Christmas was the only time of year when he missed his home town. He missed the winter festival, hot cider, going snowboarding, and the fireworks that always seemed that much more impressive between the mountains than anywhere else he’d seen them. He’d only considered taking Briar to Colorado for Christmas for the briefest moment, before shrugging the thought off and deciding to stay in Hollow Grove. So here he was at the tree lighting with Briar nestled in the crook of one arm, her massive blue eyes taking in all the lights around them. Scout couldn’t help but grin as she laughed and clapped at a ‘reindeer’ that came past them, covered in jingling bells. “Come on, Ace, let’s go get me a cider,” Scout said Briar, giving the baby the slightest tickle before he headed towards the drinks.

















