NicholasMolly’s apartment looked just like Molly.Nicholas noted the bright colors on the walls, the shades of lilac complementing the light pink in her windowsills, making the standard white of the windows stand out as something spectacular in its simpleness. Sunshine filtered in everywhere, lighting various plants in mismatched pots.In addition to the brightly colored walls, Molly had Christmas lights hanging from every corner of her apartment, and although they seemed to be turned off in the daytime, it didn’t take much for Nicholas to imagine their brilliance as they shone on in the night.He also caught the array of framed photos all lined up on a wide stand in her living room. There were pictures of her growing up, sitting on the porch of what Nicholas assumed was the Carmichaels’ New York home, and pictures of Molly and Hannah as teenagers, hanging out in various parts of town, their mouths filled with braces and their hands formed into candid peace signs.There was also a wh

Molly“Liam! My favorite seven year old in the world,” Mr. Carmichael exclaimed, embracing Liam as soon as he stepped through the front door of the Carmichael home.“What about me?” Molly asked, feigning hurt.“And Molly! My favorite twenty-five year old in the world,” Molly’s dad exclaimed, using the same intonation. He pulled her into the shared hug with Liam.“You don’t always have to announce our ages, Dad,” Molly said with a laugh as she shimmed her way out of her father’s bear hug.“Yes, I do. It’s how I keep track of my favorite people. What? You think you’re the only Molly I know? I know thousands.”She rolled her eyes at her father, but secretly enjoyed it just the same.“So, no work today?” Mr. Carmichael asked.“Christmas Wishes is closed for the day,” Molly replied. “As per tradition.”“You do like your traditions,” her father agreed. “How was your new tradition of managing the store without the bosses around? Did you like being by yourself?”“She wasn’t by herself! She ha

Nicholas“Okay, wait, but keep your hands over your eyes,” Molly said, making Nicholas hold a hand over his eyes as she led him down the street by his hand. “We’re almost there.”“Do I really need to keep my eyes closed for this?” he asked. “What part of this town haven’t I seen by now?”But Nicholas kept his eyes covered, even as he squeezed Molly’s hand.“Just keep walking,” she told him. “Watch out for that ice patch, there.”A horrible thought filled him as he heard the chime of Hannah's door. “Please don’t tell me you’re throwing me a going away party. If that’s what this is, then letting me turn around right now would be the best Christmas gift that you could possibly give me—”Nicholas stopped his own attempts at guessing Molly’s surprise once a familiar scent filled his nostrils. It was something he hadn't smelled in years.“Molly? How did you...?” Nicholas then moved his hand from his face..Every countertop inside of Sweetness & Light had a Buche de Noel cake sitting on top

Molly“Molly!” Mrs. Carmichael greeted her with kisses as she pulled her daughter inside her home. “Merry Christmas, my sweetheart!”“Ah, lay off the girl, Emma! She just stepped through the door,” Mr. Carmichael told her. He was holding a cup of coffee in his hands and he smiled over at his daughter. “Merry Christmas, Molly. Where are our presents?”“Dad, you know I put your stuff under the tree weeks ago,” Molly replied with a grin. She walked over to her father, pulling him in for a hug as well. “You’re always trying to trick me into getting you guys more presents.”“And one of these days, you’re going to fall for it. Hook, line and sinker,” he said with a laugh. “I hope you still like sausage, hash-browns and Christmas waffles. Your mother emptied out an entire can of whipped cream over the stack of waffles this year.”“Sounds perfect,” Molly said. She turned to smile back at her mother who was still standing near the door. “Thanks, mom.”“Anything for you, my Molly.” Mrs. Carmich

Nicholas“Well, it’s almost like you came home for Christmas. Kind of,” Mrs. Kerstman said, greeting her son as he came to their front door. “It’s still better than what we’re used to, which is not having you home around this time at all.”“Yes, it was nice to see you around Christmastime, Nicky,” Mr. Kerstman agreed. “And you’re always welcome to pop-in on us, whenever you want. Although, with all that money you earned from selling the rights to the shop, your mom and I imagine that you’ll be busier than ever.”“If it’s even possible for you to be even busier than before,” Mrs. Kerstman said, smiling up at her son. “We’re so proud of you, son. You know that, don’t you?”“I know, mom. I know,” he said softly. Nicholas smiled down at his mother. “I’ll need to get on the road pretty soon. Luke’s waiting in the car. I already sent your gifts back in November, so they should’ve already arrived in the mail by now.”“Yes, they did and they were perfect as always. We’ll see you on New Year’s