“Last year, the third graders were doing their little songs and the first few were carols. I don’t remember what they were, but then the music went up-tempo and this little girl who’d been standing there looking angelic through the first two songs suddenly starts shoulder popping and bebopping through ‘Jingle Bell Rock.’ I was laughing so hard I couldn’t see.”
“I can just imagine. We’d be a pair at that.” She could picture them practically in tears, trying to hold it together but the more she laughed the more he would. They’d be a hot mess together.
He smiled wide. “I hope you weren’t just being polite before when I mentioned going to the school pageant night with me. I would really like it if you’d come with me. If you’re not doing anything, assuming you’ll still be in town… I’m rambling. I’m a little out of practice here. I like your company. I hope you’ll come.”
Tucker wasn’t like any man she knew. He was virile, manly, and yet so tenderhearted. The tickling threat of tears made her blink.I can’t believe I met you, and that you live so far away. Why is it that the perfect ones are never within reach? But you’re here now. Just enjoy it while you can, Sheila. No harm in that.
“It sounds like a lot of fun,” Sheila said. “I’d like to attend with you.”
He took her hand. “Thanks. I’m looking forward to that.” He swung her arm, and then spun her around.
She giggled and stumbled over her own feet. “I wasn’t expecting that.”
He caught her, steadying her. “Sorry. I won’t do that again. Come on, I want to show you the fire department tree.”
She cocked her head to the side. “I don’t know. Will I get accused of stealing ideas from you?”
“Well, our theme is transportation, and we’re filling the tree with all kinds of trucks, cars, horses, skates, you name it. We’re calling it Ninety-nine Ways to Get Home for Christmas and at the end of it all, we’re donating every toy on the tree to kids around town.”
“Oh my gosh. That’s the best idea.” She bit down on her lip. “Is it horrible that I’m just now thinking I should suggest to Natalie that we donate our birdhouses to the senior center?” Her brows drew in tighter. “I’m sorry. It’s just such a good idea.”
“No harm. I think that you cheating off my paper is for the better good. We can call it a coincidence.” He playfully nudged her shoulder. “Are you gonna tell me about these amazing birdhouses of yours?”
She slapped her hand over her mouth. “Espionage! You just tricked me into telling you my idea.”
“No, I’m pretty sure you just stole the best part of mine.”
“We’re in cahoots now,” she said. “Might as well tell all.”
“Yep.”
“Birds. Feathers. Birdhouses and natural things like pine cones, gold pine needle tassels, dried orange and cinnamon ornaments. It’s going to be so gorgeous. Did you know Natalie is an artist?”
“I do know that.”
“She hand-painted the birdhouses. Randy built a whopper of one for the tree topper.”
“Sounds interesting. I guess we don’t have to worry about stealing ideas from each other’s teams. The ideas are very different, and both are very well thought-out. It can be our little secret.”
“To being in the top five.” She lifted her cup to his.
“May the best team win.” He sipped. “Hoping it’s us.”
She almost spit out her hot chocolate. “I can’t believe you said that.”
“Got to be honest.”
“Well, Natalie does not like to lose, so don’t think she’s going to go down without a fight.”
“Right this way.” They strolled on and stopped at a festive kiosk in the center. “There are three of these. Two at the entrances and this one, where volunteers will hand out the maps of the stadium. Trees are sort of in categories, which is why mine is way over there and yours will be over here, with the trees that are nature-related, outdoorsy, and animal-related.”
“Reindeer Run Way.” She pointed to the street sign the men were straightening as they walked by. “And does that say Hunters and Habitat Highway?”
“Clever, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then, over there are the ones that are traditional in style. Retro, to current, to like space exploration, sci-fi, or the stars and planets. You’ll be surprised at all the different ideas. I never tire of the Christmas Tree Stroll.”
