“She’s incredible,” Willow says in my ear. “And she looks so happy.”
I nod, swiping my fingers beneath my lashes as my mom sings the song Dad always requested of her. I never really understood whythatwas the song he asked for instead of something prettier like “The Christmas Song,” but as I watch my mother throw her head back in laughter between verses, without a care in the world, it becomes clear. Dad loved it because this is Mom at her best—silly and bursting with joyful energy.
My mom is leading Oliver in a box step, and when he catches my gaze, I swear my heart skips, like a prized record I’ve listened to so much I wore it out. Oliver is the reason Mom came to Mistletoe Fest to begin with, and he’s the reason for the smile etched across her face.
The song is drawing to an end, and Kayla puts her arm around me.
“You okay?” she asks.
I give her a nod as Mom and Oliver take their bows to wild cheers and a standing ovation. She wraps him in a bear hug, and they exit the stage, catching high fives and pats on the back as they return to their seats.
“Grandma MJ and Oliver, everyone,” Eddie booms. “Keep that applause going. Wasn’t that incredible?”
“You were amazing,” I say with a chuckle.
“I’m glad you think so because I wasterrified,” Oliver admits. “Do you think your mom had fun?”
“Definitely,” I say, unable to take my eyes off this beautiful, thoughtful, dream of a man, for fear that if I do, he’ll disappear, and I’ll find he’s been a figment of my imagination all along.
“Hey,” he says, touching my cheek. “What’s that face for?”
I want to thank him for helping to bring the best parts of my mother back to life—for caring about me enough to see how important she is to me. But my words get lodged in my throat.
So I do the next best thing and kiss him instead.
18
MJ
“It’stime to crown our holiday karaoke champion,” Eddie O’Donnell’s voice booms into the mic at the center of the stage where he’s holding a large red envelope. “I’ve always known Loving’s got talent, but y’all really showed up this year.”
“You certainly did.” Ron chuckles, nudging my arm.
“Oh, stop,” I say with a wave of my hand as Eddie opens the envelope, pulling out the piece of paper that holds the name of the winner. I grip the edge of my chair, shocked to find I’m actually nervous, though Oliver and I probably don’t stand a chance. There were twenty-one entries, and Eddie’s right. There’s a lot of talent in this town.
“Our champions were selected based on stage presence, vocal talent, and crowd participation, and for the first time in our town’s history, the judges wereunanimousin their decision.” Eddie waits while the audience cheers. “I’m sure you’ll all agree that these particular performers were especially captivating.”
The crowd goes silent, and I look at Ron, who has his fingers crossed. In the row in front of me, Lindsey’s holding hands with Oliver on one side and Kayla on the other.
Rose turns around to give me a little wink. “You’ve got this in the bag, sister.”
“Our holiday karaoke champions are” —Eddie pauses for effect— “Oliver and Grandma MJ! Come on up here!”
Everyone, including our two rows, erupts into wild cheers as Oliver jumps to his feet and spins to face me.
“We did it,” I say as I stand up, my hands on either side of my face.
He gives me a gentle smile. “Youdid.”
When Lindsey turns, her eyes are glistening. Even my sister’s cheeks look a little damp.
Ron squeezes my hand as I exit the row, sending a rush of warmth through my limbs.
Oliver meets me in the aisle, and I take his arm, allowing him to guide me up the stairs and onto the stage.
“Congratulations,” Eddie says, standing between us. “You’ve won a three-night stay in Gatlinburg in a gorgeous cabin, big enough for the whole family.”
My kids and the grandchildren are screaming their heads off, which causes the rest of the crowd to join in.
