Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 38335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
“Found it!” she announces, holding up the frosted glass star, breaking what could have been another great fucking moment.
It’s a damn good thing I love her so much.
Hollis turns away from me, giving her full attention to Poppy now. “Wow. That is beautiful,” she says, her voice filled with admiration.
“Thanks. Mike bought it for me.” My sister beams at me as if I’d hung the moon instead of buying a twenty-five-dollar tree topper.
When Hollis flashes me a matching smile, I know it’s the best twenty-five bucks I’ve ever spent.
Poppy turns, presenting her back to me. “Give me a lift, will ya?”
Bending down, I hoist her onto my shoulders and walk up to the tree. I feel her shift around as she places the star at the top.
“How does it look, Hollis?” she asks, looking behind her. “Is it straight?”
Hollis steps back, squinting to judge the angle. “Looks good to me.”
Poppy taps my shoulder. “Let me down. I want to see.”
Carefully, I lower her to the ground. The three of us all step back and admire their handiwork.
“It’s amazing,” Poppy whispers, sounding in complete awe.
“It is,” Hollis agrees with a smile. “We did good.”
They did, and for the first time, this place feels like more than just a house—it feels like a home.
Hollis
Heart Mountain is bursting with energy as the entire town celebrates Passion Falls’ annual Christmas event.
With activities ranging from ice skating on the glacier-fed lake, to sleigh rides, and even a visit from Santa Claus himself, this evening has been nothing short of magical. Like something right out of a fairytale, and it’s made me fall even more in love with this town.
As people huddle around the roaring bonfire that the local fire department manages, Mike, Poppy, and I take an enchanting stroll through the ice sculptures, basking in the glow of white twinkling lights and Kelly Clarkson’s “O Holy Night.”
Poppy skips between us, holding each one of our hands. Every so often, she starts a countdown, prompting us to lift her off her feet and swing her into the air. It reminds me of my own childhood memories with my parents. The only difference is, Mike and I aren’t Poppy’s parents. We’re not even a couple, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wonder what it would be like if we were. It’s hard not to when we spend moments like this, and there have been quite a few this week.
The three of us have fallen into a routine of sorts. We’ve had dinner together almost every night and even attended Poppy’s Christmas concert, which was absolutely adorable. Her teacher personally thanked me for my generous donation and mentioned how often Poppy talks about me.
I’m pretty sure she thought Mike and I were more than friends. I didn’t bother correcting her, because the truth is, something shifted between us the night we decorated the tree. I saw something in him I hadn’t before, something that took whatever this is between us beyond attraction.
There are times I catch him watching me unaware, his eyes ablaze with an intensity that takes my breath away. I long for those heated looks and unspoken promises. It’s a connection I can’t explain, a yearning that resonates deep within my soul.
“How much longer until the fireworks?” Poppy asks, breaking the comfortable silence.
Mike pulls out his phone to check the time. “About twenty minutes. Why, getting tired?”
“Not on your life,” she counters, but a yawn escapes her, betraying that statement.
Can’t say I blame her. I was surprised to find out the fireworks didn’t start until midnight, especially when it turns dark so early, but apparently it’s a tradition—one that honors the legend surrounding this mountain. For a town that doesn’t believe in the tale, they sure give it a lot of merit.
“Hey, look!” Poppy points to an ice sculpture up ahead. “It’s Mountie Mike.”
I smile at the frozen Mountie in full dress uniform that stands next to an enormous bear.
“Except they made you better looking,” she adds, cracking herself up.
I’m unable to hold back my own laugh, especially at Mike’s stoic expression.
“You’re hilarious,” he deadpans.
“Go stand by it,” I tell him, giving a gentle nudge. “I want to take your picture.”
He keeps his feet firmly planted, making no move to oblige. “I’m good.”
I roll my eyes. “Come on. Just one.”
“How about we all get a picture with it?” Poppy suggests.
“Great idea!” I agree, knowing he won’t refuse her.
I’m proven right when he follows us to the sculpture, grumbling the entire way over.
Since his arms are longer than mine, I pass him my phone, then pick up Poppy, holding her between us.
Mike adjusts the camera accordingly, finding the perfect angle. “Ready?” he asks.
“Ready!” Poppy and I chime in unison, our smiles already in place.
He snaps the picture, momentarily blinding us with the flash.
After placing Poppy back on her feet, I retrieve my phone from Mike’s outstretched hand and find myself captivated by the image of us on the screen.