Page 9 of A Christmas For Holly

“Yeah,” I said. “You?”

“Cool,” he murmured, and we swapped smiles because, in that short exchange, we’d shared everything we needed to.

“Weather’s turning,” Wesley said, glancing at the window. “They’re warning of a nor’easter headed our way. Might hit us a bit before Thanksgiving with early snow.”

“Yeah, I heard,” I replied, frowning slightly. The snowstorms in November weren’t usuallytoobad. Still, with the way we’d had a damn hurricane skirt us in August, I was wary of anything like the nor’easter being promised because of some storm happening somewhere far from here.

Wesley nodded, his expression thoughtful. “We’ll keep the walkways clear and the fireplace stocked. But I’m sure it’ll be beautiful—Wishing Tree always looks best under a fresh blanket of snow.”

I couldn’t argue with that. The town transformed with the first snowfall, like something out of a fairytale. The Parade of Light happened on the first of December, and with the Christmas market setting up, it was the busiest time of the year. Once again, I was in charge of the parade, ensuring everything ran smoothly, the lights twinkled just right, and the floats were in perfect order. It was a lot of work, but the joy on people’s faces and the wonder in the kids’ eyes made the long hours and the cold fingers worth it.

“Uncle Lucas!” A high-pitched voice broke through my thoughts, and I turned to see Alice barreling toward me, her pigtails bouncing with each step. Brooke followed close behind with her youngest, Willow, balanced on her hip, the toddler’s wide eyes taking in the world with that innocent curiosity only kids seemed to have.

“Hey, squirt,” I greeted Alice, scooping her up as she threw herself at me. She was ten now, so not really a squirt, but she was small enough for me to get away with it. “What’s got you so excited?”

“Uncle Bailey was supposed to take me to the Wishing Tree to make a wish, but Uncle Kai is sick,” Alice explained, her expression serious. “So, you have to take me. And then we can get hot chocolate.”

I glanced at Brooke, who shrugged with a smile and then lowered her voice. “She’s been talking about it all morning. I told her I’d see if you or Duncan could take care of it.” She added a silent plea that she hoped I was available.

“It’s my lunch hour, of course, I can take you,” I said, ruffling Alice’s hair.

Alice beamed, and I felt a warmth spread through my chest. There was something about how she looked at me, so full of trust and love, that made everything else disappear. I’d do anything for my family, and they knew it.

Wesley chuckled from behind the counter. “Looks like you’ve got your hands full, Lucas.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I replied. “How about choosing a book to get as well?” I set Alice down so she could head to the children’s section.

Brooke rolled her eyes. “You spoil her.”

I bopped Willow’s nose. “I spoil them all.”

Brooke shifted Willow to her other hip, and the toddler reached out to grab one of the nearby garlands. “Well, thanks, Lucas. You’re a lifesaver.”

“Anytime,” I said, giving her a reassuring smile. “We’ll set up the Christmas decorations, and I’ll head out with her. Do you want me to take her home after?”

“Please—Cal is working from home.” My big brother Callum, the eldest of the four Haynes boys, was a lawyer with a perfect office in town, but he preferred working at home. He wanted to be with Brooke and the kids as much as possible, and I could understand that.

Wesley and I carefully placed each of Bailey’s handcrafted decorations in the front window. The window display was a Christmas wonderland, but these ornaments added something special, a touch of magic only Bailey could create.

When we were done, Alice returned, tugging at my hand. “Can we go now, Uncle Lucas? I need to make my wish!”

I nodded and paid for the book she’d chosen.

“Thanks for the help,” Wesley said.

“No worries. I’ll see you at the parade?”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” Wesley replied with a grin.

“Okay, squirt, let’s go.”

We headed toward the Wishing Tree, a wide oak that stood tall in the center of town, a symbol of hope and tradition that had been part of Wishing Tree for as long as I could remember. People came from all over to hang their wishes on its branches, believing that somehow, the tree would make them come true. It was silly, maybe, but in a town like this, where the magic of the season was so real you could almost touch it, it was hard not to believe.

Alice was practically vibrating with excitement as we approached the tree, a small piece of paper clutched in her hand. She’d already written her wish, something she wouldn’t share with anyone, not even me. That was part of the tradition—your wish was your own, a secret between you and the tree.

I lifted her so she could tie her wish to one of the lower branches, her little hands working carefully. When she was done, she stared down at me, her eyes shining with happiness.

“Your turn, Uncle Lucas,” she said. “You have to make a wish, too.”

---