Page 20 of Arranging Ayra

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Determined to do some shopping, I once again dressed to go into town and left my room. As I tiptoed down the hall, I hoped to avoid running into Keely. But as I reached the first step of the stairs, she once again called out to me.

With a pleasant smile on my face, I turned to her. “Keely. Aren’t you downstairs shooting a scene?”

“Not yet. You’re going into town to shop?”

“That’s right. I mean, if that’s okay with you. Do you need me here?” I offered despite my eagerness to go into town.

“That’s fine. In fact, I have a few things to add to your list.”

Oh, no.

“We’re in desperate need of Christmas decorations for the ballroom scene.”

“Okay. I’ll see what I can scrape up.”

“We’ll need a dozen wreathes. A massive Christmas trees plus two smaller ones.” She held her hand up at shoulder height. “About yay tall.”

“Got it.”

“Also ornaments... antique of course.”

“Right.”

“Lots of big red bows.”

“Gotcha.”

“No, make them gold.”

“Gold it is.”

“We’ll need at least five candelabras. The more elaborate the better.”

“I do think that I have that on my list.”

“Good. Then I think that’ll be it for now.”

“Perfect. I’m on my way out right now.”

Keely trotted down the stairs before I could even contemplate taking my first step. I slowly made my way down and once in the main entrance, came face to face with Barnaby.

“Hey,” he let out. “Where you off to?”

“Shopping now.”

“Mind if I tag along?”

I was stunned. Gaping at him, I had to remind my jaw to go back to its regular resting place. Had he just invited himself to spend the day with me? Surely, I was mistaken. I hadn’t yet confirmed anything with Devi, so I had no obligation there.

“I’ll be gone for most of the day,” I said to avoid any misunderstanding. “Don’t you have scenes to shoot?”

He shrugged, so nonchalant and adorable. “No. It’s all the Bennett family today. I have the whole day off. Besides, I have a few errands of my own to tend to.”

A silly grin spread over my face. I could just feel my cheeks turn redder and redder. My own Mr. Darcy for the day. Surely, I would be the envy of everyone who saw us together.