In the picturesque town of Winter Grove, the tenacious Alicia Whittaker faces off against her best friend's snobbish brother Zeke Brighton when his disapproval of his sister's boyfriend threatens to upend their Christmas.
--
Tenacious college studen...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Alicia
The air was clear and crisp as Alicia, Celeste, and Sterling made their way towards the town square for the final event of the Winter Grove Games—the Scavenger Hunt. Alicia was glad she had decided to wear a thicker coat as it felt like the night would only get colder. Fortunately, she expected the frenzy of the hunt would help keep them warm.
"If Zeke isn't coming," Sterling wondered aloud, his breath coming in a big white puff, "then who am I going to do the scavenger hunt with?"
True to her word, Alicia had spoken with the Brightons earlier that day and made up some excuse to get Zeke 'excused' from further events.
He better be thankful, she thought to herself with a smile. Maybe she'd let him buy her a drink at The Snowball's Chance afterward...
"You could tag along with us," Celeste offered, brightening. "I can't think of a better way to spend my evening than with my two favorite people."
"I don't think that's allowed," Sterling said, eyeing all the pairs gathered around the festival grounds. "The Mayor said only groups of two were allowed."
"I'm sure there are exceptions. Look, there's a group of three!" Celeste said, pointing into the crowd.
Alicia glanced over to where Celeste was pointing and laughed. "Those are two parents and a toddler. Which one of us would be the toddler?"
"You, obviously," Celeste replied. She linked her arm with Alicia and pulled her in. "Now come on, give mommy a kiss—"
Alicia struggled away as Celeste planted a kiss on her cheek, giggling the whole time. "Gross! Get off!"
"Mommy loooves you!"
Sterling just shook his head with a laugh as he watched the two of them wrestle. "You both are acting like children."
"Well, then consider yourself lucky that you don't have to join us tonight," Alicia said, making a face at Sterling.
"Over here!"
They all turned to see Celeste's dad, Herb, waving them down. He and his wife were waiting for them at the base of the tree in the center of town. And standing next to them was... Zeke.
Sterling frowned. "I thought you said he wasn't coming."
"I... I didn't think he was," Alicia said, staring him down as they went over to join them.
"Evening!" Herb cheered. He plucked at the lapels of his coat and hiked them up to keep the chill off his neck. "Chilly one tonight, eh? Hope you dressed warm!"
"Do you need gloves?" her mom piped in. "I brought extra!"
As Celeste's parents inspected her outerwear, Alicia sidled up to Zeke.
