AllFreeNovel
Share Us
There’s time to think about it later. The Festival of Lights judging begins in two days, and there’s still work to do. I hurry to put the finishing touches on the window.
AND THE WINNER IS...
CHAPTER 10
***
Sophie
My stomach's in knots. I barely had enough time to gather wish lists from the local school system. Sebastian and I spent an entire evening writing children's names on Christmas ornaments. The need's greater than I anticipated. We wound up purchasing more ornaments to hang on Fudgeballs' tree. Now we wait for our customers to participate by fulfilling the wishes of those most in need.
The Festival of Lights judges made their rounds two days ago. They murmured among each other as they took notes and snapped photos. The panel is scheduled to announce the grand prize winner in the town square at dusk, just before we light the square. It’s a make-or-break moment for Brain Freeze.
“I’m nervous, Sebastian.” I curl myself close to his chest and knot his shirt in my hands. He wraps his coat around me and cocoons me in his warmth. “Are you nervous?”
"I am, but no matter what happens, we did our best, and we did it together." He lays a delicate kiss on my forehead, melting my heart with his calm reserve.
The crowd moves closer to the pavilion where Mayor Stanton and Kinsey Bryant prepare to announce the winner. I turn in Sebastian’s arms, resting my back against his sturdy chest. This is it. Brain Freeze’s future is in Mayor Stanton’s hands.
"Ladies and gentlemen. It's with great pride that I welcome you to the Festival of Lights crowning moment." Mayor Stanton begins his speech with flair, prattling on about community spirit, working together, and effort put into this event every year. I fidget, barely able to contain my nerves. "And our grand prize winner is–" He pulls an envelope from his pocket and opens it carefully. "Gillian and Eileen from Treasured Past. Congratulations, ladies."
“Damn.”
The crowd cheers as my stomach bottoms out. I’m frozen in place. My ears buzz with the hum of the crowd. I want to dart to Brain Freeze and bolt the door so no one can take it away from me, but Sebastian holds me in place, grounding me with his soothing tone.
“We did our best. We’ll figure something out, Sophie. I promise.” Sebastian’s warm breath heats my ear. “You owe the swear jar.”
I’m heartbroken, and he manages to lighten the moment for me. “I guess I do.”
Commotion in the pavilion distracts me from the negative thoughts racing through my head. Kinsey steps forward and whispers in the mayor's ear as she places an envelope in his hand.
Mayor Stanton opens the envelope and taps the mic. Mumbling ensues as he quickly reads the contents of the paper. His cheeks brighten with a wide smile.
“Tis the season for giving. An anonymous donor has generously chosen a secondary winner.” He pauses as he scans the crowd. My throat closes when his gaze lands on Sebastian and me. “For their outstanding community support and giving spirit, Brain Freeze and Fudgeballs are this year’s runners-up.”
“What?” I glance up at Sebastian. He’s as surprised as I am. “Did he just say...are we...did we win?”
