Alicia

The Mayor's house—a sprawling Victorian mansion—glowed like a beacon as they all ran down the street towards it. Fortunately, the Wintergreen Inn was just one block over—perfect stumbling distance once the ball was over. But being so close meant taking a car wouldn't make sense, so they were forced to walk in the cold.

It was cold enough that Alicia was actually kind of thankful for Olly's early Christmas gift. The 'gift' was an elaborate shoulder cape, and Olly had chosen one for each of them. Only Alicia recognized them from her time in Olly's cellar. They weren't capes at all—but tree skirts. His fanciest tree skirts, but still.

"I was inspired by real life," Olly said when Alicia called him out. His expression was innocent, but Alicia could see the mischief in his eyes.

Celeste loved it, of course, so Sterling donned his without a fight, knowing it was pointless to argue against Olly and Celeste. Alicia knew it was an impossible fight as well, and besides, her 'cape' was made of faux fur and rather cozy—she would take any layer she could get. A bad chill was the price of a perfect dress.

Zeke had been surprised when Olly offered him a 'cape' too. Alicia figured this was Olly's idea of an olive branch. Zeke seemed to understand that because he managed to put it on with a straight face.

In the days before, Zeke had made an apology, a proper one, to everyone. It had gone over well. Sterling was gracious with his acceptance of it, and Celeste was pleased, of course. Even now, she practically floated up the stairs to the Mayor's door, dragging Alicia along with her.

"Best. Christmas. Ever," she practically sang to Alicia before letting go and darting through the mansion's door. Olly and Sterling followed after her, with Sterling shooting a knowing look at Zeke and Alicia as he passed.

Alicia watched Zeke smile back with a new sense of understanding.

As the rest of the party disappeared inside, Alicia and Zeke were left alone on the porch. Alicia turned to Zeke, loosening the tie on her tree-skirt-cape.

"I really appreciate you coming," she said. "I know this isn't where you wanted to be tonight."

"Who said that?" Zeke said, pulling off his cape. He looked good in his crisp gray suit. It had a sheen to the fabric that almost looked silver from the right angle. Mr. Jensen had done well. Despite his good mood, Alicia could still detect a hint of hesitance.

But when he looked at her, his smile was free from any worries.

"I told you," he said. "I'd do it for you."

Alicia pressed her lips together to fight her grin from going too wide.

The Christmas Eve Ball was not where he wanted to be, but he was here... for her. Zeke Brighton would do anything for her. She was sure that it had to be some kind of superpower. This almost felt like too much... almost.

"We don't have to go," Alicia said, feeling a swell of pity. He made the promise to accompany her to the ball drunk on their first kiss, and she was suddenly remorseful. She shouldn't hold it against him. "If you don't want to do this, we can turn right around—"

"That's a kind offer," Zeke said with a laugh, leaning in close. He reached out and took her hand. "But where would we go? Olly's here, so there's no Snowball..."

"Well, the hotel then."

"You're so cold. Come here," he said, squeezing her hand. He pulled her closer. "And the hotel? The bar at the hotel is closed, too. Everyone in Winter Grove is here, isn't that what you said?"

Alicia huffed. "Then the mini bar in your room, then!"

"My room?" Zeke smirked, pulling her even closer...

The door flung open, and Zeke's dad, Herb, poked his head out. They were already here, one of the first to arrive. "There you two are! For a second, I thought we lost you to the cold. Now, come on, no dilly-dallying. They're supposed to announce the results of the Winter Grove Games soon!"

"We'll be right there, Mr Brighton!" Alicia promised.

"No dilly-dallying," he repeated and ducked back inside.

Alicia and Zeke shared a look and just laughed, following after.

"I had no idea they were so serious about this," Alicia said as she stepped into the foyer and started shedding her outerwear.

"They've always been serious about this sort of thing," Zeke explained, helping her out of her coat. "Even when we were kids."

Alicia let the 'cape' slide off her shoulders, revealing the gown she'd braved the cold for. From the look on Zeke's face, it had been worth it.

It was a deep red silk, loose yet clinging, adorned with a thousand shining red beads and held with only a pair of thin jeweled straps. It shimmered and swayed as she moved.

"You look amazing," Zeke breathed as he took her in. "Maybe I should take you up on your offer to go back to the hotel..."

"Not yet," Alicia teased, her lips—painted in a matching red—curling up. "They'll wonder where we've gone."

They left their capes with attendants and stepped through into the hall. The party was already thriving, with crowds of people in every room. The bar had been set up in the crook of the stairs, a buffet in the dining room, and the living room and library had been cleared of furniture for dancing. A band was set up in the corner, playing music in front of the massive Christmas tree.

"For a small town, they really go all out, huh?" Zeke said, almost in awe.

"You have no idea," Alicia said, trying to absorb it all. This might be her last time here, and she wanted to savor it. "That's kind of its charm."

"I'm starting to see that," Zeke said, then looked down at her and offered his arm to her. "So, now that we're here, what do you want to do first? Get a drink, or dance, or...?"

"Drinks first," said Olly, coming out of nowhere. His entire outfit was monochromatic, his shirt, jacket, pants and even shoes the same exact shade of emerald green. He dropped his hands on their shoulders and then shoved them forward. "Obviously."

Olly steered them through the crowd until they found Sterling and Celeste, who were already waiting for them in line. Celeste wore a sparkling champagne gown, while Sterling wore a dark gold tuxedo jacket over a black shirt.

"Are we even going to get drinks in time before they announce the winner of the Games?" Alicia wondered. The line for drinks was already stretching across the hall.

"That's why we're here," Olly said, nodding to the stairs that rose behind the bar. "The Mayor will make the announcement on the stairs, so we've got a prime view while we wait. Two birds, one pear tree... or something like that."

"Where's mom and dad?" Celeste asked Zeke.

"Who knows," Zeke said with a shrug. "Dad came out to lecture us, but then he disappeared again."

"They'll find us," Olly said with an air of sage wisdom.

Celeste made a face as though she didn't think that was enough of a guarantee.

"I'll keep a lookout," Sterling assured her, pulling her close.

Celeste smiled, comforted, before she turned to Alicia. "So, Alicia. Have you heard anything about your placement?"

Alicia nodded. "It was a bit of a hectic rush to get all my papers in after I let myself, uh, get so distracted... But I got my confirmation today. I'm for sure going to London!"

Celeste cheered. "Oh, that's so exciting!"

"Exciting indeed," Olly agreed. "London has tons of hot guys. Those accents, phew! You can really get into trouble over there..." For a brief second, he got a dreamy look.

"I don't think she chose London for the dating prospects," Zeke said, frowning. "At least, I hope not."

Alicia couldn't help but giggle. She tugged on Zeke's tie. "Of course not."

"What about you, Zeke?" Sterling asked. "What are your plans for the New Year?"

"Yeah, if Alicia's going to be across the pond," Olly said. "What are you going to do without her? Start your next business?"

"Not just yet," Zeke said. "I think that, after everything, I deserve some time off. I've always wanted to do some traveling and I figured now would be a great time to see Europe. And London seems like as great a home base as any while I hop around the continent." He looked down at Alicia and winked.

Alicia smiled up at him, leaning into him. "Looks like my weekends and breaks are already spoken for."

"That sounds amazing," Celeste said, her eyes going dreamy. "I'm honestly kind of jealous. I've always wanted to travel across Europe!"

"Well, for one of your breaks, you should join us for a trip," Zeke offered before looking at Sterling. "Both of you."

Olly stuck his lip out. "And what about me?"

Alicia reached out and pinched his cheek. "You can come too, you big baby—"

"Are you ready?"

Herb was back, Lydia in tow. They were rosy-cheeked and wild-eyed, like little kids unable to settle down before bed the night before Christmas.

"They're about to announce it," Lydia said, clapping her hands together. "They're going to announce the winners!"

They all returned to the stairs, where the Mayor was descending from above, an elaborate scroll in hand.

If they have to announce the winner late, Alicia thought, at least they're going to make a show of it.

Someone handed the Mayor a microphone and disappeared back into the crowd. The Mayor tapped on it, the sound echoing around the room before he held it to his mouth.

"Welcome, Winter Grovians and esteemed guests! We wanted to thank you for coming, and for making this season one of our best yet!"

The crowd responded in kind, cheering enthusiastically—the Brightons some of the loudest among them.

"We've also been very appreciative of your patience as we decide on the Winter Grove Games. Fortunately, your wait is over. I have here," he raised the scroll overhead, "the names of the winners! Now do you think I should read them out now, or later?"

Another cheer echoed through the crowd. "Now!"

The Mayor chuckled, his mustache twitching. "Well, if you insist. Now, if you'll allow me..."

The band's drummer hammered out a rising beat as the Mayor undid the wax seal and unfurled the scroll...

"The winners of the Winter Grove Games..." the Mayor said before taking a deep breath. "HERB AND LYDIA BRIGHTON!"

The crowd clapped as Herb and Lydia cheered, arms raised high.

"We did it!" Herb hollered. "We did it, dear!"

"I always knew we would!" Lydia cried, leaning in to give her husband a big kiss on his cheek. "Oh, what a perfect way to top off an already wonderful Christmas!"

"Congratulations, Mom," Celeste said, pulling her into a hug. "I'm so happy for you guys. If anyone deserves it, it's you."

The Mayor smiled down at them. "Congratulations, you two! You put up a very good fight, with great turnouts in every event. Now, follow me and we'll get you ready to light that star!"

The crowd parted for the Mayor as he descended the steps. He beckoned the Brightons over, but they hesitated, looking back at their children.

"What are you doing, Mom?" Celeste asked. "This is your moment."

"No, it's our moment," Lydia said, offering her hand to her daughter. "We should do this together."

"Is that alright?" Herb asked the Mayor.

"No rule against it," the Mayor said with a shrug. "I doubt anyone would complain."

"Come on, then," Lydia said, grabbing Celeste's wrist. "This is for our family." Her gaze shifted between them—from Zeke to Sterling, to Alicia, even to Olly. "Our whole family."

Zeke wrapped his arm around Alicia's shoulder. "Then let's go."

They followed the Mayor through the house as the crowd made way for them. The Mayor led them to the large bay window at the front of the house with a perfect view of the massive tree in the center of the town square. It was all dark, waiting for them...

"Everyone," the Mayor announced into the microphone. "It is now time to light the star! Make your way to the windows! If you want to go outside, remember to take your coats. It's a cold one!"

The crowds shifted as everyone vied for a spot with a good view. As everyone bustled around, the Mayor handed Herb and Lydia a special remote. It was bright green, covered in glitter, and the big red button on top glowed like Rudolph's nose.

"All you need to do is press it when we're done with our countdown," the Mayor explained, then readied his microphone. "Alright folks, are we ready to light the star?"

A cheer of agreement rang out.

"Then let's get started! Ten... Nine..."

"Come on everyone," Herb said, holding the remote out. "Let's do it together. Put your hands on it."

"Seven... Six..."

They all squeezed together, reaching over to touch the glowing button.

"Three... Two..."

Alicia shot Zeke an excited look.

"One!"

They pressed the button.

Outside, the massive tree sprang to life. The lights at the bottom of the tree flickered on first, then began to climb its height, going up and up... Until it reached the star. The star blazed to life, filling the square with light.

The crowd cheered.

"Oh, how magical!" Lydia cried, her voice trembling with the awe of it. "What a perfect night. I want to spend every Christmas in Winter Grove! What do you say, honey? Want to do this again next year?"

"How could I say no?" Herb said, pulling his wife into a tight hug. "That sounds like a great idea."

Zeke looked at Alicia. With the focus on the tree, no one was paying any attention to them, and he used the opportunity to pull her close.

"What do you think?" Alicia breathed. "Want to spend another Christmas in Winter Grove?"

Zeke chuckled before leaning in for a kiss. "There's no place I'd rather be."

✨

And that's CHRISTMAS DEBATE!

First of all, I wanted to say THANK YOU for reading along. All your comments, votes, and loyalty meant the world to me.

I hope you enjoyed the story, even though it is still an early draft. If you want to help me as I work on the next draft, please consider continuing to the AFTERWORD, where I'll have a small survey for feedback. It would be most appreciated.

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