Nate, not to be outdone, pushed the couple out from under the empty spot, and swept Darby into his arms for his version of a dramatic kiss.

Jorden watched the couples while longing for Alex. She wished he could sweep her up in his arms.

By Friday night, the Christmas tree had two sets of lights, ornaments, and the sparkle of tinsel. Emma Lynn bent down and plugged in the tree’s lights. She gazed at the tree while the popcorn popped in the kitchen.

“Our fifth batch is almost done. Think we have enough?” Darby asked.

“Plenty. We can always pop more if we need it. Come look at the tree.”

Darby looked up. “Wow! It’s incredible! Now all we need to do is to string the popcorn. Did you get needles and thread for everyone?”

“I took care of it after school today,” Emma Lynn replied.

“Good. We’re set. Hey, Jorden, get back out here,” Darby called out.

“I’ll be there in a minute.” Jorden was writing Alex her latest news. At the end of the school day, she finally got the courage to ask her principal for leave for the trip to Hawaii. It was a delicate matter. She stretched the truth and told him both of their families were going to meet in Honolulu. He granted his approval; but she doubted he believed her story.

“What can I do?” Jorden asked.

“Fill these bowls with popcorn. I want everyone to try their hand at stringing some,” Darby answered.

“How many?”

“At least twelve. We’ll have a full house. Is Matt coming?”

“Surprisingly, he is,” Jorden said with a smile.

“You two look cute together. Matt’s a sweetie!” Emma Lynn smiled. “Come on, Jorden, help me set up the mistletoe—I don’t want to fall.” Jorden held the ladder while Emma Lynn climbed up and pounded in the mistletoe. “Got it.”

Thirty minutes later, the party began. Spiked eggnog and beer flowed freely. It was a full house. Jorden made sure each person received a needle and thread, a thimble, and a bowl of popcorn to string. The doorbell rang around eight.

“Whose there?” Emma Lynn jumped up to get the door. The spiked eggnog flowed through her veins. “Hi, Matt. We thought you’d never get here.” She gave him a big hug.

“Jorden, look who’s here.” Emma Lynn steered Matt toward the kitchen, grabbed Jorden’s arm, and centered them under the mistletoe. “Jorden helped me put this up just for you.” Everyone laughed and clapped while Matt and Jorden stared at each other.

“Go on. Give her a kiss.”

To play along, Matt took Jorden in his arms. Dramatically he arched her back and planted a kiss on her lips. No one realized sparks were flying between them.