ol

wasn't the most romantic car in the world, but it was the only option that would fit the three of us since mine was temporarily out of commission, Abigail drove a li

love tone. "If you really love him, you won't care

ttle sad sigh. "Yeah, yeah

e car, helping each othe

gotta let go. You've been so caught up in wondering if he's going to propose or not that you're

moment, staring down at

nd hooked her finger under her chin. "Look

drank in the wonder. I took the moment to study the decorations and the

storefronts, and that was all beautiful and wonderful, but the Santa Claus Ball was different. Though I'd seen

leigh–painted a pristine crimson and trimmed with gold. The intricate swirl designs on the hood were stunning. In a small fenced-in field were nine real reindeer, each with beautiful Nordic harnesses. Each of the reindeer's harnesses depicted their names–Dasher, D

iling. The auditorium's stage was set up beautifully as a scene from A Christmas Carol, set with the enchanting warm glow of a hundred lightbulbs seemingly floating in the air, with a quartet of strings and an accordion playing music right in the middle

he lights or the music. I spotted one tall Santa Claus and wondered if he could be my mat

ttention from the corner of the room. It was decorated with giant intricate Christmas balls, silver tinsel, and beautiful vintage ornaments. Red bows were tied here and there, and a giant crystal star shone at the top of the tree. There was a smattering of wra

as the dance floor. It was trimmed with a circle of freshly fallen fake sn

h the men in the dance circle for approximately thirty minutes before having to make a final decision

to find and share love, to kindle relationships, and to let magic happen. But I wasn't sure that was really the case, but it made sense to me. So, every Saturday after Thank

ople also had to wear masks–until midnight, that was. So as it was, we were all free to roam about and chat, but unless we recognized someone by their voice, we probably wouldn't know who we

t, my tummy somersau

called the Mistletoe Mystery. My mother had spoken of it so fondly and pai

hat everyone was cool with kissing strangers. But then, this year, that original child-like

ly, stopping us all near an ic

t the unexpe

Gretchen whined. "You sca

't being anxious or obsessive

d dig around. I watched with curiosity while Gretchen looked on with vexati

ow we know who we are right now, but maybe this'll make it a

re attracted to the emerald. It was set in a golden swi

ted anyway," she said

os of Clauses, and we didn't see much of them. Abigail and I stuck together most of the time, visiting with small groups of me

n and apples and popcorn filled our noses. I remained mesmerized by the

re to make their way to the dance floor, men on the north side and women on the south side. They reminded us we'd have thirty minutes of continu

s in only thirty minutes–if everything went as planned. But, wha

the dance floor with at least fifty other people. It wa

ind made me let out a giggle. This was hilarious, going on speed

velvety red suit. I thought I saw his fake white beard twitch. Was that a smile? My heart

from three. At the sharp ding of the bell, the dance floor was filled with urgency. The hurried

y. "Good night," he said formally. "Or,

tention before the bell rang. He was tall but skinnier.

ght," I said, returning h

ands and I lifted t

art where we start dan

warm. I supposed I couldn't bl

After that, I didn't have much luck for the first few matches. The conversation was awkw

finish of the suit in my hands first after automatically opening my arms to receive my next dance partner. I looked up to see the same creamy white mask embroid

said. "

it, even though it barely cut through the chatter around us. Apparently

er was too slow, but the velvet-s

ing. I was just curious w

myself focus on my response instead. I

t was a little silly that we're all dressed up

? I wondered what it looked like... did he have

der men?" the velve

k. "I'm into

his grip on my hand. "That's

self-conscious. I knew he wouldn't be able to see my whole face, as

," he said. I could feel his ha

s a bit ironic?" I sai

him that I really appreciated. "Just until midnight." I could h

ook up at him

et to see y

tered. Did t

stion it, the words were ou

the bell dinged, signaling

," he said before

ystery man. I wondered how much longer we had. H

ot to be disrespectful of the man I was dancing with, but he caught me glancing

he asked. He wasn't mad or sad.

t I was being a little rude. "So

think I'm already in love wit

ed honesty. "Really? Your c

iating a grin in fro

out for you," I t

aned in to whisper in my ear. "And for you, too. Se

tween us. I was about to make another comment when the bell made its final di

s they held up symbols with their hands so their other half could find them easily. I kicked myself

en matches, but I was beginning to worry I wouldn't find the velvet-s

old of my arm and gently turned m