Page 15 of The Bear's Christmas Wish
“Thank you, Chef Emmy,” Michael said, accepting the mug with an exaggerated reverence that made Emmy beam with pride.
“Oh, look at it!” Emmy said, standing back to admire the tree. Then she leaned forward. “And smell it.” She sucked in the deepest breath, and so did Sarah.
“Smells like Christmas,” Pat said, squeezing Sarah’s arm. “Now, why don’t we dress the tree up a little?”
“Yes,” Emmy clapped her hands together and dragged the box filled with ornaments closer to the tree.
“Lights first.” Sarah gathered up the string of Christmas lights she had carefully unraveled earlier.
“Oh yeah,” Emmy giggled. “I nearly forgot.”
Together, they worked on the lights, Michael patiently following directions as Sarah and Emmy decided where they should go.
“Now for the special ornaments,” Emmy declared, pulling out a box labeled ‘EMMY’S TREASURES’ in wobbly letters.
Sarah watched as her daughter carefully showed Michael each precious decoration, explaining its history with the solemnity of a museum curator. Michael listened attentively, asking questions and handling each ornament as if it were made of glass, even the popsicle-stick reindeer from preschool.
“And this,” Emmy said, lifting a delicate ballerina from its tissue paper nest, “is my most special one. She spins!”
“She is special,” Michael said with serious reverence as Emmy hung the ballerina on a branch where the lights would catch her as she twirled.
“It’s time for the star,” Pat announced, retrieving a silver star from its box. “Who’s going to put it up this year?”
“Emmy should do it,” Sarah said immediately.
“But I can’t reach,” Emmy pointed out.
Michael stepped forward. “I think I can help with that.” He crouched down. “Hop on, kiddo.”
Emmy climbed onto his shoulders, giggling as he stood carefully. Sarah held her breath as Michael steadied Emmy with strong hands, lifting her high enough to place the star on the topmost branch.
“I did it!” Emmy crowed as Michael lowered her safely to the ground.
The completed tree stood magnificent in the corner, a perfect blend of twinkling lights, cherished ornaments, and fresh pine scent. Sarah felt something catch in her throat at the sight…it was everything she’d hoped it would be.
And more.
A chime sounded, and Michael pulled his phone from his pocket. His expression shifted as he read the text.
“I should get going,” he said, tucking the phone away. “There’s something I need to take care of.”
“Oh,” Sarah said, disappointment washing over her. “I’m sorry for taking up so much of your time.” She suddenly realized she hadn’t even considered that Michael might have someone waiting for him to get home. A girlfriend, or maybe even a wife. The thought made her stomach twist uncomfortably.
“Don’t apologize,” Michael said, his voice warm. “This was…” he gestured to the tree, to Emmy, who was still circling it in wonder, to the empty hot chocolate mugs. “…really nice.”
“Really nice,” Sarah repeated, unable to stop herself from glancing at his left hand as he slipped his phone back into his pocket. No ring. Her pulse quickened as she confirmed what she’d noticed earlier at the tree farm. But that didn’t necessarily mean anything.
Maybe he simply didn’t wear a ring while working with the trees…a practical precaution to avoid losing it.
She scolded herself mentally. What was she doing, spinning romantic fantasies about a man she’d just met? She’d sworn off relationships after the divorce, determined to focus solely on Emmy and rebuilding their lives.
“I’ve enjoyed this immensely,” Michael said, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. “It’s not often I get to see the full journey of one of my trees, from the farm to fully decorated.”
Something in his tone, in the way he said “immensely,” made her wonder if perhaps he didn’t have someone special waiting for him after all.
And that maybe someday she might be his special someone…
“Thank you for the hot chocolate,” he added, turning to Emmy, who was still circling the tree, adjusting ornaments to her exacting standards. “It was the perfect tree-decorating fuel.”
