The crowd erupts in applause as Kandi, a Dolly Parton wannabe, takes the stage, her sequined dress shimmering under the twinkling lights as she launches into song. The crowd claps along to the beat, although I’ve got to admit the performance isn’t exactly what I expected. At least Kandi gets an A for effort. Kids dart through the throng, their laughter ringing out as they wave sparklers and candy canes in the air. Felix pulls Kit close, spinning him around in an impromptu dance, while Georgia sings along at the top of her lungs. God, our friends are crazy!
I grin and glance at Cam, my heart swelling at the sight of his face, his eyes sparkling with happiness as he watches the children’s delighted antics. It’s nice to see him look so carefree and content.
Suddenly, a couple with a pram bumps into my legs. “Sorry about that!” the woman apologizes, steadying the stroller.
“No worries.” But as they navigate through the crowd, I’m transfixed by the sight of their baby, bundled up snug against the chill, tiny mittened hands reaching out as if to grasp at the twinkling lights.
I swallow against the wave of longing that washes over me—I imagine the future where Cam and I are the ones pushing a pram, our own little one nestled inside. The image is so vivid, so tangible, that for a moment, I can almost believe it’s real.
“You okay, babe?” Cam’s voice snaps me back to reality, and I realize I’ve been staring off into space.
“Yeah, I’m good,” I say, slipping my arm around his waist and pulling him close, feeling his steadying presence.
As the last notes of Kandi’s song fade away, she steps forward and bows. The crowd claps, perhaps a little less enthusiastic than before she started, and the cheers aren’t so loud. The mayor looks a touch panicked as he whips up more applause. “And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for!” he announces, his voice booming over the loudspeaker. “The lighting of the Collier’s Creek Christmas tree!”
The crowd cheers, and Cam’s arm tightens around my waist. I glance up at him, and he flashes me a grin that sets my heart racing.
“Ready, babe?” he asks, his eyes sparkling.
He loves this part.
I nod, my own smile stretching from ear to ear.
We turn our attention back to the stage, where Kandi is standing beside the mayor, her hand poised over a large red button. “Five… four… three… two… one!”
And then, with a dramatic flourish, Kandi presses the button.
Instantly, the tree comes to life, a dazzling display of color and light that takes my breath away. Gasps of awe ripple throughthe crowd as the multi-colored bulbs flicker and flash, casting a festive glow over the square. But it’s the star at the top that truly steals the show—bright white and shimmering.
“It’s beautiful,” Georgia says, her voice filled with wonder.
“Absolutely stunning,” Felix agrees, his arm draped around Kit’s shoulders.
Kit nods. “I have to admit, this town knows how to put on a show.”
“That’s Collier’s Creek for you.” Cam chuckles, pressing a kiss to my temple.
The school choir takes the stage and begin to sing “Silent Night.” The familiar melody washes over the crowd, and a hush falls over the square as everyone listens, transfixed by the beauty of the music and the dazzle of the tree.
I glance at Cam and take in the rapt expression on his face. He’s always been a sucker for Christmas carols. As the choir sings, my gaze wanders over the faces of the people around us. Old Man Kinsey, who’s been a fixture at Jake’s Tap for as long as I can remember, stands with his eyes closed, a peaceful smile on his weathered face. Mae and Fiona, the owners of Fox’s Restaurant, sway in time to the music, their hands clasped tightly together. I can see Simon in the distance with his mom and dad. And then there’s Georgia, Felix, and Kit—my chosen family, the people who’ve been by my side through thick and thin. They’re all watching the choir, their faces shining with the same joy and contentment I feel.
As the final notes of “Silent Night” fade away, I reach for Cam’s hand and give it a squeeze. He looks down at me, his eyes shining with emotion, and I know he feels it too—the overwhelming sense of gratitude and belonging that comes from being a part of something so special.
“I love you,” I whisper, my voice barely audible over the applause that’s erupting around us.
“I love you too, babe,” He pulls me close and presses a kiss to the top of my head.
There’s nothing like a small-town Christmas, I think to myself, leaning my head on Cam’s shoulder and breathing in the pine-scented air. I look up at the shining star atop the Christmas tree and make a silent wish—a wish for more moments like this one. Moments of joy, and laughter, and love.
Chapter Thirteen
Cam
I balance precariously ona stepladder, stretching to drape a shimmering silver garland across the top of the window frame. Christmas music fills the coffee shop from the Bluetooth speaker on the counter. Josh and Will are doing something in the kitchen and a sole customer sits in the corner sipping coffee while they read a book. The bell above the door jingles and I glance over my shoulder to see a group of customers enter. I scowl as they stamp snow from their boots, talking loudly and disturbing the peace.
With a sigh, I climb down and head behind the counter, forcing a smile. “What can I get for you?”
The woman steps forward, checking out the baked goods on display. “Oh, um, a large peppermint mocha and a chocolate croissant.” Her friends chime in with their orders, not a please or thank you in sight.
