Okay, sorry for the (supper long) delay😕. So this chapter can be a Christmas one or Valentine’s Day one, you pick. Happy Valentine’s Day! (or single awareness day for some like me 😐)

The day of the snowball dance came. Zane felt his heart beating violently inside his chest. He rushed around the house frantically shouting, “where’s my blue shirt?!??” “It’s in your dresser.” His mother kindly replied to his panic attack. “The snowball dance isn’t till tonight,” his father said confused. “I might as well be ready now then freak out later,” Zane answered Blake. “You’re already freaking out.” Blake mumbled under his breath. “I HEARD THAT!” Zane’s panicked voice shouted. “And I completely agree with you!”

On coming to the main square, Zane was shaking all over. And not from the cold. “Now misty, don’t go crazy at the desert table.” He instructed Misty. “Okay daddy!” She said as she ran straight towards the desert table. He chuckled as he looked around the crowd for Lilly. ‘Great! The whole town has come.’ Zane thought, ‘finding her will be like finding a knedle in a..’ “Hello Zane.” That familiar voice said from behind. He turned to see Lilly in a dazzling blue and gold dress. “Hello ma’lady.” Zane said bowing slightly, after all, she is the daughter of a lord. “May I have this dance?” He said as he extended his hand to her. “It will be my honour.” Lilly responded taking his hand, and they both stepped onto the dance floor. The whole dance was mesmerizing, the sparkling starry lights, the beautiful music, and Lilly. Seeing her made him forget all the worries of the world. The music stopped with the entrance of the king. “May I have your attention?” His kind voice echoed as silence fell. “I hope you're all enjoying yourselves, it is indeed a beautiful night. I would like to call someone very special here.” ‘Someone special? I wonder who it is?’ Zane thought. “I would like to call Zane, the son of Blake here.” The whole world stopped spinning, Zane’s heart jumped into his throat. ‘The king. Call me. Did I hear that right?’ He did. The whole town square turned to where he was. He then walked to where the king was, bowing to address him. He felt a soft touch on his shoulder, looking up to see the king looking at him in the eyes. “There’s no need for that son.” He said as he helped him up. “This young buck showed great courage, and generosity. He helped a baby doe in her dire need, and instead of taking her to the orphanage, he took her in as his own.” The crowd then gasped and stood in awe. “And for this great act, I have decided to reward him with a medal of honour.” Then a young buck came forward with a pillow and a golden medal with red and blue ribbon. The king then took the medal, and placed it on Zane’s shirt. Zane turned to the cheering crowd, and seeing Lilly, smiling and then turned to leave. Zane feeling panic clutch his breath, he maneuvered passed the crowd patting him on the back and congratulating him to find Lilly.

Zane followed Lilly’s tracks to the beach, and looking up, he saw her standing on the shoreline. Coming beside her, she said “I guess you have everything now.” Zane now, seeing the best moment as now replied. “Except one.” Lilly turned to him confused. “The the doe I love to be my wife.” Kneeling, Zane pulled out a wooden box, and opened it. “Will you marry me?” A gasp and tears filled Lilly’s face. “Yes. Yes, of course!” She answered as she swung herself onto his neck. Zane then put the ring on her finger, and, looking up saw some mistletoe hanging on string tied to a stick that led to a struggling misty holding the stick. “Do it Romeo!” She said. “Well, better not keep her waiting.” Lilly said, as they embraced for a kiss.

God bless and bear the flame,

J. J. B.