“I haven’t recorded anything in a long time. But I would love to see what you’re doing. Send them to Uncle, and I’ll give them a listen.”
Ethan’s heart dropped to hear her so easily dismiss the idea of making her own album.
“Are you ready, Miss Judge?” asked Mayor Owens, breaking up the conversation. Xavier and Emily excused themselves and wandered off.
This was his second year in office. The gingerbread contest was last year’s big test of his abilities. This year, it was the ice sculpture contest. He wanted to bring in even more tourists for the holidays. So far, it seemed to work as half the people wandering from sculpture to sculpture were strangers. He’d repaired a faulty thermostat in an Airbnb that morning–the grateful family was visiting from Florida. They looked ready to head south if he didn’t get the heater running soon. They currently huddled near one of the fire pits, smiling but not showing any desire to move from their heat source.
Valerie nodded to the mayor. “It’s all right here.” She handed over the clipboard and then reached for Ethan’s hand. “He’s coming on stage with us.” She began dragging him along with her, her grip tight.
“I don’t think I’m supposed to be up there,” he whispered in her ear, catching the scent of her expensive perfume. He’d never smelled anything like it before and couldn’t pinpoint if it had fruit or flowers, spice or vanilla. All he knew was that it was the scent of happiness.
“First rule of celebrity, unless someone protests, the answer is yes.” She winked over her shoulder.
Ethan had to hand it to her; she had this celebrity thing down. She spoke with fans like they were the most important person on the planet. She posed for pictures, took selfies, and signed whatever paper they thrust at her. All this because her parents sang country music. It seemed so strange to him, and yet she wore it all like a pair of jeans that fit just right.
Despite all the attention she garnered, very few people talked about Valerie’s talent. All the fame came from her parents. Which was sad to him because she was incredible–one of the best people on the planet, gorgeous beyond description, and talented in her own right.
“Dad!” Collin yelled as he slammed into Ethan’s side. Their entourage stopped, the mayor taking a moment to greet visitors to their fine town.
“Did you see the reindeer?” Collin demanded. “And Santa’s here too.”
His mom huffed as she caught up to Collin. No doubt she’d chased him across the square.
Pearl was right behind her, staring at her screen. She’d been up all night answering DMs about Valerie and how they met. She kept sidling up to Valerie and taking pictures, tagging them as BFFs.
Ethan apologized the first ten times and then sent her and Collin off to buy hot chocolate.
“He saw you and took off.” Mom shook her finger at Collin. “I don’t run like a kid anymore. Give an old lady a break.”
Collin scrunched up his face. “You’re not old, Grandma.”
She softened immediately. “You just earned yourself another Christmas present.”
The adults all laughed except Pearl, whose thumbs moved like lightning. It appeared that she’d found something more substantial than her desire to be with Collin this Christmas–proximity fame.
“Where’s the cocoa?” Ethan asked Collin.
He lifted a shoulder. “Mom said we didn’t have time to wait in line.”
Ethan checked with his own mother. She pressed her lips together and shook her head slightly. Whatever really happened, she didn’t want to disparage Pearl in front of Collin. They had a hard and fast rule about not speaking ill of her in a way that would cause him trauma.
“Did someone carve a reindeer?” Ethan asked, bringing the conversation back to Collin’s urgent announcement. He hadn’t seen it if they did, and Valerie needed to see all the sculptures before deciding on the winner.
“No. A real reindeer,” Collin clarified. “They’re over there. Santa says he wants to talk to you.”
Santa? Ethan’s mind darted to his hasty phone call.
Nick!
He glanced from Valerie to Nick and back. He kept his hand in hers. She laughed. “I can see you’re torn–forget to give Santa your Christmas list?”
He rolled his eyes at himself. “No. I think I gave him the wrong one.”
“Oh!” She pretended to be worried. “Hurry over there. I’ll keep the mayor busy for a few minutes.”
He kissed the back of her hand. He hadn’t meant to. The movement was natural and easy and just happened. She brightened, and her eyes sparked with a reciprocating smolder. If the two of them could get a minute alone–mistletoe or not–he’d kiss her until they were breathless.
“Are you okay with…” he tipped his head toward Pearl. She was holding her phone out and looking for the best angle that included Valerie in the background.
