Page 69 of Trick or Treat

Everyone scraped their plates and put them in the dishwasher. Lindsey couldn’t believe neither child fussed about it. Keegan put the pitcher of tea back in the refrigerator then followed Reagan into the living room. Trick found plastic bowls and lids to put the leftovers in while she wiped the table and counters down. They’d decided to decorate the tree before they had dessert.

Lindsey was drying her hands when she felt Trick’s hands settle on her shoulders. He gently spun her around and cupped her face between his big hands. The way his eyes remained focused on her mouth had her breath freezing in her chest. He didn’t hesitate as he lowered his mouth to hers. The kiss was soft, sweet and over way too soon. He pulled back and winked at her. He took her hand in his and led the way. “Come on. We’ll have to decorate the top half of the tree.”

Damn. Every time he kissed her, she came close to forgetting her own name.

“Can we start putting the ornaments on the tree now?” Keegan asked.

“Yeah. Go for it.”

Keegan opened a plastic container and pulled out two ornaments. Reagan reached in and grabbed one. From what Lindsey could see as they continued to hang the decorations, they had red ornaments, silver ornaments and a hodgepodge of others. Keegan hung a Harley Davidson-shaped sign on the tree, while Reagan placed a ballerina. On it went—motorcycles, hot rods, crowns and dance slippers. It all went on the tree. Trick started hanging some on the upper part of the tree where the kids couldn’t reach. Lindsey hung a couple of the red ornaments, but soon found herself stepping back and taking pictures of the three of them with her phone.

“Okay. You guys ready for the lights?” Trick asked the kids.

“Wait! We forgot the angel for the top.”

“Here it is!” Keegan pulled the tree topper out of a box and handed it to Trick. To say Lindsey was surprised would have been an understatement. She’d never seen anything like it before. The pretty blonde angel had gossamer wings but wore a black leather dress.

After Trick placed the angel and plugged up the lights, he stepped back and slung his arm over her shoulder and leaned down. “Reagan found it at a Harley store and had to have it. She loves that thing. Keegan thinks it’s weird.”

“And what do you think?” She smiled up at him, her arm going around his waist.

“The tree is more for the kids, so I don’t mind. They can pretty much put whatever they want on it. Within reason. I think as far as angels go, I wouldn’t have picked it out. I’m just glad she didn’t see the one in a black leather halter dress that barely contained her boobs and high heels.”

Lindsey’s laugh came out a little strangled. “You’re kidding, right?”

“No.” He shook his head.

“Good Lord.” She focused on the tree once again. All in all she had to admit she liked the tree a lot. Her favorite part was the sparkling colored lights. She’d always gone for blinking white lights on her tree, but the colored ones along with the mismatched assortment of ornaments the kids put on their tree really looked beautiful. She could do without the Harley angel on top though.

“Can we have dessert now and watch a movie?” Keegan asked.

“Sure. I’ll put these boxes away. You guys help Lindsey get the cake cut up and we’ll put a movie in.” Trick stacked the empty containers and headed out the back door. She went to the kitchen, the kids following behind. Glancing out the back window, she saw a small shed in the backyard. That’s where Trick was taking the boxes.

“You guys like coconut cake?” She pointed a knife toward the cake plate.

“Ooooh. It looks like a fluffy cloud.” Reagan stared at the cake.

“I’ve never had coconut cake before.” Keegan looked at the cake, intrigued.

“You want to try it?”

“Yes, please,” Keegan replied.

“Yes, please,” Reagan parroted her brother.

She cut them small pieces and handed them their plates. “If you like it, I can give you more if it’s okay with your dad.”

Trick came through the back door about that time, the cold air following in behind him.

“Close the door, Daddy. It’s cold.” Reagan took her cake and went back to the living room. Keegan followed behind her, rolling his eyes.

“How big of a slice do you want?” Lindsey turned back to the cake, the knife still in her hand.

He leaned over her shoulder, seen where she was going to make the cut and moved her hand a little farther, giving him a bigger piece. The feel of his cold hand on her made her shiver. “Jeez, it is cold out there.” He kissed the side of her neck and accepted the plate she offered.

He waited for her to cut herself a piece, then led the way to the couch. He guided her to sit in the middle and he took one of the ends. Once he was settled and it looked like Lindsey was comfortable, he asked, “What movie did you decide on?”

“The Polar Express.” Keegan had it already pulled up and ready to watch.

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