The house was filled to the brim with people. Everyone was dressed in their fancy holiday gowns, and I was finally in mine. I had my great-grandmother’s diamond earrings in my ears, and my emerald berets in my hair. The second I walked down the stairs, William was there to take my arm, dressed to the nines in a black suit, with his hair combed neatly over to the side.

He whispered in my ear. “Please take my arm, before one of these young men try to steal you away. I want them to know you’re mine.”

“I am, huh?” I teased.

He looked down at me and winked. “Always.”

I briefly worried about when I’d wake up. I hoped I had the entire night to spend with William and my family, but would try to put it to the back of my mind so I could fully enjoy the night.

Walking through the house, I was stopped by James, who noticed my arm linked with William’s. “I see Mr. Blair found you first. What a pity.”

I looked up at William and smiled. “Not a pity at all. I enjoy his company.”

James chuckled and took a sip of his cider. “Maybe I’ll see you again, when you’re free.” He bowed his head. “Merry Christmas, Ms. Hamilton.”

“Same to you.”

He walked away, and William scoffed. “Now I know I’m not letting you out of my sight tonight.”

“Adeline, dear,” my great-grandmother called. We found her in the library with my great-grandfather and some of their close friends. She held out a hand and I took it. “We’re getting ready to sing a couple of Christmas carols before dinner. Would you care to join us?”

“Absolutely.”

She beamed. “Good. It’s a tradition. We do this every year. It’s a wonderful way to bring everyone together.”

“I love it,” I replied truthfully. In fact, I was going to keep up with the tradition, no matter the century.

I looked up at William and he cringed, leaning in close. “I’m not a good singer.”

“Don’t worry, neither am I. We can be horrible together.”

More people from the town piled into the library and my great-grandmother led us in song. With everyone’s voices together, it was the most amazing sound I’d ever heard. I didn’t want it to end.

The house was quiet, as everyone had left to enjoy the last few hours of Christmas with their own families. I’d made sure to say goodbye to Hannah and Fred, wishing them the best of luck. The only ones left were Helen and Jonathan, my grandparents . . . and William.

When I walked into the library, Helen flung her arms around my shoulders and I squeezed her tight, while Jonathan conversed with my great-grandfather and William.

“Merry Christmas, Helen. Thank you for everything.”

“No, Miss Adeline, thank you. Without you, my dreams wouldn’t be coming true. To think, I’ll have my own dress shop soon.” She let me go and tears streamed down her cheeks.

“You’re welcome. You deserve it. I have no doubt you’ll come up with some amazing designs.”

She winked. “And I’ll have you to model them for me.” She yawned and threw a hand over her mouth. “All of these festivities have worn me out.”

I giggled. “I’m pretty sure the baby might have something to do with it too.”

Her face brightened. “I’m not complaining one bit.”

Jonathan walked over and took her arm. “Ready to go home, dear?”

Helen nodded, but then she hugged me one more time. “Goodnight, Miss Adeline. Merry Christmas.” I watched them walk down the hall and out the door. It was strange to think I’d never see them again, that they were people I’d made up in my mind.

William noticed me by the door and walked over. “Is everything okay?”

My eyes burned, but I didn’t want to cry. “I’m fine. Do you mind if I talk to my grandparents alone? I want to say goodnight to them.” More like goodbye.

William nodded and stepped out of the way. “Of course. I’ll be outside on the porch.”

My great-grandparents both smiled at me as I re-entered the library. “Did you enjoy the party?” my grandmother asked.

I nodded. “It was lovely. I hate that it’s over.” In more ways than one. I walked up to them and hugged my grandfather first. “I really wish we had more time together.”

“So do I, my dear, but we always have tomorrow, and the day after that.”

Swallowing hard, I nodded. “Yes, we do.” He let me go and I moved over to my grandmother.

She noticed the tears in my eyes and cupped my cheeks. “Why are you crying, dear child?”

I shrugged. “No reason. I think I’m just tired.”

“I think we all are,” she said, laughing. “I’m about to go to bed myself.”

My grandfather kissed her cheek and then mine. “And I’m heading there now. Goodnight, you two. This old man can’t stay up as late as he used to.”

“Goodnight, Grandfather.” I watched him walk away and disappear down the hall. It was the last time I’d ever see him again, or at least, until I had one of these crazy dreams again.

My grandmother hugged me one more time. “I love you, Adeline. I just want you to know how much of a joy it’s been to have you here.”

“I feel the same way,” I murmured. “And I love you too. I’ll never forget our time together.”

She patted my cheek. “I should hope not.” And then, she walked out of the room.

It took me a second to catch my breath. Now, all I had to do was say goodbye to William. He was the one I was going to miss the most. It was like I could feel myself waking up from the dream. Time was definitely slipping by at an increased rate.

There was a spare bedroom by the parlor, so I grabbed a couple of the quilts off the bed and took them outside. I sat beside William and he chuckled when I draped one of the quilts over his shoulders. “What’s this?”

The snow had started to fall, and it was beautiful. I wrapped the other quilt around me and snuggled into his side. “I thought we could watch the snow for a while. I don’t want Christmas to end just yet.”

Sliding his arm around me, he pulled me in closer. “We can do that. It gives me an excuse to stay by your side for even longer.”

Breathing him in, my eyes burned. They felt heavier by the second. “I love you, William.” I couldn’t stop the tears.

“I love you too, Adeline.” One of my tears fell on his hand. He lifted my chin and looked into my eyes. “Why are you crying?”

My heart broke. “Because you’re not real. I’m only dreaming.”

His eyes widened. “Of course I’m real.” He kissed me, his lips lingering on mine. They were so warm. “You wouldn’t be able to feel that, if I weren’t real.”

“You’re real in my heart,” I whispered. “Just promise me you won’t forget about me.”

“Adeline, what’s going on?”

I grabbed his face. It felt like I was being pulled away. There was no time. “When I wake up, I’ll remember you. Promise me you’ll do the same.”

He kissed me again and everything went black. I couldn’t feel him anymore. There was nothing, except his whispered words, “I promise.”