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He doesn’t strike me as Saint Nick by any means, but I wanted to know.
Oliver: I really hadn’t thought about it.
My lips turn down in a frown. Who doesn’t have a Christmas tree at Christmas? Probably a bunch of people Willow, I scold myself.
Me: You need a tree, Oliver. It’s just not the same without one. If you’d like, I can help you pick one out.
Oliver: I’ll take you up on that offer. *winking emoji*
Me: I’m going later today to pick mine out, want to tag along?
The text is sent before I sit back and overanalyze what I just asked, then fear creeps in at the thought of him turning me down. Rejection sucks, I don’t care who you are.
Oliver: Sounds like fun.
Me: Good, maybe we can split the delivery cost to have them drop off at both of our places.
Oliver: I’ve got an SUV, we can just put them on the rack.
Sweet!Which is quickly followed by a happy dance.
Me: Really? That would be amazing!
Oliver: You got it.
I breathe a sigh of relief because that saves me money for sure.
Me: This won’t mess up our official date tomorrow, will it?
Oliver: How about we call this our pre-date, date?
Where did he come from? He almost seems too good to be true. A prince charming as one might say.
Me: I love it! What time are you free?
Oliver: I can be ready to go in, say, an hour?
Me: Perfect. I’ll bring the tree topper. Can’t pick out the perfect tree without one.
Oliver: I don’t have one.
My jaw drops in shock. Who doesn’t own a tree topper? No worries, there’s an easy fix to this situation.
Me: I’ve got one you can borrow.
Oliver: See you soon.
Butterflies float around in my stomach knowing that I get to see him in just about an hour. Was I too hasty in inviting him to my sacred tree shopping experience? I can’t stop smiling, excitement showing all over my face, I’m sure.
I blow to dust off the next box I hadn’t realized I brought inside. Opening it slowly, I peek inside.This box.
Pulling out the old carousel trinket, a flood of memories assaults me. This was a gift from my grandmother right before she passed. Christmas was her favorite holiday.
I think she’s the reason I have all this Christmas cheer. I used to spend every year with her. We’d take the time decorating every single room, followed by cookie making, and gingerbread house building, all the while laughing and dancing to jingle tunes. I miss her so much. A tear slips down my cheek and I wipe it away. I’m sad that she’s no longer here, but I’m so glad for all the memories I had with her.
I pull the old carousel from the dust covered box and walk over to place it in a prominent spot on the media console, moving around other things to give it the best view. My fingers trace over each line and crevice of the carousel.
There you go, Gran. Front and center.
