CURTISSLYNN PUBLISHING

The annual Winter Wonderland Holiday Party at the Holly Hill Community Center buzzed with twinkling lights, the aroma of gingerbread cookies, and cheerful chatter. It was the kind of event that reminded Sarah of every holiday movie she’d ever seen—cozy, festive, and just a tad unruly.

“Sarah! Come help me with the punch!” Emily called, waving her over. Sarah rolled her eyes but couldn't resist. Emily had roped her into hosting, claiming it was “the perfect chance to mingle,” knowing the punch was really just an excuse for a gossip session.

As Sarah ladled out the bright red punch, Emily leaned in conspiratorially. “So,” she whispered, “did you see him?”

“See who?” Sarah asked, her curiosity piqued.

“That guy over there by the cookie table,” Emily said, nodding subtly. Sarah looked across the room and spotted him—a tall, handsome guy with dark hair, an easygoing grin, and a Christmas sweater that could only be described as a festive explosion—bright red with a glowing reindeer and twinkling lights that flickered like a holiday disco. As he fumbled with a plate of cookies, Sarah couldn’t help but cringe at its sheer ridiculousness. “Wow. Who wears a sweater like that in public?”

“That’s Henry,” Emily whispered with a mischievous smile. “He’s new in town, just moved here a couple of weeks ago. I hear he’s single.”

Sarah chuckled. “So are half the people in this room, and I’m pretty sure they’ve all been subjected to my mom’s matchmaking attempts.”

Suddenly, the unmistakable sound of jingling bells filled the room, and a crowd of kids burst through the doors, dragging along a less-than-enthusiastic Santa Claus. Grinning, Sarah held up her phone to capture the scene. The kids were shouting their Christmas wishes at the slightly disheveled Santa, who looked like he could use a cup of eggnog and a nap.

She took a step back, still focused on her shot, and—bam!—bumped straight into cookie guy!

“Whoa!” His plate of cookies wobbled dangerously. 

“Sorry about that! I was just—” She looked up and found herself staring into his warm brown eyes.

“Trying to capture Santa’s big entrance?” he finished, his grin widening as he tilted his head.

“Exactly,” she replied, cheeks warming. “I’m Sarah, by the way.”

“Henry,” he said, offering his hand. “And you’re not the only one stumbling through the festivities tonight.”

They laughed, the noisy room fading into the background as they stood there, still holding hands. She quickly pulled her hand back, smiling awkwardly. “So, Henry, what brings you to Holly Hill?”

“Work.”

Sarah raised an eyebrow. “And how do you like it?”

Henry glanced around at the cozy holiday commotion. “Honestly? I love it. There’s something… special about it,” he said, his eyes meeting hers.

Before Sarah could respond, Emily’s voice rang out over the crowd. “Oh my gosh! You two! KISS!”

They turned to find the whole room watching with expectant smiles. Sarah’s eyes widened as she glanced up at the giant glittering mistletoe above them. Her heart skipped a beat as she looked back at Henry, whose cheeks matched the red of his sweater. 

“I mean…it’s tradition, right?” he said, giving her a half-smile.

She laughed, trying to sound casual. “So they say…you first!”

“Why me?” he teased, throwing his hands up in mock surrender.

They leaned in, laughter bubbling between them, but just as their lips were about to meet, a little girl darted through, shouting, “Sorry!” They stumbled back, bursting into laughter. 

“Well,” Henry said, shaking his head with a grin, “maybe it’s just not meant to be.”

 “Or maybe the universe wants us to take our time,” Sarah said, playing along, then noticed her mom weaving through the crowd.

“Uh oh,” she muttered. “My mom’s on the prowl. Once she sees you, she’s going to start planning our wedding.”

Henry’s eyes widened in mock horror. “Run!” he whispered, grabbing her hand as they darted behind a display of faux snowmen. They stifled their laughter, peeking around the snowmen to make sure the coast was clear.

"You know," he said, catching his breath, "if this is what your life looks like every day, I might need to stick around for a while."

She laughed, her heart pounding—not just from the chase but from the unexpected connection she felt with this goofy stranger.

"Sarah! Henry!" Emily's voice rang out. "Come help carry the presents to Santa's sleigh outside!"

They exchanged glances and headed toward the back door, where Emily thrust boxes wrapped in shimmering paper into their arms. "These go to the sleigh out back. Don't freeze to death!"

The cold December air hit them as they stepped outside, their breath forming little clouds in the twinkling glow of string lights wrapped around the trees. Snow had begun to fall, dusting everything in white.

"Wow," Sarah breathed, setting down her box by the decorated sleigh. "It's beautiful."

"Yeah," Henry said softly, but he wasn't looking at the snow. He was looking at her.

She turned to find him standing close, close enough that she could see snowflakes catching in his hair. The muffled sounds of the party inside seemed a world away.

"So," he said, his voice dropping to something warm and intimate, "about that mistletoe..."

"We're not under any mistletoe," she pointed out, her pulse quickening.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small sprig—slightly crushed but unmistakable. "I may have pocketed some. You know, for emergencies."

Sarah burst out laughing. "You stole mistletoe?"

"Strategic acquisition," he corrected with a grin, holding it above their heads. "And I figure out here, we won't be interrupted by your mom, sugar-high kids, or rogue Santas."

She stepped closer, her smile softening. "You know what? I think you might be right."

The space between them disappeared as Henry's free hand found her waist and she reached up to loop her arms around his neck. This time, there were no interruptions—just the gentle fall of snow, the twinkle of lights, and the moment their lips finally met.

The kiss was warm and sweet and perfect, tasting faintly of gingerbread and possibility. When they pulled apart, both breathless and grinning, Sarah noticed the reindeer on his sweater was still blinking cheerfully.

"You know," she whispered, "that sweater is still ridiculous."

"But it brought me luck," he countered, pulling her close again as snow swirled around them. "So I'm keeping it."

"Good," she said, standing on her toes to kiss him again. "Because I think it might be growing on me."

From inside, they heard Emily's delighted squeal, and they looked up to see half the party crowded at the windows, cheering and clapping. Sarah buried her face in Henry's shoulder, laughing.

"So much for privacy," she mumbled.

Henry just laughed, kissed the top of her head, and whispered, "Worth it." And as the party guests began spilling outside to join them in the snow, Sarah couldn't help but agree—this was turning out to be the best Winter Wonderland party yet.