Page 71 of A Christmas For Holly

“I’m not putting anything on my face,” Hunter snapped, crossing his arms.

“You’re supposed to look spectral!” Wesley wailed, throwing up his hands. “Do you think ghosts just wander around with perfectly healthy skin and rosy cheeks?”

“It’s cold. I’ll look spectral naturally,” Hunter deadpanned.

Their argument was ridiculous and endlessly funny, taking my mind off everything else. Somewhere out there, Lucas was in full commander mode, rallying everyone and ensuring the parade was ready. It started in half an hour, and I was trying not to count the seconds.

HOLLY: Good luck, boyfriend

Almost instantly, my phone buzzed back. A simple heart emoji and alove you.

When I couldn’t stand the waiting and got caught up in the excitement, I wandered outside, bundled up in my thickest coat and scarf. I ended up next to the waiter from BBs—Connor—and his parents, and we discussed hockey. We talked about the Harriers—their rebuilding season, the new captain, Jonah Merritt—and the ache wasn’t there for the first time in what felt like forever. I could talk about it without the weight pressing down on me.

At some point, I got a hot chocolate from Hunter’s stall. It was over-the-top, piled high with whipped cream, sprinkles, and crushed candy canes. “Freaking make-up,” Hunter grumbled, handing it over.

I grinned at Wesley, who was spinning gleefully in his ghost costume. “You two make quite the pair.”

Hunter scowled at me, muttering something under his breath, and I turned my attention back to the street just in time to see the parade begin.

It was magical in the way Wishing Tree seemed to be. Lights twinkled on every float, the music was loud and cheerful, and the air was thick with laughter and chatter. At the front of it all was Lucas, bundled in a coat, his cheeks pink from the cold. He was grinning ear to ear, waving to everyone as if he’d been born for this role. When he spotted me, his grin widened, and before I knew it, he was darting over, stealing a quick kiss that left me stunned and warm all over.

“I’ll see you after!” he said, moving back toward the parade.

I turned back to Connor, who watched me with his mouth open.

“That’s my boyfriend,” I said, the words leaving me in a rush of pride and certainty.

Connor smiled, “I like this boy in my class; his name is Mikey.”

I wondered if he liked him, orlikeliked him. Either way, we exchanged smiles, and that was that.

Simple.

We both liked boys.

The house was alive with chaos that only a family like the combined Haynes/Buchanan clans could produce. Kids darted between rooms, squealing with delight as wrapping paper flew like confetti, and adults shouted over each other in the chaos. I hung back near the doorway, soaking in the warmth and noise. Lucas was in the thick of it, handing out gifts, his grin wide, but it was overwhelming in the best way, and I needed a moment.Finding a quiet corner near the front window, I pulled out my phone and dialed.

I’d already spoken to my aunt and uncle one-on-one to prepare them for the changes in my life. I was seeing them at New Year’s, and hopefully, Lucas would come, too. I told them I was in love with a man. I told them I was considering staying in Wishing Tree, but not for how long.

And now they got to meet him—well, virtually anyway. My aunt and uncle answered quickly, their faces lighting up on the screen.

“Merry Christmas, kiddo!” Uncle Brad boomed.

“Merry Christmas,” I said, my voice steady.

“Where is he, then?” Aunt Letty said eagerly.

“What am I? Chopped liver?” I teased, and she huffed.

“Show me the sexy!” she demanded with a grin.

I tugged at Lucas’s arm as he wandered over with a cookie and a curious look.

“This is Lucas,” I said, gesturing. “My… boyfriend.” Saying it aloud made my chest tighten, but in a good way. “Lucas, this is Aunt Letty and Uncle Brad.”

Lucas leaned into the frame, waving cheerfully. “Hi! Thanks for sharing him with us this year.”

Letty grinned. “You better take care of him, Lucas.”

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