Silver Linings (Collier’s Creek Christmas)

16. Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

Greg

Twinkling lights, festive music, and an enthusiastic crowd greet me when I arrive at the Collier’s Creek Christmas Bash. The air hints at a promise of snow, but the warm glow of lights from the town hall provide an atmosphere of holiday cheer. Scanning the throng of people, my gaze lands on the one person I’m seeking—Cam.

He’s at the CC’s stall, laughing and chatting with customers as he serves up hot chocolate. Josh is there too, taking orders and handing out steaming cups. A smile spreads across my face as I make my way over.

“Hey, babe,” Cam calls out when he spots me. “You’re here!”

“Well, look who’s glad to see me.” I chuckle and lean over to give him a quick peck on the cheek. The familiar scent of his cologne mingles with the rich aroma of chocolate.

“Hi, Greg!” Josh greets me. “Want some hot chocolate? Cam’s special recipe is a real hit on a cold night like tonight.”

I smile at his enthusiasm and don’t have the heart to tell him I know the recipe because Cam often treats me to a mug in the evenings at home.

“How could I say no?” I grin and take the cup, savoring the velvety chocolate on my tongue. “Mmm, delicious as always.”

I glance around at the other stalls and decorations transforming the town square into a winter wonderland. Garlands and baubles and twinkling lights adorn every surface. The air hums with chatter and laughter as friends and neighbors mingle.

“Hey, Cam, think you can take a short break? Check out the festivities together?”

“Sure thing, babe. Just give me a few minutes to make sure Josh is all set here.” Cam turns to Josh. “You okay manning the stall solo for a bit?”

“Absolutely! No problems at all,” Josh assures him with a megawatt smile. “You two go enjoy the bash. I’ve got everything under control.”

“Thanks, man, I appreciate it.” Cam claps him on the shoulder. “Shoot me a text if you need anything.”

As Josh serves the next group of customers, Cam steps out from behind the booth and takes my hand, and we set off to explore the Christmas Bash.

There’s a real sense of community on display. Families gather around the towering Christmas tree, kids’ eyes wide with wonder as they look at the star on the top. Groups of teens are laughing and dancing to the music piped through the outdoor speakers. Couples young and old are rugged up against the cold sharing steaming cups of cider or CC’s hot chocolate.

“Collier’s Creek sure knows how to throw a holiday party,” I say.

Cam squeezes my hand. “When everyone comes together, it sure does make magic happen.”

Before I can reply, a familiar voice catches my attention. “Greg! Cameron! Over here!”

I turn to see Georgia waving at us from a nearby bench, her two adorable nieces bundled up beside her. We make our way over, as she stands to give us each a hug.

“Merry Christmas, guys! Are you enjoying the Bash?”

“Definitely.” I grin.

“The kids must be getting excited for Santa’s arrival, huh?” Cam says, winking at the little girls who are now bouncing on their toes.

They nod vigorously.

“I asked for a sparkly ballerina dress,” the younger one, Angela, says.

“And I want a new bike,” her sister chimes in. “I’ve been extra good this year!”

Georgia laughs, ruffling their hair affectionately. “They’ve been counting down the days. I swear, Christmas morning can’t come soon enough.”

I nudge Cam with a playful elbow. “It’s not just the kids who are eager for Christmas morning, right, babe? I seem to recall someone getting pretty giddy about presents last year…”

Cam ducks his head, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. “Guilty as charged. What can I say? I’m a big kid at heart.”

We all laugh and chat a little more until Georgia’s nieces start to get antsy.

“They want to explore,” Georgia says, “so I’d best get moving. I promised we’d try to find Santa.”

As they wander off, Cam slides an arm around my waist, pulling me close. “What do you say we check out the Christmas cookie competition? I want to give Donna some support.”

“Lead the way,” I reply. “I’m up for anything.” And I am—with Cam by my side, I’m guaranteed to have an amazing time.

At the door to the town hall, we run into Felix and Kit, who are coming out.

“Hey, Kit. Felix. Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas to you guys too. Are you just heading in?” Felix asks. “Make sure you check out the Christmas sculptures. Someone made a life-size mosaic reindeer that’s covered in mirrored tiles.”

Kit huffs a laugh. “I think Felix was half-tempted to climb on its back for a photo op.”

“I was not! Although now I think about it, it would look pretty cool on my Insta.”

Kit and Felix banter back and forth, until Mrs. Hendricks appears, a bright woolen cap pulled down low over her gray curls. “Ah, Kit, just the man I was hoping to run into. I was hoping you’d sign a copy of ‘Peril in the Mountains’ for me to give to my friend Betty for Christmas. She’s one of your biggest fans, and she’ll be joining me and Grandpa Ellis for the holidays.”

As Mrs. Hendricks fills us in on her Christmas lunch plans, I notice a group of kids eyeing the large red and white candy canes hanging from a nearby stall.

Cam follows my gaze and smiles. “Hey, I’ll be right back,” he says, giving my hand a quick squeeze before ducking away.

He returns a moment later, arms laden with candy canes. The kids’ faces light up as he passes them out, their delighted giggles filling the air. My heart swells with affection as I watch Cam interact with them, his easy warmth and generosity on full display.

“You two are naturals with children,” Mrs. Hendricks says, her eyes twinkling behind her oversized glasses. “Ever think about starting a family of your own?”

The question catches me off guard. I glance at Cam, who’s wearing a thoughtful expression.

“It’s definitely something we’ve talked about,” I admit. “We both love kids, and the idea of fostering or adopting someday feels right.”

I look back at Cam, who now wears a smile a mile wide.

Mrs. Hendricks pat my arm. “Well, if you need a personal reference for your application, or a babysitter, you give me a call, you hear?”

We linger a bit longer, catching up on each other’s lives. Through it all, Cam’s hand remains firmly clasped in mine and he shoots me little glances and smiles. Eventually, we make our excuses and head into the town hall. A group of singers has gathered near the entrance, singing “Winter Wonderland.” We pause to listen for a moment before following the aroma of gingerbread and spices. The baking competition is in full swing, with contestants bustling around a white-clothed table, putting down plates of their creations.

“Look, there’s Donna,” Cam says, pointing to where she’s carefully arranging her entry. “And Sue’s right next to her. This is going to be a close one.”

We make our way over, weaving through the crowd of onlookers. Donna glances up as we approach, her face breaking into a wide smile.

“Cam, Greg! You made it!” She dusts her hands on her apron before pulling us each into a quick hug. “What do you think?” She gestures to her gingerbread creation, an intricate replica of CC’s Coffee Shop. So much for humble gingerbread cookies.

“It’s incredible, Donna,” I say, marveling at the detail. She’s captured each and every aspect of the storefront, right down to the old, faded sign. “You’ve outdone yourself.”

Cam nods. “Sue better watch out. I think you’ve got a real shot at taking the crown this year.”

Donna laughs, her eyes sparkling. “I don’t know about that, but I’m giving it my best shot.”

“Well, we’re rooting for you,” I say, giving her a thumbs up.

Cam asks Donna some questions about her baking technique as Sue comes around the table and joins in the conversation. They may be competitors, but Donna and Sue are friends too and I love the way they smile and encourage each other in the true spirit of this community. I watch as Cam chats with them both, his face alight with happiness. He fits so seamlessly into this town. Collier’s Creek is a wonderful place to live.

And a wonderful place to raise a family.

The idea of fostering, of opening our hearts and our home to a child in need, suddenly feels less like a distant dream and more like a tangible reality. Cam was right—it’s not a last resort, but a choice born of love and a genuine desire to make a difference.

“Hey, you ready to head back out?” Cam’s voice pulls me from my reverie.

A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. “Yeah, let’s go.”

We make our way back outside, the crisp evening air a contrast to the warmth of the town hall. Josh is busy juggling orders as he chats with customers at the hot chocolate stall.

“Hey, Josh,” Cam says as we approach. “I’ll take over if you want to head inside and wish your mom good luck.”

Josh’s face lights up. “Really? Thanks, Cam! I’ll be quick, I promise.”

“No hurry,” I say. “I can help out.”

As Josh hurries off towards the town hall, Cam turns to me. “Alright, babe, you ready to serve up some holiday cheer?”

I grin, grabbing a spare apron and tying it around my waist. “Born ready.”

Side by side, we fall into an easy rhythm, filling cups with steaming hot chocolate and topping them with generous dollops of whipped cream. Cam sneaks candy canes to the kids when he thinks I’m not looking, his eyes twinkling with mischief. In between customers, I steal glances at him, his smile saying more than words.

Suddenly, raised voices catch our attention. I crane my neck, trying to see what’s going on, but the crowd obscures my view. Cam frowns, as he tries to see.

“Is that Nick?” he asks, straining to hear. “And Kyle?”

I nod, as I glimpse the two of them, wondering what’s going on given they broke up a while back.

But before we can speculate further, a hush falls over the crowd. I rise on my tiptoes and catch sight of the scene unfolding before us.

Jordan Ellis is standing between Nick and Kyle, his hands raised in a placating gesture. And then, in a move that stuns us all, he pulls Nick close and kisses him.

Cam’s eyes widen, his mouth opening in surprise. “Well, I didn’t see that one coming,” he mutters with a shake of his head.

Given we thought Jordan was straight, I understand his surprise. I chuckle.

“Penny for your thoughts, babe?”

I have one last glance at where Jordan and Nick are wrapped in each other’s arms, then turn to Cam. “Just thinking that Collier’s Creek still holds some secrets and has the power to surprise me. Never a boring moment. Looks like those two are pretty loved-up.”

Cam sidles up beside me, his arm slipping around my waist. “So, what do you say once this stall is closed, we head home for some loving of our own?”

I thrill runs through me at the thought of being alone with him. “We’ve got another hour or so yet.”

“I don’t know, I think we’re running awfully low on cocoa,” Cam says, looking into the practically full container, then offering a wink.

“You’re incorrigible.” I laugh, swatting at his chest, then lean in close and drop my voice. “Delayed gratification does have its benefits.”

Cam groans, but he’s smiling as he leans in and brings his mouth to mine to steal a quick kiss.

Josh returns and starts cleaning up, carting away the trash. Cam and I continue to serve up hot chocolate, touching occasionally, and brushing against each other. The simple contact sends sparks through me, each shared smile a promise of what’s to come.

Finally the line dwindles and the last cup of cocoa is served.

I don’t think I’ve ever worked so fast in my life, but before too long, everything has been put away, and the equipment transferred to the back of Cam’s dad’s truck.

“Thanks for your help, Michael,” I say as we wave him off.

“’Night, boys.” He gets into the truck.

As soon as he pulls away, I grab Cam’s hand and drag him in the direction of our car. I can’t wait to get him home and reward him for his patience.