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His hand goes to the back of his neck, and he purses his mouth. Then, his eyes move from his daughter to me.
“What day is the stroll?” he asks.
“Friday evening at sunset.”
He blows out a breath and nods. “We’ll be here until Sunday, and I’d like to see if I can catch a few of those elves on camera.”
Cobie jumps up and down. “Yay!”
He smiles at her, and I can see his joy at her delight.
“Well, shall we get today’s tour started? First stop is the coffee shop to meet Mrs. Beatty and check out her hot cocoa bar,” I prompt.
Cobie reaches her mitten-covered hand up to take mine.
I tell Roxie to forward any pressing calls to my cell as Isaac opens the door and holds it wide.
I lead the three of us out onto the sidewalk and into the falling snow toward our first festive destination.
Isaac
Ifall into step behind the girls as Cobie chatters away with our tour guide, telling her all about her baby brother who was born over the summer.
“Is he back at the inn?” Sela asks.
“No, silly. He’s at home with Mommy and his daddy,” Cobie explains.
Sela looks over her shoulder at me in confusion.
“Cobie’s stepfather, Greg,” I clarify.
“Oh, I see.” She looks back down at Cobie. “Brothers are the best. I have a big brother, and he is my best friend.”
“All my brother does is sleep, poop, and cry,” Cobie states.
Sela laughs. It’s a melodic sound that floats in the air and wraps around me.
“He’ll outgrow that soon, and I’m sure you two will be the best of friends one day too.”
We continue walking down the sidewalk, passing storefronts decorated for the holidays.
I take my camera from the bag on my hip and begin to snap candid shots of the serene and magical scene.
The town is hushed, enveloped in a soft white blanket of fresh powder, but there is an underlying buzz of anticipation as window shades are raised for the day and lights hanging in all the storefront windows blink to life, casting a gentle glow and creating a surreal holiday vibe. The girls’ steps are met with a satisfying crunch beneath their feet.
The cold, crisp air makes my cheeks tingle as I focus the lens on the buildings that wear a coat of glistening snow, creating a sense of peaceful isolation.
People hurry by, bundled up in snug winter coats, their breath visible in the chilly air. The falling snowflakes dance and twirl around them, catching the light and creating a shimmering effect that adds a touch of magic to the cozy landscape.
Sela brings us to a halt in front of a large red door. “Welcome to The Snug Mug. The best coffeehouse around,” she insists.
We follow her into the shop to a delightful sight. The space is filled with a warm and festive holiday spirit.
The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, mingling with hints of cinnamon and spice.
There’s a tall Christmas tree in one corner, adorned with an array of ornaments—shiny balls painted with coffee mugs and pots, delicate glitter-covered marshmallows, and strings of coffee beans and cranberries. Beneath the tree is an assortment of coffee-themed gifts with bright bows—from a travel mug to an espresso machine.
Wreaths made of fragrant pine branches, red ribbons, and pine cones line the wall that leads to the counter, where a round, silver-haired barista is working her magic.
