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He shrugs. “Just a guess.”
“I don’t dislike Christmas. It’s just an inconvenient time of year. The banks are closed. Everyone wants off work. Travel is expensive. Kids are out of school and running around loose. I’m much more of a Saint Patrick’s Day kind of girl. That’s a holiday I can get behind. It’s more my speed, and it makes for a great wedding weekend. Everyone feels lucky, and Vegas is the perfect spot,” I confess.
“Wow, Saint Patrick’s Day, huh?”
“Yeah. It knows it’s place. It’s one day in March. You celebrate it, and then it’s done. Christmas, on the other hand, is one day that people take celebrating way too far.”
“Christmas is not a day. It’s an entire season. A time of year we set everything else aside and celebrate what is most important in life,” he says.
“Maybe here,” I quip.
“Stick around. It’ll grow on you too.”
“Are you a pirate?”
We look down, and one of Donna’s kiddos is tugging at the hem of Bran’s shirt.
“Argh, matey. I sure am. Don’t you recognize me? I’m Captain Nog,” Bran answers, using a heavy brogue accent.
“Wow, are you and Jack Sparrow friends?” he asks.
“We’ve met, but we’re not friends. He’s my mortal enemy. He thinks he’s the handsomest pirate in all the land, but clearly, I’m the fairest of them all.”
A giggle escapes me.
“You know what’s hiding under this thing, don’t ya?” Bran asks, raising his splinted hand.
The child’s eyes go wide. “A hook?” he asks in wonder.
“That’s right. So, ye’d better be on your best behavior, or I’ll be forced to bring it out.”
The child turns and bolts off, calling for his mommy as he goes.
“Nice,” I say.
“Nothing like scaring kids at Christmas,” he states as he watches the youngster run off.
“You’re something else.”
His eyes cut to me. “So are you.”
I don’t get a chance to respond because a loud, familiar voice bellows from the hallway.
“Surprise!”
I turn to find my mother standing in the threshold of the great room with her arms wide open.
“Mom? What are you doing here?” I ask as I make my way to her.
“Trixie called and invited me to come spend the holidays with her and my daughter. So, I packed my bags and caught the first flight to Idaho.”
I embrace her. “Just like that? What about the office?” I ask.
Mom works at the front desk of a pediatric clinic in Palm Springs.
“I gave my notice in November. The first of this month was my last official day. I’m a retired lady of leisure now.”
“When did you decide this?” I ask.
