The night air was crisp, but Holly felt nothing but warmth — the kind that comes from laughter, trust, and the first sparks of something real. Hand in hand, Lucas and Holly skated slowly under the golden lights, knowing that whatever the season brought, this moment would stay with them forever.
Chapter 7:
Snowed In
The morning dawned gray and quiet, the town blanketed in thick snow. Holly Mason peeked out the inn window, her breath fogging the glass.“Wow,” she whispered.“They weren’t kidding about the storm.”
Lucas appeared behind her, holding two steaming mugs of cocoa.“Looks like Maplewood decided we should stay inside today,” he said with a grin.“And I think that’s a very good thing.”
By mid-morning, the snowstorm had grown intense, and the inn staff had closed the town streets to traffic. Holly and Lucas found themselves stranded indoors, the perfect excuse for a cozy day together.
They set up a little space by the fireplace, blankets spread across the floor, cocoa mugs in hand, and a stack of board games nearby. Holly laughed as Lucas insisted on teaching her a tricky card game, only to cheat playfully when she wasn’t looking.
“You’re impossible,” she said, nudging him with her shoulder.
“Only when it comes to making you laugh,” he replied, his grin softening as he brushed a stray strand of hair from her face.
Hours passed in a blur of laughter, playful teasing, and quiet moments by the fire. At one point, a gust of wind rattled the windows, sending snow swirling outside. Holly shivered, and Lucas immediately wrapped a blanket around her shoulders.
“You’re warm enough now,” he said, his voice low and comforting.“I’ve got you.”
Holly’s heart skipped. She leaned into him slightly, savoring the warmth, the safety, and the closeness they shared.“Lucas… I’m really glad we met,” she whispered.
He looked down at her, his eyes soft and steady.“Me too, Holly. Me too.”
As the snowstorm raged outside, Holly realized that the world could fall away, and the chaos of life could pause — as long as they had this: laughter, warmth, and each other.
And in that quiet, snow-filled afternoon, a simple holiday escape had become something unforgettable — a memory she would treasure long after the snow melted.
Chapter 8:
Snow Angels and Sweet Moments
By late afternoon, the storm had finally subsided. Holly Mason peeked outside to see the town blanketed in soft, glistening snow. The world looked peaceful, almost magical, and she felt a thrill at the thought of venturing out with Lucas.
He was already waiting by the inn door, bundled up in his navy coat, a scarf wrapped loosely around his neck.“Ready for a walk?” he asked, holding out his hand.
Holly took it with a smile.“Absolutely.”
The snow crunched beneath their boots as they wandered through the quiet streets, lanterns casting golden reflections on the white ground. Holly laughed as Lucas challenged her to a snowball fight, expertly dodging her throws before tossing one gently at her shoulder.
“Hey! Not fair!” she exclaimed, laughing, her cheeks pink from the cold and the excitement.
They collapsed into the soft snow shortly after, breathless and laughing. Lucas pointed to the ground.“Snow angels?” he suggested.
Holly grinned.“Oh, definitely.”
Side by side, they flopped into the snow and flailed their arms and legs, then sat up to admire their creations. Their angels were slightly messy, perfect in their imperfection — much like the day itself.
“You know,” Lucas said, brushing snow off his coat,“I think this might be the best holiday I’ve ever had.”
Holly looked at him, her heart fluttering.“I feel the same,” she admitted softly.“This… it’s more than I imagined.”
Lucas reached for her hand, fingers intertwining with hers.“Holly… I know it’s just a holiday, but… I don’t want this to end. Not the feeling, not this… us.”
Holly’s smile widened, her eyes shining in the golden light.“Then let’s promise something,” she said, squeezing his hand.
“Anything,” Lucas replied.
