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Now, here he is, and there’s something about seeing him with Nora that makes my heart melt.
To be honest, I’ve never seen anything like this Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Not even the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting in the city comes close. Sure, there are celebrities and awesome music in the city, but this is something else. From the small-town vibe to the impressive tree size, I’m in awe.
As soon as we got here, I spotted Brent and Nora petting a reindeer, and my heart instantly skyrocketed. It took everything in me not to kiss him right there.
It seems like all 400 residents of Winterberry are here at the event, and I’m in Christmas heaven. I never knew how much I loved this season until coming to Winterberry.
Yes, I enjoyed holiday movies and putting on Christmas music, but here the experience is immersive. I’ll never be able to do Christmas the way I used to.
I was thrilled Sally came with me to the lighting. I was nervous to come by myself. Now, here we are following Nora to the food vendors, and I’m trying really hard not to reach out and touch Brent.
“Look at all thefood!” Nora yells. I never considered myself a foodie, but everything here looks and smells ah-mazing. From pulled pork and funnel cakes to hot dogs and roasted chestnuts, the smells lure us in. I don’t know what to choose.
“Whoa! How is anyone supposed to choose what they’re going to eat,” I say as I clasp a hand to my chest.
Sally threads her arm through mine with a laugh.
“Girl, we don’t have to choose. Let’s get one of each and share,” she says as she leads us to the first tent. The white topped tents are lined up, with tables underneath them filled with goodies, and decorations covering every surface.
“Excuse me, Penelope and Sally, can I share too?” Nora asks, turning around. Looking down into her beautiful eyes, how can anyone say no.
“Of course you can, gorgeous girl.”
One by one, we walk to each tent and buy more food than we could possibly eat while Brent walks behind us chuckling. We keep handing him our food, and eventually he finds a spot on a curb so we can all sit together and chow down.
I find myself seated beside him, our knees touching. Heat spreads throughout my body, telling me that our kiss meant more to me than just two sets of lips touching. Stealing a glance at Brent, I notice he looks back at me briefly. We both look away before anyone else notices.
“You guys, this is the best thingever!” Nora exclaims in between bites.
“Right? I’m so content right now, even though I feel like I may burst out of my pants,” I say laughing.
“Who saved room for hot cocoa?” Sally asks. “We can’t watch the tree be lit without hot chocolate in our hands.”
“I definitely didn’t but I’m totally down to try,” I say, putting my hands over my stomach. I’msofull but she’s right.
“Hey guys, what are you doing on the curb?” A deep, unfamiliar voice says from behind us.
When I turn around, I look up and notice a handsome man in an impeccably tailored suit, with a huge smile on his face.
“Uncle D!” Nora screams. “I just knew we would see you here. Why haven’t you visited me?” She jumps up and throws her arms around his neck.
Oh, sothisis Dominick, Brent’s best friend.
“I’m sorry, Nora, I’ve been so busy. But here I am. Hey, Brent.” Dominick hugs Brent, patting him on the back.
“Long time no see, D.”
“And who is this fine creature?” he asks, looking right at me. Next to me, Sally sucks in a sharp breath, and when I look at Brent, I notice his fists balled at his sides like he could punch a wall.
“Dominick, meet Penelope,” Brent says. “She’s been in town for about two weeks, after her car broke down, and she’s staying at the inn until it’s fixed.”
“I’ve heard a lot about you, Dominick,” I say. “It’s nice to put a face to the name.”
I stand and offer him a hand to shake in greeting. He looks similar to Brent, but shorter and with blonde hair. His blue eyes peer out from underneath the shag of his hair. He keeps glancing at Sally, even when he’s talking to me.
“Nice to meet you, Penelope. I hope you’re enjoying our little town,” he says. “Hi Sally, I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever.”
“That’s because you haven’t, Dominick,” she replies icily. Well, this is a side of Sally I haven’t seen since meeting her. “How long are you in town for?”
