Page 36 of Christmas Promises

“No, as a matter of fact, it isn’t. I’d like to celebrate with you and your parents. Especially since they’re willing to come here.”

“I’m so glad. Because I would love to have them here too, but only if you do.”

“I might invite my friend Drew too. He’s alone this year. His children are with their in-laws, so he decided to stay here for the rest of the month.”

“Interesting.”

“I don’t think it’s because of me,” Edna said hastily.

“I’m not sure about that.”

“Anyway, I have no idea how to plan for a Christmas celebration, so you’ll have to help me.”

“I’m on it, Aunt Edna.” She told her that Nolan wanted to get a tree today and that she would get one for the apartment as well.

“I have no ornaments.”

“I’ll take care of that too,” Laney said, feeling excited. “I adore Christmas.”

“I’m in good hands then.”

“Yes, you are.”

Laney couldn’t rememberthe last time she’d visited a Christmas tree farm. Her parents had two trees, both artificial, one for the big living room and one for the family room, but never a live one. Mom hated the mess. She was practically bouncing in the passenger seat as she told Nolan about her conversation with her aunt.

“She never gets a tree for the apartment. Isn’t that the saddest thing you’ve ever heard?”

“So, we’re looking for two trees,” Nolan said.

“That’s right. They have to be perfect.”

“Perfection nearly impossible, but we’ll do our best.”

Soon, they were upon a sprawling farm, with a big red barn visible from the main road, its roof lined with twinkling lights. Nolan pulled his truck into the gravel parking lot of Martin’s Trees and Holiday Farm. She sat up straight, a flurry of excitement stirring in her chest at the sight of the old farmhouse with its wide porch decorated with garlands of pine and red bows. A wreath hung on the front door, and lanterns flickered along the steps. Rows upon rows of perfectly shaped trees stretched into the distance, their branches dusted with a light coating of snow.

“This is the best place in the world.” Laney jumped out of the truck, bouncing on her toes as she breathed in the scent of pine and sap. “Can we get hot cocoa?”

“We can do whatever you wish.” Nolan wrapped an arm around her and kissed the top of her head.

This man had a way of making her feel so cherished.

Cheerful strains of Christmas music floated from a set of speakers mounted near the gift shop. Families strolled through the aisles of trees, bundled in scarves and mittens. A small firepit crackled near the shop, surrounded by rustic benches where kids were roasting marshmallows on sticks.

“This is pretty big for me too,” Nolan said. “I haven’t enjoyed the holidays as much since I lost Dylan. They make me feel kind of guilty and depressed. You know, like why am I here when he’s not, and how dare I celebrate without him. I know, it’s ridiculous. But this feels big to me.”

Laney put her hand into his. “That’s totally understandable. However, it’s your first Christmas in your new house. You’re starting new traditions. And your friend wouldn’t want you to be a scrooge forever, would he?”

“No, he wouldn’t. He loved Christmas.”

“Change is hard. Even when it’s good,” Laney said.

“You seem to be rolling with it pretty well.”

“How can I not when I get to spend time with you?” Laney asked. “And here?”

“Are you for real, or an angel that fell from the sky?”

“I’m for real. And I’m no angel, but I’m glad you think so.”

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