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.
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Tenacious college stud...
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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.
