Stuck in Christmas (Holiday Magic #1)

Chapter 23

Twenty-Three

That’s how I found myself in my running car at the edge of town, staring across the invisible line to the open road ahead. My heart raced with urgency.

“Okay, car, angel, God, Satan, Santa, or whoever calls the shots here. This is so important. We have to find Eli right now.” I glanced at the dashboard of the car, willing it to cooperate. “Work with me, car.”

With a slight hesitance, I pressed the gas pedal. The vehicle responded, inching forward until I felt that sweet rush of freedom as I officially crossed out of the town limits of Christmas, Mississippi.

“Yes!” I threw a fist pump into the air for good measure.

I slammed on the gas and headed to the tree farm. As I drove, my mind focused solely on Eli. I needed to find him. It felt like the weight of the world rested on my shoulders. The vibrant trees of Dinkins' Tree Farm came into view, and as I parked and stepped out, determination fueled my every move. I scanned the area until I spotted Eli .

With a quickening heartbeat, I walked up behind Eli, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement.

“Hey,” I called out.

Eli turned, holding an axe.

I threw up my hands. “Don’t axe murder me for that story. I was trying to support the program you started - by bringing in the remaining donations you needed.”

Eli looked down at the axe and set it on the ground. “No, I’m sorry. I know you were trying to help. I do appreciate it.”

I could practically feel the weight of Eli’s gaze as I walked closer to him. “You missed my big news conference,” I said, trying to keep my tone light.

He smiled that warm, genuine smile that seemed to melt away any frustration I felt. “I read your story. It was great, but that’s not surprising either. Thank you for making it about the program and the people we help. I loved the part about the volunteers who put their heart into it every year.”

My heart swelled a little. “Every great story is about putting your heart into it,” I replied, knowing how true that was.

“Sounds like wise advice—for everything,” Eli said, his eyes searching mine.

I took a breath, feeling the weight of my confession. “It’s a lesson I recently learned the hard way.”

“How recently?” he asked, leaning in closer.

“Today. Only took me twelve tries to get it right. I think,” I said, uncertainty creeping in.

His brow furrowed. “You think?”

I smiled slightly, intrigued by the playfulness in his eyes. “I’ll let you know in a minute.”

Eli took a step closer, his presence making my pulse quicken. “Does that mean you’ll let me kiss you this time?”

I raised an eyebrow. “ This time?”

He simply shrugged, a mischievous spark in his expression.

Goosebumps raced across my skin. “The tree! The spinning Christmas tree. I only told you that story once.” I couldn’t help but feel a mix of annoyance and excitement. “All this time, you knew. You could’ve been helping me!”

He stepped into my space with a soft chuckle, closing the distance. “Where’s the fun in that?”

My heart raced as I stepped right into his embrace, feeling a surge of warmth and safety. “I guess we’ll know it when we see it.”

And just like that, our lips met, igniting a rush of emotions I had been holding back. The world around us faded. Every brush of our lips sent electric sparks through me, each kiss deepening a connection I hadn’t fully understood until then.

When we finally pulled away, breathless and smiling, the moment's warmth enveloped us like a comforting embrace. My heart raced, fluttering with a beautiful mix of joy and vulnerability. I couldn’t help but laugh, the sound ringing out like a melody in the stillness of the forest. “That was worth the wait.”

As I gazed into his eyes, a realization washed over me—a profound truth that filled the space between us. It was as though the universe had conspired to bring us together, and in that gaze, I saw not just a friend but someone who understood the very depths of my soul. The laughter faded, replaced by a quiet intensity, and I knew then that I loved him. It was a feeling so pure and exhilarating that it took my breath away again.

“Most definitely,” he murmured, his eyes sparkling with something more profound, and I knew this was where I was supposed to be.

“I love you,” I whispered across his lips.

“I love you.” He kissed me again like a man starved.

When we came up for air, I punched him in the arm.

“What was that for?” He rubbed the spot.

“That’s for holding out on me.”

“But we fell in love, and you’re not going to die, so can’t we call it even?”

I rolled my eyes, then squealed as he spun me in a circle. “Fine. Fine. Put me down.”

“Never.”

“You have to. If we don’t get the Christmas tree back to Ms. Bonnie, I’m pretty sure she’ll axe murder us both.”