Page 1 of His Heart for Christmas

Chapter 1 - Emma

?I can’t believe I’m back in Mistwood Hollow! It’s like I never left. After four years away, everything still feels just the same. The fall festival décor is gone, and in its place, twinkling Christmas decorations are starting to go up along the familiar stretch of downtown.

Everyone knows everyone here, no exceptions. People wave and smile, not out of politeness, but because they actually know who they’re greeting. It’s that small-town warmth I’ve missed so much while I was at university, where friendliness always seemed to come with strings attached. I can’t help but smile as I drive slowly through town, stopping at every stop sign—because in Mistwood Hollow, there’s no need for traffic lights.

?Grinning, I see the spot I used to sit with my friends outside the ice cream shop, no matter what time of year it was. The diner is right next door and I see Mr. Miller, the owner who never seems to age, hanging up a new sign with specials. Other shop owners are encouraging some of the neighborhoodkids and teens to use window paints to prepare for Christmas displays.

?I love Christmas, I love how it brings the people of Mistwood Hollow together. There’s something about the light dusting of snow, the red noses all around, and everyone bundled up and so willing to help each other that just makes my heart feel warmer.

?After passing the town center, I get home and find my mom in the kitchen, as always, stirring something that smells like pure comfort. My dad’s already at work, of course, but the second Mom sees me, she drops everything to wrap me in one of her warm, tight hugs. Now it feels like home in every possible way.

?Before I can even take off my jacket, she’s already catching me up on all the gossip I’ve missed—who’s dating who, whose kids are starting high school, and how Mrs. Harris’ famous apple pie didn’t win first place at the fair this year, which is apparently the scandal of the season. It’s like I never left, falling right back into the rhythm of this town where everyone’s business is public knowledge.

?We talk and laugh for hours, not even noticing how much time has passed until my dad finally walks through the door, looking tired but happy to see me. He greets me with a smile that says “Welcome home,” and soon enough, we’re sitting around the table for dinner, the familiar clatter of dishes and silverware punctuating our conversations.

?I share stories from university, making them laugh with the quirks of city life, and in between, I try to sort through what comes next for me. With a business degree in hand, I should be heading off to some big city or corporate office—but the thought of being anywhere larger than Mistwood Hollow feels wrong.

?As I poke at my mashed potatoes, I wonder out loud, “What am I supposed to do with a degree when all I want is to stay here?” My parents exchange a glance, understanding exactly what I mean.

?“Honey, you deserve to see the world. This is a town that most people leave the second they find something better,” my dad tsks. “You’re only twenty-two, you’ll realize it in a year or two.”

?“This is also the kind of town where those same successful overworked women come back to and find love. You’ve seen the Halmark movies,” my mom argues.

?My dad leans towards her, obvious love in his eyes, but he’s never been able to resist riling her up. “Oh, I know. And those movies are just a ploy to lure more people back to small towns.”

?They keep going back and forth, but I know they’ll support whatever decision I make. They love me, trust my opinion, and trust my judgement.

?As much as I want to stay up with them and start putting away their fall decorations, I’m exhausted. It’s been a long drive and all I can think about is curling up in my bed. After I get through a warm shower and bundle up in my comfortable pajama pants and long sleeved shirt, I look out my window, smiling at the streetlights of the town in the distance.

?This is my home and there’s no way I’m going to give it up. I’ll make a life for myself here, love or no love because Mistwood Hollow has never steered me wrong.

***

?In the morning, I get around like normal, choosing a burnt orange sweater dress that’s cozy, but doesn’t minimize mycurves. I pair it with nude fleece lined leggings and brown knee high boots. After fluffing my wavy auburn hair, I put a white beanie on and apply some light lipstick and makeup.

?Ater talking a bit with my mom, I decide I need to really walk through town. I need to dive into the twinkling Christmas lights being strung up, the festive wreathes, and everything else that makes me feel as warm and safe as I do when I drink a hot chocolate.

?“I’m going into town. I want to see what’s changed and what’s stayed the same,” I say.

?“Oh, while you are there, take a look at the trees for me. We wanted to wait until you were here to get one, but it’s already the tenth, we need to hurry up” Mom asks.

?She doesn’t have to ask twice and I have a feeling she knows why.

?My long-standing crush on Josh Harris has always been a source of amusement for my parents. I get it—he’s nearly twenty years older than me. But I can’t help it. He’s gorgeous, tall, rugged, and while most people think he’s cold and distant, I see a different side. I’ve caught those rare moments when he smiles, and it’s like watching a transformation. His sharp jaw softens, his piercing blue eyes warm, and suddenly, he’s approachable in a way that makes my feelings for him grow even stronger.

?A girl is only so strong and I’m not strong enough to ignore how attractive Josh is. His tousled short brown hair, the way some always sticks out from his baseball cap, his boots, his flannels, the fact that he’s pure man, down to his protective streak and his ability to toss trees around, just gets me going and has since I was a teenager.

?I’ve dirty dreamed of him more times than I can count. Of course, now I feel naughty thinking about it. He was married andthen widowed and I really thought... I shake my head and take a deep breath.

?“Are you going, Emma?”

?“Yeah, yes!” I say, holding up my car keys. “I’ll check out the trees.”

?“Mmhmm. I’m sure that’s the only thing you’ll check out,” Mom teases.

?“Isn’t Josh still ...” I almost saygrieving, but it’s been six years since his loss.

His wife died unexpectedly and any time I talk to my mom, she says that Josh has been grumpier and gruffer, as if every bit of good in him, every bit of kindness and peace died with her. He huffs at anyone who tells him that dating is still an option. He doesn’t want to move on and ... that’s his choice.But things could change, right?

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