When you returned to your hometown, you expected quiet streets and family dinners—not him.

Liam Parker was behind the counter of your mom’s bakery, his sleeves rolled up, dusted with flour, and smiling like no time had passed. Years ago, you both had dreamed of opening a bakery together—before life pulled you apart.

Now, you two spent snowy mornings baking cookies, laughing over spilled cocoa, and hanging lights around the shop. The old spark felt impossible to ignore.

On Christmas Eve, as the bakery glowed with warmth and the snow fell soft outside, Liam handed you a gingerbread star. “Remember when we tried to make one like this in high school?” he said.

You laughed. “It collapsed in five minutes.” He took your hand. “Maybe this time, it wont "