“And to announce our winner–Here’s Valerie Remington.” He spoke like a game show host who was super excited about the prize. Holding out one arm, he invited her on stage.
Valerie took a deep breath.
Ethan leaned over and spoke in her ear; his breath was a warm caress on her sensitive skin. “You got this.”
She lifted her foot and placed it on the first step. Something inside of her clicked. She knew the stage. She knew performing. She knew how to work a crowd. And she knew what she was going to do at this very moment. It was as clear as if she’d watched herself in a movie–taking just seconds for it all to become clear. Turning to Ethan, she quickly kissed his lips. “Stay here, okay?”
He nodded, stunned–either by the kiss or her going it alone, she wasn’t sure.
Hopefully, the kiss.
Walking gracefully, she crossed to the mayor and offered him a one-armed hug as she took the mic with the other hand. “Thank you, Mayor Owens, for that warm introduction.” She motioned to him, and the crowd clapped politely.
“The holidays were special around our house.” She noted how many phones were out, filming her every word. Several were live, and she was streaming on YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and more. Her uncle would love that, she thought sarcastically.
Actually, he’d be happy she was out again. He pushed her to do stuff like this because he cared. He knew what was in her blood and that she couldn't escape it forever.
With a glance at Ethan, who nodded for her to continue, she knew she’d found a man like her uncle. A man who wouldn’t let her fall on her face. And if she did, he’d lift her back up again. Ethan was steady and strong, sensitive in all the best ways, and thoughtful. She’d traveled a twisted road to get to this place and was grateful for the journey.
“Being in Moose Hollow has reminded me that Christmas is a time to be with family and friends.”
“Woot!” Lauren yelled from somewhere in the back.
Valerie laughed. “It’s a time to create wonder in a child’s life. A time when we throw diets out the window and indulge in rich foods that feed our soul as much as our bellies.” She glanced at the mayor. “Some of us more than others,” she teased.
He was a good sport and ran his hand over his stomach with a scowl. Lifting that hand, he waved and laughed.
“Mostly, Christmas is a time for music. I believe music is the language of the angles–which is why it touches our hearts when nothing else can.”
A hush fell over the crowd, the kind that happened when everyone knew something special was about to happen. Something special did happen. Two people stood behind her. She couldn’t see them, but their spirits were so familiar she could draw them with her eyes closed.
“Oh, oh, oh, I believe,” she began to sing softly, “there are angels among us. Sent down to us, from somewhere up above.”
Listen to our baby girl.Daddy’s voice was as deep as a river and strong as ever.
“They come to you, and me–” She lifted her hands, encouraging everyone to join. It wasn't a Christmas song, but it was the one that was in her heart at the moment.
She’s so beautiful.Mom was like the wind, swirling around every part of her with love.
Pretty soon, the whole crowd sang with her. “But ain’t it kind of funny, at the dark end of the road,”
That someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope.Their harmony was perfect like they’d found a new level of music together.
At the end of the chorus, she waved her hand, and the crowd cut off, leaving her voice to carry out over the group and fade like the angels who had sung behind her, loving her with all they had.
“To guide us with the light of love.”
She slowly lowered the mic and let the last note hang. Two tears dropped—one for Mom and one for Dad.
She didn’t wipe them away. She smiled wide and lifted her arms out. “Thank you, Moose Hollow, for being a place of hope this Christmas!”
A huge cheer went up. When they quieted down again, she grinned. “I guess you want to know who won today?”
They stomped their feet and cheered.
Her heart lifted. She’d done it. She’d faced her fear and lived in this moment–lived the heck out of it, as a matter of fact.
“Our winner is… Duke Diamonte!” She held up the gold medallion, letting it sparkle in the fading afternoon light as Duke and his wife Jennifer made their way to the stage. “Duke’s nativity scene not only met all the top levels on the judging sheet, but it was also crystal clear and lovely.” Much like the jewelry in the Diamonte Family Store. No doubt this couple was connected to the store in some way.
