AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Look at those reindeer, Knox,” Summer said, her voice filled with childlike wonder. “They are so adorable!”
“Wait until you see the ones in the stable,” I replied, grinning at the thought of her reaction to the actual live reindeer waiting just around the corner.
After the parade had passed, we led our little group towards the reindeer stable, the scent of hay and warm fur mingling with the festive smells from earlier. Summer gasped as she caught sight of the majestic animals, their antlers adorned with delicate ribbons and bells.
“Can we pet them?” Carter asked, his small face alight with curiosity.
“Aye o’course laddie,” Da replied, gently guiding him toward the nearest reindeer. “Be canny now.”
“Be careful,” I translated for my wee ‘uns.
As Grace and Carter reached out to touch the soft fur of the reindeer, I felt a surge of happiness watching my family enjoy this simple moment together. These were the memories that would last long after the music had faded and the lights had been taken down — the ones that truly mattered.
“Thank you for bringing us here,” Summer whispered, her eyes shining with unshed tears as she leaned into me. “It’s wonderful.”
“Anything for you,” I murmured, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. “Merry Christmas, Sunshine.”
A gentle flurry of snowflakes began to fall from the sky, dusting the ground and adding an extra layer of magic to the Christmas festival. The delicate crystals seemed to dance around us as we walked, turning the world into a winter wonderland. My parents led the way toward the mulled wine and hot chocolate stall, where a cheerful woman ladled out steaming mugs of the fragrant beverages.
“Here you go, luv,” she said, handing me a cup of mulled wine that instantly warmed my fingers. “And for the weans, some hot chocolate.”
“Thank you,” I replied, passing the drinks to Summer and the kids. We all took sips, the comforting warmth spreading through our bodies, chasing away the chill of the December air. The children’s faces lit up as they tasted the rich cocoa, while the rest of us savored the spicy blend of cinnamon and cloves in the wine.
“Let’s away tae the town centre,” my mum suggested, her eyes twinkling like the lights strung between the market stalls. “The Yule tree and carolers should be gettin’ started soon.”
We followed her lead, strolling past colorful booths offering handmade ornaments, knitted scarves, and freshly baked gingerbread cookies. The air was alive with laughter and excited chatter, filling me with a sense of contentment I hadn’t experienced in years. It felt like everything was perfect.
The smile slipped from my face when I saw him. As we approached the town square, I caught sight of the familiar figure standing near the towering Christmas tree. Hugh. It had been years since our friendship had silently imploded in a mess of betrayal and heartache, but the sight of him still made my blood run cold. I could feel my jaw clench and my hands tightening around my cup of mulled wine.
“Knox?” Summer asked, concern lacing her voice as she noticed my change in demeanor. “Is everything alright?”
I hesitated, unsure whether to burden her with the ghosts of my past. But one look at her warm, caring eyes made me realize that I could trust her with anything. “See that guy over there?” I muttered, nodding subtly in Hugh’s direction. “That’s Hugh — my old friend. The one I think Aila had the affair with.”
“Ah,” she replied softly, clearly understanding the turmoil his presence had kicked up beneath my unaffected surface. “Do you want to leave? We can find another part of the festival to explore.”
“No,” I said, forcing myself to relax my grip on the cup and take a deep breath. “We came here to enjoy ourselves, and that’s what we’re going to do. Besides, I haven’t spoken to him in years. I’ll just ignore him.”
“Alright,” she agreed, squeezing my hand reassuringly. “But if you change your mind, just let me know. I’m here for you.”
“Thanks, Summer,” I whispered, grateful for her unwavering support as we continued toward the heart of the festivities.
The snow continued to fall around us, settling on our shoulders like delicate lace as the strains of “Mistletoe and Wine” drifted through the air. Somehow, despite the shadow cast by Hugh’s presence, I knew that this Christmas would be one to remember — for all the right reasons.
A gust of frigid wind swept through the town square, lifting a whirlwind of snowflakes around us. The festive atmosphere was alive with laughter and the hum of cheerful conversations as I looked over at Summer, her cheeks rosy from the cold. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and for a moment, my heart swelled with happiness — until my gaze drifted back to Hugh. He was staring directly at me, and then he started heading our way.
“Knox,” Summer said gently, her fingers brushing against mine as she caught my lingering stare. “We can leave. You don’t have to do this if you’re not ready.”
“I know,” I admitted, my jaw tense as I watched Hugh hesitantly make his way toward us. “But if I don’t face him now, I’ll never be able to let go of the past.”
Summer squeezed my hand reassuringly, her warmth seeping into me like a balm for my battered soul. As Hugh approached, I steeled myself for the confrontation I knew was coming.
“Knox,” Hugh said, his voice strained with an emotion I couldn’t quite place. “It’s been a long time. Is this... is this your family?”
“Save it,” I snapped, my anger flaring despite Summer’s calming presence. “What do you want?”
“Knox,” Summer murmured, her gentle touch a reminder that I shouldn’t let my emotions get the better of me. It wasn’t just about me anymore; our bairns were here, too, and they deserved a peaceful day.
“Ye weans, come awa’ noo,” my mother called out, sensing the tension in the air. “Let’s away tae Santa’s grotto while yer Da talks a wee crack with an auld pal.” My parents whisked the kids away, leaving Summer, Hugh, and me standing awkwardly in the center of the bustling square.
