Maeve and Treyton couldn't believe how lucky they were; the traffic became horrible as they got to the Christmas town. People were honking and yelling for the traffic to go forward; some swerved or tried cutting to get a free parking spot. Treyton felt fortunate that he reserved a parking spot so no one could take it. The security guard checked his barcode and let him park in the space. He and Maeve got out of the car as they cringed at the sight of angry drivers. "Does it get like this every year?" asked Maeve.
"Unfortunately, yes. The town and its markets are very popular. People want to get the Christmas vibe. Anyway, are you ready to get a move on?"
Maeve nodded as Treyton motioned out his hand, which she gladly grabbed. The two walked into the small town where many European-influenced buildings were decorated with Christmas lights and ornaments. Many trees were in many parts of the sidewalks, and they were also beautifully decorated. Christmas figures such as the Grinch, reindeer, Santa Claus, snowmen, and more were put in different sections of the town. Cafes, restaurants, and stores were opened and filled by many excited customers. From afar, there were rows of beautifully decorated vendor stalls where vendors were selling food, clothing, and other objects.
"This place is so beautiful. It feels like I'm in a fairytale."
"I knew that you would like this place. The town tries to imitate the Christmas markets in Germany. They do try, but Germany will always be the best." Then, there was something that caught his eye. There was a small cafe with a few table grills where people were warming up s'mores. "Would you like to try some s'mores? I think having a simple treat before we go off to the market and explore would be nice."
Maeve gleamed with excitement as she was led to the nearby cafe, where one of the owners was selling s'mores packets and motioning them to which table to go. The duo went to the owner, paid, and were motioned to a table grill where they sat. "It's been such a long time since I've had s'mores. My parents and I used to do this whenever we went camping. However, ever since my Father died..."
Treyton finished putting his marshmallow on the stick as he looked at his mate. "You did mention that your Father passed away. I'm sorry..."
The young woman stuck the wooden stick on the marshmallow. "It's alright. I always believed that my Father would visit my Mother and me especially during the holidays. Christmas was his favorite holiday."
The two warmed their marshmallows over the grill until they were crisp. Afterward, they made their s'mores and ate them in peace. When Maeve mentioned her Father, tears wanted to form, but Maeve massaged her eyes. The sweet flavor of the s'mores brought back many childhood memories that brought her joy. After finishing their treats, the duo decided to walk around the town and admire the decorations.
Treyton felt Maeve's sadness when she spoke about her deceased Father. He couldn't blame her since he also felt the same when his parents passed away. He learned that as long as one had friends and other close family members, one was never alone. The Alpha gently held onto her hand and gently squeezed it; Maeve did the same.
They eventually reached the Christmas markets, filled with many people and vendors. "Ah, now this is the Christmas spirit! One day, I will take you to Germany so you can get the true Christmas market spirit!"
Maeve couldn't help but be intrigued. "Oh? How can you be sure that we will even go to Germany?" she asked teasingly.
The Alpha knew that his mate was teasing him; he smirked. "I know that it will happen. I also know that I will win your heart entirely." He stopped in the center of the market as he focused on Maeve; she did the same. "That's a promise."
A blush slowly came across Maeve's face. "Treyton, if I were to be honest, y-you already won my heart."
The two looked at one another, and Christmas light surrounded them. Their stare was short-lived when they heard an echo at the end of the Christmas market; it sounded like music. "W-Want to go check it out?" asked Treyton.
"Y-Yeah, why not." Treyton led Maeve to where the music came from. Many people gathered slowly, and everyone saw someone on a wooden stage and other musicians. The couple could stand in front, and the person in front began to sing. "Is that who I think it is!?" Maeve roughly whispered while being star-struck.
"Oh yeah, it's none other than Aaron Neville. He's one of my favorite artists. I didn't know he was going to perform today."
Aaron Neville looked at the audience, and his eyes set on Maeve and Treyton, who looked at him with awe. The artist smiled softly at them and continued to sing, "White Christmas." Treyton couldn't help but feel peaceful listening to Aaron Neville. The singer's voice was gentle and soft, and it could warm the soul. He looked down at Maeve, who listened and watched intently. The Alpha took the opportunity and put his arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer to him.
Maeve smiled as she enjoyed the warmth of his embrace.
They continued to listen until Aaron finished with his song. Once complete, he thanked everyone and informed them that he and the musicians would take a thirty-minute break. Some of the audience stayed in their spot while others went on to look at the vendors. "Hey, want to look more into the vendors? I saw someone selling some Bratwurst and-"
"Treyton?"
Treyton and Maeve cringed as they heard a feminine voice behind them. They slowly looked to where the voice came from, and before them stood a beautiful woman. A woman Treyton knew very well. "I didn't think that you would be here, Calista."
