I’m not alone long before a tiny blond with giant glasses comes barreling at me. Quinn wraps her arms around me, hopping up and down with excitement. “You did it, Sammie! You fu-freaking did it!” Laughing at her enthusiasm, I hug her back.
“I couldn’t have done it without you, Quinn. You worked just as hard as I did.”
She shakes her head, her glasses slowly sliding down her nose before pushing them back up. “Nope. No way. You didn’t see me up here at the as-butt crack of dawn in the bitter cold putting up lights. All I did was get us more help and paint a couple of things.” She shrugs. “No biggie.”
“Still, you’ve been a great help.” Quinn’s been amazing with all the things she managed to handle. I knew I could focus on decorations with Quinn working behind the scenes.
She waves off my praise. “It was nothing. Anyway, I was heading over to the stands for some treats. Wanna join me?”
“No, thanks. Levi and I already grabbed some.” I hold up my steaming cup of hot chocolate in apology. Quinn gives me one last hug before waving goodbye, and once again I’m alone to bask in the joy of the night.
Instead of standing around, I head down the light tunnel to the gazebo. I can sit and people watch while waiting for Levi. Walking towards me wearing a fur-lined coat is Lori Haverford. Gritting my teeth, I fight the urge to turn and walk in the opposite direction, but she’s already spotted me.
“Miss Williams!” she calls. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”
Coming to a stop in front of her, I force a smile on my face. “Mrs. Haverford.” I nod my head in greeting, but not willing to say more.
“Dear, I wanted to speak to you for a minute.” She places a gloved hand on my shoulder nudging me to the side of the walkway. I’m uncomfortable and I don’t want to be in this conversation. If she thinks I’m going to stand here and listen to her belittle my hard work, she’s got another thing coming.
“I just wanted to say that I’m sorry.”
I’m honestly shocked. My eyebrows furrow in my confusion. “Excuse me?”
“I apologize for how I’ve treated you the last several weeks. I don’t like change and there’s a lot of that going around recently, and I think I took it out on you." She has a contrite look on her face, making me believe she’s being genuine.
“Um, I’m not sure what to say,” I admit.
She gives me a kind smile. “You don’t have to say anything, dear. I know I didn’t show you my best side and I hope that we can get to know one another.” She leans in close, waving me in. “Plus, I can see that my nephew thinks very highly of you, and I don’t wish to make family dinners awkward.”
Chuckling, I find myself smiling back at Lori Haverford. “That would be nice.”
Lori beams at me. “Good! Now, let me go and enjoy this magnificent display you’ve put together. It’s truly magical.” She pats my arm as she walks away.
This night has gone perfectly. Sitting on the bench in the gazebo, I glance around the square listening to the Christmas music and the laughter. This is what I wanted. This is what Christmas is. Spending time with loved ones, laughing and teasing, and seeing the beauty in ordinary things. Breathing out, I sigh, content.
“Taking in all your hard work?” Levi leans against the frame of the gazebo, watching me. “You look so beautiful.” He walks towards me, reaching his hand for mine.
Grasping his hand, he pulls me off the bench before placing a kiss on my lips. It’s not a quick, sweet kiss. It’s hungry, like he’s been wanting to kiss me all night.
Pulling back, I run my hand over his cheek. “You’re not too bad yourself,” I tease.
Levi leans into my palm before kissing it. “I have something for you.” He moves us over to the center of the gazebo. “Look up.”
Wrapped in his arms, I tilt my head up to the ceiling. There, hanging from the middle, is mistletoe. “You planned this?” I ask with a chuckle.
“Oh, I hoped for it.” Leaning down he kisses me, his tongue sliding into my mouth in a passionate embrace. “I also wanted to say,” he adds, breathless from our kiss, “that you are the most amazing person I’ve ever met. Spending the last three weeks with you, learning how big your heart is, seeing your passion—has made me fall for you.” He drags in a deep breath. “This thing between us is new, but I wanted to make it official. You’re everything I want, Spitfire.” He leans his forehead to mine, his admission barely a whisper.
Tears fall from my eyes for the first time tonight. Of everything this night has to offer, this by far—his admission— has my heart soaring. Voice full of emotion, tears falling, I answer. “Levi, I want to be with you too.” Rough thumbs brush away my tears as our lips connect.
I don’t know the exact moment when we got all tangled up with one another, but I can say that this is the best Christmas I’ve ever had.
Epilogue
Christmas Eve
Five Years Later
Levi
