Page 67 of Lone Wolf in Lights
A tense silence filled the room as unspoken questions hung in the air and decisions loomed over all of them.
Then Jaxon spoke up. “I know I value your help at the ranch, but teaching kids how to ride bulls is an opportunity you can’t pass up.”
Eli took another sip of whiskey, feeling the burn travel down his throat, and nodded. “It’s definitely an interesting offer, but there’s something I need to do first.”
Gunner tilted his head. “What is it?”
“I have to show Willow that stepping back isn’t the right choice,” Eli explained to his friends. “Instead, we should be stepping closer together.”
Jaxon raised his glass in agreement. “Now that’s what I’m talking about.”
Gunner flashed a wide grin. “What do you need us to do?”
Eli’s smile matched his, feeling like a weight on his mind had been lifted. “Round up all the cowboys and their significant others. We’ve got some serious work to do.”
Twenty-One
Willow had never seen Timber Falls so lit up. Main Street had been closed off since yesterday, and on the street now were little wooden huts. The Christmas market was a feast for the eyes, with vibrant twinkling lights strung across the road and a giant sparkling Christmas tree at the center of the square. The huts were adorned with colorful decorations, from snowmen to reindeer, and filled with an array of gifts and treats. With the snow-covered mountains standing tall behind, the town had never looked so magical, making the legend seem all too real tonight.
“Charly, try not to give away all the mulled wine,” Aubrey said with a laugh, “we’re trying to make money.” They were set up outside The Naked Moose, pouring steaming cups of mulled wine for chilled customers.
“Hey now, a little holiday cheer never hurt anyone,” Charly shot back, winking at Willow.
With every transaction throughout the day now leading into the night, and with every shared smile and laugh, the sense of community thickened, wrapping around Willow like a warm blanket on a cold winter’s night. Charly, with her nurturing calm, handed out cups of mulled wine, her laughter mingling with the music. Aubrey’s infectious energy was a beacon, drawing more onlookers to taste the mulled wine themselves.
Willow’s breath misted in the frosty air as she took in the bustling Christmas market. Further down, a brass band and carolers played Christmas songs, where a crowd gathered and were dancing. Aromas of roasted chestnuts and freshly baked gingerbread wafted through the wintry atmosphere, mingling with the scent of pine from the rows of decorated trees.
After months of planning and hard work, they had finally made it.
“Done,” Betty exclaimed, placing the last Christmas card on display. “It looks wonderful!” She looked around at the Empowerment Elves group who had all gathered to help set up. “Just look at what we’ve created together. It’s truly special.”
Joanne smiled and yet there was a little sadness in her eyes too. “I wish Amie could see this.”
“Me too,” Willow agreed, stepping away from the booth. “Let’s take a photo together. I’ll post it on social media and tag her so she knows we’re thinking of her.”
They all quickly squeezed in for the photo, with Willow asking a passerby to take it for them.
“It’s perfect,” Willow said proudly, showing everyone the photo to big smiles all around. She quickly posted it on the bar’s social media accounts, tagging everyone in the group who had given their consent, and also including Amie. “Now go enjoy the market,” she said, tucking her phone back into her pocket, “I’ll take care of the booth.”
“I’ll come back in an hour or so to give you a break,” Lisa said.
“That would be great, thank you,” Willow replied gratefully as she hugged each one of them before they went off to explore the market.
Betty leaned in closer, her wise eyes twinkling as bright as the Christmas lights around the booth. “Look at their smiles, dear. It’s an amazing thing what the group has given them, isn’t it?”
Willow wrapped her arms around Betty. “It truly is.”
“Enough hugging for now. Until I get more of that delicious mulled wine.” She grinned. “That deserves all the hugs.”
“It certainly does,” Willow agreed. Aubrey’s mulled wine was to die for.
“I have to go help with the pies now,” Betty said, waving as she headed into the bustling crowd.
Willow smiled after her and turned back to the task at hand. She placed a delicate, crocheted ornament with silver thread, upon the velvet cloth covering the tabletop. Next to it, a collection of hand-painted wooden reindeer stood guard, their intricate detail begging for admiration. But even as her hands were busy at work, a whisper of disappointment curled in her chest; there simply weren’t enough crafts.
The proceeds from these sales were meant to light up the holidays for those who had suffered like she once had—women striving to rebuild their lives after escaping abusive relationships. And Willow knew the difference every dollar could make.
“Beautiful work,” a woman commented, picking up a painted reindeer. “You can see the love that went into it.”
