My heart stutters. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, what if we just be ourselves tonight? No act. No performance." His thumb brushes over my knuckles. "Just Dario and Judith enjoying a night out."
The suggestion terrifies me with its simplicity. Because being ourselves means acknowledging the connection that's grown between us. A connection that has no place in our temporary arrangement.
"Okay." The word emerges as barely more than a whisper. "No pretending."
His smile warms me more than any fire could. "Let's go light a tree."
The drive to town passes quickly, filled with comfortable conversation and the occasional brush of his hand against mine. As we approach Crimson Hollow, I'm struck by the transformation. The already charming main street has become a Christmas dream, with lights strung between buildings, wreaths on every lamppost, and garland wrapping the storefronts.
"It's like a movie set," I marvel as Dario parks near the town square.
"Told you they take Christmas seriously." He comes around to open my door, offering his hand. "Ready?"
I take his hand, stepping out into the crisp evening air. "As I'll ever be."
The square buzzes with activity. Families cluster around fire pits, children dart between adults with barely contained excitement, and the scent of hot chocolate and cinnamon fills the air. At the center stands a massive evergreen, currently dark but clearly the star of tonight's show.
"Dario!" A voice calls from our left. We turn to find Silas approaching, Jordyn at his side, carrying what appears to be a bundled infant. "You made it."
"Said we would." Dario's hand finds the small of my back, a gesture that feels protective rather than possessive. "Jordyn, this is Judith. My wife."
The word sends an unexpected thrill through me, despite knowing its temporary nature. I extend my hand to Jordyn, who shifts the baby to shake it.
"So good to finally meet you," she says warmly. "We were starting to think Dario was hiding you away on purpose."
"Just getting settled," I reply smoothly. "The mountain takes some adjustment for a city girl."
"Tell me about it." She rolls her eyes good-naturedly. "I thought I'd never get used to it after Toronto, but now I can't imagine living anywhere else."
Silas hands Dario a manila envelope. "The paperwork we discussed. No rush, but if you can get it back to me by next week, we can process everything before Christmas."
"Thanks." Dario tucks it inside his coat. "Judith's lawyer sent over her documents as well. I’m sure Dario’s told you, Judith, but the marriage challenge has been dropped."
"Excellent news." Silas smiles at me. "Congratulations to you both."
Before I can respond, we're approached by a petite Black woman and a tall muscular black man.
"You must be Judith." She extends a hand, her smile genuine. "I'm Sage, Bean & Bloom Café, and this is my boyfriend Jabari. Everyone's been dying to meet Dario's mystery wife."
"Pleasure to meet you." I shake her hand, surprised by the strength in her grip.
"Sage makes the best coffee in three counties," Dario informs me, his tone warmer than I've heard him use with anyone else.
"Rich coming from a mountain hermit who hardly tastes it." She grins at him. "Don't worry, I won't monopolize your wife. Just wanted to invite you both to the holiday cookie exchange next week. No pressure, but it's tradition."
"We'll think about it," Dario responds, neither committing nor declining.
"Good enough for me." She pats his arm before turning to greet someone else.
Over the next hour, I meet what feels like the entire population of Crimson Hollow. Micah Kane with his quick wit and knowing glances at Dario. Luna from the bookstore who slips me her card with a whispered "If you need reading material up on that mountain." Diesel from the garage who complimentsDario's truck modifications. Each introduction comes with genuine welcome and barely concealed curiosity about the woman who somehow managed to marry Crimson Hollow's most notorious loner.
Through it all, Dario remains at my side, his hand rarely leaving some point of contact with me. The small of my back, my elbow, fingers intertwined with mine. Each touch feels natural, unforced. True to his suggestion, we're not pretending anything tonight.
The mayor calls for attention as darkness falls completely. The crowd gathers around the tree, anticipation building. Children sit on shoulders for better views, couples huddle together against the chill.
"Another year, another Christmas in Crimson Hollow," the mayor announces with practiced cheer. "Before we light the tree, I want to recognize our newest residents and visitors joining us for the first time tonight."
