Ornaments and Affection
The Willow Inn was warm and fragrant with pine as Emily and Jack set about decorating the common room for the holidays. Strings of lights hung from the ceiling, and small wreaths adorned every window.
“Do you trust me with the ornaments?” Jack asked, holding a delicate glass bauble.
Emily laughed.“I trust you… mostly. Just don’t drop anything!”
Jack winked, carefully hanging the ornament on the tree.“See? Professional.”
They worked together, reaching for lights, untangling garlands, and laughing whenever one of them tangled in tinsel. Emily noticed the way Jack’s shoulder brushed hers whenever they reached for the same decoration, and she felt her chest flutter.
When it came time to hang the final ornament, a small silver star at the top of the tree, Jack lifted Emily gently so she could place it. She balanced atop his hands, heart racing, and carefully set the star.
“There,” she said, stepping down, her hands brushing his.
Jack’s eyes held hers.“You make everything better… including decorating a tree,” he murmured softly.
Emily’s cheeks warmed.“And you make it fun. I don’t think I’d enjoy this half as much without you.”
Jack stepped closer, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.“I like seeing you happy, Emily. That’s all I need.”
They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the tree glow with twinkling lights. Then Jack reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, wrapped gift.
“For you,” he said, handing it to her.
Emily’s fingers trembled slightly as she opened it, revealing a delicate charm bracelet with a tiny snowflake and sleigh charm.“Jack… it’s beautiful.”
“Not as beautiful as you,” he replied softly.“I wanted you to have something to remember this winter… and us.”
Emily’s heart swelled. She stepped closer, resting her forehead against his.“I’ll treasure it. And I’ll treasure you.”
Jack smiled, his hands framing her face gently.“Emily… I’m falling harder every day.”
“And I’m falling right alongside you,” she whispered.
As the lights of the tree shimmered around them, Emily realized that Willow Lake had given her more than snowy mornings and cozy nights — it had given her Jack Harrison, and a love she could hold close forever.
Chapter 17:
Skates and Sparks
The frozen lake glimmered under the pale winter sun as Emily laced up her skates. Jack stood beside her, adjusting his own, a mischievous grin on his face.
“Ready to show off your skating skills?” he teased.
Emily laughed, wobbling slightly.“I think you mean ready to watch me fall a lot.”
Jack chuckled, looping his arm through hers.“Then I’ll catch you… every time.”
They stepped onto the ice together, Emily gripping Jack’s arm for balance. At first, she wobbled, but soon she found her rhythm, gliding alongside him. Jack twirled her gently, making her laugh so hard her cheeks hurt.
“You’re not bad yourself,” Emily admitted, smiling up at him.
Jack’s eyes sparkled.“Not bad? I’m amazing.”
“Sure, amazing at teasing me while I almost faceplant,” she shot back, laughing.
As they skated in circles, racing each other across the ice, Emily noticed the small, tender moments — the way Jack kept a hand near her back, guiding her, the way he held her hand when she faltered, the warmth of his presence despite the chill in the air.
