Her heart fluttered.“Do you really mean that?”
“I do,” he said, eyes warm and steady.“I don’t want this to be just a holiday romance. I want… us.”
Holly’s chest swelled with emotion. She had come to Maplewood expecting peace and quiet, but instead, she had found laughter, snowball fights, fireside moments, and something she hadn’t expected: love. Real, tender, and alive.
For the rest of the morning, they lingered in the inn, talking, laughing, and stealing quiet kisses. Outside, the snow continued to fall gently, but inside, the warmth they shared was stronger than any winter chill.
As Holly prepared to pack her things later that day, she realized that no matter what the future held, this holiday, these moments, and Lucas would remain with her — a memory to cherish, and perhaps the start of a love story she didn’t want to end.
Chapter 15:
Bittersweet Goodbyes
Holly Mason stood in the inn’s small lobby, suitcase at her side, watching the snow fall softly outside. The holiday had been everything she hadn’t expected — laughter, snowball fights, fireside warmth, and a love she didn’t want to let go of.
Lucas Harper appeared, bundled in his coat, holding two travel mugs of cocoa. He handed one to her with a soft smile.“For the road,” he said.
Holly took it, fingers brushing his.“Thank you… for everything. This holiday… it’s been perfect.”
Lucas looked down, a shadow of sadness in his eyes.“It hasn’t been perfect because of the snow or the festival… it’s been perfect because of you.”
Holly’s chest tightened.“I wish I didn’t have to leave,” she admitted softly.
He stepped closer, taking her hand gently.“I know. But this isn’t the end, Holly. I promise. We’ll find a way to keep this… us… going.”
Holly smiled, tears threatening to spill.“You really mean that?”
“I do,” he said, brushing a strand of hair from her face.“This holiday, this… connection… it’s too real to let go. I want to see where this can go, long after Maplewood and the snow.”
They stood together for a moment, hands intertwined, hearts full. Then, with a soft, lingering kiss, they sealed their promise —a promise that this holiday romance could grow into something lasting.
Holly finally picked up her suitcase, glancing back one last time. Lucas waved, his smile steady and reassuring.“I’ll be waiting,” he called softly.
“I’ll be back,” Holly replied, a warmth in her heart that no winter chill could ever take away.
As she stepped into the snow and toward her future, Holly realized that sometimes, the best love stories begin unexpectedly, in a small town blanketed with snow, under twinkling festival lights, and with someone who makes every moment unforgettable.
Chapter 16:
Home Again
The city streets were bustling with their usual weekday rhythm, but Holly Mason felt a little different as she stepped off the train. Maplewood and its winter magic still lingered in her mind, along with Lucas Harper’s warm smile and soft words.
Her apartment felt quieter than usual, the hum of city life a stark contrast to the laughter and snow of the past week. She unpacked her suitcase slowly, pausing to hold the glass snowflake ornament Lucas had given her.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed. A message from Lucas:
“Got a little free time tonight? I was thinking… maybe we could start where we left off?”
Holly’s heart skipped. She quickly typed back,“Yes. I can’t wait.”
That evening, Lucas was waiting at her apartment, a bouquet of winter flowers in hand.“Welcome back,” he said, his smile lighting up the room.
Holly laughed, pulling him into a hug.“It’s good to be home… especially to this.”
They spent the night talking, laughing, and sharing memories from the holiday. It was different now — no snowball fights, no festival lights — but just as magical in its own way. They cooked dinner together, danced in the kitchen to soft music, and lingered on the couch, hands intertwined.
“I was worried,” Lucas admitted softly,“that once the holiday ended, so would… us.”
