Meet-Cute Me Under the Mistletoe

ol

were clear evidence that Christmas was in full swing. And I knew it wasn't a minute too soon as I caught a glimpse of the first snow beginning to fall flake by fluffy flake outside the small window in the ba

e, this was the first year I would be attending as a single adult woman. I technically could have participated in the one adult activity–mistletoe kissing–for a few years now, but I had missed out because I hadn't made it home from the do

sked though I was already lifting the apron o

going to leave this sweet-too

!" my fat

they were training to help manage the bakery as they geared up for retirement. It seemed my father was all for more free time, while my mother was hesitant to

le my dad walked toward the front door with his arms full of four boxes of snowman cupcakes. As much as he was ready to relax and spend some leisure time

urrying from the sky and explaining to the customer he was followin

s," she said after sending her customer away with a smile. She turned to me and leaned back against the

help my mom decorate cookies, especially during the Christmas season, I felt a little overwhelm

y hands before I grabbed it. It was Gretchen. Her text read, "Don't forget that you need to pick up your mask and your dress," and then, "Are you coming here

s Ball just as much as I was. I wasn't sure if her boyfriend knew it, but every special occasion for the l

a quick line

hous

shoe

best fr

't forget t

m was smiling softly at me, amused and

next to her. "How many other girls do you know who are willing to put

eppered gray hair behind her ear. She did that slow blink she

are you doing your hair? Are you gonna kiss anyone?"

Christmas garland, the tantalizing smell of hot toddy and pie. She had spoken about how the dazzling shine of the multi-color Christmas lights had felt so alluring that she was sure she was in a dream. And when my dad tapped her on the shoulder and asked her to dance

was Christmas, that special time of year my mom went softer than butter in a hot pan for all things love and cheer. She was a sucker for Christmas-she wasn't shy about admitting that

en alike in college who were in tortuous relationships. So I had decided a long time ago–and after I learned that the son of Santa Claus in the Santa Clause mov

bout the foods I'm going to eat or the

m up to my elbows in deserts all day every d

d think you were the twenty-two-ye

t. "Oh, if there's anything that makes this old tree sap up, it's the Santa Claus Ball." He leaned ove

decided to change the subject. "Gretchen thi

d's ears both p

g that since the Fourth

nk he will?

"I guess you

of us thought about it. "It would be

t get her hopes up too

nd Gretchen getting hitched, but this occas

friends coming?" my mot

far away. Maybe they'll come up f

counter and patting me on the shoulder. "It's b

part-time work at the bookstore. I lived in the next town over from my parents, Mistletoe Mountain, which was, y

I was hanging out with my two best friends, Gretchen and Abigail. I hadn't spo

a panicked message from Gretchen and a voice message rig

ss on the cheek, I got in my car to leave..

atched the bridge of his nose. He used to be a car guy before he got wrapped up in the

crawl up my arms. I really, really did

head. I nearly caught the Christmas Mickey Mouse cake pop

no gas and it's full of supplies I need for

front. "Guess that'll do," I said. I was quickly losing the time I'd pl

or you every day during Christmas br

!" my mom holle

the road. The mix of adrenaline and long-awaited anticipation of the ball had my chest feeling tight with giddine

se, Gretchen was running out on the front porch to meet me. I coul

beaded garland we'd hung around our p

hoes?" she said, clutchi

hanging behind the door and pointed at the floor. Gretchen nearly faw

situate herself. I gave Carol a little scratch on the neck, jingling the bells on her col

nd helped me pull on the white wig. It probably seemed a little silly for people on t

r, I was satisfied with my look. I ran my hands over the flared red skirt a

clunked through the house in her white