Lucas stepped closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.“Not as perfect as this moment,” he murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
Holly leaned into him, feeling the warmth of his coat and the steadiness of his presence.“I think Maplewood has a way of making moments unforgettable,” she said softly.
“And I think we’ve made a few unforgettable moments of our own,” Lucas replied, his voice low and tender.
As the lights twinkled above them and carols filled the air, Holly realized that this holiday had turned into something she hadn’t expected: not just a getaway, but the beginning of a love story — one filled with laughter, warmth, and the promise of many more magical moments together.
Chapter 11:
Snowstorm Surprise
The morning dawned quiet, but by mid-morning, heavy snowflakes began to fall once again, blanketing Maplewood in a fresh layer of powder. Holly Mason peeked outside, smiling despite the chill.“Looks like the town wants us to stay cozy indoors again,” she murmured.
Lucas appeared beside her, a woolen scarf draped around his neck and a playful grin on his face.“Or maybe it wants to give us another reason to spend time together,” he said, holding out his hand.
Holly laughed, taking it.“Then I guess we shouldn’t complain.”
They bundled up and ventured outside, determined to enjoy the snow despite the growing storm. Soon, the wind picked up, and snowflakes whipped against their faces. Lucas grabbed Holly’s hands, pulling her close.“We might get buried out here,” he teased.
“Then at least we’ll be buried together,” Holly shot back with a laugh.
Before long, they found themselves in a full-blown snowball battle, ducking behind trees and benches, laughing until their sides ached. Holly’s mittens were soaked, and Lucas’s hair was dusted with snow, but neither cared.
Eventually, they collapsed in the snow, breathless and laughing, looking up at the gray sky. Lucas brushed snow from Holly’shair, his fingers lingering against her cheek.“You’re amazing,” he murmured.
Holly’s heart fluttered.“So are you,” she whispered.
Lucas leaned in, resting his forehead against hers.“I don’t want this day to end,” he said softly.
“Then let’s not let it,” Holly replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
They walked back slowly to the inn, hands intertwined, leaving tracks in the thick snow. Inside, the warmth of the fire welcomed them, and they sat together under a blanket, sipping cocoa and sharing quiet conversation.
The storm raged outside, but Holly felt nothing but warmth — the warmth of connection, laughter, and the undeniable spark growing between them.
As night fell, she realized that sometimes, the best memories were created in unexpected chaos — and with someone who made even a snowstorm feel like magic.
Chapter 12:
Little Holiday Surprises
The following morning, Holly Mason woke to find Lucas already bustling around the inn’s common room, a mischievous grin on his face.
“Good morning,” he said, handing her a mug of steaming cocoa.“I thought we could make today special. Just… little surprises.”
Holly raised an eyebrow, intrigued.“Little surprises?”
“You’ll see,” he said, winking.
Their first stop was a small boutique, where Lucas insisted on picking out a handmade ornament for Holly.“Something to remember Maplewood by,” he said softly, holding out a delicate glass snowflake.
“It’s beautiful,” Holly said, touched.“Thank you.”
Holly decided she would return the favor, slipping away briefly to choose a small scarf for Lucas, one she knew would keep him warm during their walks through the snowy streets.
By midday, the surprises continued: Lucas led Holly to a tiny ice sculpture garden tucked behind the inn, and she guided him to a hidden corner of the festival where the lights reflected perfectly off the snow, creating a private, magical moment.
At one point, they stopped by a vendor selling tiny hand-carved wooden figurines. Holly handed Lucas a small sled, a playful smile on her face.“For all our future snowball battles,” she teased.
