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It felt a little like a miracle that she was here—back in his life—but time was moving too quickly. He knew they needed to make the most of the month they had together. He had no idea what their relationship would look like after the new year, but right now he didn’t want to think about that.
“Before we end tonight’s Festival of Lights,” the narrator said, “take a moment to think of a wish for the year ahead.”
I wish Alesha were staying in Harbortown…
“Hold your lanterns high.”
All around them, lanterns lifted into the air.
The entire amphitheater glowed as hundreds of lights shimmered across the crowd.
“Now make your wish,” the narrator said softly. After a moment, he continued, “May all your wishes and dreams come true.”
The choir began “Joy to the World,” its final number, as a snow machine created a gentle snowfall over the audience. When the music ended and the lights brightened, the amphitheater erupted in applause.
“Oh my goodness! That was amazing!” Alesha said excitedly. “I’m so glad we did this!”
Reece slipped his arm around her shoulders and nodded. “Me too.”
It took a few minutes for the crowd to file out, and progress through the aisles was slow. When they reached the end of the aisle, Reece spotted a small group gathered near the exit. Walker, Axel, and Slater were already talking with their wives while the crowd slowly filtered past them.
“Reece! Hey!” Walker Bradshaw called out.
Taking Alesha’s hand, Reece guided her over to them. “Hey, Walker. That was quite a show.”
Walker chuckled. “I was never one for this sort of thing, but I have to admit—it gets me a little emotional every time.”
They laughed softly before Reece turned to Alesha.
“This is Alesha Reed. Her father owns The Lit Loft, and she’s visiting for the holidays.” He gestured to the couple next to him. “Alesha, this is Walker and Harlow Bradshaw. Walker’s family originally owned the resort.”
“Oh, wow,” Alesha said as she shook their hands. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m completely blown away by how beautiful the resort is. I visited once as a kid, but I moved away when I was nine, and this is my first time back. Well, Reece and I came here for dinner the other night, but I meant my first time back to Harbortown since I was a kid.”
“That’s awesome,” Harlow said warmly. “We love the bookstore. Your father is always so helpful. How long are you visiting?”
“Until just after the new year. Then I’m heading back home to Oregon.”
Reece did his best to hide the frown threatening to form.
“Well, we’re happy you made it back,” Walker said with a smile. “This town has a way of pulling people home.”
“Hey, Reece!”
Axel Hayes and his very pregnant wife, Maisie, joined them.
“How’d you like the show?” Axel asked.
“Spectacular as usual,” Reece said. “The decorations somehow look even better than last year.”
“We try to improve things every season,” Maisie said with a smile before introducing herself to Alesha.
“That sounds like a lot of work,” Alesha said. “And honestly, I can’t imagine it being any better than this.”
“You’re very sweet to say that,” Maisie replied. “It takes a small army to pull it off, but it’s worth it.”
A moment later, Slater and his fiancée Evie stepped over to join them.
“I thought you two were back in Seattle,” Reece said.
