Page 20 of The Bear's Christmas Wish
“Great,” Cassia said. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have more mulled wine to hand out.”
Sarah sipped her wine and stepped back, taking in the seasonal scene unfolding before her as the Christmas tree was transformed. Children darted between adults, their laughter rising above the gentle murmur of conversation. Strings of lights glowed against the darkening sky, reflecting off ornaments both new and old.
And there was Michael, his tall figure moving with that careful grace that seemed at odds with his size, helping an elderly man hang a wooden star near the top of the tree. He said something Sarah couldn’t hear, and the old man threw his head back in laughter.
The town square felt like a Christmas card come to life, all warm colors against the blue-black of night, movement and stillness in perfect balance. For the first time in months, Sarah felt a sense of rightness settle over her. This place, these people, this moment…it all fit together in a way that made her chest ache with unexpected happiness.
“Mom!” Emmy called, rushing over with flushed cheeks. “Michael says they’re going to put the star on top soon. Can we stay and watch?”
“Of course we can,” Sarah said, rubbing Emmy’s back. “Just don’t wander too far.”
“I won’t. I’m going to stand with Maisie and Teddy,” Emmy announced importantly. “They saved me a spot.”
Sarah watched her daughter run back to her new friends, marveling at how quickly Emmy had found her place here.Children were resilient that way, open to new connections in a way adults often struggled to be.
“She fits right in,” Michael said quietly, appearing at Sarah’s side with his own cup of mulled wine.
“She does,” Sarah agreed, trying to ignore the flutter in her stomach at his nearness. “Thank you for making her feel so welcome.”
“It’s easy,” Michael said, his eyes warm as they met hers. “She’s a special kid.”
“She is,” Sarah agreed.
A comfortable silence settled between them as they watched the final preparations for the lighting ceremony. Sarah could feel the heat of him beside her, solid and steady in the cold night air.
“I’m glad you’re here,” Michael said suddenly, his voice low enough that only she could hear.
Sarah looked up at him, something unspoken passing between them. “I’m glad, too.”
The crowd quieted as the mayor’s voice rang out across the square. “Almost time, everyone! Gather round!”
Michael shifted slightly beside Sarah, and his arm brushed against hers. The contact sent a jolt through her body that had nothing to do with the wine. Heat bloomed where they touched, spreading up her arm and across her chest. Her breath caught in her throat as the warmth ignited something deeper, something she’d almost forgotten existed.
She swallowed hard, suddenly very aware of how close they were standing. The cold air seemed to vanish between them, replaced by a shared warmth that made her skin tingle. When she glanced up at him, his eyes reflected the glow of the Christmas lights, dark and intent.
“Ten!” the crowd began counting down. “Nine! Eight!”
Sarah couldn’t look away from him. The noise around them faded to a distant hum as her focus narrowed to the gentle pressure of his arm against hers, the scent of pine and winter air that clung to him.
“Seven! Six! Five!”
She felt his fingers brush against hers, tentative. Without thinking, she shifted her hand, allowing their fingers to touch more deliberately.
“Four! Three! Two! ONE!”
The massive tree blazed to life, thousands of tiny lights illuminating the square in a warm golden glow. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, its collective voice rising into the night sky. Sarah barely registered the spectacle, her attention fixed on the gentle pressure of Michael’s hand now firmly against hers.
“Beautiful,” he murmured, and she wasn’t sure if he meant the tree or something else entirely.
Mayor Wilson stepped forward, hands raised for quiet. “Thank you all for coming tonight for ourunofficialtree lighting! Remember, the official ceremony is tomorrow at six, with carols from the choir and hot chocolate for everyone. But I couldn’t resist giving our magnificent tree an early debut.”
More cheers followed, but Sarah barely heard them. The mayor’s voice continued, thanking volunteers and sponsors, but the words washed over her without sticking.
Without conscious thought, Sarah leaned slightly into Michael’s solid frame. He responded immediately, his body shifting to accommodate hers as if they’d been designed to fit together. No words passed between them, but Sarah felt the weight of a thousand unspoken things in the air.
“Mom! Mom!” Emmy’s voice broke through the bubble surrounding them. “You have to see the star from over here! It looks different!”
Sarah turned reluctantly as Emmy tugged at her hand, pulling her away from Michael’s warmth. She glanced back at him, catching the same wistful longing in his eyes that she felt in her chest, a reluctance to break whatever spell had been woven around them.
