The Christmas Eve gala for the Evergreen Bears was the biggest event in Evergreen Hollow. It took place at the town's grand hall, a big building with high ceilings and wooden floors. For the night, it was decorated like a winter wonderland. Strings of white lights hung from the rafters, making everything sparkle. Tall Christmas trees stood in the corners, covered in silver ornaments and fake snow. Tables had red cloths and centerpieces of pinecones and candles. A band played soft holiday music, and waiters carried trays of fancy food like shrimp cocktails and cheese platters. The air smelled of evergreen and cinnamon from the mulled wine.
Holly stood in front of her mirror, adjusting her red dress. It was a simple but elegant gown that hugged her figure and flowed to her knees. She added a silver necklace and earrings shaped like snowflakes. Her red hair was curled, falling over her shoulders. She felt nervous, like butterflies were dancing in her stomach. This was just a fake date, she reminded herself. A way to fulfill the bet. But Rowan was her brother's best friend, and being around him made her feel... something. She pushed the thought away and grabbed her coat.
Outside, snow fell lightly, adding to the piles already on the ground. The streets were quiet, with most people at home preparing for Christmas. Holly heard a car pull up. It was Rowan's black truck. He stepped out, wearing a sharp black suit with a white shirt and a red tie – probably the only holiday touch he allowed. He looked handsome, his dark hair combed back, his blue eyes sharp in the porch light.
"You clean up nice," Holly said with a smile as she walked down the steps.
Rowan nodded. "You too. Ready for this fake date?"
"As ready as I'll ever be," she replied, climbing into the truck. The inside was warm, with the heater on. Lily's car seat was in the back, a reminder of his dad life.
They drove in silence at first. Holly glanced at him. "So, what's the plan? We act like a couple for the night?"
"Yeah. Hold hands if needed, smile for photos. Nothing more," Rowan said, his voice gruff.
Holly nodded. "Got it. And after, we go back to normal?"
"Exactly."
But as they arrived at the hall, Holly wondered if it would be that simple.
The parking lot was full of cars. Rowan helped Holly out of the truck, his hand on her arm. It felt strong and steady. They walked inside, where the party was in full swing. Teammates and their dates mingled, laughing and chatting. Jack was there with his girlfriend, Sarah, a cheerful woman who worked at the local school.
Jack spotted them and waved. "Hey! Holly? With Rowan?" His eyes widened in surprise.
Holly laughed nervously. "Yeah, uh, surprise. I lost a bet."
Rowan shrugged. "She couldn't find me a real date, so here we are."
Jack chuckled. "Well, have fun. Don't do anything I wouldn't do." He winked and walked away.
Holly and Rowan grabbed drinks – champagne for her, beer for him. They found a table near the dance floor. The coach gave a speech about the team's season, thanking sponsors. Cameras flashed as players posed with their dates.
A photographer came over. "Smile for the team album!"
Rowan put his arm around Holly's waist. She leaned in, her heart racing at the touch. They smiled, but Rowan's was forced.
After the photo, they sat down. Holly tried to make conversation. "So, tell me about Lily. How's she doing with Christmas?"
Rowan sipped his beer. "She's excited. Wants Santa to bring a puppy. I said no, but she's persistent."
Holly smiled. "Kids love animals. You should get one. It could be fun."
He shook his head. "Too much work. I'm already busy."
The band started playing a slow song. Couples moved to the dance floor. Holly watched them, swaying to the music.
Rowan noticed. "Want to dance? For the fake date thing."
Holly blinked. "Sure. Why not?"
He took her hand and led her to the floor. His hand was warm in hers. He placed the other on her lower back, pulling her close but not too close. They moved to the rhythm, a bit awkward at first.
"You're not bad at this," Holly said.
"Years of practice," Rowan replied. "Team events force it."
As they danced, Holly felt the heat from his body. She looked up at him. "Why do you hate holidays so much? You weren't always like this."
Rowan tensed. His jaw tightened. "It's complicated."
"Try me," Holly said softly. "We're fake dating. Might as well talk."
He sighed, looking away. "Fine. It started with my ex, Anna. We met in high school. She was cheerful, like you. Loved Christmas. We got married young, right after I joined the Bears."
Holly listened, her steps slowing.
"Things were good at first. Then Lily came. Anna changed. She said hockey took too much time. I was away for games, practices. She felt alone."
The song continued, but Rowan's voice was low. "One Christmas Eve, four years ago, I came home from a game. The tree was up, presents wrapped. But Anna was gone. Left a note saying she met someone else. Took nothing but her clothes. Left Lily sleeping in her crib."
Holly's heart ached. "Oh, Rowan. That's awful."
He nodded. "Lily was two. Didn't understand. I had to explain Santa wasn't coming that year because Mommy left. Since then, Christmas reminds me of that night. The empty house, the cold. I focus on hockey and Lily. No time for holidays or romance."
Holly squeezed his hand. "I'm sorry. That explains the grumpiness."
He gave a small smile. "Yeah. Jack tries to help, but I push people away."
The song ended. They stopped dancing, but Rowan didn't let go right away. "Thanks for listening."
"Anytime," Holly said.
They went back to the table. The night went on with food and more talks. Teammates teased Rowan about his "date." He played along, calling Holly his "holiday miracle."
Later, they stepped outside for fresh air. Snow covered everything, making the world quiet. Stars twinkled above.
"It's beautiful," Holly said, shivering.
Rowan took off his jacket and put it over her shoulders. "Here."
"Thanks." She looked at him. "You know, not all holidays have to be bad. Maybe this one can be different."
He shrugged. "Maybe."
They stood there, close. Holly felt a spark, but pushed it down. This was fake.
Back inside, the party wound down. People said goodbyes. Jack hugged Holly. "You two look good together. Just saying."
Holly blushed. "It's fake, bro."
Rowan drove her home. The truck was quiet again.
At her door, he walked her up. "Thanks for tonight. You saved me."
"No problem. Goodnight, Rowan."
"Goodnight, Holly."
She went inside, his jacket still on her. She hung it up, thinking about his story. Rowan had a painful past, but maybe she could help him heal.
The next day was Christmas. Holly woke to snow outside. She made coffee and thought about the gala. It had been fun, despite the fake part. Rowan's backstory made her see him differently. He wasn't just grumpy; he was hurt.
Her phone buzzed. It was a text from Rowan: "Lily loved her gifts. Thanks for the tree advice. Merry Christmas."
Holly smiled. "Merry Christmas to you both."
She spent the day with family. Jack came over with Sarah. They ate turkey and opened presents. Jack asked about the gala.
"It was okay," Holly said. "Rowan opened up a bit."
Jack nodded. "Good. He needs that. Anna broke him bad."
"Tell me more," Holly said.
Jack sighed. "After she left, Rowan threw himself into hockey. Became the best player. But he stopped trusting people. Dates? Forget it. Lily is his world."
Holly felt sad. "Maybe he needs a friend."
Jack grinned. "Or more. But don't tell him I said that."
Holly laughed, but inside, she wondered.
A few days later, the holidays continued. The town had a hot cocoa competition at the community center. People brought their best recipes. Holly entered every year.
She was stirring her pot when Rowan walked in with Lily.
"Daddy said we could try cocoa!" Lily said, running to Holly.
Holly hugged her. "Hi, sweetie. Want to help?"
Rowan approached. "Hey. Lily wanted to come."
"Join the fun," Holly said.
They tasted cocoas together. Rowan's was plain, but he tried Holly's special one with peppermint.
"Not bad," he admitted.
As they talked, Holly learned more. "After Anna, I moved to a smaller house. Focused on routine. Games, school for Lily, that's it."
"Sounds lonely," Holly said.
He shrugged. "Safer that way."
But Lily pulled them to a table. "Let's make cookies!"
They baked together, flour everywhere. Rowan laughed – a real laugh – when Lily put dough on his nose.
Holly watched, her heart warming. This grumpy man had layers.
Later, walking home, snow fell. Lily skipped ahead.
"Thanks," Rowan said. "This was nice."
Holly nodded. "See? Holidays can be good."
He looked at her. "With the right company."
Their eyes met. Holly felt a pull. But it was too soon.
Over the next weeks, the fake dating continued a bit. The team had more events, and rumors spread. "Are you two real?" people asked.
To avoid questions, they went on "fake" outings. A Christmas tree farm again, where Rowan shared more backstory.
"Anna and I fought a lot before she left," he said, picking ornaments. "She wanted me to quit hockey. I couldn't. It's my life."
Holly touched his arm. "You did what you had to."
He nodded. "But I regret not seeing the signs."
Holly shared her own past. "I had a bad breakup too. Guy cheated. Made me start matchmaking – to help others avoid pain."
Rowan listened. "You're good at it."
"Not with you," she teased.
He smiled. "Maybe that's fate."
The slow burn built. Touches lingered, glances lasted longer.
One night, a snowstorm hit. They got snowed in at Rowan's house after a game.
Lily slept. They sat by the fire.
Rowan opened up fully. "Anna's leaving crushed me. I thought love was a lie. But seeing you with Lily... it makes me think maybe not."
Holly's heart raced. "Rowan..."
He leaned in, but stopped. "Sorry. Fake, right?"
"Yeah," she whispered.
But the tension grew.