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"Kieran, I will be back." She leans in closer. "If Caleb agrees to drive us back, can we get drunk on mulled wine and ride it until we puke?"

"Oh my God," I whisper-shout. "Let's do it tomorrow. All of Wayward Hollow. First one to puke loses. And we crown the winner at the end."

"Deal." We shake hands. Though I have a hunch, we will be too exhausted to remember. Well, what better way to use my hard-earned money than to rent out a carousel occasionally? Our time for drunken shenanigans on it will come.

Caleb stays to the side and shakes his head. "Ridiculous, the two of you."

"You're only saying that because you would lose," Lauren says in a sing-song voice and steps aside to let others pass.

"And so would you," I point out. She shoots me a glare.

“Kylie would drink us all under the table."

"She totally would. Unless she's not good with carousels. Anyway. Some of us have to work here.” I grin, which they can’t even see under the beard, and wave at them. "Have fun on your little date, you two."

"See you later, Kieran." Lauren grabs Caleb's hand again and pulls him along to the waffle booth.

An hour later, Henry appears. "Hey, Kieran, do you need a break?"

"Henry, you wonderful human being." I clasp his shoulders and shake him semi-gently. My feet hurt from all the standing, because I was not smart enough to get myself a chair or booth I can keep a heater in. "Yes. Yes, I do."

"I can take over for a while." He chuckles, eyeing me from Santa-boots to Santa-hat. "Though I will not be wearing your costume." He points at his own. I think it’s supposed to be a Christmas tree.

"Boo." I shake my head with a fake, disapproving pout he can't see under this thick, luscious Santa beard. But okay, I'll take it. At least he’s wearing a costume. “This is the register. Rides are a buck each. Give Jefferson a thumbs up once everyone's seated. You got this. Thank you."

I run to the booth Jefferson is sitting in, close the door behind me, and quickly take off my Santa costume before making my way through the soft snowflakes to search for my friends.

"Have fun! Oh, and Henry." I stop in my tracks and turn to him. "Nobody rides free. Not even girlfriends. Or family."

“Do I get a complimentary round?” His face lights up.

"You?" I eye him up and down. "I'll allow it."

"How generous." He clasps my shoulder, fighting a grin. "Go, Kieran. Have fun with Brooke."

"Oh, I will."

I have no idea where she is, though. So, I get myself a waffle to quench my hunger, a hot chocolate because I’m fucking cold and stroll along the Christmas market. Soft Christmas music comes from hidden speakers, the occasional snowflake falling from the sky as I make my way down the cleared paths.

I walk past Caleb's and Lauren's booth, and check out their wonky dog bone-shaped pet treats. If I squint, they look like a hundred little dicks. Which means I have to buy some for my furry son later.

The next booth is Erik's aunt Molly, displaying images of her art to sell. Probably smarter than having to lug her canvases here. Next is a booth from the Kinstead Chocolatiers. Hell, even Amanda has a booth this year, where she sells small trinkets and décor from her antique store.

And then, lastly, Henry and Nic's dog-kissing booth. Of course, this is where I would find Brooke. I have to give it to them. Their queue is almost as long as mine, though theirs winds past several food and drink stands.

"Hey, friends." I enter their booth area from the back. "How's it going?"

"Oh, it's going so well." Nic defiantly raises her chin. "Your dog is a hit."

"Of course he is." I chuckle and give Dick a quick head rub. "He's a handsome boy. Takes after me, you know? Of course, everyone loves him."

Like last year, Nic and Henry are doing a dog hug booth. Which means they’ve built little platforms for Jensen, Dick and Shadow, bringing them to the perfect huggable height. It appears though, they added tables from Caleb’s for Rose and Sophia last minute. They’ll probably trade with Dorothy and Blanche later.

“Damn, it’s a party!” Of course, they’d have a great shot at winning with all these dogs. Maybe my victory isn’t as clear as I thought. “So, who is getting the most love?"

"Oh, it's pretty even," Brooke explains. Her cheeks are red from the cold, and I hand her my hot chocolate. She shoots me a thankful look and takes a sip. Nic takes a few steps away to keep the queue going and collect the money while I pull Brooke aside.

"Are you having fun? Because I'm having fun." I wiggle my eyebrows.