LOVE RENEWED BY VALENTINE

UNDER THE MISTLETOE

As Sarah entered the bustling town square, the air was cool and holiday lights twinkled on every corner. The annual holiday party was in full flow. Music flowed from speakers, and laughter filled the cool night air. Everywhere she looked, people were gathering to enjoy the warmth of the season with friends and family. An enormous bonfire burned in the centre of the square, its flames dancing in the night.

Sarah smiled as she saw Lily run off to join her cousins, her small face beaming with happiness. There was something beautiful about the holiday season, especially for kids, and Lily's laughing provided the soundtrack for the evening.

Sarah felt out of place. The previous few months had been difficult, and despite being surrounded by familiar faces, she couldn't shake the idea that she was still bearing the burden of the past. She needed a break from everything, from the reminders of her old existence. So she went to the punch table, hoping for a minute of solitude.

But, as she was ready to take a sip, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Sarah Callahan," the voice drawled, causing a chill through her. "Already trying to avoid me?"

Sarah felt her heart skip a beat. She whirled around, half expecting to see a ghost.

Standing in front of her was Ethan Blake.

Her pulse quickened. Ethan. Her teen crush. The golden boy of the village. The one who had always seemed out of reach, but had stolen her heart with a kiss under the stands years before. And suddenly he was standing in front of her, as if nothing had happened.

"Ethan," she said, attempting to be nonchalant, but her voice faltered. "I am not avoiding anyone. "Just enjoying the party."

Ethan's smile was effortless, yet there was a hint of something deeper in his blue eyes. His look lasted longer than it should have, and Sarah wondered for a fleeting second if he sensed the same tension between them.

"It's been a while," he said quietly and smoothly. "How've you been?"

"Busy," she said hurriedly, unwilling to go into the tumultuous emotions and grief that had preceded her homecoming. "And you?"

"Same," he replied with a shrug. "I took over my dad's firm last year. It keeps me busy, but I can handle it. It's nice to see you, Sarah. I missed you.

The words hung in the air, and Sarah felt a surge of warmth. She wasn't sure what to say, so she stayed silent for a time. But before she could finish her sentence, a voice broke out from across the room.

"Mistletoe alert!"

Sarah stopped, her heart skipping a beat. She looked up, and sure enough, a sprig of mistletoe hung just above them.

The audience exploded in cheers.

"Kiss! Kiss!" they chanted, their voices rising together.

Sarah's cheeks reddened. She was going to complain, but before she could say anything, Ethan's cheeky grin widened.

"We don't have to—" she started, but Ethan leaned in, his breath warm against her ear.

"It's tradition, Sarah," he added with a wry smile. "Who are we to argue with tradition?"

A giggle sprang in her throat, but before she could stop herself, she found herself edging closer to him, her heart pounding in her chest. Ethan was always so confident and sure of himself. And for some reason, her confidence made it impossible to resist.

Sarah's heart raced throughout the delicate and beautiful kiss, which only lasted a moment. When they parted ways, Ethan muttered softly, "Still as sweet as I remember."

Her chest constricted. She felt the warmth of his breath on her lips, and her tummy fluttered like it hadn't in years.

Ethan did not simply disappear into the crowd after the kiss, as she had expected. He was everywhere.

The next day, she saw him at the coffee shop. He was at the counter, and when he saw her, he flashed her the same gorgeous smile. "Coffee?" he offered, approaching her with two steaming cups in hand. "I thought you might need one."

Sarah took the cup, trying to ignore the warmth on her cheeks. "Thanks," she mumbled.

Later that week, she saw him in the grocery store. He was helping an old lady with her groceries, and his kindness was evident. And when she saw him again in front of her house, shovelling snow from her driveway, she couldn't help but giggle.

"You don't have to do that," she remarked, walking outside with a mug of cocoa in hand. Ethan grinned and took the mug from her. "Didn't think I needed permission," he joked. "Consider it a neighbourly gesture."

"Neighbourly, huh?" She said, lifting her brow. "You live on the other side of town."

He shrugged, unaffected. "Details. Besides, I heard you could require assistance."

There was something about the way he stared at her that made her feel seen, which she hadn't felt in a long time. She couldn't describe it, but every interaction with him seemed to break down the barriers she had put around herself.

And then there was the sledding excursion. She had almost said no, but Lily had been so excited to go, and she couldn't let her down.

As they raced down the hill together, Sarah laughed for the first time in months, her anxieties temporarily forgotten. When they got to the bottom, Ethan was waiting there, his hand steadying her as she slipped off the sledge. His touch persisted, and Sarah could feel the warmth of his fingers on hers, sending an unexpected thrill through her.

"It's good to see you happy," he added quietly, his gaze meeting hers.

Sarah moved back, feeling self-conscious. "It's just the snow," she explained, attempting to brush it off. "It has that effect."

But she knew the words she was saying weren't true. Ethan's presence, generosity, and the fact that he had shown when she least expected it—it was him, not the snow, that made her feel alive again.

On New Year's Eve, the town plaza was a dazzling display of lights, music, and holiday cheer. Sarah stood near the bonfire, searching for Lily in the gathering of children. Sarah relaxed as she observed her daughter smiling with her cousins.

Then she felt it. The pull. Someone is beside her.

She turned, shocked to see Ethan holding two mugs of steaming cider.

"Thought you might need this," he remarked, handing her one of the mugs with a knowing smile.

"Thanks," Sarah replied gently, taking it from him.

They stood together, the crackling bonfire casting a lovely glow across their faces. They remained silent for quite some time.

Finally, Ethan ended the silence. "You've been avoiding me," he stated quietly but calmly.

Sarah reddened, but before she could react, he continued.

"I get it," he explained, his voice softening. "You have been harmed, and I am not rushing you. But I only want a chance, Sarah. An opportunity to be a part of your life. "You, Lily, all of it."

Sarah was taken aback by the honesty of his remarks, and for the first time in a long time, her defences began to collapse.

"I'm not ready," she said softly, her throat tight.

"I'm not asking for everything," he explained, stroking his fingers on hers. "Just a chance." "Let me show you that I'm not like him."

Before she could react, the countdown started.

"Ten…nine…"

Ethan clasped his hand around hers, his touch gentle and solid.

"Eight…seven…"

"I mean it, Sarah," he muttered. "I'll wait as long it takes. Please do not shut me out."

"Six…five…"

She felt her heart race, and for the first time in years, hope sprang inside her chest.

"Four…three…"

She glanced at him, her throat tight with emotion. "Okay," she whispered. "A chance."

"Two…one! "Happy new year!"

The audience exploded in applause, and Ethan drew her into a kiss, his lips soft and sensitive against her own. This time, the kiss was deeper and more meaningful—full of promise and newness. Sarah understood that this was only the beginning.