The town of Winterridge had never looked so alive.
Strings of lights stretched across the square, glowing softly even in daylight. Snowmen lined the streets, their scarves knitted by hands that had once trembled with worry and now moved with purpose. Laughter echoed—real laughter, unforced and bright.
Arielle stood at the edge of the square, taking it all in.
For the first time in her life, the holidays didn’t feel like something happening around her.
They felt like something she belonged to.
Noah stood beside her, quiet, thoughtful. He hadn’t said much since morning, and she could feel something building in him—like a tide pulling back before a wave.
“You’re thinking very hard,” she teased softly.
He smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m trying to find the right moment.”
