“But it turns out … some surprises are good.”
Something inside me melts completely. He squeezes my fingers gently. And my voice—miraculously—finds itself.
“I’ve lived in this town most of my life,” I say softly. “I’ve always loved Cady Springs. But this week? It reminded me howmuch there is to appreciate—traditions, friends, community.” My eyes drift to Ethan. “And unexpected company.”
The crowd erupts in applause. Someone whistles. Someone else shouts, “They’re adorable!”
I want to crawl under the table. I also want to kiss Ethan in front of everyone. He leads me back to our seats, still not letting go of my hand. And for the rest of the banquet, he keeps it — through dessert, through conversations, through goodbyes.
When we finally slip outside, snow drifting softly around us, he turns to me.
“You were good up there,” he says. “Brave.”
“I was terrified,” I admit.
His lips tilt upward. “Me too.”
We stare at each other in the quiet, warm light of the windows behind us. I wonder if he’s falling just as hard as I am.
Chapter 22
Harper
The town has never looked more like a postcard. The big spruce in the square is lit from top to bottom, ribbons catching the light, ornaments shimmering as snow drifts slowly down. Folding chairs are lined up in neat rows, filled with bundled-up townsfolk clutching thermoses and programs. There’s a small wooden platform set up at the base of the tree, draped in white fabric and twinkle lights. And in the center of it all, there’s a simple arch wrapped in pine boughs and fairy lights.
The “wedding arch.”
I stand just off to the side with Ruby fussing over my hair and scarf like we’re moments away from a real ceremony. Ethan is across the platform talking quietly to Mayor Janice, hands in his coat pockets, shoulders broad. He looks… calm.
I, on the other hand, feel nervous and conflicted about this faux ceremony — especially when part of me wishes it was real.
“Deep breath,” Ruby whispers, tightening the knit scarf at my throat. “You look gorgeous.”
“I look like a walking Christmas cookie,” I mutter.
“That too,” she says cheerfully.
I smooth my hands down the front of my cream sweater dress, suddenly hyperaware that this is the closest I’ve ever come to standing in front of everyone in something remotely bridal. It’s not a wedding dress — just a soft knit dress, fleece-lined tights, and boots. But the way people are looking at me? It feels… big.
Ethan turns then, like he feels me staring. Our eyes meet across the stage. Something passes between us and I feel a little more grounded.
“You’ve got this,” Ruby says. “And if anything goes off the rails, I’ll distract Janice by ‘accidentally’ knocking something over.”
I laugh, a quick burst. “Please don’t actually do that.”
“No promises,” she says, kissing my cheek.
Janice claps her hands. “Alright, everyone! Let’s get our couple in place. It’s time for our One Magical Match finale!”
The crowd cheers as Ethan crosses to my side, offering me his arm without a word. I slip my hand through, fingers curling around his biceps. He’s warm under all the layers. It makes me want to curl up with him in front of a fire and forget all this right now.
“Hey,” he says quietly, just for me.
“Hey.”
“You okay?”
“No,” I admit honestly. “But I’m here.”
