Chapter 17
Skates and Sparks
The frozen lake glimmered under the pale winter sun as Emily laced up her skates. Jack stood beside her, adjusting his own, a mischievous grin on his face.
“Ready to show off your skating skills?” he teased.
Emily laughed, wobbling slightly. “I think you mean ready to watch me fall a lot.”
Jack chuckled, looping his arm through hers. “Then I’ll catch you… every time.”
They stepped onto the ice together, Emily gripping Jack’s arm for balance. At first, she wobbled, but soon she found her rhythm, gliding alongside him. Jack twirled her gently, making her laugh so hard her cheeks hurt.
“You’re not bad yourself,” Emily admitted, smiling up at him.
Jack’s eyes sparkled. “Not bad? I’m amazing.”
“Sure, amazing at teasing me while I almost faceplant,” she shot back, laughing.
As they skated in circles, racing each other across the ice, Emily noticed the small, tender moments — the way Jack kept a hand near her back, guiding her, the way he held her hand when she faltered, the warmth of his presence despite the chill in the air.
Eventually, they slowed, skating side by side, breath visible in the cold air, hearts racing in sync. Jack stopped and pulled her gently close.
“Emily… every day with you feels like magic,” he said softly.
Emily smiled, her hands resting on his chest. “Jack… you make everything magical.”
He brushed a strand of hair from her face and leaned in, their lips meeting in a gentle, lingering kiss. The cold air seemed to vanish around them, leaving only the warmth of their closeness and the sparkling lake beneath the winter sun.
They continued skating until the sun dipped low, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold, their laughter echoing across the frozen lake. Emily realized, once again, that Willow Lake had given her more than snow and holidays — it had given her Jack, and a love she never wanted to let go.