Page 19 of A Mistletoe Mix Up
“I may be getting old, but these eyes work just fine.”
I turn to look through the doorway. Tandy’s stretching on her tiptoes to hang a strand of tinsel.
He continues, “I’m just telling you what I see. What I’ve seen for a while now.”
“Gramps…”
“Just think about it. Remember, life is short, and if you care about someone, make sure they know.” He taps my shoulder and walks out of the kitchen.
I nod slowly, then return to Tandy.
“Well, what do you think? We still need a tree but…is it too much? You don’t like it, huh? You like—”
I chuckle, touching her arm. “Tandy, it looks great.”
“Really?” She looks up at me, her eyes wide.
“Yeah, really. I might go blind tomorrow, but at least, we’ll go out in a blaze of glory.”
She elbows me. “Hey!”
“It’s vibrant and joyful. A little chaotic. But it’s everything you are, Bookworm.”
Chapter Ten
Tandy
It’s the first Cookies and Holiday Tales event tonight, and all hands are on deck. Jane is at the counter, sorting through a pile of new Christmas books, debating which one to read to the kids. Greta is arranging plates on the dessert table for the bakedgoods. Nonna is directing everyone around like a seasoned captain and checking off the long list of to-dos.
I’m arranging the chairs at the craft table when Andrew strolls in, carrying a small box. He grabs something from inside and waves it above his head.
“Behold!” he announces, revealing a sprig of mistletoe. “The perfect addition to our Christmas decor.” He wiggles his eyebrows at Jane.
“Andrew!” Jane shakes her head. “It’s a children’s event.”
Nonna peeks around a bookshelf. “Tradition says you gotta!” she teases, her voice booming across the bookstore.
Jane blushes, glancing at Andrew, who’s grinning widely.
“You heard Nonna, tradition is tradition.” He winks, holding the mistletoe above his head once more.
Jane leans in and gives him a quick peck on his lips. She shakes her head with a smile. My heart warms at the sight of them. They are so cute together.
Nonna claps her hands together. “Back to work! We have an event to prepare for.”
Andrew tucks the mistletoe back into the box, and we all continue with our tasks. Jane’s dad walks in with the goodies from the bakery. The smell of freshly baked cookies fills the air, making my stomach growl. I glance at the clock; it’s almost noon, which means Grayson should be here any minute with lunch.
As if on cue, the front door swings open with a chime, and Grayson steps in, two pizza boxes in his hands. “Lunch delivery.”
His gaze meets mine, and a soft smile touches his lips.
“My hero!” I run over to him. “I’m starving.”
He hands me a slice and takes one for himself. “Hope it’s to your liking.”
“You know me, Gray, I could live off pizza.”
He chuckles. “Believe me, I know.”
