Chapter 3 Rumors and Real Feelings
The days after the Christmas Eve gala passed in a blur of holiday cheer in Evergreen Hollow. The town was still buzzing with festive energy. Snow blanketed the streets, and people bundled up in coats and scarves as they shopped for last-minute gifts or enjoyed the outdoor ice rink. The air carried the sweet scent of roasted chestnuts from street vendors and the sound of carols from speakers in the park. For Holly Winters, the holiday season was her favorite time, but this year felt different. Her fake date with Rowan Kane at the gala had stirred up more than just team photos—it had started whispers around town.
Holly sat in her office at Heartstrings Connections, staring at her computer screen. The small room was cozy, with leftover decorations from before Christmas: a string of faded lights around the window and a half-eaten box of gingerbread cookies on her desk. She sipped her morning coffee, trying to focus on emails from new clients. But her mind kept drifting back to Rowan. His story about Anna leaving him on Christmas Eve had touched her. It explained so much about his grumpy nature. He wasn't just cold; he was protecting himself and Lily from more hurt.
Her phone buzzed with a text from her brother, Jack. "Hey, sis. Heard some rumors about you and Rowan. Team guys are teasing him. What's up?"
Holly groaned and typed back, "It was just the gala! Fake date, remember? Tell them to chill."
Jack replied quickly: "Haha, too late. Coach wants couples for the New Year's charity event. Rowan's stuck again."
Holly's eyes widened. The New Year's charity event was another big deal for the Evergreen Bears. It was a fundraiser at the town hall, with auctions, games, and more photos for the press. If rumors were flying, Rowan might need her help again. She felt a mix of excitement and worry. Being around him more could make the fake part harder to keep fake.
Just then, the office door opened with a jingle of bells. Rowan walked in, carrying a cardboard box. He wore his usual jeans and a team hoodie, his dark hair a bit messy from the wind outside. Lily trailed behind him, holding a drawing in her small hands.
"Hi, Miss Holly!" Lily said, waving the paper. It was a crayon picture of a Christmas tree with stick figures under it.
"Hey, sweetie! What's this?" Holly asked, kneeling down to look.
"It's us at the tree farm! You, me, and Daddy," Lily explained proudly.
Rowan set the box on the desk. "Lily insisted on bringing you cookies. From the competition the other day."
Holly smiled, opening the box to see chocolate chip cookies. "Thanks, Lily. These look yummy."
Rowan cleared his throat. "Also, about the gala... thanks again. But now there's talk. Team thinks we're dating for real."
Holly stood up. "Yeah, Jack texted me. What do we do?"
He rubbed the back of his neck, looking uncomfortable. "Coach called. Says the charity event needs 'stable images' for sponsors. If I show up alone, it'll look bad after the gala pics."
Holly nodded slowly. "So... extend the fake dating? Just for that event?"
Rowan met her eyes. His blue gaze was intense. "If you're okay with it. I don't want to drag you in deeper."
Holly thought about it. Part of her wanted to say no, to keep distance. But another part—the part that felt warm when he smiled—wanted to help. "Sure. One more event. But we need ground rules. No real stuff. Just acting."
"Deal," Rowan said, relief in his voice.
Lily tugged on his sleeve. "Can Miss Holly come to the park with us? Please, Daddy?"
Rowan looked at Holly. "We're going to the ice rink. Want to join? For... practice?"
Holly laughed. "Fake date practice? Okay, sounds fun."
They left the office together. The short walk to the town park was peaceful. Snow crunched under their boots, and Lily skipped ahead, throwing snowballs at trees. The park had a frozen pond turned into an ice rink, surrounded by benches and hot cocoa stands. Kids and families skated, laughing as they slipped and twirled.
Rowan rented skates for them. Holly laced hers up, feeling nostalgic. "I used to skate here as a kid. You and Jack taught me."
Rowan nodded, a small smile forming. "Yeah. You fell a lot. Cried once when you scraped your knee."
Holly blushed. "Hey, I was eight! Now watch this."
She glided onto the ice, steady and graceful. Lily held Rowan's hand, wobbling but excited. Rowan skated smoothly, like the hockey pro he was. They circled the rink, the cold air nipping at their cheeks.
As they skated, Rowan shared more about his past. "After Anna left, I almost quit hockey. Thought about getting a normal job for Lily."
Holly skated closer. "What changed?"
"Jack talked me out of it. Said hockey was my passion, and Lily needed a happy dad. He was right. The team became my family."
Holly nodded. "Jack's good like that. He's always been the fun brother."
Rowan chuckled. "And you were the annoying little sister. Always tagging along."
"Hey!" Holly pretended to shove him, but slipped a bit. Rowan caught her arm, steadying her. Their faces were close, breaths visible in the cold air.
For a moment, time stopped. Holly felt his warmth through her glove. Rowan's eyes softened, like he saw her differently now.
Lily yelled, "Look at me!" breaking the spell. She spun in a wobbly circle.
They applauded, and the moment passed. But Holly's heart raced. This fake thing was starting to feel real.
After skating, they bought hot cocoa from a stand. The vendor, an old man named Mr. Ellis, grinned. "You three make a cute family. New couple?"
Holly choked on her sip. Rowan said, "Just friends."
Mr. Ellis winked. "Sure, sure."
They sat on a bench, watching the skaters. Lily sipped her cocoa, getting a mustache of whipped cream. Rowan wiped it off gently.
Holly watched them. "You're a great dad, Rowan."
He shrugged. "I try. Lily's everything to me. After Anna... I promised I'd never let anyone hurt her again."
Holly felt a pang. "What was Anna like? Before it went bad."
Rowan stared at his cup. "Fun. Adventurous. We met at a game. She cheered louder than anyone. But marriage changed things. She wanted more attention. I was focused on my career. Fights started small, then big. One night, she yelled that I loved hockey more than her. Next day, she was gone."
Holly touched his shoulder. "That sounds hard. But it's not all your fault."
He looked at her. "Maybe. But I learned to keep things simple. No complications."
Holly nodded, but inside, she wondered if he could open up again.
They walked back to Holly's office. Lily hugged her goodbye. "See you soon, Miss Holly!"
Rowan lingered. "Thanks for today. It was... nice."
"Yeah," Holly said. "See you for the charity event."
As he left, Holly sat at her desk, replaying the day. The touch on the ice, his stories—they built something. But it was slow, careful.
The next few days, Holly threw herself into work. She matched a few clients successfully, feeling proud. But thoughts of Rowan crept in. She baked cookies at home, her small kitchen filled with the smell of sugar and spice. Her house was a cozy cottage with a fireplace and bookshelves full of romance novels. She loved reading about happy endings, but her own love life had been quiet since her ex cheated two years ago.
One evening, Jack stopped by with pizza. They ate in the living room, fire crackling.
"So, you and Rowan hanging out more?" Jack asked, eyebrow raised.
Holly sighed. "It's fake, Jack. For his events."
Jack leaned back. "Looks real to me. He talks about you. Says you're good with Lily."
Holly's cheeks warmed. "Really?"
"Yeah. But be careful. Rowan's still healing from Anna. She messed him up bad. Left without a word to Lily."
Holly nodded. "He told me some. Sounds painful."
Jack finished his slice. "Just don't rush. He's my best friend, you're my sister. I don't want drama."
"I know," Holly said. But deep down, she felt drawn to Rowan.
The New Year's charity event arrived soon. The town hall was decorated with balloons and streamers, lights flashing for the new year. Tables had auction items: signed hockey jerseys, gift baskets, local art. The Bears players wore suits, mingling with guests.
Holly wore a sparkling blue dress, her hair up in a bun. Rowan picked her up, looking sharp in his suit.
"You look great," he said, a hint of admiration in his voice.
"Thanks. You too," Holly replied.
At the event, they held hands for show. Teammates clapped Rowan on the back. "Nice catch, man!"
Rowan played along, but his grip on Holly's hand felt real.
They bid on items. Holly won a basket of chocolates. Rowan bid on a kids' toy set for Lily.
During the auction break, they stepped onto the balcony. The night was clear, stars bright. Fireworks would start at midnight.
"Almost new year," Holly said.
"Yeah. New starts," Rowan murmured.
Holly turned to him. "What do you want for the new year?"
He thought. "Peace. Good games. Lily happy." He paused. "Maybe... less grumpiness."
Holly smiled. "I can help with that."
Their eyes locked. Rowan leaned closer, but a cheer from inside stopped him. "Back to the party."
Inside, they danced again. This time, it felt easier, more natural. Rowan's hand on her back sent tingles.
As midnight neared, everyone counted down. "Ten, nine..."
At "one," fireworks boomed. People cheered. Couples kissed.
Rowan looked at Holly. "For the fake date?"
She nodded, heart pounding.
He kissed her cheek softly. It was quick, but electric.
"Happy New Year," he whispered.
"Happy New Year," she replied, breathless.
The kiss was just on the cheek, but it lingered in her mind.
After the event, Rowan drove her home. "Thanks again. You're saving my rep."
"No problem," Holly said. "It was fun."
At her door, he hesitated. "Lily's sitter is staying late. Want to come over for coffee? Just talk."
Holly's pulse quickened. "Sure."
At his house, a simple two-story with a yard, Lily was asleep. The living room had a couch, TV, and toys scattered. A small Christmas tree still stood, lights off.
Rowan made coffee. They sat by the window, watching snow fall.
"Tell me more about you," Rowan said. "Why matchmaking?"
Holly sipped. "After my ex, I wanted to help others find real love. Avoid mistakes."
"What happened with him?"
"Cheated with a coworker. Said I was too 'holiday obsessed.' Broke my heart."
Rowan frowned. "Idiot. You're great."
Holly blushed. "Thanks."
They talked late. Rowan shared more about Anna. "She calls sometimes, wants to see Lily. But I say no. Too unstable."
Holly listened. "That's tough. But you're protecting her."
As the night went on, a snowstorm picked up. Winds howled.
"Looks bad out there," Rowan said. "You should stay. Guest room."
Holly agreed. "Okay."
She borrowed pajamas. In the guest room, she lay awake, thinking of the cheek kiss.
Downstairs, Rowan thought the same. This fake romance was turning real, slow but sure.
The next morning, snow piled high. They were snowed in. Lily woke excited. "Snow day!"
They made breakfast together: pancakes and bacon. Lily drew pictures while Holly and Rowan cleaned.
"This feels nice," Rowan admitted.
"Yeah," Holly said.
As the day went, they played board games. Rowan opened up more. "Anna's leaving made me doubt love. But with you... it's different."
Holly's heart swelled. "Me too."
But no moves yet. The burn was slow.
By evening, roads cleared. Holly left, but promised to see them soon.
Back home, she smiled. The fake was fading.