After finishing her waffles and coffee, she decides to see if they have started setting up for the festival tomorrow but mostly. Hoping that she runs into a particular fellow with a name that begins with an L mostly.When she makes her way into the middle of town square and spots, just the person that she is looking for.'' Hey, do you need any help?'' asks Hazel as her brown hair blows in the wind when she sees Liam trying to put up a booth for the Maple Festival. Primarily using it as an excuse to get a chance to talk to him and ask him questions. Other than the ones that Abby told her about at the cafe.''No thanks, I'm good, ''says Liam continuing to step up. Denying the help since he has only ever done this with his wife, and it was him helping her. Even though Zoey never needed his help. Liam only offered so he could be with his wife and stare into her beautiful brown eyes.
''Are you sure that you don't need help? It looks like there is still a lot that has to get done, and I have nothing to do''I would be happy to help you, ''says Hazel.'' I could use a little help, ''says Liam as they are currently setting up more for the festival.''So I don't mean to pry, but what was Zoey like?'' asks Hazel. Wanting to know more '', oh gosh, she was amazing, there wasn't once that she wasn't smiling even when something was bothering her. No one ever knew that something was wrong besides Thomas and me. Full of joy, very free-spirited, She loved this time of year. Christmas and the Maple Festival is something that she couldn't wait for and she would be counting down the days before Halloween. Zoey loved decorating for both; she would be playing Christmas music and be setting up everything Christmas-related. It didn't matter that we were still preparing for Thanksgiving dinner, ''says Liam as you could hear the sad tone in his voice while a tear starts running down his cheek. I am thinking to myself why I am opening up to a person that I barely know about all of this.
''Must make this time of year, very hard you know. Especially with getting ready for the festival, ''says Hazel. Not knowing how to talk to him about this since she hasn't lost a spouse, she has, however, recently lost someone though she can relate to him.'' Yeah, it certainly does. I think that's why I try not to show anything around Thomas with losing his mom so young. The last thing I want is for him to feel obligated to make sure that I'm okay. Or that he needs to take care of me; I want him to remain a kid. Have fun while he is still a kid since he only has so many years of being one, you know. The last thing is for him to be in a hurry to grow up, ''says Liam. I can relate to that since I was in Thomas's shoes when I was twelve and my mom died ''says Hazel revealing something dark from her past that she has never opened up to anyone about non-family.
One person she has opened up to in her family is her older brother, which is the only person she could most certainly rely on after their mom died.'' I'm so sorry, um, what even happened to her and if it's not something you want to discuss. I respect that completely. Last year everyone tried pushing me to talk about what happened and more. They pressured me the less I wanted to talk about it. That is why it's tough for me, especially today, so I'm sorry if. I seemed like I was brushing off something at the cemetery; I was having a conversation with Zoey when you came up to me. However, I do apologize, and I could show you around here. If you would like that and if your not busy?'' asks Liam, who is smiling for once since last year.Mostly since Hazel reminds him very much of his late wife but in her own way.'' I would love that, and I get it; you don't have to apologize coming from someone who has lost someone very dear to them. I know that it's not the same as losing a spouse, and I have no idea what you are feeling right since never married and don't know what it feels like to lose a soul mate ''says Hazel.''Thanks. It feels good to be able to talk to someone about this who can relate to how to I am feeling. I mean, I have tried talking to Zoey's parents, but that only ends badly. Since they lost their daughter, but it's not the same as what I am feeling, my life completely changed. I go from waking up next to my wife every morning to an empty side of the bed. Part of me is gone, and it's the same day after day, and everyone says. That it will get better, but it doesn't ''says Liam, really upset and finally letting out everything that he has been carrying inside of him for the last year.
Her first instinct and doesn't think twice about it, as she embraces him into a hug to comfort him.'' Hey, it's okay, and I promise you that this will get better over time, ''says Hazel as her arms are around him.''Thank you, and I hope that you're right, but it's more than that. I'm afraid of messing up as a single parent. Or that I won't be able to be enough for him and somehow let him down, ''says Liam. ''Well, even though I haven't met him yet. I can tell that you are a great dad, Who just wants the best for his son, ''says Hazel. ''Thanks, I always figured I would never have to do this alone. Nor do I know if I am doing this what's suitable for him. I am just going day by day and figuring out this single dad stuff as I go, ''says Liam.'' I'm sure that you are doing fine. Don't be so hard on yourself; Thomas will continue looking up to you since you were the one. Who was there for him after the two of you both lost someone you both will carry her in your heart forever? Those memories won't go away, ''says Hazel?
A few hours later, they have set up most of the festival for tomorrow,'' thank you so much for the help, ''says Liam.''Your welcome, but don't we need to finish the rest?'' asks Hazel, confused since Liam told her that they are finished. However, there is a little left that still needs to get done. ''Yes I know, but I am saving some for Thomas to do. As well loves helping with this every year'' says Liam.'' That's so sweet. Is he more like you or like Zoey?'' asks Hazel curiously to learn more about him. While helping get ready for the town's annual festival.
''I would have to say that he is a mixture of us both, but he is more like his mom than he is of me. Since when I look at Thomas, I automatically see Zoey. Plus, the two of them were nose to nose since day one, as of matter of fact. His first word was momma, ''says Liam. ''He sounds like a momma's boy for sure, most defintely''says Hazel.''Yeah, and it started very early on; once he learned how to say momma, he would babble her name every morning through the baby monitor, which was music to Zoey's ears going into his nursery and cuddling with him in the rocking chair. Oh, and then back when she was pregnant with him, her entire pregnancy, she didn't want to know the gender. I never could understand why since she somehow knew that we were having a boy. Everyone always asked, don't you want to see if it's a boy or a girl. However, she always said no, I know that we are having a boy ''says Liam.
''Oh, I wish I could have met her. Did she ever say how she knew that Thomas was going to be a boy? Are you sure that Zoey never went to find out the gender ''says Hazel curiously on how Zoey just knew that she was carrying her baby boy? ''Nope, considering I went to every doctor's appointment with her, plus she never kept anything from me. We were all about trust and honesty, and there was nothing. That my girl dislikes more was secrets from each other ''says Liam.
''When did you know? That she was the one?'' asks Hazel.
''That's a great question. Would you mind discussing this on the way? To pick up Thomas, if you don't mind?'' asks Liam.
''Not at all, sounds good, ''says Hazel. The two of them start walking to Peppermint Elementary through the snow as the snow starts tickling their noses. ''The moment I knew that she was the one. It was our junior year at Castleton, and it was the middle of the last game in our hockey season.
When suddenly I knew by watching her in the stands, and as she sat in the same row and seat and she also attended every game, I then knew that she was one that I would spend the rest of my life with ''says, Liam.''Did you ever hesitate to wonder, whether you wouldn't make it by getting married too young?'' asks Hazel.''I did, but if I let my fears take over us not making it the first year of marriage. I wouldn't have proposed, or who knows, even moved back here. I rejected alot of jobs in other places. After we got married but Zoey and I decided to stay here and raise a family. Most of all, we wouldn't have created Thomas if I didn't pop the question. After I lost Zoey, I was in the wrong place; however, having Thomas in my life. Last year when I was grieving, it made me remember I still have a piece of her Thomas''says Liam, knowing that Zoey is looking down and hopes that she isn't disappointed with him. He always wondered what Zoey would say by his way of doing things. How Zoey did things around their house back when she was alive. ''You took a risk at love; you listened to your heart and not your mind. Since deep down, you knew that she was the one, and if you didn't ask her that night, the life that you built with Zoey would be non-existent. Most importantly, that sweet little boy who is your whole world that you are so proud of wouldn't tend to exist, ''says Hazel. ''Thanks, that means a lot, ''says Liam.
When the school bell rings, many kids walk out the double doors. When Thomas spots his dad and some woman as he thought it was his grandma picking him up today. He then hurries his way over to his dad and hugs his dad.''Hey, bud ''says Liam as he scoops him up into his muscular arms.'' Dad ''says Thomas is turning three shades of red since all are seeing him while he is in his dad's arms.''What bud' 'says Liam smiling at him while he holds his little boy in his arms. ''Put me down ''says Thomas, under the impression that everyone is staring at him. At the moment, since he is nine and feeling like a baby right now.
'' I would, but what if I don't want to ''says Liam.
''Dad' 'says Thomas as he sees a bunch of the other kids, pointing and laughing, making him irritated.
''Okay.... okay, as he sets him down on the ground. There you go, bud'' says Liam.
'' Thank you, as he turns his head and at the woman. Since she didn't just embarrass him in front of the entire third grade. Hi, who are you ?'' asks Thomas, curiously who this stranger is that he has never met before?
'' Hi, I'm Hazel, and I helped your dad set up for the festival tomorrow, so I decided to come along for the walk, ''says Hazel.
''Do you live here in town?'' asks Thomas.
''No, I don't; I am staying here until the roads open up, ''says Hazel.
''Are you staying at the Reindeer Inn?'' asks Thomas.
'' Yes, I am, ''says Hazel.
''Oh cool, now did you leave anything for me to do?'' asks Thomas curiously as he has been helping his mom since he was since he could walk more because he loved to follow her around, but he would hand her little things to be helpful.
''Yes, we left some things for you to do, as always, ''says Liam.
''Thanks, can we go now ''says Thomas, not looking his dad in the eye. In despise for embarrassing him.''Yeah, let's go ''says Liam, a little confused about what's going on with this little buddy. Or if he did anything wrong since he won't look him in the eye? The three of them head back to the town square and. Finishing setting up the rest of the stuff,'' Now I have been wondering how who even came up with the idea about this maple festival what's the history on it?'' asks Hazel in curiosity.
''The festival was started in 1920 by Margaret Zoey's great-grandmother. Her parents showed her how to get the sap from the tree to make maple syrup. After that, she started experimenting and coming up with different maple recipes. When one day, she was making too many pastries and got the idea to have a maple festival each year on December 10th.The baking competition didn't happen until our seventh-eighth year, when Zoey started coordinating the festival. She added it to the list of the festivities. Everyone looks forward to it every year, and as a matter of fact, we went to the festival on our first date. Yeah, in this town everybody knows everything about every person. I think that's what drew me to Zoey in the first place. She cares more about giving than getting, which is something she passed on to our son, ''says Liam.
''She sounds more impressive every time you talk about her, ''says Hazel.
''She certainly is; in fact, she shows how you put maple syrup on a stick. Which is something that her grandmother showed her as a little girl ''tells Liam.
''How do you do that?'' asks Hazel. She was interested in this since she has never seen how you put maple syrup on a stick? You place the maple syrup on the snow, wait for it to cool. Then you take a popsicle stick and place it on the maple syrup and keep on folding the maple on the stick ''says ''says Liam .''That's so unique, you do that every year?'' asks Hazel.''Sure do Zoey taught me how, and then just last year she taught Thomas how to ''says Liam.
''That's something I will have to check out tomorrow for sure. Now my next question is, what do you do with the money made each year?'' asks Hazel. The money each year goes to Peppermint Children's Hospital, so no parent pays anything while staying at our hospital. ''says Liam.
''That's amazing ''says, Hazel.
''Plus, we help so many children, as he turns towards his dad. Daddy can I go and play at the park?'' asks Thomas as it's right next to the town square.
''Yes, bud, of course, but only for a few minutes and stay where I can see you, ''says Liam.
''Thank you ''says Thomas as he heads over to the park and finds many of his friends.
''He is a spinning image of Zoey''says Hazel.
''Yeah, he is, considering each year he gives away one toy that he doesn't play with anymore to a kid that needs it more than him, from watching the money that is made during the festival each year to someone who needs the most help. However, it wasn't always that way, the money used to go to the town. Till Zoey came up with the idea about the money going toward someone in need that needs it more, ''says Liam.
''I love that, now what made her pick the children's hospital?'' asks Hazel.
''She was a nurse at the Peppermint Children's hospital, which made her want to contribute to where she works, ''says Liam.
''That makes a lot of sense. I was wondering what she did as a career ''tells Hazel.
'' Nothing got past her; that's how good. She was for when Thomas and I were sick. I could notice it instantly. The best thing has been my wife as a nurse ''says Liam.
''You must miss her a lot, ''says Hazel.
''A ton, ''says Liam.
After the festival is all set up, they all head to the Candy Cane Cafe. When Thomas sprints to find his favorite aunt.''Auntie Holly can I have a treat?'' asks Thomas. He knew that she couldn't say no to her favorite nephew and only nephew.
''Yes, you may; what would you like?'' asks Holly.
''Can I have a Peppermint Hot Chocolate and possibly a Gingerbread cookie?'' asks Thomas hoping that he will get both.
''Of course, bud ''says Holly.
''Hol, that is way too much sugar,'' says Liam.
''Oh, let him live, a little big brother, ''says Holly.
'' No, since after this, he will be having more sugar later,'' says Liam.
''He will be fine; you are coming tonight for the Brown annual Christmas cookie party at mom and dad's, right?'' asks Holly.
''Of course, why wouldn't I '' says Liam.
'' Mom and dad weren't sure if you were coming tonight since it's the anniversary of Zoey''says Holly, concerned for her sister-in-law's passing last year.
''Can we talk about this outside?'' asks Liam to his little sister, not wanting to talk about Zoey around Thomas.
''Sure''says, Holly, getting her jacket and heads outside.
''Be right back, bud, and heads outside and looks at Holly. Why wouldn't I be there tonight?'' asks Liam.
''I don't know, with it being a year since Zoey passed. Also, who's the girl?'' asks Holly curiously if he is seeing anyone. Not that she aspects him too; it's more about having someone to connect with even if they are just friends.
''I accept that Zoey is gone, and she loved the Christmas cookie party. Ever since we were in high school, she even came to it after our first date at The Maple Festival, and I get that you, mom, dad, plus everyone in this town are trying to help and make sure everything is okay. However, it's not, and I need to accept that this is my life now with her gone ''says Liam.
''Okay, so come on, what's the story of the woman who came in with you two?'' asks Holly. Not ever seeing her before in their small little town and nothing new goes unnoticed around here.
''There's nothing really to tell. When asked why the roads were closed and gave directions into town, I was over by the interstate and told Hazel about the inn, and that's about it''says Liam.
''If that's all, then why is she with you and Thomas right now?'' asks Holly curiously on wanting to know the story and is missing a big chunk of it?
''Her name is Hazel and offered to help with the festival tomorrow, then I showed her around town, and here we are, ''says Liam smiling.'Is that a smile, and are you blushing?'' asks Holly, shocked since she hasn't seen one of those on his face in a very long time.
''What no, as he lies through his teeth. Mostly it's because he can't help it. It reminds him a lot of Zoey, but in a different way, which is making him blush; it's just frigid out here, that's all ''says Liam.''Nice try. I know you better than you think, big brother, and it's nice seeing you smile again. Maybe this is a good thing that she ended up here ''says Holly.
'' Yeah, I guess, as he looks down at his feet and mumbles. Would she agree, though ''says Liam?
''Who Zoey?'' asks Holly.
''Yeah, what if she feels that I am moving on too fast, exerting her memory. Having another woman take her place, ''says Liam.
''Getting to know someone that is a girl does not mean you are seeing her or replacing Zoey''says Holly.
'' Yeah, but ''says Liam.
''Why don't you ask Hazel to join you at our Christmas cookie party tonight ''says Holy?
''Alright, I will, ''says Liam, as he heads inside.
''Everything okay?'' asks Hazel looking at Liam as he comes in and sits down.
''Yeah, everything is okay, so I was wondering if you would accompany me to my family's annual Christmas cookie party tonight?'' asks Liam.
''Sure, I would love to, are you sure? Though I wouldn't want to impose?'' asks Hazel.
''No, you wouldn't be imposing at all; my mom always says the more, the merrier. Everyone who wants to come is more than welcome'', says Liam.
''Well, in that case, I would be honored to attend. This is the first non-work party I have been to in a very long time, ''says Hazel.
''Your kidding, ''says Liam.
'' No, unfortunately, I am not, as her phone rings. Excuse me, I'm sorry, but this is my boss; I should take this''says Hazel.
''No need to be sorry, ''says Liam.
''Thanks, as she goes outside.Hello''says Hazel.
''Hello Hazel, just seeing if you have made it back to Brooklyn or not?'' asks Hazel's boss Oliver.
'''About that, I am currently in this little town in Vermont, at the moment due to the roads closed. Due to the snow, unfortunately ''says Hazel.
''Okay, but you will be back for the presentation on the 12 th right?'' asks Oliver.
I don't know ''says, Hazel.
''Okay, just let me know when the roads open back up again, ''says Oliver.
''Will do, as she hangs up. Then heads back inside,'' sorry about that, ''says Hazel.
''It's okay is everything alright?'' asks Liam
''Yeah, everything's okay, it was just my boss. Wondering when I was going to be at work ''says Hazel.
''Well, if you're lucky by Tuesday''says Liam.
''Why Tuesday?'' asks Hazel needing to be back at work by Monday and. Announce her ideas for the next issue for Top Magazine.
''Mostly since tomorrow is the annual maple festival and a lot of the powers. Around here attend it every year, and then Sunday is church ''says Liam.
''You know, maybe this is a good thing that I ended up here, ''says Hazel. Loving it here, but on the other hand, can't miss this presentation.
''As everyone says, Peppermint is the most magical Christmas town around. Where most likely all visitors end up moving here after staying in our town'' says Liam.
''Well, I can see why outsiders of Peppermint end up here. After spending a short period in this town, I can now see why everyone loves living here, ''says Hazel. Never experiencing a town like this one, seeing she has lived in two different cities her whole life.
''Definitely, so my family's Christmas Cookie party is in two hours. Why don't you head back to the inn, and I'll pick you up in an hour and a half ''says Liam.
''Okay, is there anything certain that I should wear at this party?'' asks Hazel. Not wanting to be undressed nor wishing to be overdressed.
''You can either do red and gold or green and silver, ''says Liam
'' I have just the right dress for tonight, ''says Hazel.
''Great, well, we should get going to change up that way; we aren't late. Ready to go, buddy ''says Liam.
''Yay, more cookies, and I can make that Gingerbread house. With grandpa and it's going to be enormous than last year's that we made ''says Thomas.
''Let me guess, there is also a Gingerbread Contest. In this town as well?'' asks Hazel.
'