Silver Linings (Collier’s Creek Christmas)

12. Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve

Greg

“Cam. Greg,” a familiar voice calls out. Georgia weaves her way through the festive crowd, her auburn hair held back with a reindeer antler headband.

Cam grins and pulls her into a hug. “Georgia! I thought you’d be busy at the store tonight.”

“Are you kidding? And miss the annual tree lighting ceremony? Besides, you’re not the only one who can delegate, mister.” She winks at Cam before turning to me. “Hey, Greg. Looking handsome as ever.”

I chuckle and return her embrace. “Right back at you, Georgia. Love the headband. Nice touch.”

She raises her hand to her hair and tilts her head. “Why thank you. I do try. I’m glad you guys could both get here.”

“So am I,” Cam says, slipping his arm around my waist. “Josh is holding down the fort at CC’s tonight. I figured we could use a little holiday magic.”

Georgia’s eyes sparkle as she giggles. “Did you know Josh’s been practicing his latte art? Apparently, he can make a pretty decent Christmas tree now, although it most definitely wasn’t a Christmas tree on my latte this afternoon! If I didn’t know better, I’d say it was a—let’s just say he tried to pass it off as a candy cane and some baubles.”

Cam laughs, the sound warming me from the inside out as I lean into his side. “As long as he doesn’t burn down the shop, I’m happy.”

“Speaking of happy,” Georgia says, “I’ve never seen the town so lively. It’s like something out of a Hallmark movie.”

She’s right. The town square is a kaleidoscope of color with the huge Christmas tree taking pride of place. Children dart between the adults, their faces alight with wonder. Couples stroll hand in hand. Even the usually grumpy Mr. DuPont is sporting a Santa hat and a grin. Laughter and chatter mingle with the soft strains of holiday music, all part of the Collier’s Creek annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

“It’s perfect,” I murmur, my focus drifting to Cam’s face. He’s got tiny laugh lines around his eyes and his grin is wide. He catches me staring and quirks an eyebrow.

“What?”

I shake my head, a smile tugging at my lips. “Nothing. Just thinking about how lucky I am.”

Cam’s expression softens, and he presses a gentle kiss to my temple. “That makes two of us, babe.”

Georgia clears her throat, drawing our attention back to her. “As much as I hate to interrupt this adorable moment, a girl’s starting to feel a little left out over here.”

I laugh and we haul her in for a hug.

A familiar voice calls out from behind us, “Well, if it isn’t the cutest couple in town! Or should we now say ‘throuple’?”

We separate and turn to see Felix and Kit weaving their way through the crowd, their cheeks flushed from the crisp evening air. Felix’s grin is wide, and Kit’s amazing blue eyes are sparkling.

“Ohh, now that’s an interesting proposition,” Cam teases, pulling them both into a quick hug.

Georgia rolls her eyes, but there’s no hiding the smile tugging at her lips. “Please, you two are disgustingly adorable and so wrapped up in each other, I don’t stand a chance. Not to mention I’m not exactly either of your type. But I’m glad you decided to grace us with your presence. I was beginning to think you two had gotten lost on the way here.”

Felix chuckles, giving Kit’s hand a squeeze. “Nah, we just got a bit… distracted,” he says with a wink, causing Kit to blush and elbow him gently in the ribs.

As they join our little circle, I marvel at the transformation I’ve witnessed in Kit over the past year. When he first arrived in Collier’s Creek, he was a shell of a man, haunted by his past and closed off to the world, but with Felix’s unwavering love and support, he’s opened up and let others in.

A flash of color catches my eye. I nudge Cam, nodding towards a figure making their way through the sea of people. “Oh my god, is that…?”

“Geraldine,” Kit confirms, his voice tinged with amusement. “What on earth is she wearing?”

Sure enough, there’s Geraldine, resplendent in a multi-colored poncho and matching hat. But it’s the small furry head poking out of the papoose on her chest that really steals the show.

“Is that Barkasaurus Rex?” Georgia asks, her eyes wide with delight as she chuckles.

Felix nods, barely containing his laughter. “The one and only. I swear, that dog goes everywhere with her, but the pouch thing is new.”

As if on cue, Barkasaurus Rex lets out a yap, drawing the attention of several nearby children. They ooh and aah and the uninitiated reach out their tiny hands to pet only to quickly withdraw them when the little mutt starts growling and snapping.

Geraldine scowls, and the children skip off. She’s always been a bit of a local celebrity, known for her eccentricity and her trusty sidekick. I’m not sure who is fiercer—Geraldine or the four-legged Barky.

“Hey, how about we try some of that hot cider from the beer garden?” Georgia suggests. “What do you say, Cam? Wanna give me a hand?”

Cam chuckles, already looping his arm through hers. “How could I possibly refuse such a charming invitation?”

With a grin and a quick peck on my cheek, Cam allows himself to be dragged off by Georgia, their laughter trailing behind them.

Felix leans in close, his voice low and conspiratorial. “Ten bucks says they come back with more than just cider. My money’s on some secrets being spilled.”

Kit snorts. “Sucker’s bet. Georgia is pretty much incapable of passing up a good gossip session and Cam’s her captive audience.”

As Cam and Georgia disappear into the crowd, Felix turns to me, his expression shifting from playful to concerned in the blink of an eye. “Hey, Greg, I know it’s probably none of my business, but I was worried when I saw you going into the medical clinic the other day. Is everything okay? Just thought I’d ask in case you’re not well and you needed a hand with the renovation stuff.”

I hesitate, caught off guard by the sudden change in topic, and such a personal one at that. Cam and I had agreed to keep our fertility tests under wraps for now, not wanting to get anyone’s hopes up until we had more information. Between the tests and the other stuff going on in our life at the moment, we’re both emotionally and physically drained. That’s why enjoying tonight is so important—a chance to relax and enjoy ourselves. “Oh, yeah, everything’s fine. Just a routine checkup.”

I feel Felix’s eyes boring into me, but before he can press further, Georgia and Cam return, carrying steaming cups of cider.

“One for you, babe,” Cam says, pressing a warm mug into my hands and placing another of his soft kisses on my cheek.

“Thanks.”

We sip cider and chat until Mayor Hobart takes the stage that’s set up next to the Christmas tree. The crowd quietens as he speaks into the microphone. “Good people of Collier’s Creek, thank you all for coming. Before our very own Kandi Kane—”

A cheer goes up and I join in, caught up in the infectious spirit of the season.

The mayor laughs. “As I was saying, before Kandi takes the stage, I wanted to welcome y’all to the annual Collier’s Creek Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony! We have a very special treat for you tonight,” Mayor Hobart continues. “Please welcome to the stage, our very own local celebrity, the incomparable Kandi Kane!”

The crowd erupts in applause as Kandi, a Dolly Parton wannabe, takes the stage, her sequined dress shimmering under the twinkling lights as she launches into song. The crowd claps along to the beat, although I’ve got to admit the performance isn’t exactly what I expected. At least Kandi gets an A for effort. Kids dart through the throng, their laughter ringing out as they wave sparklers and candy canes in the air. Felix pulls Kit close, spinning him around in an impromptu dance, while Georgia sings along at the top of her lungs. God, our friends are crazy!

I grin and glance at Cam, my heart swelling at the sight of his face, his eyes sparkling with happiness as he watches the children’s delighted antics. It’s nice to see him look so carefree and content.

Suddenly, a couple with a pram bumps into my legs. “Sorry about that!” the woman apologizes, steadying the stroller.

“No worries.” But as they navigate through the crowd, I’m transfixed by the sight of their baby, bundled up snug against the chill, tiny mittened hands reaching out as if to grasp at the twinkling lights.

I swallow against the wave of longing that washes over me—I imagine the future where Cam and I are the ones pushing a pram, our own little one nestled inside. The image is so vivid, so tangible, that for a moment, I can almost believe it’s real.

“You okay, babe?” Cam’s voice snaps me back to reality, and I realize I’ve been staring off into space.

“Yeah, I’m good,” I say, slipping my arm around his waist and pulling him close, feeling his steadying presence.

As the last notes of Kandi’s song fade away, she steps forward and bows. The crowd claps, perhaps a little less enthusiastic than before she started, and the cheers aren’t so loud. The mayor looks a touch panicked as he whips up more applause. “And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for!” he announces, his voice booming over the loudspeaker. “The lighting of the Collier’s Creek Christmas tree!”

The crowd cheers, and Cam’s arm tightens around my waist. I glance up at him, and he flashes me a grin that sets my heart racing.

“Ready, babe?” he asks, his eyes sparkling.

He loves this part.

I nod, my own smile stretching from ear to ear.

We turn our attention back to the stage, where Kandi is standing beside the mayor, her hand poised over a large red button. “Five… four… three… two… one!”

And then, with a dramatic flourish, Kandi presses the button.

Instantly, the tree comes to life, a dazzling display of color and light that takes my breath away. Gasps of awe ripple through the crowd as the multi-colored bulbs flicker and flash, casting a festive glow over the square. But it’s the star at the top that truly steals the show—bright white and shimmering.

“It’s beautiful,” Georgia says, her voice filled with wonder.

“Absolutely stunning,” Felix agrees, his arm draped around Kit’s shoulders.

Kit nods. “I have to admit, this town knows how to put on a show.”

“That’s Collier’s Creek for you.” Cam chuckles, pressing a kiss to my temple.

The school choir takes the stage and begin to sing “Silent Night.” The familiar melody washes over the crowd, and a hush falls over the square as everyone listens, transfixed by the beauty of the music and the dazzle of the tree.

I glance at Cam and take in the rapt expression on his face. He’s always been a sucker for Christmas carols. As the choir sings, my gaze wanders over the faces of the people around us. Old Man Kinsey, who’s been a fixture at Jake’s Tap for as long as I can remember, stands with his eyes closed, a peaceful smile on his weathered face. Mae and Fiona, the owners of Fox’s Restaurant, sway in time to the music, their hands clasped tightly together. I can see Simon in the distance with his mom and dad. And then there’s Georgia, Felix, and Kit—my chosen family, the people who’ve been by my side through thick and thin. They’re all watching the choir, their faces shining with the same joy and contentment I feel.

As the final notes of “Silent Night” fade away, I reach for Cam’s hand and give it a squeeze. He looks down at me, his eyes shining with emotion, and I know he feels it too—the overwhelming sense of gratitude and belonging that comes from being a part of something so special.

“I love you,” I whisper, my voice barely audible over the applause that’s erupting around us.

“I love you too, babe,” He pulls me close and presses a kiss to the top of my head.

There’s nothing like a small-town Christmas, I think to myself, leaning my head on Cam’s shoulder and breathing in the pine-scented air. I look up at the shining star atop the Christmas tree and make a silent wish—a wish for more moments like this one. Moments of joy, and laughter, and love.