Tell her the truth,his bear said.That you wished for happiness.
I did,James agreed.
And, happiness is called Doreen,his bear swooned.
“My wish was simple,” James replied. “I wished for what most people wish for. To be happy. And for those around me to find happiness too.”
He glanced at Doreen, and she turned to look at him, her eyes searching his face as if trying to read the words he hadn’t said.
Did she know she was his happiness? The thing he’d wished for above all else.
“What about you, Aunt D?” Jake asked, breaking the spell. “What’s your wish?”
Doreen cleared her throat. “I’m still thinking about it,” she said, her hand unconsciously touching the star in her pocket. “These things can’t be rushed.”
“Well, don’t take too long,” Jake advised seriously. “Christmas is getting closer every day.”
A group of carolers gathered near the gazebo, their voices rising in harmony as they began to sing “O Christmas Tree.” The sound floated across the square, drawing smiles from passersby.
“Want to stay and listen?” James asked.
Doreen nodded, her eyes bright. “I’d love that.”
They strolled closer to the carolers, side by side, while Jake and Bash circled around and around the tree.
The kid sure has some energy,James said to his bear.
And one day he’ll be running around that tree with his cousin or cousins,his bear said with utter confidence.
James sighed.That would truly complete our happiness.
It sure would,his bear settled down, his head resting on his paws, content to enjoy the moment.
“Thank you for this,” Doreen said, leaning in so he could hear her above the carolers. “For bringing us here. For everything.”
James looked down at her, still afraid he might be dreaming. “My pleasure,” he murmured, meaning it more than she could possibly know.
His bear hummed contentedly inside him.This is right. This is where we belong.
As the song ended and another began, James allowed himself to imagine a future where moments like this weren’t rare gifts but daily treasures. Where Doreen’s smile was the first thing he saw each morning and the last thing he saw each night.
“How about we go get some hot chocolate and something to eat?” he asked as Doreen turned away from the carolers to look for Jake and Bash.
“That sounds perfect,” she said. “Not that my nephew needs a sugar refuel. I’d love to have his energy.”
James turned to her with a warm grin, his slate-blue eyes catching the light as they lingered a beat too long. “Energy like that? We could bottle it and sell it at the festival.”
“We would make a fortune,” she said.
“Shall we?” He offered her his arm, and for a heartbeat, he was scared she wouldn’t take it.
Then she slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow, and there was that intense moment of connection. A spark, a warmth, a belonging.
She looked up at him, searching for an answer he longed to give. Then her brow furrowed, and she looked away.
But her hand on his arm tightened as if she had no intention of ever letting go.
She’s ready,his bear murmured with quiet certainty.
