Page 35 of Made

I looked dubious. “I don’t know. I’m pretty serious about Yule. And you know I have both a houseanda business to spruce up.”

With a smile too bright for anyone not pixie to manage, she said, “Oh. That was a pun. I learned all about those. Good one. Come back and take a look.”

My favorite florist was right. A truckload of greenery now occupied the space that used to be Lily’s workroom. It was contained in huge boxes, some opened, and organized by variety.

“Lily. Is this heaven?”

She looked around. “It’s greenery.” Her delivery lacked the enthusiasm it deserved.

“Yes! But the smell!”

“Oh.” She laughed. “It’s one of the best things about Yule, isn’t it?”

“I’ve never experienced so many stems concentrated in one place. Can I move in? I won’t take up much room. Just a small cot.” I looked around. “Maybe over there.”

“You’re very funny for a judge.”

“Why, thank you.” After that, I’d look foolish if I said I was quite serious.

“I have some orders to sort through and prioritize, but feel free to take what you want. There are a couple of empty crates behind you. Just put what you want in there and I’ll get Buckthorne to deliver.”

I blinked. I wasn’t going to need either Keir or Dolan. “Deliver? That’s great! Who’s Buckthorne?”

“Oh. He’s my seasonal help. You haven’t met him? He’s out on an errand right now, but he might be back while you’re here.”

“Okay.”

Lily disappeared into her little closet-sized office while I began the jolly old task of picking through greenery. Forty-five minutes later, I was satisfied that I’d selfishly snatched up the best pieces I could reach, given the depth of the boxes, and separated them into five crates. I was dying to find out what happened with Esme and was trying to figure out if I could sneak in a quick visit. She was only three doors away…

Standing up, I expected to hear a little crepitation from my knees, but the silence reminded me that I was now equipped with a tiny touch of magic.

“Lily!” I called. She appeared instantly. “I’m taking these five crates. These three go to The Hallows. These two are for the house. How much do I owe you?”

“I’ll figure it up and send the bill with Buckthorne.”

“How do I know I can afford it if you don’t tell me how much?”

“You can afford it.” The deep-voiced answer came from none other than my hubs. “Afternoon, Lily.”

“Keir! What are you doing here?”

Drat it all.It was almost as if my thought about ducking into Esme’s had set off a Keir alarm. Clandestine visit officially scratched.

“I came to help carry greenery,” he said. “Did you forget?”

“I thought you came to keep me away from Esme.”

“That, too.”

“No charge for delivery,” Lily interjected.

“Well, there you have it,” I told Keir. “Lily has a delivery guy who’ll carry all this for free.”

Lily said, “It’s none of my concern, I know, but you’ve raised my curiosity about why your husband is trying to keep you away from Esme. Aren’t you and Esme friends?”

“I’d love to share, Lily, but I have to get permission from Esme before spilling anything about it and…”

Lily looked at Keir. “You won’t let Rita near her.”

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