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The sun had barely risen over Pelican Town, but Taylor was already wide awake.
Well, awake wasn’t strong enough a word. She was buzzing.
She’d been up since just after five, when the sky was still dark and the frost outside the window had yet to be melted by dawn. She pulled on her softest flannel and a warm work coat, tucked her thermos of coffee under one arm, and headed out to do the chores fast.
She brushed the goats and cows, who were curled up like princesses in their corners of the barn, the little bells on their collars jingling gently with every sleepy stretch.
Now time for the chickens… and Henrietta.
The second she opened the coop door, Henrietta glared at her.
She was perched in the corner like a queen, feathers slightly puffed, eyes narrowed in a perfect storm of judgement.
“Well, good morning to you too,” Taylor said, stepping inside with the feed bucket. “Listen, I’m gonna ask something crazy. I know it’s a long shot. But maybe, just for today, you could… I don’t know… not be grumpy?”
Henrietta slowly turned her head, fixing Taylor with a look so deeply unimpressed it could’ve curdled milk.
“Right,” Taylor muttered. “That’s what I thought.”
She knelt by the feeder and poured the grain in gently. The other chickens hurried over to get their fill. Henrietta did not move. Her feathers were fluffed just enough to suggest extreme moral offence. At what, Taylor had no idea.
“Look,” she said, glancing over her shoulder at the bird. “It’s Winter Star. People are full of joy, the snow is clean, and I set aside some sugar cookies for you.”
Henrietta blinked once, waddled over then pecked the edge of the feeder giving Taylor the cold shoulder.
Taylor sighed. “You know what? Be that way. You’re lucky you’re cute you old feather duster.”
Henrietta huffed, actually huffed but continued eating.
Taylor watched her in dignified silence.
“Honestly, you’re the most dramatic thing on this farm,” she muttered.
She left the coop and gave the greenhouse crops a once-over, they were beautiful and healthy, of course - and by 7:13, she was done.
The problem was… no one else was awake.
Taylor stood in the middle of the living room, arms crossed, staring down the hallway.
“Unbelievable,” she whispered to herself. “Winter Star. Winter Star, and they’re both still asleep. Do I live with Grinch’s?!”
She stomped around the kitchen, footfalls a little louder than usual. Slammed a few drawers. Jangled a spoon against a pot like she was a one-woman marching band.
Nothing.
She fake coughed.
Coughed again, louder.
Still nothing.
How is no one else this excited? It’s Winter Star! How can they still be asleep?
She shuffled back down the hall, peeking first toward Vincent’s door - closed tight - and then toward the bedroom she shared with Jodi.
She grinned.
Jodi was still wrapped in the covers like a burrito, hair a gentle mess, mouth slightly parted as she slept. The soft winter light made her skin glow.
She’s so fucking beautiful.
Taylor leaned over and pressed a kiss to her shoulder. “Hey, gorgeous.”
Jodi stirred slightly, murmuring something that might’ve been her name.
“Mmm…Taylor?” she whispered, groggy.
Taylor kissed the tip of her nose. “Happy Winter Star baby.”
Jodi cracked one eye open. “Is it even light yet?”
Taylor grinned wide. “Sun’s coming up. You’re late to the celebration.”
“I’m warm… and sleepy… You’re loud.”
“And you’re irresistible Jo.”
With zero warning, Taylor slid one arm under Jodi’s knees and the other behind her back and scooped her up in a full bridal carry.
Jodi yelped, laughing immediately. “TAYLOR! Put me down! I swear-”
“It’s time for presents! I’ve been up since before dawn and I’m not waiting any longer,” Taylor declared, already walking down the hall. “You are the best present of all though.”
Jodi snorted, hiding her face in Taylor’s neck. “You absolute menace. You’re lucky I love you.”
“I’m incredible. You’re blessed.”
“You’re so full of yourself.”
Taylor adjusted her grip as they passed into the living room. “You’d be full of me too if you-”
“TAYLOR!”
Taylor cackled and spun them once before setting Jodi down gently on the couch, bending down to kiss her forehead, her nose… her lips.
The kiss deepened almost instantly. Jodi’s fingers slid into Taylor’s messy hair, her mouth parting as Taylor leaned over her.
“You’re ridiculous,” Jodi whispered.
“You love it.”
“I do.”
Until -
“Ahem.”
They both froze.
Vincent stood in the hallway in his winter pyjamas, hair like a bird’s nest, arms crossed in mock disapproval.
Teenagers have a hell of a stare.
“You guys are the worst,” he said flatly. “It’s Winter Star, not Gross Married People Day.”
Taylor coughed into her shoulder. “Happy Winter Star, bud.”
“Did you make pancakes?”
“I can do.”
“I forgive you.”
-
After breakfast the wrapping paper situation was already dire.
Vincent had torn into his first box with the fury of a blizzard, paper flying across the rug in great festive chunks. Jodi made a soft sound of protest as a bow landed in her tea. Taylor, sprawled on the floor with one knee up, laughed so hard she snorted.
“Hey, tornado,” she said, “you sure you don’t want to open the others with the rest of us?”
“I’m just getting warmed up!”
He paused when he saw what was inside: a gleaming new fishing rod nestled in tissue paper, dark wood handle polished and engraved with his initials, a little silver fish charm attached near the reel. Plus a box of new lures and bobbers.
“No way.”
Taylor grinned. “Thought it was time you graduated from that beat-up old rod.”
Vincent was already holding it like a sword. “This is so cool. I’m gonna catch a sturgeon with this by next week.”
“Ambitious,” Taylor said. “I like it.”
She watched him for a moment, the excitement buzzing off of him. Then she reached behind her and pulled out a second package.
“This one’s from me too. Might not be as flashy, but…”
Vincent opened it more carefully this time. Inside were a pair of soft, brand new work gloves, a small binder with laminated sheets, and a little leather notebook with “Farm Boss In Training: Vincent” embossed in silver on the front.
“What…?”
Taylor leaned forward. “Your official duties start next week.You’ve been asking to do more on the farm, the real stuff, not just collecting eggs and trying to sneak berries. I think you’re ready.”
Jodi’s hand settled gently on Vincent’s back. “Taylor is trusting you with some of the daily care.”
Vincent’s eyes were wide. “Seriously?”
“You get your own list, your own gloves, and I’ll be checking on your work like any good boss.”
Vincent stared at the gloves for a second, then at the laminated cards. Then at Taylor.
“You’re gonna make me cry,” he muttered, eyes shiny.
Taylor ruffled his hair. “Nah. You’re way too cool for that.”
He lunged forward and hugged her tight. “Thanks, Tay.”
“You’re welcome, Farmer V. Time to learn the family business properly”
Jodi smiled warmly, watching them cuddle. “You deserve it, sweetheart.”
“Oh!” Vincent suddenly remembered. “Mum yours!”
He scrambled to the tree and pulled out a bag with tissue paper peeking from the top. Jodi took it gently, her smile widening as she peeled it open.
Inside were several glass jars with scented candles with soothing smells, a pouch of mineral salts and a face mask.
“Oh, sweetheart…” She wrapped him up in a hug, burying her face in his hair. “This is perfect. You always know just what I need.”
Taylor reached behind the tree and pulled out a long, slender box first, setting it gently into Jodi’s lap.
“This one’s first,” she said softly. “The big one’s for after this.”
Jodi unwrapped it carefully. Inside was a delicate jewellery box from a Zuzu City jeweller. She gasped when she opened it.
Nestled within was a fine chain with a charm in the shape of a golden leaf, paired with matching earrings shaped like tiny wildflowers.
“Taylor…” she breathed.
Taylor rubbed the back of her neck. “Saw it in the fall. Thought it looked perfect for you.”
Jodi laughed, blinking tears away. “You’re such a sap.”
“Babe, I’m a whole pine tree.”
Then Taylor passed her a larger, heavier box, wrapped in simple brown paper and tied with ribbon.
Jodi opened it slowly… and gasped.
It was a thick photo album, hand-bound in dark leather, with her name embossed on the front in gold. She opened the cover and found a single inscription on the inside:
“Every moment with you is the best of my life. Here’s proof - Taylor”
She stared at it for a second.
“Keep going,” Taylor said quietly.
The first page nearly took the breath from her lungs.
It was an old photo. One of the very first of them together - Taylor standing in the farmhouse kitchen years ago, hair shorter, sleeves rolled, holding a crate of veggies and grinning like she’d just discovered treasure. Jodi remembered taking it.
She flipped the page.
Another early one. Them sitting on the dock at the beach, feet in the water, shoulders touching. Jodi remembered how her heart had raced that day.
“Oh,” she breathed.
The pages kept going.
Photos from their entire relationship, moments Jodi remembered, and some she didn’t even realise had been captured.
Taylor asleep on the couch with Vincent curled up against her, both of them mid-nap.
Jodi laughing in the kitchen with flour on her cheek.
Their first winter together.
A blurry photo from the Flower Dance.
A candid shot of them dancing barefoot in the living room, taken by Vincent when he was younger and thought he was being sneaky.
Jodi’s hand trembled slightly as she turned each page.
Then she reached the section that made her stop entirely.
The Secret Woods.
Their special place.
The first photo showed the path leading in. The next - Jodi gasped.
It was a picture of her, standing in the clearing, hands over her mouth, eyes wide. Around her, tied to the trees with twine and ribbon, were the photos. Their life, hanging from the branches.
The day Taylor proposed.
Jodi had no idea there was a photo of the moment.
Her breath caught hard.
“Taylor…” she whispered, voice breaking.
Taylor nodded slowly. “Yeah, I got Sam to snap some shots on the day and saved them for the right moment. This album seemed like it. I want you to always be able to picture the moment”
Jodi pressed a hand to her mouth.
She turned the page again.
The photos didn’t stop.
Their engagement dinner.
Their wedding day - Jodi glowing, Taylor barely holding it together.
Sam and Vincent grinning proudly between them after the ceremony in their suits.
The first spring planting as a married family.
Birthdays.
Anniversaries.
Quiet mornings.
Messy kitchens.
Days at the arcade.
Ordinary days that Taylor knew were everything to Jodi.
Jodi was crying openly now, tears slipping down her cheeks and onto the pages. She didn’t wipe them away.
“This is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever been given.”
Taylor leaned in, wiping a tear from her cheek. “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever been given.”
They kissed, slow and softly.
Vincent groaned. “You’re worse than last year.”
After 10 minutes Jodi got herself together and she placed a small, square box into Taylor’s lap. “Start here.”
Taylor opened it to find a smooth river stone pendant on a braided leather cord. She tilted it in the light, it shimmered faintly. On the back, engraved in tiny script, were the words:
“You ground us.”
Jodi reached for her hand. “You’ve always been our anchor. Strong, steady, safe. I wanted something that reminded you how much that means.”
Taylor cleared her throat. “Okay. Well… Now I’m definitely going to cry.”
Vincent giggled and passed over his own gift, wrapped messily just like he always did. “Mine now Tay, before you become a puddle”
Taylor tore it open to find a novelty t-shirt with a cartoon goat holding a hammer, and the words ‘Farm Boss (Beware of Muscles)’ across the front.
“Oh my god.”
“There’s more,” Vincent said proudly.
She reached into the box and pulled out a bright yellow enamel mug with ‘World’s Okayest Farmer’ on it and a folded little booklet.
She unfolded it slowly, already grinning.
It was a new “Coupon Book,” just like the one he made when he was eight, back when each coupon read things like “1 hug” or “1 bug catching buddy day”
This one had such hits as:
1 Emergency coffee delivery
3 “Tay Is Right” Vouchers
1 No sarcasm compliment (Use Wisely)
1 Tell Sam he isn’t as cool as you Voucher
Taylor was full-on cackling now, tears in her eyes. “You absolute legend!”
Vincent beamed. “I knew you’d love it.”
-
By early afternoon, the snow had settled into soft drifts across the fields and walkways and made every corner of Pelican Town look like something out of a snow globe.
Taylor, Jodi, and Vincent had warmed up from their snow ball fight escapades with hot chocolate, another round of pancakes and just enough time to dry their coats by the fire before bundling up again to head into town for the annual Winter Star Gift Exchange.
It was tradition. The whole town gathered near the square. Each resident received one secret recipient to gift, and the results were always, at the very least… memorable.
Taylor carried her gift for Haley tucked under one arm - a perfectly bloomed sunflower in a hand-painted pot. She’d added little patterns around the rim in gold, and though she said it was ‘no big deal,’ Jodi had seen how many times she redid it to get the lines just right.
Jodi’s own gift was wrapped carefully in wine-toned paper and tied with twine. It was a single, elegant large sized glass for Caroline, it screamed ‘I drink wine and spill secrets and laugh too loud on girls’ nights.’ Fitting.
Vincent walked a few paces ahead of them, trying very hard to look like he wasn’t impatiently eager. His scarf was bunched up around his neck, his pace quick but oh-so-casual. He held a little gift bag in one hand, swinging just slightly.
As they rounded the path into the town square, music drifted to meet them, Emily’s playlist echoing between snow-covered trees and lamp posts wrapped in fairy lights. A few townsfolk were already gathered, cups of mulled wine in hand, kids running across the square in little bursts of energy and laughter.
Vincent spotted Jas nearby. She was wearing a dark purple coat, her hair done up, and she was very clearly pretending not to look around for anyone in particular.
Vincent froze. Then straightened and tidied his hair, pulling his scarf down just enough to look cooler.
“See you later,” he said, to Jodi and Taylor.
Jas turned as he approached, schooling her expression into practiced disinterest.
“Hey,” Vincent said, shoving one hand deep in his coat pocket. “Nice weather or whatever.”
Jas shrugged. “It’s fine, I guess. Cold.”
“Yeah,” Vincent said, looking away like it was no big deal. “Snow’s kinda mid.”
Neither of them smiled. For about three seconds.
Then Jas reached into her coat and pulled out a candy cane. “I saved one. Do you want it?”
Vincent tried very hard not to light up like the tree behind them. “Sure. If you’re just… giving it away.”
She handed it over with an exaggerated eye-roll. “I have extras.”
Vincent grinned, cheeks already pink from more than the cold. “Thanks.”
Taylor leaned toward Jodi, watching them from a few feet away. “They’re already cooler than I’ve ever been.”
Jodi laughed quietly. “I was thinking the same thing.”
They watched as Vincent and Jas wandered toward the tree together, trying to look chill, keeping just enough space between them to be “casual,” but clearly delighted to be there.
Taylor took a deep breath “Right, time to give Haley her gift… She’s not gonna roast me, right?” Taylor muttered, adjusting her scarf.
Jodi chuckled. “She’ll love it.”
Taylor sighed, squared her shoulders, and stepped into the crowd.
Haley was near the drinks table, arms crossed, chatting with Emily. She wore a pale blue coat with cream fur at the cuffs, and had the easy, casual confidence of someone who knew she looked good. But when she spotted Taylor approaching, her face lit up, the natural warmth of seeing a familiar friend.
“Oh hey, Tay!” she called out, grinning. “Took you long enough.”
Taylor smirked. “Had to build up the courage. You’re a known critic.”
“Oh Absolutely,” Haley said, stepping forward. “I take it you are my gifter this year? Should I be nervous?”
Taylor offered the sunflower pot with both hands, suddenly more serious. “Been growing it in the greenhouse. Painted the pot, too. Tried to keep it simple. You know… Haley-appropriate.”
Haley took it with an impressed whistle. “Whoa. Wait you painted this?”
Taylor nodded.
Haley turned the pot in her hands, inspecting every detail. “The pattern’s actually gorgeous. Subtle. Super balanced.” She paused, really looking at it. “And this sunflower is perfect.”
“Yeah,” Taylor said, rubbing the back of her neck. “Didn’t even let Vincent near it.”
Haley laughed. “Smart.“
She smiled down at the pot again, then looked up, sincere. “This is actually… really thoughtful. Like, really thoughtful. You nailed it, Tay.”
Taylor let out a breath and smiled, relaxed now. “Glad to hear it. I know how specific your taste is.”
“‘Specific’ is the polite way of saying ‘perfectionist,’ and yes, but seriously, this is beautiful. I’ll keep it on my windowsill.”
They exchanged a quick hug and Haley held up the flower “You get a gold star this year, Farmer.”
Taylor grinned. “Finally.” and turned to look at Jodi.
With a double thumbs up Taylor mouthed “She liked it,” then queued up for hot drinks.
Jodi looked at her with a proud smile and mouthed “Told you.”
“Jodi.”
She turned to see Mayor Lewis holding out a flat, carefully wrapped parcel.
“I, ah, drew your name this year.”
“Oh!” Jodi took it with both hands, smiling. “That’s sweet of you, Lewis.”
She carefully unwrapped the box and lifted the lid, then stopped.
Inside is a beautifully bound scrapbook, with a leather cover and etched with the title “The Heart of the Town.”
She opened it slowly, her breath catching.
Inside were pages filled with handwritten letters from nearly everyone in town and little pressed flowers on each page. Little notes, doodles, short messages of appreciation. Leah had painted a tiny sketch of Jodi watering her front garden. Penny had written a heartfelt paragraph about how Jodi always made her feel seen. Robin’s note simply read: “You bring the wine. I bring the chaos. Love you Jo”
There was a clipping of Jodi and Caroline from an old town newsletter about their volunteer clean-up day. A photo from the last Harvest Festival - Jodi carrying three plates of food at once, laughing.
And from Lewis himself, near the back of the book, in tidy handwriting:
‘Jodi.
You’ve been the quiet backbone of this town for as long as I’ve been Mayor. You carry more than anyone ever sees, and still find time to give. This town runs smoother, smiles more, and feels like home because of you. This is just a small way for us to say thank you.’
“…You did this?” she asked softly, looking up at Lewis.
He rubbed the back of his neck. “I asked everyone to write something, yeah. Took me a couple weeks to bind it. Marnie helped with the flowers. I just… I don’t think people say it enough, how much you are this town. You hold everything together.”
Jodi hugged the book to her chest, blinking rapidly. Then she stepped forward and hugged him too.
Lewis smiled and patted her back. “Happy Winter Star, Jodi.”
Across the square, Taylor watched the interaction with a warm look in her eye until Clint approached her with a gift shaped like a tool kit.
“Uh… hi,” Clint muttered. “I got you.”
Taylor blinked. “Oh… Great.”
Why the fuck did it have to be Clint…
Clint handed her the box, already looking guilty.
Inside was a rusted wrench.
Like… fully rusted. Decorative, maybe?
Taylor stared.
“It’s… umm…vin…vintage,” Clint said weakly.
Taylor cleared her throat. “Yeah. Uh. Thanks.”
“I thought maybe… you know… because of the greenhouse… and the irrigation…”
“Yup,” Taylor said. “That sure is… a wrench. Cheers, Clint…”
She nodded once, stiffly, and turned to leave.
Clint stood awkwardly for a second, then mumbled something about being misunderstood and wandered off toward the drinks stand.
Jodi joined her a moment later. “Was it bad?”
“It’s Clint, what do you think?”
“Want me to pretend it broke and throw it away for you?”
“You’re the love of my life.”
-
The house had fallen silent, finally.
Vincent’s door was shut for the night, little snores coming from the room. The fire in the hearth had burned down to a bed of deep orange embers. It was quiet, but not still.
Because Jodi was watching her. A specific look in her eye…
Taylor sat at the edge of the couch. Her forearms were resting on her knees. Her shoulders relaxed, but her eyes were anything but.
Jodi stopped, standing between Taylor’s knees, and leaned in just slightly. “You know I’ve been wanting you since this morning.”
“I know.”
Jodi bent forward and kissed her, lips parting slowly, breath catching between them. Taylor didn’t rush. She let Jodi lead for a moment, let her melt into it. Jodi moaned softly, one hand sliding into Taylor’s hair.
Taylor stood in one motion, lifting her clean off the floor, Jodi’s legs wrapping around her waist on instinct. Jodi gasped, then laughed, then moaned one soft, helpless sound that Taylor swallowed in another kiss.
Taylor started walking. Straight to the bedroom.
The door clicked shut.
Jodi was already flushed, panting, gripping at Taylor’s neck, kissing her like she was starved. Grinding into her searching for any friction.
Taylor tossed her onto the bed and followed, settling between her legs with all the slow, sure presence Jodi craved.
“You’ve been teasing me,” Taylor said, kissing along her neck. “This is what you wanted, isn’t it?”
Jodi gasped. “Yes, god yes.”
Taylor’s mouth returned to hers, deeper now hungrier, and her hands moved quickly, undressing both she and Jodi with quiet urgency. Jodi whimpered as fabric peeled from her skin, her body arching up to meet each new touch.
Then Taylor pushed her back flat, climbed over her, and brought her thigh between Jodi’s legs.
Jodi moaned, louder now, hips rolling, trying to get more.
Taylor held her down by the wrists. “Keep going. Let me feel how much you need it.”
Jodi’s body answered for her, grinding onto Taylor’s thigh, rhythm building fast, every press making her gasp again.
And Taylor matched her, every roll of Jodi’s hips met with another firm, upward thrust of her thigh. The contact was perfect, steady, friction building faster and faster.
Jodi’s moans filled the room.
“Mmh, fuck….Taylor - right there - right….ahh”
Taylor’s hands releases Jodi’s wrist and held a leg tighter, her free hand next to her on the mattress for balance as she rocked her thigh again and again on top of Jodi, letting Jodi meet her, move with her.
“God…Taylor please…oh god-“
Taylor kissed her again, devouring the sounds. Jodi’s moans turned wordless, just breath and whimpers and the sound of her grinding harder, faster. Her hands gripping Taylor’s shoulders, nails scratching the skin.
“You’re soaked for me,” Taylor growled into her ear. “Fucking dripping.”
“Yes,” Jodi cried. “You feel so good…fuck… Taylor!”
But Taylor pulled back. Jodi whimpered, eyes wild. “No, nonono don’t-please-”
Taylor slid down her body kissing all the way, slow and in control. “Patience Jo… I’ve got you.”
Her mouth found Jodi’s inner thigh, kissing once, twice, and then higher. Jodi’s breath caught, a desperate, aching sound.
When Taylor finally put her mouth on her centre, Jodi screamed.
“Oh fuck!Ta…Tay… oh god”
Her hips jerked, hands gripping the sheets.
Every flick of Taylor’s tongue sent another helpless moan from Jodi’s throat.
“Yes-god-yes, right there, right there….don’t you fucking stop!”
“You sound so good like this,” Taylor growled. “So good for me.”
Jodi could barely breathe. Her hands flew down, grabbing fistfuls of Taylor’s hair, holding on like she might float off the bed otherwise. Taylor didn’t stop. She loved being held like this, loved how Jodi’s thighs clenched around her shoulders.
Jodi was panting, writhing, the noises pouring out of her sharp and ragged.
“Taylor… THERE… I… Oh fuck…”
Taylor groaned against her, tongue dragging in steady rhythm mixed with sucks right on her clit. Jodi’s fingers were buried in her hair, pulling, begging.
She was so close, the sounds raw, almost broken, until Taylor slipped two fingers into her with one deep motion.
Her whole body arched, legs trembling, mouth open in a silent gasp before the moan finally tore loose. “Taylor…ohmygod-yesyesyesYESYESSS”
Taylor matched her rhythm, fingers fucking her deep and fast right at that perfect spot inside her, mouth still moving, keeping Jodi right on that unbearable edge.
“Come for me,” she whispered, voice ragged against her. “Come now, baby.”
Jodi came hard.
Her cry echoed through the room, gasping, full-body release that left her shaking under Taylor’s hands. Her thighs quaked, her nails dug into Taylor’s scalp, her breath broke into sobbing, breathless moans.
Taylor didn’t stop guiding her through it until Jodi collapsed back against the bed, body boneless, hands falling from her hair, chest heaving with every breath.
Only then did Taylor crawl back up and pull her close, wrapping those strong arms around her like armour.
Jodi was still panting softly, her voice a whisper now, high and wrecked.
“I can’t feel my legs,” she breathed.
Taylor smiled into her shoulder. “Good.”
Jodi turned her face into Taylor’s neck, still panting. “You just ruined me.”
Taylor kissed her temple. “That was the plan.”
They stayed wrapped together like that for a long time, warmth shared between them, skin to skin, Jodi’s hand finding Taylor’s and squeezing it gently.
When Jodi finally spoke again, it was quiet. “Don’t ever stop touching me like that.”
Taylor’s voice was rough, loving. “I won’t. You’re mine.”
Jodi’s smile was tired, satisfied, and completely, utterly in love.
“I’m yours.”