A Winterberry Christmas, Chapter 3

Don't let Chapter 3's title fool you ... This is really just the beginning!

In case you missed it… read Chapter 1, Chapter 2

Chapter Three: A Hot Chocolate Ending

The day after the Christmas Market collision with Emily, Daniel couldn’t stop thinking about her. Her brown eyes had sparkled with a mix of warmth and mischief, and the effortless charm in her smile had left a lasting impression on him. He replayed her laughter in his mind, remembering how her cheeks had flushed a rosy hue when she’d spilled her cookies. As he worked in his woodshop, he found himself intrigued by the woman who had so unexpectedly and delightfully entered his life.

They had exchanged numbers before parting ways yesterday and agreed to meet at his workshop this afternoon. The thought of seeing Emily again, of spending more time together, made the workday pass quickly. As he prepared for her arrival, he couldn’t help but feel a spark of excitement at the prospect of getting to know her better.

When she knocked on the door, he greeted her with a warm smile, wiping his hands on a cloth. "Hey! You’re right on time. Come on in."

She stepped inside, her cheeks rosy from the cold. The scent of sawdust and cedar mingled in the frosty air around her.

“Wow, this place is incredible,” she said, her eyes wide with admiration as she took in the craftsmanship surrounding her. “I had no idea your uncle’s shop was so… full of character.”

He chuckled, appreciating her genuine awe. “Yeah, Uncle Joe had a knack for making things feel homey. I’m still getting used to running the place, but I’m starting to see why he loved it so much.”

Her smile softened. “There’s something special about working with your hands. Creating something from nothing.”

Her words resonated with Daniel. “Exactly. And speaking of creating, I’ve sketched a few ideas for the sleigh. Come take a look.”

As she leaned over the workbench to examine the drawings, her eyes grew wide with excitement. He hoped she thought the designs were elegant, capturing the whimsical spirit of Christmas. “These are amazing. The kids are going to love it.”

Filled with a sense of pride, he smiled but tried to maintain his humbleness. “Thanks. I was thinking we could start with a basic frame and add the details as we go. It’ll take a few days, but I think we can get it done in time for the play.”

Anticipation filled her eyes. “Oh, Daniel. Do you really think so?”

“Sure.”

“I’d love to help out, if you don’t mind a novice carpenter in your shop.”

Mind? Nothing would please him more than spending time with her and their sleigh project was a great way to make sure that happened. “I’d be happy to have you here,” he said, handing her a pair of safety glasses. “But don’t blame me if you end up loving carpentry more than baking.”

Her laughter filled the shop as she removed her coat and rolled up her sleeves. “That’s a risk I’m willing to take.”

He was drawn to her enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Together, they worked on the sleigh, using tools and techniques that he showed her. They chatted easily, laughing over stories about their lives in Winterberry and New York. The hours flew by as they sawed, sanded, and hammered, bringing the frame of the sleigh to life.

As the afternoon sun cast a warm glow through the workshop windows, he glanced at her. A soft smile played on his lips as he noticed how she brushed a strand of hair away from her face, leaving a smudge of sawdust on her cheek. “You’re a natural, you know that?”

She laughed, dismissing his complement. “I’m just following your lead. Besides, I have to say, this is a lot more fun than I expected.”

“Glad to hear it. How about we call it a day and pick this up tomorrow?”

“Sounds good.”

He didn’t want to press his luck, but he didn’t want to say goodbye either. “Harriet over at the Wooden Spoon Café serves a mean hot chocolate. Care to join me? I think we’ve earned it.”

Her eyes lit up at the mention of the delicious treat. “That sounds perfect.”

As they finished up and stepped out of the shop, snowflakes drifted gently from the sky, wrapping the evening in a magical veil. They strolled to the local café, street lights creating a warm, cozy atmosphere.