Page 39 of The Bear's Christmas Wish
Or ever,his bear added.
They reached Emmy and Pat standing by the cookie decoration table. Emmy’s face lit up when she spotted them, hersmall mittened hands carefully holding a lopsided gingerbread house covered in a rainbow of frosting and what looked like every sprinkle variety Bear Creek had to offer.
“Look what I made!” she announced, holding it up proudly. “Gran showed me how to make the roof stay on!”
“That’s amazing, Em,” Sarah said, leaning down to examine it. “I love the...is that a gummy bear on the chimney?”
“It’s the house guardian,” Emmy explained seriously. “Gran said every house needs one.”
Michael glanced at Pat, who gave him a wink. He liked the older woman’s practical wisdom, the way she wove small magic into everyday things for her granddaughter.
Emmy’s eyes fixed on the box Sarah was carrying. “What’s that?” she asked, pointing with frosting-sticky fingers.
“We found something special,” Sarah said, holding up the cupcake box.
“Can I see?”Emmy asked as Sarah opened the lid to reveal the festive treats.They each selected one, Emmy immediately claimed the snowman, Pat chose the cardinal, Sarah took the pine tree, leaving the gingerbread house for Michael.
Sarah bit into hers, a small sound of appreciation escaping her. “These are delicious,” she said, licking a bit of frosting from her lip. “It’s like Christmas was baked right into them.”
Michael watched her enjoy the cupcake, warmth spreading through his chest at the simple pleasure on her face. Maybe he hadn’t told her how he felt tonight, but there would be other nights.
But Michael was not sure he would ever find the right words to tell Sarah just how much she meant to him.
Chapter Sixteen – Sarah
What a magical evening! Sarah couldn’t recall the last time she’d felt so completely immersed in the holiday spirit. Even though she always enjoyed the holiday season with Emmy, this year seemed extra, extra special.
From their wonderful time choosing a tree from North Peak Pines, to decorating the tree in the town square along with other members of the Bear Creek community, and now Cocoa and Carols…and an intimate moment she’d shared with Michael as they looked over the town.
Not to mention being snowed in with Michael in the cozy cabin…
She smiled to herself. Michael had been a common denominator in these special moments, too. From the moment she’d met him, he’d helped make everything feel right. Helped her feel as if she belonged here, and that she could set down roots in this small town.
What a town it was. Yes, it wasn’t just the evening that was magical. It was the town and the people she’d met. As if they all carried a little magic. The magic of family, of friendship, of community.
“You look happy,” Pat said, linking arms with her daughter as they walked home from the town square. The snow crunched beneath their boots.
“I am,” Sarah admitted as Emmy skipped ahead, then circled back, too excited to maintain a straight path.
“Did you see how bright the lights were on the big tree? Like a million stars all in one place!” She clutched her carefullywrapped gingerbread cookie to her chest, protected in its little wax paper envelope. “And those cupcakes! Mom, I’ve never tasted anything so good in my whole entire life!”
“They were pretty special,” Sarah agreed, smiling at her daughter’s enthusiasm. “They looked almost too good to eat.”
“But cupcakes are meant for eating,” Emmy said matter-of-factly.
“You have a point there,” Pat said with a laugh. “What about your gingerbread cookie? Are you going to eat that tomorrow?”
“No. I’m going to give this to Dad when he comes,” Emmy announced, holding up her decorated gingerbread cookie. “Do you think he’ll like it? I put extra sprinkles on it just for him. He can eat it after we’ve been on the sleigh ride.”
Sarah’s heart constricted. “I’m sure he’ll love it, sweet pea.”
But the familiar doubt crept in. How many times had Liam promised and failed to show up? How many times had she watched Emmy’s bright smile fade into confusion, then disappointment, then that heartbreaking attempt to hide her hurt?
Then again, maybe this time would be different. He hadn’t seen Emmy for weeks, and it was Christmas. Even Liam couldn’t be immune to the holiday spirit, could he? She wanted to believe that, for Emmy’s sake, this time would be different.
But old habits die hard, as they say.
They reached the house, and Pat unlocked the front door. One by one, they stomped the snow from their boots before entering the warmth of the house. Emmy immediately headed for the kitchen, where she placed her gingerbread cookie on a plate with ceremonial care.
