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“No. Absolutely not,” I say, quickly glancing at him.
“And why not? Sounds like a spicy Hallmark movie in the making. Go jump on that.”
“Jesus Christ, Taryn. What do you want?” I ask, trying to keep my voice level as Levi glances over at me.
“Nothing. I was just thinking about you. Wanted to check in and see how things were going with your roommate and work.”
“We’re going to his family’s Christmas tree farm. I’ve started on my article, but I’m still thinking about the story aspect.”
“Maybe the grinch whose heart grew ten sizes?” she muses. “Nah, that’s already been done. My vote is you should write about the girl who fell in love with a burly lumberjack during a blizzard. Think of the sales boom!”
“Okay, sis. Gotta go. Love you.”
She bellows out a loud laugh. “Love you too!”
I hang up, hoping Levi doesn’t see the embarrassment that’s flushed my cheeks. Regardless, I’ll have to thank her for that save.
We turn onto the main road that leads to the Christmas tree farm. A big hand-painted sign with a giant red arrow points toward the farm a mile away. Eventually, we pass an overflow lot and continue farther until we park in front of the shop. It looks like it came straight from Hogwarts with its dark rustic wood, high beams, and large windows that neatly frame the front porch. The smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafts through the air as smoke from a fireplace inside puffs from the chimney.
My mouth falls open with amazement as I take it in. Not wanting to forget a single detail, I snap several photos. Levi stands to the side with Dasher and watches me, allowing me time to capture everything I need. When I’m done, he leads me forward and opens the door for me.
“I’m going to put Dasher in the office while we walk around,” he tells me, leaving me on my own in the packed shop. The sounds of laughter and chatter fill the space as carols play overhead. A fifteen-foot brightly lit Christmas tree is the focus in the center of the room, and behind it is a large brick fireplace that I’d expect to see at a ski resort. A few people stand close to it, warming their hands.
I study the beautiful painting of the snowy Christmas tree farm that’s hung behind the counter. It looks so realistic as if I could transport myself into the scene. My attention travels to the older woman ringing up customers, and I immediately know she’s Levi’s mother. They have the same kind eyes and smile. As soon as she spots me, she waves and makes a beeline toward us.
“You must be Fallon Joy!” She greets me like I’m an old friend of the family and wraps me in a hug. I awkwardly hug her back, not used to people being so friendly. I typically stay in my bubble.
“Yes, I am. You must be Mrs. White.”
“Call me Eloise. It’s lovely to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”
“Nothing good, I’m sure.”
She chuckles. “All great things,” she reassures me, but her tone holds a hint of amusement.
“Mom.” Levi returns. “I see you found Fallon.”
“You didn’t tell me how gorgeous she is, Levi.”
My cheeks heat at how sweet she’s being.
“Didn’t I? Must’ve slipped my mind,” he deadpans.
“Has my son been treating you well?”
“Yes, he has. Oh, I wanted to thank you for the coffee. It was greatly appreciated and so delicious.”
“Anytime. I keep a stockpile in the house if you need more. You should come visit sometime.”
“Thank you. You’re too nice. Why couldn’t I have been scammed into walking into your house, instead?” I muse with a chuckle.
Levi rolls his eyes. “Why? So you could mace my poor old parents, instead?”
“Levi Christmas White.Who are you calling old?” she hisses with a popped brow.
“Please tell me your middle name isnotChristmas…” I snicker.
“It’s not.” He shakes his head.
