Chapter 6

Evergreen was alive with the energy of its annual Christmas Festival. Main Street was transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights strung between lampposts, wreaths adorning every storefront, and the scent of roasted chestnuts wafting through the air. Children raced from booth to booth, their laughter mingling with the melodies of carolers. 

Emma stood behind a stall near the center of the festival, her table overflowing with her bakery's most festive creations: gingerbread men, peppermint bark, cranberry tarts, and sugar cookies frosted in vibrant reds and greens. She had been preparing for this event for weeks, and now that it was here, the festive spirit was almost enough to drown out her exhaustion. 

Almost. 

Lucas appeared beside her, carrying two steaming cups of cider. "Thought you could use this," he said, handing one to her. 

Emma accepted it gratefully. "Thanks. I've been running on coffee and candy canes all day." 

He glanced at the stall, where a steady stream of customers were snapping up her baked goods. "Looks like business is good." 

"It always is during the festival," Emma said, her tone tinged with pride. "It's my busiest time of year." 

Lucas hesitated before speaking. "Emma, about what I said the other day…about the bakery's finances…" 

Emma's expression softened. "It's okay, Lucas. I know you meant well." 

"I do," he said earnestly. "And I get it now. This bakery isn't just a business to you—it's a part of who you are. I respect that." 

Emma smiled, a flicker of warmth passing between them. "Thanks. That means a lot." 

---

As the evening wore on, the festival grew even livelier. The town's Christmas tree was lit in a dazzling display of colors, drawing cheers from the crowd. A brass band played holiday classics, and couples danced beneath the fairy lights strung across the square. 

Lucas found himself wandering through the festival with Emma, drawn into her world. She introduced him to more townsfolk, each one eager to share stories of Evergreen's traditions. 

"You're popular here," Lucas remarked as they strolled past a booth selling handcrafted ornaments. 

Emma shrugged. "I've lived here my whole life. It's hard not to get to know everyone." 

"Must be nice," Lucas said, a hint of wistfulness in his voice. "In the city, people barely look up from their phones, let alone say hello." 

Emma studied him, noting the vulnerability in his expression. "It's not always easy," she admitted. "But it's home." 

---

Later, they stopped by the outdoor skating rink, where children wobbled on their skates and couples glided hand in hand. 

"Don't tell me you've never skated before," Emma teased, noticing Lucas's wary look. 

"Let's just say it's not my strongest skill," Lucas replied. 

Emma laughed, grabbing his hand. "Come on. I'll teach you." 

Before he could protest, she was pulling him onto the ice. His first few steps were clumsy, and he nearly toppled over, but Emma steadied him, her laughter ringing out like a bell. 

"Relax," she said, guiding him across the rink. "It's just like walking…on a very slippery floor." 

"That's not reassuring," Lucas muttered, but he couldn't help smiling. 

As they moved together, the world around them seemed to fade. For a moment, it was just the two of them, the crisp winter air and the glow of the festival lights. Lucas couldn't remember the last time he'd felt so free, so untethered from the weight of his responsibilities. 

---

After their skating adventure, they returned to the bakery stall, where Emma's friend Sarah was covering for her. 

"Looks like you two had fun," Sarah said with a wink. 

Emma rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her grin. "Thanks for holding down the fort." 

As the festival wound down, Lucas helped Emma pack up the stall. The night had been a success, and despite her tiredness, Emma felt a deep sense of satisfaction. 

"You know," Lucas said as they loaded the last box into her van, "I think I'm starting to see why you love this place." 

Emma looked at him, her heart tugging unexpectedly at his sincerity. "Evergreen has a way of getting under your skin," she said softly. 

Lucas held her gaze, the festive lights reflecting in his eyes. "It's not just the town," he said, his voice low. 

Emma's breath caught, the moment between them charged with unspoken feelings. But before either of them could say anything more, a voice called out from across the square. 

"Emma!" 

They turned to see Jack striding toward them, his face lighting up when he saw her. 

"Hey," Jack said, his gaze flicking briefly to Lucas. "I was hoping to catch you before the night ended." 

Emma smiled warmly. "Hi, Jack. How's your mom? I saw her at the tree lighting earlier." 

"She's good," Jack replied. "Actually, I was wondering if you'd like to grab coffee sometime this week. We haven't caught up in a while." 

Lucas felt a strange pang in his chest as Emma hesitated, her expression shifting to something unreadable. 

"Sure," she said finally. "That sounds nice." 

Jack beamed. "Great. I'll call you." 

As Jack walked away, Lucas forced a neutral expression. "Old friend?" 

Emma nodded, her tone casual. "We've known each other forever." 

Lucas didn't respond, but the flicker of jealousy he'd felt earlier returned. For the first time since arriving in Evergreen, he realized he wasn't just staying for the town. 

He was staying for her.