Chapter 12
Little Holiday Surprises
The following morning, Holly Mason woke to find Lucas already bustling around the inn’s common room, a mischievous grin on his face.
“Good morning,” he said, handing her a mug of steaming cocoa. “I thought we could make today special. Just… little surprises.”
Holly raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Little surprises?”
“You’ll see,” he said, winking.
Their first stop was a small boutique, where Lucas insisted on picking out a handmade ornament for Holly. “Something to remember Maplewood by,” he said softly, holding out a delicate glass snowflake.
“It’s beautiful,” Holly said, touched. “Thank you.”
Holly decided she would return the favor, slipping away briefly to choose a small scarf for Lucas, one she knew would keep him warm during their walks through the snowy streets.
By midday, the surprises continued: Lucas led Holly to a tiny ice sculpture garden tucked behind the inn, and she guided him to a hidden corner of the festival where the lights reflected perfectly off the snow, creating a private, magical moment.
At one point, they stopped by a vendor selling tiny hand-carved wooden figurines. Holly handed Lucas a small sled, a playful smile on her face. “For all our future snowball battles,” she teased.
Lucas laughed, tucking the figurine into his pocket. “Deal. And this year, I vow to lose more gracefully,” he said, making Holly giggle.
As the day faded into evening, they returned to the inn, carrying their small treasures. Sitting by the fireplace, they exchanged gifts quietly, savoring the thoughtfulness behind each one.
“These little surprises… they mean a lot,” Holly said softly, holding the glass snowflake.
“And so do you,” Lucas murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
Holly felt her heart swell. This holiday, with its laughter, snow, and small gestures, had grown into something more than just a trip — it had become a story of connection, warmth, and a love neither of them wanted to end.
And as the fire crackled and the snow fell outside, Holly and Lucas realized that sometimes, the most meaningful gifts weren’t the ones you could hold — they were the moments you shared together.