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I step to her and place a hand on her hip and pull her close. As the pianist starts a new song, we begin to move round the outer edge of the floor.

“In the last few weeks, my life has been turned inside out. Everything I ever wanted was offered to me, but everything I never knew I wanted crept in, and I’ve been the happiest I’ve ever been because of this inn, this town, and especially you,” she says.

“Me?”

“Yes. You’re the real Christmas miracle I was looking for.”

“You were looking for me, huh?”

She nods. “Somehow, you knew exactly what I needed. You brought out parts of me that I had buried so deep. I don’t want to lose it again.”

“Lose what?” I ask.

“Hope. Just being here, I discovered the person I want to be. The person I’m already becoming.”

“And who’s that?”

“Someone who takes the time to slow down and enjoy the smell of gingerbread and appreciate the magic of mistletoe.”

“And love?” I inquire.

“Yeah, someone who slows down and enjoys being in love too. I just need to know what you’re looking for.”

“That’s simple. Someone who is happy to see me come in the door at night and is sad to see me walk out of it in the morning,” I say.

“Me too. So, what do you say? You want to give this a chance with me?” she asks.

“Absolutely,” I say.

Tears fill her eyes, and she leaps into my arms. I catch her and spin her around.

“Yes!” Norah shouts, and she and Willa both run out onto the dance floor and wrap their arms around us.

“It’s a love sandwich,” Norah exclaims.

Hoyt takes the stage and taps the microphone to get the partygoers’ attention.

“Oh boy, here we go,” I say.

“What?” Hannah asks.

I grin down at her. “Just watch. This night keeps getting better and better.”

“Hello, everyone. On behalf of the rest of the town council, I’d like to say thank you for joining us this evening for Lake Mistletoe’s first annual Holly Ball, benefiting the town’s conservation fund. I hope everyone is enjoying themselves. Our hosts have certainly outdone themselves, and we are very grateful for their hospitality.” He pauses while the crowd gives a round of applause. “I’ve been informed that the big guy from the North Pole has arrived to help us spread a little cheer tonight. Santa, will you please join me up here to pass out the door prizes to our winners? So, everyone, please get your tickets out.”

Keller steps out onto the gazebo, dressed as jolly old Saint Nick, toting a large bag stuffed with packages. He waves to everyone as he joins Hoyt.

“The floor is yours, Santa,” Hoyt says as he steps back.

“Are you guys ready?”

A symphony of yeses fills the air as he reaches into the basket sitting on the podium. He plucks a ticket and starts to read the numbers but stops short.

“Wait. We’re missing something. Santa needs a Mrs. Claus. Where’s Willa?” he says into the microphone as his eyes scan the crowd.

“Here she is,” I call out as I point down at Willa, who is still standing beside us.

“Come up here and help me do this?” he beckons her.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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