“Sorry. Continue.”
“Let’s see, for starters, there’s the tree ornament raffle.”
“Ah, yes, a classic. Did you donate one?” Local businesses each donated a special ornament for the raffle. Liam had included a handcrafted snow-covered tree from the Hot Honey Farm Shop.
“No, I found out about it too late,” Cassidy said, a little deflated.
“Well then, you’re allowed to enter. What else?”
She perked up. “There’s the Christmas wish tags. You write something down, toss it in the bonfire, and your wish is magically granted.”
Liam exhaled, casting a skeptical glance toward the community park where the fire crackled at the center of the square.
Cassidy sighed. “You don’t have to do it. It’s just… kind of fun. Or you can just go home, and I’ll walk around by myself. I told you—I don’t mind. I know you hate Christmas.”
Her voice was casual, but Liam caught the flicker of disappointment beneath it. And that, more than anything, was what made him stay.
Liam wanted to make Cassidy happy, he really did. He just wished it involved something less Christmassy, like a pitcher of beer and a round of darts at the Kettle. He shouldn’t be here—shouldn’t let her get too close. But he was here. And what if tonight gave him a good memory in a season that hadn’t been kind to him?
“‘Hate’ is a pretty strong word. Besides, it’s been a hell of a day. Let’s end it on a high note.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive. You pick. I’ll do anything.”
“Even the sleigh photo op?” Cassidy teased.
“No. Anything but that.”
“Oh, come on. It’s got a red velvet seat and everything.”
“I’m not climbing into a giant fake sleigh, Cassidy.”
“Okay, fine. But will you do the Christmas wish?”
Liam bobbed his head from side to side, weighing his options. “Fine. One wish.”
“Deal.” She beamed and linked her arm through his. “Baby steps.”
Liam could see the bonfire and feel the warmth of it before they even got in line.
Cassidy picked up a tag, tapping her pen against her chin. “What should I write?” She looked over at Liam’s tag. “Wait, you already have something? Let me see!”
“Nope, that’s not how this works.” Liam scrawled something quickly and folded it in half.
“Oh, no fair! You have to show me.”
“Nope. It’s a wish. If I tell you, it won’t come true.”
Cassidy rolled her eyes but smiled.
Liam caught sight of her tag—“Don’t screw this up”—and his teasing faded. His gaze met hers. He wanted to tell her that she wouldn’t. That she belonged here, in Maple Falls. That her shop would thrive. That her life would be filled with love and joy, because that’s what she was filled with. She was brave in ways that had nothing to do with chocolate or Christmas lights. She was opening herself up to a whole new life.
But he didn’t say any of that. Because if he did, she might think he meant more than friendship. And right now, that was all he could give her.
“Ready?” he asked, folding his wish a second time.
Together, they walked toward the fire.
