A Hallmark Christmas

Snow fell softly over the picturesque town of Maplewood, a small village in upstate New York that looked like it had been plucked straight out of a Hallmark movie. Every shop window was adorned with twinkling lights, evergreen wreaths hung on every door, and the scent of cinnamon and pine filled the crisp winter air. Jess couldn't help but smile as she stepped out of Ryan's car, her boots crunching against the freshly fallen snow.

Final exams were finally behind her, and for the first time in weeks, she allowed herself to relax. Ryan had convinced her to spend Christmas with his family, and so far, it had been magical. His parents had welcomed her warmly, his little sister had instantly latched onto her, and the town’s holiday spirit was infectious.

The next few days felt like they belonged in a holiday movie. They drank hot chocolate at the snow festival, their hands brushing as they shared a cup. They strolled through town for the annual tree lighting ceremony, sipping mulled wine as carolers sang in the background. One evening, Ryan’s family invited her to help decorate their Christmas tree, where she carefully hung glass ornaments as Ryan playfully tossed tinsel in her hair.

Then came Christmas Eve. The two of them sat by the fireplace in Ryan’s parents’ cozy living room, the glow of the fire casting flickering shadows against the walls. A light snowfall dusted the world outside, turning everything into a winter wonderland. Jess held a mug of hot cider in her hands, feeling warm in more ways than one. Ryan was next to her, close enough that she could feel the warmth of his body through his sweater.

It was perfect. Too perfect.

Ryan shifted slightly, turning to look at her. "Jess, can I ask you something?"

She glanced at him and smiled. "Of course."

He hesitated, then asked, "What were you like as a little girl?"

Jess froze, her fingers tightening around her mug. Her heart thumped painfully in her chest.

Ryan didn’t notice her sudden tension. He chuckled. "I bet you were the kind of kid who had all the boys chasing after her. Come on, tell me—who was your first boyfriend?"

Jess swallowed hard. She could feel the perfect little world they had built this week beginning to crack around her. She had two choices: she could lie, create a past that fit the person Ryan thought she was. Or she could tell the truth—risk everything—and shatter the illusion.

She took a slow breath, choosing her words carefully. "Ryan, my childhood wasn’t… normal. And honestly, it’s hard for me to talk about it."

He frowned slightly, concern flashing in his eyes. "I didn’t mean to bring up anything painful. I just—I want to know you. All of you."

Jess set her cider down, staring into the fire. Her mind spun, trying to find the balance between honesty and self-preservation. "I was kind of a tomboy growing up," she finally said, which wasn’t exactly a lie. "I didn’t really do the whole boyfriend thing in high school. I was more focused on sports."

Ryan smiled, seeming satisfied with that answer. "That actually makes a lot of sense. You’re still kind of a tomboy now."

Jess let out a small laugh, relieved that the conversation had veered away from dangerous territory. But then Ryan’s expression changed.

"It’s just that… sometimes, I feel like there’s a wall between us," he admitted. "Like you’re hiding something. I don’t know, maybe I’m just overthinking things. But Jess, I want a future with you. And I don’t want there to be secrets between us."

Jess’s stomach twisted. "Ryan, it’s not that I don’t trust you. It’s just—there are things about my past that are complicated. And I’m still figuring them out myself."

Ryan exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I get that, I do. But I just—" He hesitated, then shook his head. "Never mind. Let’s just enjoy tonight."

But the damage was done. The warmth of the evening had faded, replaced by an uncomfortable weight pressing on Jess’s chest.

That night, she lay awake in bed, staring at the ceiling. The perfect little Hallmark Christmas had crumbled. And suddenly, she felt like she didn’t belong here.

Jess sat up, running a hand through her hair. She thought about leaving, then dismissed the idea, then thought about it again. She even started writing a note to Ryan’s family, thanking them for their kindness. But each time she picked up the pen, she hesitated. Finally, after an hour of indecision, she sighed, packed her bags, and quietly slipped out of the house.

In the morning, Ryan woke up to find Jess gone. Panic set in as he realized what a fool he had been. He sat in the kitchen, staring at his coffee, until his mother walked in.

"Where’s Jess?" she asked, noticing his tense expression.

"She left," he muttered, rubbing his temples. "I messed up, Mom. I pushed too hard about her past. I just wanted to know her better, but I think I scared her off."

His mother sighed, sitting beside him. "Ryan, everyone has things they’re not ready to talk about. If you really care about her, you need to show her that you’re willing to wait."

That was all it took. Ryan bolted up, threw on his coat, and rushed out into the snowy streets, searching for her.

It was Christmas morning when he finally found her. She was sitting alone in the hotel lounge, staring into her untouched coffee.

Ryan stepped inside, his breath still visible in the cold air. "Jess," he said softly.

She looked up, surprised. "Ryan, what are you—?"

He walked over, dropping into the seat across from her. "I’m sorry. I was an idiot last night. I pushed too hard. I just—" He sighed. "I care about you so much, Jess. And I don’t want to lose you."

Her eyes shimmered, but she gave him a small, shaky smile. "I care about you too, Ryan."

Ryan hesitated, then leaned forward. "You don’t have to tell me everything right now. I just want you to know that whenever you’re ready, I’ll be here. No pressure. No expectations. Just us."

Jess swallowed the lump in her throat, overwhelmed by his sincerity. "Thank you," she whispered. "That means a lot."

He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small sprig of mistletoe. "Forgive me?"

Jess laughed despite herself. "You’re such a sap."

Ryan grinned. "I learned from the best."

He leaned in, and as snow fell outside, Jess met him halfway. Their lips brushed, soft and warm, and for a moment, everything felt right again.

Maybe Christmas really was magic after all.

TO BE CONTINUED . . .   
Jessica will return in Volume 2: New Beginnings