon, and pine filled the air. Emily took it all in, her cheeks flushed from the cold and excitement.
Jack walked beside her, a scarf wrapped snugly around his neck.“Welcome to the Willow Lake Christmas Market,” he said with a grin.“My favorite part of the season.”
Emily laughed.“I can see why. It’s magical.” She paused to watch children ice skate on a small rink nearby, their laughter carrying through the crisp air.“I didn’t expect anything like this in such a quiet town.”
“You haven’t seen the best part yet,” Jack said, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward a stall decorated with hand-carved ornaments.“Come on — I want to show you something.”
The stall was overflowing with handcrafted decorations: tiny wooden sleds, painted figurines, and delicate glass baubles. Jack picked up a small ornament shaped like a snowflake.“This one’s for you,” he said, holding it out.
Emily accepted it, her fingers brushing his.“It’s beautiful,” she said softly.
“Not as beautiful as you,” Jack replied, his eyes sparkling. Emily’s heart skipped a beat, and she looked down, suddenly shy.
They wandered through the market, sampling treats — candied apples, warm gingerbread cookies, and steaming cups of spiced cider. Emily found herself laughing at Jack’s playful teasing, the way he insisted she try everything first, and the way he guided her through the crowded streets, hand in hand.
At the center of the market stood a large Christmas tree, decorated with glowing lights and colorful ornaments. Jack led Emily to the base of the tree, and they stood in awe for a moment, the festive music playing softly around them.
“Close your eyes,” Jack said suddenly. Emily obeyed, feeling a thrill of anticipation.
When she opened them again, Jack held out a small gift wrapped in red paper and a golden ribbon.“For you,” he said.“Just a little something to remember Willow Lake — and tonight.”
Emily’s eyes softened.“You didn’t have to…”
Jack shrugged, a playful smirk on his face.“I wanted to.”
She untied the ribbon, revealing a delicate silver necklace with a tiny snowflake pendant.“Jack… it’s perfect,” she whispered, touched beyond words.
He stepped closer, his hand brushing hers again.“Not as perfect as this moment,” he said, his voice low and warm.
Emily’s heart raced. The world seemed to narrow to just the two of them, the twinkling lights above, the festive music, and the undeniable spark between them.
As they stood under the Christmas tree, Emily realized that Willow Lake wasn’t just magical because of the decorations or the snow — it was magical because of Jack Harrison, and the way he made her feel like she belonged.
Chapter 7:
Sleigh Bells and Snowflakes
The crisp winter air smelled of pine and fresh snow as Emily wrapped her scarf tighter and climbed into the wooden sleigh. Jack stood beside her, holding the reins, his breath forming small clouds in the cold.
“Ready for this?” he asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Emily grinned.“I think so… though I might scream.”
Jack laughed.“Perfect. That’s half the fun.”
The sleigh ride began with a gentle jolt, and soon they were gliding along the snow-covered path that wound through the forest surrounding Willow Lake. The trees were dusted with snow, their branches twinkling in the soft afternoon light. Emily leaned back against the sleigh’s warm blankets, laughing as the horses picked up speed.
“You’re not screaming!” Jack teased, glancing at her.
“I’m… holding it in!” she called back, barely containing her laughter.
They rode in playful silence for a while, the only sounds being the jingling of bells and the rhythmic crunch of hooves against snow. At a bend in the path, Jack slowed the sleigh and stopped. Emily looked up at him, curious.
