Sage from the chocolate shop shook her head.“I’m so sorry, but we have no room.”
“Thank you,” Chrissy said as she rubbed her fake pregnant belly.
Zach gave Tilly’s hand a squeeze.The show had just started, and there was already a large crowd following them.
“Dejected, but not ready to give up,” Kathryn said, “Mary and Joseph continued on their way to find a place where they could bring their child safely into the world.”
His mom was doing a wonderful job as narrator.She engaged with the crowd, and the smile she wore was genuine.It wasn’t the fake one he’d been so used to seeing.This was the woman he remembered.
“Your mom is amazing.I still can’t believe this is happening.I know it must have been hard.”
Zach pulled Tilly to the side, allowing the crowd to follow Mary and Joseph as they made their way down Main Street, knocking on the businesses’ doors.“It wasn’t as hard as I thought.When Mom and I talked, I realized what an ass I’d been to you.Asking Mom to be a part of this was the least I could do for you.”He framed her face with his gloved hands.“I would do anything for you, Tulip Bloom.Anything.I love you.”
The flecks of gold in her hazel eyes sparkled, and he could see what had always been there—the love she had for him.“I would do anything for you too.I love you.”
He shouldn’t be doing this.They should be following the cast, but Zach needed her.He kissed her and she kissed him back.Nothing was better than this.
They broke apart and smiled at each other.“I suppose we should keep going,” she said after a few seconds.
“We should.I really think we’re going to win this.Did you see the way the judges lit up when Mom started speaking?”
“I did.And I feel really good about it too.”
Keeping his grip on her hand, Zach hurried them down the sidewalk.
By the time they’d reached the fairgrounds, they had a huge crowd.All the business owners had played their part, and even his friends at the fire station had seemed suitably saddened that they couldn’t help out Mary and Joseph.The stage looked amazing, and Tilly had been spot-on with the number of poinsettias they needed.
Candles were handed out and a list, and as the light shone on baby Jesus, his mom began to sing “Silent Night,” her voice strong and clear.He’d heard her sing before, but nothing like this.The whole crowd was quiet.When she finished, they all cheered and clapped before the music started again and the opening chords of “O Come All Ye Faithful” filled the air.
Marietta had embraced the event, and Zach was so happy for the love of his life.
“Look at what you’ve done, Tulip.Look at what you’ve achieved.You’re amazing, and I’m so glad you’re mine.”
Tears streamed down her face, and he gently brushed them away.“I can’t believe it.This is more than I hoped it could be.Your belief in me got me through so many hard times.We make a good team, don’t we?”
“We most certainly do.”
Together they stood, holding hands, singing with the rest of the town.The Christmas spirit was alive and well in Marietta.
*
Tilly stared atthe email.She hadn’t opened it yet, but she had a feeling she knew what it was going to say.Zach would be at her place in a few minutes.He’d been able to get off work before he should’ve as the next shift had come in early.Whatever the reason for it, she couldn’t wait to see him.
Christmas Day had been hectic, with Zach leaving to go to his shift, but his mom stayed behind and spent the day with Tilly and her family.Kathryn had been nothing but sweet and kind and not diva-like at all.She’d left late on Christmas Day to go back to LA but had promised she would return to Marietta as soon as she could.The lines of communication were definitely open between mother and son, and Tilly was happy about it.
“Honey, I’m home,” Zach called out, and she rushed down the hallway to see him.She’d given him a key before he’d gone to work, telling him that she hoped he’d consider her house his.They would work out their living arrangements in time, but for now she was glad he was there.
When they broke apart, she touched his cheek.“I missed you.”
“No more than I missed you.”He took her by the hand and led her to the kitchen.“Did you hear?”he asked.
“Yep, I got an email a couple of hours ago.”
His eyes lit with excitement.“And?”
“I don’t know.I was waiting for you to get home.”
“You didn’t open it?”
