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The mayor flipped the switch and colorful sequence lights lit up the tree, flashing different patterns. The silver star on top sparkled and the crowd erupted into thunderous applause.
“Thank you to Cortez Electric for volunteering their time to make this tree shine. Now, please join us across the street at the Community Center for dinner and our stocking raffle!”
Jared held up the bags. “Should we put these in the trunk of your car and head over?”
“Yes, please. I don’t think either one of us want to carry them around all night.”
Anna Beth took his arm again and leaned her head against his shoulder, her sweet scent surrounding him. He kissed the top of her head.
“I had so much fun tonight, “she gushed. “Being back here is so different.”
Stay.
The
word tickled the tip of his tongue, but he didn’t want to ruin their night by bringing up her future plans. They'd agreed to one day at a time.
“I’m glad you’re happy.”
“Are you happy?” she asked.
“Yes. This is the happiest I’ve ever been.”
Anna Beth kissed his shoulder. They arrived at her car and when she unlocked it, Jared placed the bags in the trunk.
Jared took Anna Beth’s hand and brought her in for a kiss. Her arms looped around his shoulders and he pressed his hands into the small of her back. Jared slipped his tongue inside her mouth, kissing her deeper.
“Mrs. Claus?” A chorus of voices cried behind him.
They broke the kiss, spinning to find three families with small children standing behind them, little Carly in front. Her tiny hands were fisted on her hips, a scowl twisting her cute as a button features.
“I’m telling Santa you kissed Officer Cross! You’re going to be on the naughty list for life.”
The other children nodded in agreement while their parents snickered.
Anna Beth buried her face in Jared's jacket. He shook his head. “Sorry kids. It was all my fault. Mrs. Claus is too cute. I’ll apologize to Santa.”
“You better,” Carly said.
Jared arched a brow at Carly's mother. “That’s a live one you got there.”
“Come on, kids. Let’s get some food.” The mother mouthed, I’m sorry as they passed.
Jared hugged Anna Beth hard. “How does it feel to have officially ruined Christmas?”
“Shut up,” she laughed into his chest.
He rubbed her coat covered shoulders. “Come on, A.B. Let’s get inside.”
Warm air rushed from the Community Center when he opened the door, hitting his cold cheeks. Inside was brightly lit with red and green garland roped across the ceiling. Several people stood behind a table with a gold tablecloth, two of them handling the cash boxes while the rest handed out raffle tickets. Jared took in the giant display fireplace in the middle of the room, red stockings nearly covering the massive prop. A fake fire with floating cloths of red, orange and yellow danced inside.
“Welcome, Jared! Do you already have your meal tickets?” Margo asked.
“Yes, there should be two under Cross.”
Margo flipped through her list and grabbed a highlighter. “Got you. Do you want to buy more raffle tickets?”
“I would,” Anna Beth piped in.
