Page 20 of Mistletoe Mistake
Nick
As if in slow motion, she turns and takes in the huge, almost empty lot to our right. In a matter of seconds, about twenty different emotions are reflected in those gorgeous eyes.
She settles on disbelief.
“Christmas trees?”
“Yep.” I indicate and make the turn into the lot.
“What sort of tree do you think you’re going to get a week before Christmas?”
“I thinkweare going to find just the tree we need.”
Relieved that we have finally made it, I park quickly and practically vault out of the car. I underestimated how tough it would be in such a confined space with her. For someone who hates Christmas so damn much, she smells like a walking advertisement for it. Peppermint, chocolate, and today there’s a hint of cinnamon. She’s got me goddamn salivating.
I know what you’re thinking. I was going to make my move last night.
And you’d be right.
I one hundred percent pussied out.
But tonight is the night. I figure after a day of Christmas spirit, I’ll cook her a nice meal—my world-famous mac and cheese, thank you very much—and then… well, I can’t give away all my secrets now, can I?
I’m feeling good about my plan. Once I win her over to Christmas, I’ll win her over to me.
I’m practically a genius.
A car door slams behind me, and I hear her run to catch up. I steel myself to be overwhelmed by her scent. I swear to God, just the sight of a candy cane is enough to give me a hard-on these days.
“Christmas is in exactly seven days, all they’re going to have left are the pitiful, rejected trees.”
“Anything can be made beautiful with a bit of Christmas spirit.” I pause. “And some tinsel.” I run an eye along the line of trees available to buy and mutter, “A lot of tinsel.”
We spend the next hour trawling through the trees until we settle on a smallish tree that looks like it has the best chance of surviving through to Christmas Day.
“We’ll take the tree out back and net it for you. My wife is at the front of the lot and she’ll take payment. We’ll meet you in the parking lot to help you load it on your car.”
We thank the owner and his assistant for their help and make our way to find his wife.
“That was fun, right? It’s not really Christmas until you have a tree and I think that’s going to be a beauty.”
She looks at me as if I’m crazy but simply nods her head and mumbles a noncommittal, “Mmm.”
“How are you folks this morning? I’m Flora, Ned’s wife.”
“Nice to meet you, ma’am.” Holly offers her hand and Flora takes it warmly.
“Okay, let’s get you kids sorted out so you can be on your way.” Her smile is warm and she gives off grandma vibes that I’m sure are good for business.
I hand over the money for the tree and Flora is passing me my change when she glances up above our heads.
Pointing in the same direction, she asks, “Would you look at that?”
We follow her finger to find we’re standing underneath lights that are strung up all around the perimeter of the lot. Easy to miss during the day when they’re not lit up.
Also randomly hung up is an occasional sprig of mistletoe, one of which Holly and I happen to be standing right underneath.
“Look at you lovebirds, under the mistletoe.” She turns to me with a wink. “You best kiss your lady, young man.”
