It was a message from Lucas:“Stuck at home. Snowstorm’s worse than expected. Missing my favorite person. Can I come over later?”
Emma smiled at the screen but hesitated.“I’ve got work here. You should stay safe.”
Almost immediately, another message arrived:“I can brave it if it means seeing you. Promise I’ll be careful.”
Emma sighed, torn between worry and the thrill of seeing him. She quickly typed back:“Okay… but hurry. And wrap up warm.”
An hour later, the bell above the bookstore door jingled. Lucas appeared, dusted with snow, cheeks pink from the cold, holding a small bouquet of wildflowers he had picked earlier.
“You really didn’t have to—” Emma began, but he cut her off with a sheepish grin.
“I know. I couldn’t help it. You’re worth a little frostbite,” he said, handing her the flowers.
Emma laughed, taking them gently.“You’re impossible.”
Lucas shrugged, settling into the reading nook, carefully removing his wet gloves.“And you love it,” he teased.
They spent the afternoon together, sipping cocoa, talking, and laughing, though Emma couldn’t help noticing Lucas seemed quieter than usual.
“Something on your mind?” she asked softly, brushing a strand of damp hair from his forehead.
He hesitated, then admitted,“I just… I worry about us sometimes. About whether this… whatever we have… is going to work.”
Emma felt her chest tighten, but she smiled reassuringly.“Lucas, it’s going to work. We care about each other, and that’s what matters. Snowstorms, misunderstandings… they don’t change that.”
He looked at her, relief washing over his face.“You really mean that?”
“Absolutely,” she said, squeezing his hand.
The rest of the day passed in quiet intimacy, with shared smiles, playful teasing, and the comfort of knowing they could weather any storm together—literal or metaphorical.
By the time Lucas left, the snow had settled into a soft, glittering blanket over the town. Emma stood at the door, watching him walk away, and realized that love wasn’t always about grand gestures. Sometimes, it was about showing up, even in the middle of a snowstorm, and holding on when it mattered most.
Chapter 12:
Festival Fumbles
Willow Creek was bustling again, this time for the annual Winter Craft Fair. The streets were lined with stalls selling handmade ornaments, candles, and festive treats. Emma had been roped into helping set up a booth for The Page Turner, and she arrived early to arrange books and decorations.
To her surprise, Lucas was already there, carrying a box of wrapped gifts.“Morning! Thought I’d help,” he said cheerfully.
Emma grinned.“You’re relentless, you know that?”
“I prefer‘dedicated,’” he said with a mock bow.
The fair started smoothly, with townspeople browsing the stalls and laughter filling the crisp air. Emma was enjoying herself, chatting with visitors, when Lucas wandered off to help another booth.
Moments later, a loud commotion drew her attention. Lucas had accidentally knocked over a display of delicate ornaments at a nearby stall. Glass shattered, and the owner gasped, looking ready to scold him.
Emma rushed over, cheeks flushed.“Lucas! Are you okay?”
Lucas bent down, carefully picking up the fallen pieces.“I’m fine… mostly. Just a little embarrassed.”
The stall owner sighed, but seeing Emma by his side, he softened.“It’s alright. Accidents happen.”
Emma laughed, shaking her head.“You really know how to make an impression, don’t you?”
Lucas grinned sheepishly.“I aim to be memorable.”
