Christmas In Philipsburg — Bethany Sefchick

Olivia Fox has recently inherited her Aunt Emily's sprawling country estate, Presqueisle House, located in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. Falling slowly into ruin after years of bad management, Olivia is determined to restore the idyllic refuge of her childhood and make a much-needed change in her life. That her childhood crush has also recently returned to town has absolutely nothing to do with her decision. Nothing at all.

Former pro quarterback Zack Ellis has his sights set on Presqueisle House and hopes that the new owner is willing to sell him the estate where he grew up. He has plans for Presqueisle, starting with participating in the town's popular Light Up Night celebration and letting everyone know that he's back in town to stay. He has no idea that his old flame, Olivia, is actually the new owner - and that she has no intention of selling.

Can Olivia and Zack come to some kind of understanding where Presqueisle House is concerned and have the estate ready for Light Up Night? And will they stop arguing long enough to realize that the love that ignited in their youth still burns just as brightly as it always did, especially as Christmas fast approaches?

This 30,500-word short story is written in the modern, adult romance style. It may not be appropriate for younger audiences.