Page 35 of Merry Little Sugar Rush
Standing up, I pull my sister into a warm hug. “I’m so happy for you, big sister.”
“Thanks,” she replies, returning the gesture and squeezing extra hard. “I love you.”
“Love you too. Let me know what else I can help with.”
“I will.”
“Oh, and tell me every detail after he proposes.”
She grins like a love-sick teenager. “I will.” She tosses her cup and the paper plate that once contained her turnover into the trash can. “Talk soon,” she adds, moving toward the door and stepping outside.
I watch as she pulls a stocking cap out of her pocket and slips it on her head. There’s no missing the smile etched across her lips as she makes her way to where her vehicle is parked.
My sister’s going to get married.
Soon.
And I couldn’t be happier for her.
A Christmas wedding is the dream.
With a little extra bounce in my step, I take in the sparkling holiday lights on my tree, start humming “The Wedding March,” and get back to work.
TEN
Burk
“Burk, what’s your location?”
I pull the walkie-talkie from the clip and bring it to my mouth, answering my cousin’s question. “Wrapping a tree and then heading to the front.”
“Ten-four. There’s a pretty woman up here to see you.” There’s no missing the smile in Klint’s voice as he replies.
“Be there in a second.”
A pretty woman, huh? That can only be one person, and even though I try not to check my watch, I do it anyway. The bakery is closed, but she usually uses the rest of her afternoon to prep for the next day.
So why is she here?
“All set,” I tell the older couple as I place the smaller tree onto the sled and make sure all the supplies to cut down and wrap the tree are returned to the crate.
The couple, transplants to Snowflake Falls about five or six years ago, chats as we head back to the front area. As we had made our way into the tree farm, they had explained how theyrelocated to town because they had both retired and wanted out of the city. They chose Snowflake Falls for its charming small-town feel and friendly vibe and are happy with their move. Their kids and grandkids still live in Aurora, but they come to visit as often as they can.
As I approach the pay hut, I instantly take notice of the woman standing there. It’s exactly who I thought—and hoped—it would be, and now that I’ve laid eyes on Joy, there’s a little extra spring in my step as I head her way.
“All right, Mr. and Mrs. Gleason,” I start, stepping up to the window in the hut and handing a ticket over to my uncle. “Karl will get you taken care of here, and then we’ll get you loaded up.”
Karl waves his hand. “I’ll load them. Go ahead and visit with your friend,” he says, flashing a knowing smile.
I nod and turn my attention to Joy. “Hey.”
“Hi,” she replies, her green eyes twinkling like Christmas lights as she bounces on her toes. “Sorry to just drop by like this.”
I pull off my thick work gloves and nod my head toward the concession stand. “You’re fine. Everything okay?” I ask as she falls in line beside me.
“Everything is…perfect.” She’s smiling so brightly it makes her entire face seem more alive than ever before. “I just got the best news, and I wanted to share it with someone.”
I nod. “Let’s grab a hot cocoa and we can sit for a few minutes.”
