“There,” he murmured, lifting his hand. “Try not to wear it next time.”
My head bobbed, and I lifted the cup for a sip, using it to cover the fact that I was robbed of speech and air.
The sound of static and then a piercing squeal from a microphone thankfully turned everyone’s attention to the large Victorian-style gazebo in the center of the town square.
“Can everyone hear me?” the mayor asked as he climbed the steps to stand in the entrance of the large octagon. The entire thing was already draped in evergreen garland, icicle lights, and red ribbon.
In the center was a Douglas fir from Hodge Farm that had just been lit up in the tree lighting ceremony. It glowed at the mayor’s back and was filled with ornaments of all shapes and sizes. It was yet another tradition for every family to bring an ornament during the week it was first set up and hang it on the tree, so when it was lit, it would truly belong to the entire town.
With that part of the evening already done, it was time to move on to what most people considered the most important part of the Winterbury Christmas tradition.
The raising of the mistletoe.
“Friends, family, and neighbors, we are brought together once again for the most magical night in Winterbury with the lightning of the tree generously donated to the town by Hodge Farm.”
People clapped and cheered, and I flashed a grin at Archer who nudged me with his shoulder.
“We are well on our way to another festive and beautiful season. But as we all know, it can’t be Christmas in Winterbury without the mistletoe!”
People whistled and cheered, and some others made kissing noises.
Suddenly feeling shy, I darted my gaze to Archer, once again finding him already staring. I looked away just as quickly, my cheeks warming even as fat snowflakes drifted from the starlit sky.
“This mistletoe…” The mayor held up a large green cluster topped with a massive red bow. “It’s one of the things that makes this town so special. It only grows on one tree here in Winterbury. And it grows as a reminder to us that love and unity are the cornerstones of our community. There’s also that little detail that if you kiss under it and your love is true, you will never be parted.” He paused to smile. “So if you aren’t ready to commit to forever, fellas, you better watch where you stand.”
People laughed, and I rolled my eyes.
“He says the same thing every year,” Archer said out of the corner of his mouth.
“Definitely has this whole speech memorized,” I whispered back.
Archer smirked into his hot chocolate, and my stomach did a little somersault. Sure, this entire thing was cheesy AF, but it was hard not to get caught up just a little. Especially after helping Archer and his father shoot it down and tracing the letters carved in the trunk of the old oak tree.
H + B
Especially, especially after your secret crush brings you hot chocolate and teases you about getting it on your face.
“As we raise the mistletoe,” the mayor boomed as he hooked the bundle on the end of the pulley-style system they’d rigged, “let us remember it isn’t the decorations that are most important… but togetherness and love.”
With that, someone farther inside the gazebo pulled the rope, and the mistletoe slowly rose. Everyone in town watched in silence, an unspoken moment for the couple who taught us this lesson.
When it reached the top, the pulley came down, and it swayed beautifully with its shiny green leaves and berries so white they matched the flurries of snow.
Only then did people cheer and clap.
“That’s it for the ceremonies tonight, folks. Please enjoy each other’s company and browse all the open shops. Wishing all of you a very merry season.”
Music started to play through the speakers, and people began milling about.
“I’m going to hit a few shops and see if I can find something for my mom,” Archer said.
I bobbed my head. “Yeah, okay.”
When I didn’t follow, he swung back around. “You’re coming with me.”
My stomach swooped. I really wished it would stop doing that. “I am?”
“Don’t you need presents?”
