“No, I don’t.” Cody grinned. “That’s Jason, not me.”
“You never know,” Reese said. “Maybe you should audition for the class play this spring.”
“Um, no way. Dancing is bad enough,” Cody said. “I’m not going to be in a play. But Roan said I could join the track team this spring if I wanted to. He said he’d pay the fee and everything.”
“I can’t wait to attend one of your meets,” Reese said.
“You’ll come for real?” Cody asked.
“I’ll be there.”
Before Reese could say anything further, the choir assembled near the pavilion, dressed in matching robes. The polite crowd hushed as they began to singThe First Noel. The music rang out over the town square, pure and beautiful. Reese felt tears prick her eyes. This was Christmas. The real meaning of it, right here.
Beside her, Roan reached for her hand. She smiled up at him, his face blurry through her tears.
The choir finished, and Mayor Davidson stepped up to the lectern, his red scarf bright against his dark coat. “What a treat to have our choir here tonight. They’re better than anything you’d hear in a big city, am I right?”
The crowd cheered.
“As you know,” the mayor continued, “before we light the tree, we have a tradition in Sugarville Grove to honor a member of the community who’s gone above and beyond to contribute to the well-being of others. This year, we wanted to honor someone who has quietly served this community for decades. Someone who opens her home to anyone who needs help, who’sfed half the town with her cooking, who’s organized food drives and taught Sunday school. And this year, she spearheaded The Bridge Program, which pairs teenagers with adult mentors. Thanks to Grace’s vision and determination, kids who were struggling now have hope and support. This year’s Christmas Star is Grace Hayes.”
The crowd erupted in applause, but no one cheered louder than the four teenagers gathered around Reese and Roan.
Grace made her way to the front, Walter beside her, both looking embarrassed by the attention. Grace’s eyes were shining, though, as she waved to the crowd.
“Go, Mom,” a man shouted.
“Yay, Grammie,” a child’s voice called out.
Reese turned to see the entire Hayes family gathered together to cheer on their mother. All four boys, their wives and children beamed at their matriarch.
“Grace,” the mayor said, “you are the embodiment of Christmas spirit, and we’re honored to have you light our tree this year. Thank you for everything you do for our community.”
Julia cozied up next to Reese, who took her hand. Cody rubbed shoulders with Roan. Emma and Marcus, being the shortest, stood in front of them. A family of sorts, Reese thought. A family of their own choosing.
Grace and Walter approached the tree, and the mayor started the countdown.
“Ten!”
The crowd joined in, children giggling and bouncing.
“Nine! Eight! Seven!”
Marcus, Julia, and Emma were counting along, their faces bright with excitement. Cody stood quietly, but a smile lifted the corners of his mouth.
“Six! Five! Four!”
The voices grew louder, more urgent.
“Three! Two! One!”
Grace plugged in the tree, and it burst to life in a cascade of dazzling white lights. Gasps of awe rippled through the crowd, followed by cheers and applause.
Reese clapped and laughed along with everyone else, swept up in the magic of the moment. She had always loved the tree lighting, but this year felt special. The first of many, she hoped, with Roan and the kids.
“It’s so pretty,” Marcus said.
“Totally,” Emma said.
