Page 66 of A Very Merry Mistake

“I was told to tell you to hurry the fuck up because they need these trees at the loading area immediately. There are about sixty cars waitin’ for them.”

The number catches me off guard, and I know I must’ve misheard. “Sixteen?”

“Six-zero. We don’t have time for you to be lollygagging. Hudson is ready to blow a gasket.”

I shake my head. “He needs a vacation.”

“He needs a wife,” Lucas says. “Need any help?”

“Nah, I’ll meet you up front.” I give him a wave and make my way around the front of the truck, then climb in.

I carefully haul the trees to the unloading area. Then, I help wrap them in wire and secure them to customer’s vehicles. I do this for the rest of the day and am relieved by the afternoon shift. I take my work gloves off and hold my arms over my head, sore from the lifting I did.

“I’m starving.” Lucas pats me on the back. “Want to go to Glenda’s?”

“Nah, can’t.” I smile at him.

“Ah, almost forgot. Well, then, good work today.” He gives my hand a firm shake. “Have fun with your lady friend.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

We go our separate ways, and the only thing on my mind is Claire. Being away from her was more complicated than I thought it would be. I’m looking forward to cooking a hot meal and having her for dessert.

I turn off onto the gravel road that leads to my cabin on the property. As I’m happily driving along, I see red flashing lights. When I round the final bend, I see the volunteer fire department outside my house.

My heart immediately sinks as I park.

What the fuck is going on?

CHAPTER 17

CLAIRE

I’m a blubbering mess as the fire trucks surround the house. My nerves are shot, and I’ve almost shed a few tears from the stress. It’s not something I do, so it was shocking for me, too.

When I look up, Jake rushes toward me, grabbing my shoulders and asking if everything is okay.

“CeCe?” he asks, looking around, and I point up to the tree where Tinsel is meowing.

Jake’s eyes widen, and I’m worried about what he’ll say or how mad he’ll be. I nearly lost his pride and joy; she’s been in that tree howling for the last hour. Poor thing is probably scared to death, and it’s all my fault because I didn’t pay attention.

“I’m so sorry,” I say, my bottom lip quivering.

He places his palm on my cheek, then he bursts into laughter. “I should’ve warned you that she’s great at opening doors if they’re not clicked closed.”

I look into his eyes, and he smiles, a reaction I didn’t expect. “It’s not a big deal, babe. But I better get her down before she works herself up.” Jake goes to the base of the tree. “Tinsel! You turd!” he hollers, passing one of the guys dressed in full firefighter garb.

Jake talks to the man with the ladder, and I overhear their conversation.

“If she climbs any further up, we’re gonna have to call Henry’s Tree Service to get someone with harnesses up to get her down.”

I want to disappear.

“Nah, that won’t be necessary. Do you mind?” Jake puts his foot on the bottom rung of the ladder and climbs up. With his height, it’s no issue for him to reach out and grab her. She fusses bitterly all the way down as he holds her against his chest.

“You’re okay,” he whispers, kissing her. “You’re fine.”

“Another successful day,” one of the volunteers says, patting Jake on his back.

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