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The joy in my eyes is there for her to see as she reaches that inch and kisses me. “You are a very special man and I’m so glad I get to call you mine.”
“Do you want to leave?” I ask, suddenly.
“Tree lot next, right?”
I laugh. “I haven’t forgotten. They also have a large room full of decorations. If you don’t find anything there that you like, then there’s something wrong.” I grin. “They have things for all occasions.”
“Lead the way.” She gingerly steps from the ice and once we have our boots back on our feet, I take her hand and lead her over to the coffee stand.
“This will warm us up. I think fresh snow will be falling soon, but a bad storm isn’t in the forecast until later tomorrow.”
“I’ll never refuse coffee.”
By the time we arrive at the Christmas tree farm, there are small flurries in the air to match the grey sky. The snow is piled at the side of the lot as I help Charlotte from the truck.
Shivering, she snuggles under my arm, mumbling, “It’s so cold.”
“We won’t be out long, but if you want to wait inside and browse the ornaments while I get us a tree, I’d be okay with that. I just want you warm.”
Opening the rickety door, I shove her inside and grin when she stamps her feet to warm herself up on the old thick mat. Her grin as she meets my gaze warms me up.
“Let me warm up for a couple of minutes. I’m not missing our first time together at getting our tree. No way.”
I brush her hair over her shoulder, and ripping a glove off, I cup the back of her neck. “I love you,” I whisper against her lips before I claim them in a long, searching kiss.
Pulling away, I grin at the sight of her struggling to open her eyes. Everything around us disappears and it’s just the two of us, lost in each other. Her eyes finally flutter open and the silly grin she has on her face has me cupping her rosy red cheeks and bringing her closer for a big sloppy kiss.
Her arms wrap around my neck and mine go around her waist, holding her tightly against me. “I think everyone in town will know about you before dusk,” I breathe between kisses.
Charlotte looks confused so I move my eyes to the side and very slowly, she turns. Our stunned audience takes a moment and then when Maggie, the owner, starts clapping, the rest follow.
I tug Charlotte into my arms and laugh when she buries her face into my chest.
Maggie hushes everyone, and then comes rushing over. I’ve known her most of my life, like I have the majority of people in the town. She’s around eighty and has always been the person people would go to for advice. Like an agony column. As a child, I used to think that she was Mrs. Clause because she’s exactly as the Mrs is depicted in books and on the TV.
“I’ve heard all about you,” she gushes to Charlotte, a huge smile on her wrinkled face. “Just so you know,” she whispers so as not to be overheard, “we’re all so relieved that Tanner came to his senses before it was too late.” Clapping her hands while clearing her throat. “Welcome to our small town, Charlotte. I hope you’ll be staying…”
I laugh. “Nice try, Maggie. Wherever we go, I can promise you it will be together.” I kiss her weathered cheek. “I’ve brought my girl to choose our first Christmas tree. We also want some decorations that will last.”
“Oh,” she mumbles, dabbing at her face. “I’ve waited so long for this.” She takes my hand. “So long, Tanner.”
Releasing her hold, she ushers us back out of the store. “Go and choose your tree, and then come back in here.” The door bangs behind her retreating figure.
I stare at Charlotte and we laugh. “I like her,” Charlotte says on a giggle. “I kept expecting Santa to join her.”
“You’re not far off the truth there.”
She frowns.
“You’ll see.” I shove my glove on and lead her to the tree lot, and we straightaway bump into Maggie’s husband, Kris, as the flurries in the air become thicker.
The smell of pine hits my nose bringing back memories of my childhood. Trees with a light dusting of snow are in lines with gaps between from where trees have been taken. Soft Christmas music plays in the background as kids chase each other around.
It’s a magical place and I used to love coming here, in fact, I’d forgotten how much. I glance at Charlotte and her eyes are fixed on Kris as he helps a customer with her choice of tree.
With a gentle tug on Charlotte’s hand, I lead her deeper through the spruce and finally come to the noble firs. “The thick needles are my favorite.” I lean in and inhale. “Smell that? So fresh and green.”
Her face lights up. “Then I think we have a tree.” She wraps an arm around my waist, and rests her head on my shoulder. “I can’t believe we found one so quickly. My siblings an
