Page 52 of Mechanic’s Christmas Match

“Not on your life,” Valerie sniffed. “I’m taking the donations and handing out the balls.”

“Good for you,” Ana said, feeling relieved for her. “That’s a great cause. Good luck today, Mal.”

“You too,” Mal told her.

Valerie headed off at a brisk pace.

“And give him a chance,” Ana whispered when Valerie had gone. “I would.”

She dashed back toward her own booth before Mal could argue with her. Or worse, try to return the favor with some advice of her own.

As she passed the trains again, she spotted Rory there, his big form bent over the tiny engine.

He didn’t say anything, just looked up and gave her the most beautiful smile, and her heart ached with fresh longing.

Have I made a huge mistake?

Everything she had been trying not to think about today rushed into her mind and she was helpless to keep the thoughts at bay.

Rory had been in touch a few days ago to let her know that he was going to the fundraiser with Maggie Sullivan. When Ana asked if they needed help with costumes, he told her quietly that Maggie wanted to dress up as Mr. and Mrs. Claus and that he was sure they could find costumes on their own.

Of course Ana had insisted that she was on the job. It felt like exquisite torture, but she cared about Rory too much not to help.

Maggie had come in earlier in the week for Ana to get her measurements. The other woman had been strangely quiet about her feelings for Rory, no matter how much Ana encouraged her to open up or congratulated her on going out a second time.

She appreciates him, she told herself. She just isn’t as open about her feelings as I am.

But that felt wrong. Maggie was the warmest, kindest person. It didn’t make sense to Ana that she was being so quiet about Rory. Especially when Ana was the one who had set them up.

“Hey, love,” her mom said, snapping her out of her thoughts.

Their booth was surrounded by potential customers already, holding up aprons and looking at scarves and slippers.

Theo sat on a blanket on the floor between the table and the set of shelves they had set up. He was alternately looking at a picture book and peeking out at the people around.

“I brought you a snack,” Ana told him, crouching down to join him. “It’s chocolatey though, so I’ll have to put your book up for a second while you eat it.”

“Okay,” he said.

“I’m going to set aside a bite for your grandma,” Ana said. “Because this is Mal’s special new treat.”

Theo nodded and Ana tore the pretzel and the napkin in half and set a piece of it on the shelf before offering Theo his.

He took a big bite and his eyes lit up.

“That’s yummy, isn’t it?” Ana said with a smile.

He nodded his head up and down while he chewed, very politely not talking with his mouth full. They’d worked hard on that.

“Hey, Ana,” a familiar deep voice said.

She turned to see Rory leaning over the table to smile down at them.

“Hi,” Theo said shyly.

“Hi, Theo,” Rory said. “I had fun with you at the park the other day.”

Theo smiled up at him.