Written by Matthew Smith
A picturesque drive on a two-lane highway will lead you straight to what some call the best town you’ll ever step foot in.
Rose Prairie, a mere three-hour drive from the suburbs, is the town movies are modeled after. It’s a town that moves at its own pace. People wander down the sidewalks on cold, fall mornings, stopping to greet their neighbors by name before heading into one of the locally owned shops that ring the square.
The town of Rose Prairie has recently been making waves, its name reaching far and wide. For over a century, their Christmas Spectacular every Christmas Eve is the town’s claim to fame. People from all over flock to the small town to see the magic of Christmas when the lights click on.
The person who makes this dream come true? Miss Samantha Williams of Chicago was hired as the new event coordinator last Christmas. She partnered with a local carpenter, Levi Ross, to create new attractions for the special event. Some say that Miss Williams and all of her hard work have boosted the town’s morale. According to lifelong resident Lori Haverford, “Miss Williams and her creativity have been a wonderful presence in our town. Since she’s taken over as the event coordinator, Rose Prairie is the best it’s ever been.”
If you ask Miss Williams about her work, she’ll smile gratefully but give credit back to the town and its people. “There’s nothing special about me. It’s the town, the heart of the people, that makes everything worthwhile.”
Not only is Rose Prairie drawing people in for their Christmas Spectacular, but Miss Williams, with the help of Mr.Ross, has created events that draw people in for every season. The First Annual Valentine’s Day Love Festival was held this February, helping boost small businesses.
Barbara Clement, co-owner of Mama’s Cakes Bakery, had this to say: “She [Miss Williams] does a great job with community outreach. She got in contact with Rosewood College and got their Art Department to create some custom pieces. Local businesses set up booths and open their stores to different activities. It’s really helped keep business afloat after the busy holiday season.”
The most recent business-boosting event is the town's first Fall Festival. This three-day event is the first of its kind for the small town to put on, and it did not disappoint. Families of all ages wander around the bustling town square. Businesses set up tables on the closed-off streets offering everything from smoked BBQ to gourmet sandwiches and sweet desserts. Children run around with faces painted like lions and tigers, and the occasional fairy. One of Miss Williams and Mr. Ross’ newest creations is a forty-foot-tall wooden pumpkin that was the hit of the festival. Visitors stood in wonder in front of the massive structure that houses live pumpkins resting on shelves, each family crowding together to get photos taken by Rosewood College photography students.
Still not convinced Rose Prairies is all it’s cracked up to be? Cheryl and Hugh Rogers were married fifteen years ago at The Lookout, the town’s namesake. The Lookout is a field of prairie roses that bloom each spring and summer. “We try to come here once a year. Try to relieve the day and wander through the town. It holds a special place in our hearts.”
As for this journalist, like many who visit here, I plan to one day make this special town my home.
Epilogue
Smith
The Lookout is even more stunning than I imagined.
Fall slipped into winter and before we knew it, the warmth of spring and summer arrived. Wildflowers bloom in all their glorious wonder, vibrant yellows, purples, blues, and pinks are sprinkled along the wide valley. The stone ledge that overlooks the entire valley itself is picturesque, its overhang jutting out so far over the valley that it’s like you’re flying.
“This will be perfect.” If I breathe deeply, the sweet smell of the flowers below would engulf me.
Hank clasps me on the shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. “I figured it would be,” he says softly. Hank and Darla quickly became some of my favorite people in Rose Prairie and their help has been instrumental in me being able to pull this off.
Being in a long-distance relationship has its hardships, sure, but the past seven months have been the best of my life. My weekends are spent traveling back and forth, but the drive is easy considering the woman who waits for me at the end of it.
Hank drives us back to the Rosebud and sends me off with a firm handshake.
The drive into town is now second nature, and I raise my hand in greeting as I pass pedestrians, something I never would’vethought to do before. Cara has no idea I’m in town and the thought of her reaction seeing me here brings a smile to my face.
The bell dings as I step into the coffee shop, the smell of coffee surrounding me. I breathe in the rich aroma.
Eileen is working behind the counter, and she smiles in surprise. “Hey. I didn’t think you were going to be here this weekend.”
“That’s what Cara thinks,” I say with a wink. “Where is your beautiful boss, anyway?” I scan the storefront and don’t spot her hidden among the rows of bookshelves.
Eileen throws her thumb over her shoulder. “In her office.” I tap the counter and give her a quick thanks as I head down the hallway.
As usual, she’s tucked behind her desk, her nose to the screen as she types away on a calculator. Her long hair is down today, a rare occasion, which is going to be perfect for pictures. So engrossed in her task, Cara doesn’t notice me, so I take the time to admire her. Her lips are parted slightly, and her eyebrows furrowed in concentration. How she manages to sit like that for hours on end, I’ll never know. But it might explain why she’s always rolling her shoulders, something she still hasn’t managed to figure out she does.
We’ve gone through so much, and worked through so much, that our relationship today is leaps and bounds compared to what it was six years ago. No more running or hiding feelings. Well, I’m currently hiding something, but she’ll find out soon enough.
Something alerts her to my presence and she jumps in her seat, her hand flying over her heart as she gasps in shock. “You asshole! You scared me.” Her words lack anger, a smile spreading across her mouth as she runs toward me and jumps into my arms. Her black skirt slips up her thighs as she hooksher legs around my waist. “I didn’t know you would be here today.”
Her hair smells fruity from her shampoo and I breathe her in, planting a kiss on her neck. Cara pulls back, her hands running through my hair as she brings her mouth to mine. God, I hope I never get used to her kisses. Let every single one of them be as exciting as the first.
I gently set Cara back on her feet, my hands smoothing the hair from her face. “I missed you. Plus, I have a surprise.”
A dark eyebrow rises. “Should I be scared?”
