Page 98 of A Christmas Celebration
‘Yes, yes,’ he said, brushing the question off. ‘Stop fussing.’
‘Come on then,’ I said, unbuttoning my coat, ‘let’s get the decs down and then we’ll go. I want to make sure we bag you a decent tree. This room will take a big one, I reckon.’
After carrying down the Price family decorations, ofwhich there were quite a lot, I downed a glass of water and we headed into Wynbridge. It was already busy and I wondered how Albert would cope being among so many people.
‘All right?’ I asked as I helped him out of the cab.
I didn’t want to make another fuss, but couldn’t not ask.
‘It’s busy, isn’t it?’ he said, linking his arm through mine and looking around.
‘Busier than I thought it would be,’ I told him. ‘Is that all right?’
‘I am a bit worried,’ he said.
‘Oh, Albert,’ I said, tucking him closer.
‘I’m worried that if we don’t hurry up, all the best trees will be gone.’
I wasn’t sure if that was bravado or the truth, but we quickly made our way to the square where the trees were being auctioned off and bagged ourselves a beauty.
‘Thanks, Steve,’ I said to the Dempster’s son who kindly carried it back to the Land Rover and helped me strap it down securely.
‘No worries,’ he smiled, looking very much like his dad. ‘Don’t forget your mistletoe.’ He winked at Albert, before rushing off to help someone else.
‘Would you like some greenery?’ I asked Albert. ‘I could get you some straight from the Wynthorpe woods if you don’t want to get caught up in the square again.’
‘I’m not bothered about mistletoe,’ he said, ‘but perhaps we could have a look for a wreath for the door on the market.Let’s have a drink somewhere first though, shall we? I could do with defrosting.’
Encouraged that he wasn’t in a rush to leave, we managed to squeeze our way into The Cherry Tree Café. There was no sign of Lizzie, but Jemma was rushing about, expertly juggling orders and clearing tables.
‘What can I get you?’ she asked. ‘Hello, Paige. How’s it looking out there?’
I introduced her to Albert, filled her in on what was happening in the square and requested two iced and spiced buns and hot chocolate with the works.
‘My goodness,’ Albert gasped, when it arrived. ‘There’ll be no stopping me this afternoon.’
‘That’s my plan.’ I nudged him. ‘We’ll have the cottage transformed in no time after a sugar hit like this.’
While we thawed out and filled up, I told Albert about the gallery next door.
‘They showcase all kinds of local artists’ work,’ I innocently said, ‘and I’m sure they’d have room for one more.’
Albert fixed me with a steely stare.
‘Don’t worry,’ I told him, when I realized I’d pushed my luck too far. ‘I wouldn’t really dream of trying to convince you to exhibit.’
‘Good,’ he said, wiping cream from his upper lip. ‘Because I’d hate for us to fall out again.’
‘So would I!’ I laughed, feeling proud of how far we’d come. ‘You’re really not going to share your work though, are you?’ I sighed.
‘No,’ he said gruffly, ‘I’m really not.’
Knowing he wouldn’t back down, I changed the subject.
‘Hello, Paige,’ said Kathleen, who came in with Dorothy close behind. ‘How are you enjoying the town in full festive flow?’
‘Very much,’ I told her.
