“It has everything to do with it. I will fill you in as soon as I’m back. Just go get ready for the Christmas faire. How are you feeling about it?”
They climbed out of the sleigh and began walking back toward the Emerald House.
“I think it’s going to be okay. We won’t have a maze or a parade this year, and we’re out of the running for Hallmark, but I know people will still have fun. It’s more about coming together than anything. It wouldn’t be Emerald Hollow without the Christmas faire, no matter how lowbrow it is.”
“Wow, you’ve gotten way more relaxed about this. Are you sure you’re feeling okay?” Holly put a hand to his forehead to check for fever.
Ash laughed. “Almost losing you changed my perspective on what’s important. Then there was that whole bombshell you dropped about you being—”
Holly followed his gaze to where Sofia was approaching.
“Did you two kiss and make up yet?” Sofia asked, sounding exasperated. “We’ve got work to do!”
Holly looked at Ash, and they both smiled sheepishly.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” Sofia rolled her eyes but was clearly trying to suppress a smile.
“I’ll be right there, Sof. Holly has something she has to take care of, but she’ll be back tonight. Right?”
She nodded. “Actually, I’d like to talk to Sofia for a moment.”
Ash seemed surprised but gave Holly’s hand a little squeeze that sent her heart racing. He whistled to Comet and continued along the path. Holly’s eyes followed him before she turned to Sofia.
“I messed up, Sof.”
Sofia pulled Holly in for a hug. “We all mess up. What matters is that you make it right.”
Holly nodded, grateful again for the incredible friend she had made in Emerald Hollow.
“Oh, here. I’ve got something for you.” Sofia reached into her pocket and pulled out a pair of delicate clay earrings. They were shaped like Santa hats but with sparkly bows underneath the white pom-poms. “I was inspired by your ugly-sweater outfit, Mrs. Claus.” She placed the earrings in Holly’s palm.
Holly beamed. “You had these in your pocket?”
“I had a feeling you’d be back,” Sofia’s eyes twinkled.
“These are amazing, Sof. Seriously, they’re perfect.” She slipped the earrings through the small holes that had magically appeared in each ear, and Sofia admired them in satisfaction.
“So, Sof. What do you think about helping me with something? I want to surprise Ash.”
Sofia leaned in conspiratorially. “I’m all ears.”
ChapterFifty-Three
Holly’s trip to the North Pole was quick and purposeful. The Cheer she had collected in Emerald Hollow filled the North Post instantly, and the elves were able to get the final Dream preparations underway. Holly took a look around then left everything in the capable hands of Clementine. She would have time to celebrate after Christmas.
When she arrived back in Emerald Hollow, she found Sofia first. “Did everything go okay?” she asked, feeling both anxious and excited.
“Are you kidding? Those supplies you brought were dynamite. What did you do? Raid a Macy’s?”
Holly laughed. “Something like that. So the maze is set up? And the parade is a go?”
“Yes and yes.” Sofia looked proud, and she bounced on her feet.
“And Ash has no idea?”
“Nada. We’ve kept him busy running the snowplow all around town.” Sofia chuckled. “He’s going to lose his mind.”
“You never know. He might surprise you.”
