A Winterberry Christmas...

A short, sweet romance by Mina Beckett

Chapter One: The Sweet Mishap

Winterberry was buzzing with energy as the Christmas Market opened its doors in the heart of the charming mountain town. It was the last official day of school before the Christmas holiday, and everyone was celebrating.

Glistening lights hung between the snow-covered evergreens, giving the cobblestone lanes a dreamy, magical feel. Booths lined the market square, offering everything from detailed ornaments to steaming mugs of hot chocolate. The scent of pine and roasted chestnuts mingled in the chilly air, creating a festive atmosphere that captivated everyone who came by.

Flurries of fluffy, white flakes danced around Emily as she briskly made her way down the snowy street. In one hand, she held a delicately decorated tray of gingerbread cookies, while in the other, she balanced a stack of festive holiday books. Her cheeks were cold and her breath visible in the frosty air, but her determination to spread holiday cheer kept her warm. She had spent hours crafting the treats and coordinating an impromptu story time for her kindergarteners at the children's booth.

As she weaved through the bustling crowd, a grin spread across her face at the sight of familiar faces. Winterberry wasn't just a simple town to her - it was where her heart belonged. She knew practically everyone here, and there was a warmth in being surrounded by those she held dear, especially during this festive time of year.

“Emily, those cookies look amazing!” called out Mrs. Thompson, the owner of the quaint flower shop nestled in the bustling town square. Her warm smile lit up her face and she waved enthusiastically from behind her booth, where she was selling vibrant wreaths adorned with clusters of plump, crimson berries.

“Thanks! I’ll save one for you if I don’t drop them all first!” she replied with a grin. She adjusted her grip on the tray, careful not to lose her balance. Her grin widened as she carefully maneuvered the tray, not wanting to spoil the treats within. The children were eagerly awaiting her arrival on the other side of the square, their cherubic faces pressed against the frosty windows of the town hall, brimming with excitement.

As she made her way towards the stairs, a sudden bellow echoed behind her. "Hey, watch where you're going!" She barely had time to react before colliding with a solid and surprisingly warm object. Her tray of cookies went flying and the books in her arms tumbled to the ground. She let out a gasp as she tried to steady herself, but it was too late. With a thud, she found herself on the floor surrounded by sweet-smelling cookies.

"Oh no!" she shrieked, looking around at the mess she had created.

"I'm so sorry!" A deep male voice filled with concern broke through her distress. She looked up to see a man crouched beside her, his rugged face peppered with snowflakes and his tousled brown hair giving him a boyish charm. His bright blue eyes held both worry and amusement as he reached out to help her up.

“I’m fine, I think,” she replied, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. She accepted his offered hand, and he pulled her up with surprising ease. She brushed the snow off her coat, her warm breath created wispy swirls in the winter air. “I’m really sorry about that. I wasn’t paying attention.”

“No harm done,” he reassured her with a warm smile. “Although I think your cookies took most of the impact.”

She looked down at her once perfect gingerbread men, now scattered on the ground. Despite the situation, she couldn't help but let out a laugh. "Well, I guess that's one way to make crumbs," she quipped as she bent down to gather the pieces.

The man chuckled, kneeling to help her. “I guess it’s a good thing I didn’t have a fragile package. I’m Daniel, by the way. Daniel Hughes.” He offered his hand again, this time for a proper introduction.

“Emily Watson,” she replied, shaking his hand. “I’m the kindergarten teacher here in Winterberry. And apparently the unofficial cookie queen.”

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Emily. And for what it’s worth, I think your cookies look delicious—even in pieces.” He picked up a half-intact gingerbread man and took a playful bite out of the head, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Chapter 2 coming November 8….