“Well, try to enjoy yourself tonight anyway,” Fred said, returning his gaze to the road.

Roxanne nodded, watching the snow fall over the landscape as they drove away from her condo. True to its name, snow-covered evergreens lined the long driveway as well as dormant deciduous trees that bloomed in spring. The foliage was chosen wisely by the owners of the building, creating a festive landscape year-round. It really was beautiful. Even though it wasn’t a ski resort, the complex offered other amenities, such as a workout room, a five-star restaurant, carriage rides, and more. Although Roxanne didn’t have time to enjoy it, a nearby lake froze in the winter was perfect for ice skating.

Within minutes, Fred turned right onto the main road that would lead to the town square in Christmas Cove, the town where Christmas lived three-hundred-sixty-five days a year.

The living Christmas tree was perpetually decorated and lit, sending a colorful glow over the newly fallen snow. Twinkle lights adorned the pavilion and the eves of the businesses in town. And even though it wasn’t Thanksgiving yet, tourists were already flocking to the square, stopping in at Caden Scott’s parents’ Christmas tree lot. They usually sold out of Christmas trees every year. But what they didn’t sell, they donated to the needy on Christmas Eve, although they didn’t make it public knowledge. Since they married and now have their baby, Jocelyn and Caden couldn’t be happier.

Roxanne wondered how much longer his parents could run the business. His mother had a stroke a few years back and was now confined to a wheelchair. And his father, a retired Navy man, was getting up in age, too. But the tree lot was probably what kept Mr. and Mrs. Scott going all these years... along with their new grandson.

A few moments later, Fred turned down the long driveway, lit with old-fashioned streetlamps, leading to the Cedar Ridge Ski Resort and Country Club. White twinkle lights adorned the trees, creating a festive atmosphere for the Annual Christmas Cove Homecoming Ball held at the best Country Club in town. Her parents had to keep up appearances, and so did she, although it wasn’t as important to her as her parents. Roxanne believed that if someone didn’t like her for who she was, they weren’t worth her time. But in the elite circles she and her parents traveled, appearances meant everything.

Fred pulled the limo to a stop at the front doors, and a valet opened her door, dressed in a white tux coat, black pants, and a white bow tie.

“Good evening, Miss,” the valet said, offering her his hand.

“Good evening," she replied, but turned to Fred as the valet waited. “I’ll text you when I’m ready.”

Fred smiled in the rearview mirror. “No need. I’ll be here.”

Roxanne nodded, smiling as she took the hand of the valet and headed up the stairs. Roxanne had thought about hiring an escort for the night, but that seemed too cheesy. And after going to so many functions alone, it no longer bothered her… although she would have liked to have had someone there for company.

“Good evening, Madame.” Two doormen stood on either side of the glass and gold doors.

Roxanne nodded, feeling like Cinderella entering the ball.

“May I check your coat?” another gentleman asked. It was clear that the Club had spared no expense for this event, as usual. The only other event to rival it was the Annual Firemen’s Ball every year on New Year’s Eve. It was funny to think that the biggest competition for a country club was the Firemen’s Ball, but it was a spectacular event.

“Yes, please.” She slipped out of her coat with his help, and he took it.

“I’ll be right back with your ticket.” The gentleman hurried over to the coat check girl behind the counter and returned a moment later. “Here you are,” he said, handing her the ticket. “Enjoy your evening.”

Roxanne took the ticket and slipped it into her silver clutch. “Thank you.” Then she headed inside, donning her best fake smile, wondering who would be there tonight.

The Crystal Ballroom was decorated to the hilt with white bows. Large expanses of white fabric were draped across the ceiling and wrapped loosely around the stone columns. The massive chandelier sparkled, sending miniature rainbows around the room on the autumn centerpieces adorning the tables. Professional dancers swayed to the music, gliding across the dance floor along with some of the party-goers, all dressed in their finest attire. Despite herself, a thrill ran through her as she took everything in.

Roxanne headed over to the bar. Standing there was Liam White, General Manager of the North Pole Lodge, a well-to-do ski resort in town. Over the years, they had gone to college together and traveled the same circles but had never had the opportunity to get to know one another. But he had seemed a bit pretentious for her taste. Unapproachable. So, she had always kept her distance.

“What can I get for you?” the bartender asked, smiling as she approached.

“Champagne, please,” Roxanne replied. It was an open bar, so she didn’t bother digging out her credit card.

“Right away, miss.” The bartender hurried away.

“Hello, Roxanne.” There was no way that his voice should sound that familiar to her.

She plastered on her best smile and turned to face him. “Liam! It’s so good to see you again. What brings you here tonight?”

"Same as you. I'm just here for the fundraiser." He smirked, raising an eyebrow, giving her a sexy look without trying.

“Is it that obvious?” She nodded her thanks as the bartender handed her a fluted glass filled with bubbling liquid that appeared to come from nowhere and everywhere at the same time. She took a sip and let the liquid warm her.

“Painfully.” He chuckled, all pretense gone. “Actually, I’m trying to dodge my parents.”

Roxanne burst out laughing.

“You laugh, but it’s true.” Liam took a sip of his drink.

“No, I’m laughing because you sound like me.” Roxanne smiled, shaking her head. “My mother has been onto me about marrying lately, and here I’m not even dating anyone.”

Liam laughed. “You’re kidding! And here I thought that my parents had the market cornered on matchmaking.” Liam lowered his voice, suddenly wearing a stern look. “Liam, my boy! When are you going to give us grandchildren?” he asked, doing a perfect imitation of his father.

Roxanne laughed. “Roxanne, darling,” she put on an elite accent, imitating her mother to perfection as she raised a dainty hand to her chest, “when are you going to settle down? You’re getting older, you know, and time waits for no one.”

Liam chuckled. “That was good.” He tilted his head to the side and then imitated his father again. “Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the dancefloor?”

Roxanne chuckled. “Darling, I thought you’d never ask.” She gracefully held out her hand, and electricity ran through her when he took it, something she hadn’t expected. As he led her onto the dancefloor and took her in his arms, she thought that maybe this night wouldn’t be so bad after all.