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“Mama, look!” Thomas’s excited voice echoed through the cozy parlor of The Ridge Inn as the 3-year-old eagerly unwrapped his Christmas gift. His chubby hands tore at the paper, revealing a small wooden train. His green eyes lit up with joy as he held it up for everyone to see.
Lily laughed softly, sitting beside him near the fireplace. “That’s from Grandma Beatrice, sweetheart,” she said, glancing across the room at her aunt.
Beatrice, seated comfortably next to her husband Carl, smiled warmly. “I knew he’d love that train,” she said, her voice filled with the affection of a proud grandmother. “Every time I saw him playing in the yard, I could see he had a fascination for trains.”
Carl, sitting next to her, nodded in agreement, his weathered face softening as he watched the scene unfold. Though he was no longer the young, strong rancher he used to be, his steady hands and kind demeanor had made him a beloved figure in Snowpeak Ridge. His marriage to Beatrice four years ago had brought him closer to the heart of this family, and he was more content than ever.
Gabe, sitting on the other side of the room, leaned over to Lily with a grin. “That boy’s going to be a handful soon,” he said in a teasing whisper, as Thomas started rolling the train along the floor with a burst of energy.
“He already is,” Lily chuckled, her gaze softening as she looked at her son, then back at her husband. Five years had passed since that fateful Christmas storm brought them together, and their life had flourished in ways she couldn’t have imagined.
Beatrice set down her tea and stood up, straightening her dress. “Well, I think it’s time to get everything ready for the guests arriving tonight. The town will be here soon for the Christmas Eve celebration.”
“I’ll help you with that, Aunt Beatrice,” Lily offered, rising from her seat. As they moved toward the kitchen, the sound of a knock echoed through the hallway.
Carl pushed back his chair. “I’ll get it,” he said, making his way to the door.
Patrick, now 19 and no longer the shy boy of his younger years, joined Carl at the door. Over the past five years, he had grown into a capable young man, often working alongside Carl to manage the ranch and help out around the inn. He had become a part of the family in every sense.
“Everything ready for tonight?” Patrick asked, his voice deepening with maturity as he followed Carl to greet the visitors.
Carl nodded. “Should be. Looks like we’ve got a full house coming. It’ll be nice to celebrate with everyone in town.”
As the door opened, the cold air rushed in, but it couldn’t dampen the warmth that filled The Ridge Inn that Christmas morning.
As the afternoon wore on, The Ridge Inn filled with the smell of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and the sweet aroma of spiced apple cider. The preparations for the evening’s festivities were well underway, with Beatrice directing everyone like a well-practiced conductor. Lily and Patrick helped set up tables in the parlor, arranging festive garlands and candles to create a cozy atmosphere.
“I think that’s the last of the decorations,” Lily said, stepping back to admire their handiwork. The inn’s parlor, with its rustic wooden beams and large stone fireplace, felt especially magical that Christmas Eve.
Patrick gave a satisfied nod, adjusting his vest as he glanced around the room. “Looks good, Lily. The whole town’s going to love this.”
Lily smiled at her cousin’s maturity. “You’ve really grown into yourself, Patrick. I can’t believe how much has changed since you were that shy boy running around here.”
Patrick grinned, a little bashful. “I had good role models,” he said, casting a glance at Carl, who was sitting by the fire, his hands wrapped around a cup of coffee. Over the years, Carl had become more than just Beatrice’s husband — he had become a father figure to Patrick, guiding him into manhood.
Gabe entered the room, wiping his hands after finishing up work in the barn. “Everything’s set outside. The horses are all snug for the night, and I brought in extra firewood in case the temperature drops even more.”
“Thank you, dear,” Lily said, crossing over to him and giving him a light kiss on the cheek. “The snow’s already piling up outside, but I think we’ll be just fine.”
Carl stood and joined them, his presence still commanding despite the years. “Good to hear. We don’t need another blizzard like the one that brought you two together,” he said with a wink, making everyone laugh.
Just then, the door opened again, and Martha stepped inside, carrying a basket of baked goods. Her cheeks were pink from the cold, but her smile was genuine and warm. Since returning from Helena a few years back, she had made peace with her past and found new purpose in Snowpeak Ridge. With her kind husband by her side, she had become a part of the community again, working tirelessly at the local church and helping organize town events.
“Merry Christmas, everyone!” Martha called, setting her basket down on the table. “I brought some of my famous gingerbread cookies for tonight’s celebration.”
“Martha!” Lily greeted her with a hug. “Those cookies are the highlight of Christmas. Thank you so much.”
Martha’s husband followed closely behind, offering a warm greeting to Gabe and Carl. “It’s good to see the inn looking so festive. Snowpeak Ridge wouldn’t be the same without these gatherings.”
Lily smiled, her heart full as she looked around the room. The once fractured relationships had healed, and the people of Snowpeak Ridge had grown closer than ever. As the evening’s preparations came to an end, the sounds of laughter and conversation filled the air.
“Looks like we’re ready for tonight,” Carl said, patting Patrick on the back. “Let’s make this a Christmas to remember.”
As they all gathered near the fire, with Thomas happily playing on the floor, it was clear that the spirit of Christmas had filled The Ridge Inn. And though the snow piled high outside, inside the warmth of family and friendship made the cold winter seem far away.
As the first guests arrived for the Christmas Eve celebration, The Ridge Inn glowed with festive warmth. Lanterns were lit, and the fire crackled in the hearth, its orange flames casting a cozy light over the room. The townspeople, wrapped in heavy coats and scarves, shook off the snow and entered the inn with smiles and laughter, greeted by Lily, Gabe, and Beatrice.
“Merry Christmas!” Lily called out, welcoming each guest with a warm hug or a handshake. The familiar faces of Snowpeak Ridge filled the room, their voices rising in cheerful conversation.
Gabe stood near the door, ushering people inside as the snow continued to fall outside. “Good to see you all! Come on in, warm up by the fire,” he said, clapping one of the ranchers on the back as they entered.
Patrick and Carl helped serve hot cider and mulled wine, making sure everyone had a drink in hand. Carl, always the quiet presence in the room, smiled as he watched his wife, Beatrice, orchestrate the event with her usual grace. She moved from guest to guest, ensuring everyone was comfortable and enjoying the evening.
Lily, after making sure the final touches were in place, slipped back to the piano, where Thomas was sitting on a small stool, his tiny fingers hovering over the keys. “Can I play, Mama?” he asked, his voice filled with excitement.
Lily chuckled and sat down beside him, pulling him onto her lap. “Not just yet, little one. But you can help me when we sing the Christmas carols later, all right?”
Thomas nodded eagerly, his curls bouncing as he looked up at his mother with wide eyes. “Okay, Mama.”
As the guests settled in, the room filled with warmth and good cheer. Beatrice took her place beside Carl, and Patrick, now feeling more at home among the adults, leaned against the fireplace, exchanging stories with some of the other young men from town.
Martha and her husband, seated nearby, exchanged a glance with Lily, who gave her a reassuring smile. It hadn’t been easy for Martha to return after everything that had happened, but her dedication to the community and the love of her new family had helped her rebuild trust and respect.
When the time came, Lily began playing the piano softly, signaling the start of the evening’s music. The room fell quiet, and the first notes of “Silent Night” filled the air, calming everyone as the soft melody resonated through the inn. One by one, the townspeople joined in, their voices lifting in harmony.
Gabe, standing nearby, couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride as he watched Lily at the piano, her hands moving gracefully over the keys, Thomas sitting beside her, watching in awe. It was a far cry from the first Christmas they’d spent together, filled with uncertainty and the cold bite of danger. Now, five years later, they were surrounded by love and the warmth of family.
When the carols ended, Patrick stood and raised his glass. “To The Ridge Inn, and to all of you. May we always find warmth in each other’s company, no matter how cold the winters get.”
The room erupted in cheers and clinks of glasses, with everyone toasting to the enduring spirit of Snowpeak Ridge. The evening continued with laughter, stories, and the sharing of Christmas memories, with guests mingling freely throughout the inn.
As the night grew later and the guests began to trickle out, Lily and Gabe exchanged a glance, both of them feeling the same sense of fulfillment.
“Another perfect Christmas Eve,” Gabe whispered as he wrapped an arm around Lily’s waist.
Lily leaned into him, her heart full. “And many more to come.”
With the fire still crackling and the snow falling gently outside, The Ridge Inn stood as a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds that had been formed over the years.
As the last of the guests left The Ridge Inn, the parlor grew quiet, save for the soft crackling of the fire and the gentle sounds of Thomas playing with his wooden train on the floor. The once bustling room was now filled only with family. Carl and Beatrice sat near the fire, enjoying the peace that followed the evening’s festivities, while Patrick stoked the last embers of the flame.
Lily placed a hand on her stomach, watching as Thomas giggled while pushing the train around the legs of the furniture. She glanced at Gabe, who was standing by the window, peering out at the snow-covered landscape of Snowpeak Ridge.
“The snow’s really coming down now,” Gabe remarked, turning back to face the room. “It’ll be a white Christmas for sure.”
Beatrice chuckled softly from her seat. “Just the way it should be. There’s something magical about a snowy Christmas.”
Carl nodded in agreement, his eyes twinkling in the firelight. “This town’s been through plenty over the years, but nights like this remind me of how lucky we are.”
Patrick, now a young man of 19, smiled as he poked at the fire. “We’ve built something special here. Snowpeak Ridge feels more like home every day.”
Lily stood and joined Gabe by the window, slipping her arm through his. “It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since that first Christmas when we met,” she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude.
Gabe kissed her on the forehead. “Five years, and I still thank the Lord for that avalanche every day,” he teased. “It brought me the best gift of my life.”
Lily smiled, leaning her head against his shoulder. “I couldn’t have imagined a better life,” she said, her gaze falling on their son, who was now trying to climb into Carl’s lap with his train in hand. “And I think Thomas agrees.”
Carl laughed heartily as Thomas wiggled into his lap, the little boy’s energy never fading. “You’ve got a strong one here, Lily. He’s going to keep you both on your toes.”
“That he will,” Gabe replied with a grin. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
The warmth of the fire and the comfort of family made the evening feel like a perfect ending to a day filled with love and joy. Beatrice stood and stretched, her gaze falling on Carl with affection. “I think it’s time we all get some rest. It’s been a long day.”
Lily nodded, stifling a yawn. “You’re right, Aunt Beatrice. We’ve got another big day tomorrow with Christmas morning.”
Patrick put the fire poker away and clapped his hands together. “I’ll help lock up. No need for Carl to do it all.”
With everyone working together, The Ridge Inn was soon quiet and secure. Beatrice and Carl made their way to their room, Patrick trailing behind with a smile of contentment. Thomas, half-asleep in Gabe’s arms, was carried upstairs as Lily followed closely, watching her husband and son with a heart full of gratitude.
As they settled Thomas into his small bed, Gabe brushed a kiss over the boy’s forehead. “Sleep tight, little one.”
Lily stood by the doorway, her hand once again resting on her stomach as she thought about the future — their family, their life at the inn, and all the Christmases still to come.
When they were finally alone, Gabe pulled Lily into his arms. “I love you, Lil,” he whispered, his breath warm against her cheek.
“And I love you,” she replied, resting her head on his chest. “More than I could ever say.”
Gabe kissed her softly. “This is just the beginning. We’ve got so much to look forward to.”
With the snow falling quietly outside, blanketing the town in peace, they climbed into bed, ready to welcome the morning with open hearts. The future looked bright, and they knew that whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.
“Here’s to many more Christmases like this,” Gabe whispered as they drifted off to sleep, the warmth of their love filling the room.
And as the fire burned low in the hearth and the snow continued to fall, the Mitchell family’s story, much like the town of Snowpeak Ridge, stood strong and enduring — a love that would last through the ages.
Hello, my dears! I truly hope you enjoyed our couple’s happily ever after with all its Christmas vibe! ⛄️ I would love to know which was your favorite part of Gabriel and Lily’s story! Please share your thoughts with me here! Thank you – always! ♥️📚
Another great story. I loved it but in the extended epilogue why did the sheriff become Daniel and Beatrice Beatty?
Did Tiffy and Morris marry?
And Patrick went from 14 to 16 but it was 5 years later.
Thank you so much, Linda! I will take care of these small missteps of mine in the extended epilogue! I hope I am excused as I find myself more and more distracted as Christmas approaches! ♥️
I think my favorite part of their story was their enduring love always. The extended epilogue I had a few issues with. For one it starts out with 5 years later. Then a bit farther into the epilogue it says that Patrick is now 16, but in the original book he was 14. And Beatrice is now being called Beatty. That took me awhile to figure that out. This one I still haven’t figured out.. That in the original book, Beatrice was engaged to Karl and in the epilogue the Sheriff’s name is Daniel???
Thank you so much, Kay! Enduring love is indeed to be admired in any kind of story! I am glad you enjoyed it! The extended epilogue will be revised as I have lost some details while writing it! Thank you kindly for your support and feedback! ✨
I particularly liked that you took the romance of Gabe and Lily all the way through the wedding and into their new home together. Too many authors stop at a pending marriage leaving the reader with an unfinished feeling.
Thank you, Carol! Your feedback is really precious as it helps me improve as an author! Glad you enjoyed it!
Loved your books
Thank you, Carolyn!