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“Bingo.” She laughed again, but this time it sounded more nervous than the previous ones. “So with that in mind, you can imagine that the traditions we usually partake in haven’t happened.”
“Well, you’re welcome to make Christmas sweets over at our place. I’m sure Mathew would love that.”
She glanced at him once more. “Perhaps we could make some cookies while I work with him on his educational goals.”
His insides practically sang with jubilation, but immediately he squashed the hope he’d created. “I only have one request.”
“Oh?”
“Sugar cookies.”
“I wouldn’t dream of leaving those out.”
“Dad! Dad! This one. I want this tree.”
They turned to find Mathew jumping up and down, pointing at a tree he stood beside. “It’s perfect, right?”
The tree was only about two feet taller than Mathew making the top branch only reach five and a half feet. It would be easy for Mathew to decorate all on his own if he really wanted to. Tristan nodded. “I think you picked the perfect one.”
Mathew beamed and stepped back. The process of cutting it down took more time than Tristan expected, and at one point, he thought Dianna might offer to step in and help. But finally with the right angle, he was able to get the axe to hit it just right. The final crack split the air and the tree fell with a heavy thud against the snow-packed earth.
Mathew jumped up and down, cheering excitedly. His energy was contagious and Tristan couldn’t fight his own enthusiasm.
Tristan gave the axe to Dianna and grabbed the trunk of the tree. “Let’s get this back to the sleigh and maybe when we get back to the cabin, we can get some hot chocolate.”
“Yay!” Mathew hurried over to Dianna. “You’ll come for hot chocolate, right?”
She sent a cautious look in Tristan’s direction, then brought her focus back to Mathew. “If you really want me to.”
Mathew nodded vigorously. “Then maybe we can make some ornaments, too.” Before she could respond, Mathew ran ahead, faster this time. It was harder to keep up while dragging the tree behind him.
“Thanks for coming,” Tristan said softly. “I appreciate it.”
“I don’t feel like I helped very much,” Dianna said. “You and Mathew did all the work.”
“You underestimate how calming your presence can be.” The words escaped his lips before he had a chance to examine them or consider how they might sound to Dianna.
She kept her focus on Mathew. “It’s funny that you say that. I haven’t seen many blowups with him.” She was quick to continue, her voice tighter. “Not that I don’t believe you. I guess I’ve just noticed that Mathew doesn’t need as much help as I expected.”
“You’re right. He hasn’t had as many meltdowns as he usually does. And I equate that with you.”
She slowed her pace.
“I mean it. There’s something about you that speaks to him. It’s like he can see something that I can’t.” That wasn’t true. Tristan could see a great deal about Dianna that impressed him. Mathew probably just connected with Dianna on a different plane.
“Thanks,” she whispered. “It’s nice to hear that.”
Before he could say anything else, Mathew scurried back toward them. “Do we have marshmallows? I want marshmallows in my hot chocolate.”
“If you don’t, I’m sure we could track some down at the country club. They’ve got to have some in the kitchen, right?” Dianna moved away from Tristan when Mathew grabbed her hand and tugged her forward.
“And whipped cream? I want whipped cream, too.”
She laughed. “A guy after my own heart. That sounds delicious.” The volume of their voices lowered the farther away they got. Mathew didn’t release her hand as they continued walking, choosing to swing her arm back and forth as he skipped beside her.
There it was. The moment he’d dreaded since he’d met this woman. His heart knew what it wanted, and it wanted Dianna. Shane wasn’t averse to it. That left Dianna. Would she even consider anything romantic with him?
Not likely, especially after what she’d told him about her interest in relationships.
