Holly sat at her desk in the corner of the bustling town hall, the faint hum of activity buzzing around her. Volunteers darted back and forth with decorations, clipboards, and boxes of supplies, their voices mingling into a chaotic yet oddly comforting background noise. The Snow & Ice Festival was coming together piece by piece, and for the first time since she’d agreed to help, Holly felt like she was starting to get a handle on things.
Her notebook sat open in front of her, pages filled with ideas she’d scribbled down over the past few days: social media posts, promotional strategies, and ways to highlight the festival’s unique charm. She had a plan now—or at least the beginnings of one—and she was determined to see it through.
“Morning, McAllister.”
Jack’s familiar voice broke thro
