Sitting alone on the park bench, Lucy let out a heavy sigh. Christmas was supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but here she was, single again after her boyfriend dumped her just last week. Some holiday cheer this turned out to be.

She looked around at the couples ice skating on the rink, holding hands and stealing kisses. Everyone looked so happy and in love. Everyone except her, that is. She didn’t even have any family in town to spend the holiday with.

A bitter wind picked up and Lucy shivered, pulling her scarf tighter around her neck. The sun was going down and the twinkling lights strung around the trees came on, casting a warm festive glow over the park. It really was a romantic setting, it was just too bad she had no one to share it with.

“Excuse me, miss? You dropped this.”

Lucy turned to see a handsome stranger holding out her glove. He was tall with kind eyes and a friendly smile.

“Oh, thank you!” she said, taking the glove from him. Their fingers brushed briefly and she felt a spark of electricity.

“I’m Jack,” he said.

“Lucy.”

“Mind if I sit for a minute?” He gestured to the empty spot on the bench.

Lucy scooted over to make room. “Please, have a seat.”

Jack sat down and rubbed his hands together for warmth. “Quite a nip in the air this evening.”

“Yeah, it’s really cold.” Lucy found herself sneaking glances at him. He was even cuter up close, with a strong jawline and adorable dimples.

“So what brings you to the park on Christmas day?” he asked.

Lucy shrugged, looking down at her lap. “Just felt like getting some air.”

Jack nodded. “Getting over a breakup myself. My girlfriend since college dumped me out of the blue last month.”

“I’m so sorry,” Lucy said sincerely.

“It’s alright. Her loss, right?” He nudged her arm playfully and she laughed.

They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, watching the skaters go round and round. The sun slipped below the horizon and the Christmas lights shone brighter.

“Hot chocolate?” Jack suddenly asked, pointing to a stand across the way. “My treat.”

“That would be great, thanks,” Lucy said, truly meaning it. She couldn’t remember the last time she had smiled this much.

They walked over and got two steaming cups of rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. Holding the warm cups in their chilled hands, they took a stroll through the park. They chatted easily, like old friends. Lucy was amazed at how comfortable she felt around this stranger.

When they finished their cocoa, Jack took her empty cup and tossed them both in the trash. Then he stopped and turned to face her. “Hey, would you maybe want to grab dinner with me?” He looked at her hopefully. “There’s a great little Italian place just around the corner. We could get out of this cold for a while.”

Lucy’s heartbeat quickened. “I’d love to.”

The restaurant was dimly lit, with candles glowing on every table. Christmas music played softly in the background. They split a pizza and a bottle of red wine. The conversation flowed freely, and the laughs came easily.

After dessert, Jack reached across the table and took Lucy’s hand in his. “I’m really glad I met you tonight,” he said, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles.

Lucy hoped he couldn’t feel how fast her pulse was racing. “Me too. I think this has been the best Christmas I’ve had in a really long time.”

“It’s still early. Would you like to go for a drive? See the Christmas lights around town?” His eyes were soft and hopeful.

“That sounds perfect,” Lucy said. She was still holding his hand. She didn’t want to let go.

They drove slowly through the neighborhoods, admiring the bright colorful light displays. Lucy rolled down the window and breathed in the crisp night air. When she glanced over at Jack, she caught him looking at her with a little smile on his face.

He pulled the car over and shifted in his seat to face her. Reaching out, he gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Lucy closed her eyes, her heart racing in anticipation. She felt his hand on her cheek, guiding her closer until their lips met in a soft, perfect kiss. It was full of promise, like the start of something beautiful.

When they finally pulled apart, Lucy let out a contented sigh. She couldn’t remember ever feeling this happy and alive on Christmas.

Jack rested his forehead against hers. “What do you say we do this again next year?” he whispered.

Lucy smiled and snuggled into his embrace. “It’s a date.”

This was the best Christmas gift she could have ever imagined. A chance at new love and new beginnings. She had a feeling this holiday marked the start of something very special.

Feature Photo by cottonbro studio