He smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face.“Not as beautiful as you,” he said, softly, leaning closer.
The snow fell gently around them as their lips met, tender and slow, carrying all the warmth, trust, and growing love that had been building over the past days. In that quiet, snowy moment, Emily realized that Willow Lake had given her more than winter magic — it had given her Jack Harrison, and a love she never wanted to let go.
Chapter 11:
Tinsel Trouble
The town hall was bustling with activity as Emily and Jack arrived to help decorate the Christmas tree in the center of Willow Lake. Strings of twinkling lights, ornaments, and garlands were scattered across the floor, and volunteers were busy hanging decorations.
“Looks like we’re in for a fun day,” Jack said, handing Emily a box of ornaments.
“Fun is one word for it,” Emily replied, smiling.“Chaotic is another.”
They began hanging ornaments side by side, laughing at each other’s choices. Emily reached for a shiny red bauble, but Jack, trying to grab the same one, accidentally knocked over a box of tinsel. Silver strands flew everywhere, draping both of them like snow-covered angels.
“Oh no!” Emily exclaimed, laughing uncontrollably as Jack tried to untangle the tinsel from his coat.
“I… I think I’m stuck!” Jack said dramatically, struggling to free himself. Emily doubled over with laughter, finally helping him untangle the sparkling mess.
Once free, Jack looked at her with a mischievous grin.“You know what? I think we make a great team.”
Emily raised an eyebrow.“In making chaos, maybe.”
They continued decorating, this time carefully hanging ornaments together. Emily noticed the way Jack’s fingers brushed hers when they reached for the same bauble, sending a thrill up her arm. She laughed softly, hiding the warmth that spread through her chest.
Finally, the tree was complete, sparkling with lights and ornaments. Jack took a step back, admiring their work.“Not bad for a couple of amateurs,” he said.
Emily smiled, feeling proud and happy.“I’d say we did a pretty good job… even if we were covered in tinsel halfway through.”
Jack reached for her hand, holding it gently.“Emily… I’ve loved every moment of this. Every laugh, every little mess, every quiet moment with you.”
Emily’s heart fluttered.“Me too, Jack. Me too.”
As the evening settled in, the tree glowed in the center of the hall, the town around them alive with holiday cheer, and Emily realized something simple yet profound: winter in Willow Lake was magical, but it was even more magical with Jack by her side.
Chapter 12:
Dinner and Heartbeats
The firelight flickered across the small kitchen of the Willow Inn, casting a golden glow over the room. Emily stirred a pot of hearty stew, inhaling the rich aroma, while Jack chopped vegetables with practiced ease.
“You’re getting better at this,” Jack said, glancing at her with a playful smile.
Emily laughed.“I’m learning from the master, aren’t I?” She caught his eyes, and for a moment, the playful teasing faded into a comfortable warmth that made her heart flutter.
Jack set down the knife and came closer, brushing a strand of hair from her face.“I like seeing you like this,” he said softly.“Focused, happy… relaxed.”
Emily’s cheeks warmed.“I like being here with you,” she admitted, lowering her voice.
As the stew simmered, they worked side by side, the kitchen filled with laughter, the scent of spices, and the quiet hum of the fire. Emily noticed the little things — the way Jack’s hand occasionally brushed hers, the gentle curve of his smile, and the warmth in his eyes whenever he looked at her.
Once the meal was ready, they sat at the small table by the fire, steaming bowls of stew in front of them. Jack reached across and gently took her hand.
“Emily… these past few days with you… they’ve been incredible,” he said, his voice low and earnest.“I don’t want this… us… to end when the trip is over.”
Emily’s heart raced, her fingers tightening around his.“Jack… I feel the same. I don’t want to go back to the way things were before. I want… this. I want you.”
He smiled, relief and warmth in his eyes.“Good,” he said softly.“Because I’m not letting go, Emily. Not now, not ever.”
