Epilogue:
The sun shone brightly over the town rink, reflecting off the freshly resurfaced ice. Maddie Carter zipped her jacket, laughing as Ryan Harper skated circles around her, trying — and failing — to challenge her to a friendly race.
“Seriously, Harper! You’re not even trying!” she teased, effortlessly gliding past him.
“I’m saving my energy,” he said, grinning,“for the real prize.”
“And what prize is that?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
His eyes softened, and he held out a small, handcrafted trophy — a puck mounted on a wooden base, with a little plaque that read: Best Teammate, Off and On the Ice.
Maddie’s laugh caught in her throat as she realized the thought he had put into it.“You’re ridiculous,” she said, laughing and brushing a strand of hair from her face.
“Ridiculously in love with you,” he corrected, stepping closer and tucking the puck under his arm.
Maddie rolled her eyes, but her heart warmed.“Well… I guess I’ll let it slide this time,” she said softly.
They skated side by side, the rink empty except for the two of them. The sound of blades cutting ice, the cool breeze, and the sunlight bouncing off the rink made the world feel perfect.
Ryan reached for her hand, intertwining fingers.“I’m glad we took it step by step,” he said.
“Me too,” Maddie replied, squeezing his hand.“And I wouldn’t change a single moment.”
As they skated toward the edge of the rink, Maddie knew that life, like hockey, had its ups and downs, wins and losses. But with Ryan by her side, every day was a victory.
And as the sun dipped toward the horizon, casting golden light across the ice, they shared a quiet, perfect moment — a promise that whatever the next season brought, they would face it together, heart to heart, side by side.
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The End
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Story: 7
Snowed In With You
Chapter 1:
Snowflakes and Serendipity
Holly Mason tightened her scarf as she stepped out of the train station. Snowflakes drifted lazily from the sky, dusting her hair and coat with a delicate sparkle. She had arrived in Maplewood, a small mountain town famous for its cozy inns, twinkling lights, and annual Winter Festival.
Her plan was simple: a quiet holiday getaway, a week of reading by the fireplace, hot cocoa, and no distractions. But life, as it often did, had other plans.
As she struggled with her suitcase on the slippery cobblestone street, a hand appeared at her elbow.“Need a little help?”
Holly looked up into the warm brown eyes of a stranger, his cheeks flushed from the cold. He was tall, wearing a navy coat dusted with snow, and a beanie slightly askew.
“I… uh… yes, thank you,” she replied, a little flustered.
“Name’s Lucas,” he said, gripping her suitcase.“Maplewood resident and occasional snow rescuer. And you are?”
“Holly,” she said, smiling despite herself.
He chuckled, effortlessly pulling the suitcase across the icy path toward the inn.“Well, Holly, welcome to Maplewood. Don’t worry — I give guided tours of the town free of charge.”
Her heart gave a little flutter at his easy charm.“I might just take you up on that.”
