Staring at my reflection in the mirror in the bathroom, I breathe deeply.Whatever happens tonight, you did your best.Tears pool in my eyes and I quickly bat them away. Can’t go ruining all the makeup I put on for photos.
The front door opens, the soft creaking of the hinges alerting me. “Sammie? Are you ready?” Sticking my head through the doorway, I watch as Levi heads toward me. He’s got on dark jeans and a white cable-knit sweater that has my mouth watering.
Our relationship—if that’s what we call it—has fit seamlessly with daily life. For so long, I kept him at arm’s length, scared he would work against me when really, he’s the best thing that could have happened. He’s the most supportive person I’ve ever met.
Last night, he slept over at my place, the whole time making fun of all the Christmas decorations covering every surface. When I say I love Christmas decorations, it doesn’t just mean lights. My apartment looks like a Hallmark movie threw up, and it’s exactly the way I like it.
“Just about.” My dark blue suede dress falls to my knees, the patch of skin between my knee and boot covered with thick tights. Snow began falling again late afternoon and I couldn’t be happier about it. I love snow when it’s not ruining carefully laid plans.
Levi stops behind me, wrapping his strong arms around my waist as I put on earrings. “You look beautiful, Spitfire.” He leans down kissing his favorite freckle on my neck making me shiver.
“Thanks,” I sigh, leaning back into him. “Let’s just hope the lights are just as beautiful or else I won’t have a job anymore.”
He turns me around to face him. “Don’t worry. The square has never looked this good for any Christmas Spectacular. Just wait for all the oohs and ahs to slow down before you make them grovel for forgiveness at your feet.” He bends down, kissing my lips until I can’t think about anything else. Thankfully, he pulls back before I lose all sense as well and jump his bones. Well, bone-er.
Scoffing, I say, “I’d nevermakeanyone grovel.” A picture of Levi on his knees before me offers a different idea. “However, you can kneel before me anytime.” With a wink, I grab my purse and head out the front door.
“Don’t tempt me, Spitfire.”
***
“Welcome to the one hundred and twelfth annual Rose Prairie Christmas Spectacular!”
From the steps of the Gazebo Mayor Desmond addresses the overflowing crowd of spectators gathered to see the unveiling of the lights. From what I can tell, people have come in from neighboring towns for the celebration. Currently, the only lights on are the streetlamps that ring the square with their lit garland, making for a soft glow. Large snowflakes fall peacefully to the ground as soft Christmas music is played in the background.
“Before we turn on the lights, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge all the hard work that has gone into making tonight a reality. Miss Samantha Williams! Will you please come up here?”
What? Levi claps animatedly next to me urging me forward. I really don’t want to stand in front of all these people, but there’s no helping it now. Rolling my eyes, I squeeze my way through the crowd and up the steps next to the mayor.
“Samantha here was appointed in November to undertake this amazing endeavor by the City Council. I can assure you that she has gone above and beyond to make this the grandest Spectacular that any of us have seen.” Applause breaks out and I smile at the crowd. When the applause dies, Major Desmond continues. “There is one other person who was instrumental in what you see around you. Levi Ross, if you would please come forward.”
Levi weaves through the crowd, jogging up the steps with the cutest grin on his face. He stands next to me, wrapping his arm around my waist as we stand in front of the crowd.
“Levi was the carpenter that came in and helped build the structures you see around you." Heads turn to take in the dark shapes around the square as they applaud.
“Now, without further ado, let’s start the countdown!” Starting at ten, the entire crowd yells out a countdown like it’s New Year’s Eve in Times Square.
“Two, One!” Light engulfs the square and the look of joy that crosses the faces of the people in the crowd brings tears to my eyes. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted. All the hard work, anxiety, and stress were all for this.
My dream has come true.
Levi pulls me in close, kissing my temple. “It’s amazing, Spitfire. Absolutely amazing.” People are clapping and cheering at the display.
The entire walkway leading up to the gazebo is covered in a tunnel of soft white lights. The Christmas Tree made of lights sparkles and twinkles, already drawing a crowd. I spot a small family walking through the gingerbread houses, their eyes lighting up in fascination.
A flash of a camera has my vision spotting as the local journalist snaps a picture of Levi and me taking in the result of all our hard work.
“C’mon. Let’s go see it.” Levi guides me down the steps and through the light tunnel. Everything turned out just as I had envisioned. The wonder and magic of Christmas have taken over Rose Prairie and my heart feels full.
Children are dragging their parents to Santa’s Sleigh, which has a line for the photographer, and some people are dropping donations into the bucket instead of getting their picture taken. Their generosity makes my heart soar. College students are laughing and making faces through the Mr. and Mrs. Claus cut outs, and families are enamored with the gingerbread house, their smiles conveying excitement.
After we walk through the displays, we make our way around to the stands to enjoy some hot chocolate and sweets. Everything has gone off without a hitch. Cara’s hot chocolate is amazing and the chocolate truffles from Mama’s Cakes are mouthwatering. We taste and cast our votes for the Chili Cook Off, laughing and joking the entire time.
Everything with Levi comes so easily. In the beginning, I tried so hard to keep him away, but his happy nature started to wear me down the minute I stepped out of my car that first morning. He’s the most kind and supportive person I’ve ever met. Sure, I still get annoyed at him, but it’s never for long. He makes me feel like myself—I don’t have to hide anything. I’m completely comfortable with him. This thing between us is new and undefined but I can’t help but picture a life here in Rose Prairie with him.
Levi pulls me close, our bodies pressed together. “Mind if I go and look for my family? I can meet you at the gazebo later.”
“Sure. I’ll survive,” I tease. He places a sweet kiss on my lips before walking away, looking back and smiling at me before he disappears through the crowd.
