Page 65 of My Greatest Joy

I give him a hard pat on the back. “Not at all. You get used to it, though.”

Once the crowd finally clears, I check my watch, then decide to leave now that they’re in a better place. I head straight home to get everything ready for my surprise. As soon as I walk inside, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I expect to see a text asking me to come back and help. However, it’s Finn.

Finn

How are things going? Have you proposed yet?

Levi

Ha. Ha. Ha.

Finn

Oh, don’t be like that. You know you like her.

Levi

Can’t have feelings for someone who will never reciprocate them.

Finn

Yeah, I can understand that. But I saw the sparks flying between you two. And so did Oakley.

Levi

Then I guess you’re both delusional.

Finn

Whatever you say. Anyway, we should get together soon and grab a beer.

Levi

Yeah, that sounds like a plan but after Christmas.

Finn

Sounds good. Have fun with your girlfriend.

Levi

Once I’ve fed Dasher, I pull two large thermoses from the cabinet and prepare my favorite hot chocolate recipe. I grab the small bottle of Irish liquor that I keep in my fridge and put it in a bag.

I make sure to pack the heating blanket I borrowed from my mom and grab the portable power tank from my shed. After I’vedouble-checked that I’ve got everything, I shoot my sister a text and let her know I’m on my way there.

Lucy

Your timing is impeccable. We just finished eating.

Levi

Perfect.

I look at Dasher. “Wanna go on a sleigh ride?”

His tail wags.

“I didn’t hear you? Sleigh ride?” I ask again.

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