Emily pretended to glare.“Show-off,” she said, though she laughed, leaning into him.
After several games and little playful competitions, they wandered toward the ice sculpture exhibit. A large sculpture of a winter wolf stood proudly in the center, delicate and intricate. Emily reached for Jack’s hand, squeezing it gently.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.
“Not as beautiful as someone I know,” Jack replied, his voice low and tender.
Emily’s cheeks warmed as he leaned closer, brushing his lips against her temple.“Jack…” she murmured, feeling a rush of warmth in the frosty air.
The evening ended with them walking through the softly lit streets, hand in hand, sharing quiet smiles and occasional playful nudges. Snowflakes swirled around them, settling gently on their hair and coats. Emily felt a sense of contentment she had never known — laughter, love, and the magic of Willow Lake all wrapped into one perfect winter night.
As they paused at the edge of the town square, Jack pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her.“I don’t want this night to end,” he said softly.
Emily rested her head against his chest.“Then let’s not think about the end. Let’s just be here… together.”
And there, in the heart of the holiday fair, Emily realized that Willow Lake had given her more than winter magic — it had given her Jack, and a love that was playful, warm, and entirely hers.
Chapter 20:
New Year’s Promise
Snow fell softly over Willow Lake as the town prepared for the New Year’s Eve celebration. The inn glowed warmly against the cold, its windows twinkling with festive lights. Emily stood by the window, watching the snowflakes dance, feeling the gentle thrill of the night ahead.
Jack appeared behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.“You ready for tonight?” he asked, his voice low and warm.
Emily leaned back into him, smiling.“I think so… but I’m more ready for this moment with you than anything else.”
They joined the town square, where a crowd had gathered around a giant clock tower. Children laughed, vendors shouted cheerful greetings, and the air was filled with music, fireworks, and the smell of roasted treats. Jack took Emily’s hand, holding it tightly as they waited for the countdown.
“Emily,” Jack whispered, looking down at her,“this winter… you’ve made it the best I’ve ever known. I don’t want it to end, and I don’t want us to end either.”
Emily’s heart raced.“Jack…”
He knelt suddenly, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket. Her eyes widened as he opened it to reveal a delicate ring.
“Emily Parker,” he said, voice steady despite the excitement in the crowd around them,“I don’t want to spend another winter — or any day at all — without you. Will you be mine… always?”
Tears filled Emily’s eyes as she nodded, unable to speak for a moment.“Yes… yes, Jack. I will.”
Jack slipped the ring onto her finger, and they embraced, the crowd erupting into cheers around them. Fireworks lit up the sky, painting the night in brilliant colors, but Emily felt as if the only light she needed was the warmth in Jack’s arms.
They shared a gentle kiss, hearts racing in tandem, snowflakes settling softly around them. The world seemed to pause, holding their happiness in a perfect, magical moment.
As the clock struck midnight, Emily whispered,“I love you, Jack.”
“I love you too, Emily,” he replied, pressing his forehead to hers.“Always.”
Wrapped in each other’s arms, surrounded by the sparkling lights and the quiet magic of Willow Lake, Emily knew that this winter had given her everything she had ever dreamed of — laughter, love, and a promise that would last forever.
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The End
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Story: 13
Love, Unscripted
