Page 38

NATE

The bell above Special Blend’s door chimes as I step inside, and the familiar scent of coffee and books wraps around me like a warm hug. Caspian is behind the counter, his hair slightly messy from running his hands through it all day, wearing that green apron that makes his eyes look even darker.

We’re a few days into the new year, and the whole town is gearing up for the Winter Wishes Festival, including Caspian.

“Hey, handsome,” he calls out, his face lighting up. “I’m almost ready. Just need to finish closing up.”

“Take your time.” I make my way to the bookshop corner, straightening books that don’t really need straightening. “How was your day?”

“Good!” His voice carries over the sound of him wiping down equipment. “Though I missed having lunch with you. How was the forest?”

“Cold,” I chuckle. “But beautiful. The snow makes everything look magical.”

He appears beside me suddenly, sliding his arms around my waist from behind. “Like our first kiss?”

I turn in his embrace, pulling him closer. “Exactly like that. Though I think we’ve gotten better at the kissing part.”

“Oh?” His eyes sparkle with mischief. “Maybe we should practice some more, just to be sure?”

His lips find mine before I can respond, and I lose myself in the familiar taste of him, in the way his body fits perfectly against mine.

“I love you,” he murmurs against my lips.

“I love you too.” I brush my thumb across his cheek. “Ready to go?”

Caspian nods, and after locking up, we step into the crisp January evening. The festival lights twinkle overhead, casting a magical glow over the snow-dusted streets. I lead him toward the park, my heart racing with anticipation.

“The Wishing Tree?” he asks as we approach. “I thought you didn’t believe in all this?”

I pull him closer, smiling. “Actually, I made a wish last year.”

“You did?” His eyes widen. “What changed your mind?”

“Addy knocked some sense into me,” I admit. “Told me sometimes a little magic is exactly what we need.”

He looks up at me, snowflakes catching in his dark lashes. “Did your wish come true?”

Instead of answering, I pull him into a kiss, pouring all my love and gratitude into it. When we part, I rest my forehead against his. “What do you think?”

His smile is brighter than all the festival lights combined. “I think we should make another wish.”

We write our wishes on small pieces of paper, and I watch as he carefully folds his and tucks it into a decoration. As we approach the tree to hang them, he suddenly stops.

“Wait,” he says, pointing. “Is that…? Is that my name?”

Sure enough, there’s a beautiful glass ornament hanging at eye level with Caspian written in gold script. “Huh,” I say, trying to keep my voice casual even as my heart threatens to beat out of my chest. “Maybe you should take it down and check.”

He reaches for the ornament with careful fingers, cradling it in his palm. “There’s something inside,” he says, opening it. His eyes widen as he unfolds the paper. “Should I read it?”

I nod, not trusting my voice.

“ Caspian ,” he reads aloud, “ A year ago, you walked into my life and changed everything. You showed me that love isn’t something to be afraid of but something to embrace with your whole heart. You taught me that family isn’t just about blood but about choice. And now, I’m asking you to choose me, every day, for the rest of our lives… ”

His voice trails off as he looks up from the paper to find me on one knee, a ring box open in my trembling hands. The ring inside is simple but elegant—a platinum band with a small maple leaf engraved on the inside, matching the beauty mark on my hip and our home, Maplewood.

“Caspian Lane,” I say, my voice rough with emotion, “will you marry me?”

For a moment, everything is still. Then suddenly, Caspian launches himself at me with such force that we nearly topple over.

“Yes!” Caspian exclaims, his arms wrapped tightly around my neck. “Yes, yes, absolutely yes!”

Suddenly, cheers erupt from all around us. I look up to see our family and friends emerging from their hiding spots—Addy and Hannah, Tate and Indy, Tristan and Ben with the kids, Marcus, the Rocktogenarians, and all the friends Caspian made in Maplewood. All beaming at us.

With shaking hands, I slide the ring onto Caspian’s finger. It fits perfectly, just like everything else about us.

“You planned all this?” he asks, wiping happy tears from his eyes.

“Had some help,” I admit, nodding toward our friends. “Though I think the Wishing Tree deserves some credit too.”

He laughs, the bright, beautiful sound that first made me fall in love with him. “I thought you didn’t believe in wishes.”

“I don’t need to anymore,” I say, pulling him close. “My biggest wish already came true.”

As our friends surround us with hugs and congratulations, the snow falls softly around us, and the festival lights twinkle overhead. Caspian’s hand finds mine, our fingers intertwining, the new ring cool against my skin.

In this moment, surrounded by love and joy and the magic of Maplewood, I know with absolute certainty that some wishes do come true. Sometimes, they just need a little help from the people who love you most.

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