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“You’re sure Alex is bringing the books with him?” Aunt Faye asked.
“Yep, he said he got it all worked out with his agent, who overnighted another few boxes to him. So long as he makes it here in one piece, the books will be with him.” She laughed. “He even texted a picture of them beside his travel bag inside the car to assure me they hadn’t been forgotten.”
He’d been such a good sport about it all, insisting he take care of everything so no one from the Brooks family had to take time out of their busy schedules and drive up to South Bend. Really, she was just glad to avoid any awkward encounters with the B-A-P staff. No one here felt intense ill will toward them, but feelings were still a little hurt from them duplicating the Bourbon Falls ornament-decorating event.
“And is he getting in tonight or tomorrow?” Aunt Faye asked.
“Tonight,” Del said. “Can’t you tell? She’s practically glowing.”
Brooklyn made a face. “Ugh, maybe it’s a good thing I’m staying over at Emily’s house tonight. I’m not sure I can stomach watching you two acting all lovey dovey all evening.”
The back door squeaked open and shut, and all eyes went to the hall.
“Speak of the devil,” Del said as they waited for the newcomer to appear. But it wasn’t Alex—it was their father.
“Ho, ho, ho! I thought I’d stop in and see how the decorating was coming along.” He gave each of his daughters a peck on the cheek, and a wink to Faye and Brooklyn. “Looking good in here, ladies. So, where will I be sitting tomorrow for my big performance?”
“Over here, Grandpa.” Brooklyn ushered him to the kids’ section, where the blue rocker he’d bought his wife all those years ago sat before their large, braided rug. Beside the rocker was a small table, and on that stood a well-loved copy ofThe Night Before Christmas. “What do you think?”
“I think it looks perfect.” He turned to offer his girls a watery smile. “Your mother would have been so proud.”
Del stepped forward to give him a hug. “Thanks. We love ya, Pops.”
“Love you, too, sweet pea.” He tucked her under one arm. “And I’m not just saying that because of the gift Santa had stored behind your shop.”
Del frowned. “Gift behind my shop?”
“The big shiny red one. You know I’ve always been partial to red. Not that I was looking, of course.” Their father offered an innocent shrug. “Wouldn’t want Santa to send that one back because I’d been naughty and peeked.”
Wow, he was still stuck on that idea? Del and Mia exchanged a look.
“Dad, I already told you,” Del said, easing out from his embrace. “That was my sales rep’s vehicle, not a Christmas present. A good thing, too, or you would be in trouble for peeking. Speaking of being naughty, aren’t you supposed to be on duty tomorrow? How are you going to play chief and Santa at the same time?”
“Chase volunteered to come in and cover for me while I was at your event. Good practice for our future chief.”
“Ha, like you’re going to retire any time soon,” Del said with a laugh.
“Not until I buy myself a new vehicle. Unless, of course, Santa is being sneaky and just moved my gift.”
Mia shook her head. Sometimes, her father could be incorrigible. “I wouldn’t get your hopes up, Dad. Now, less talking, more working or we’ll be here until midnight getting ready. Here, I’ll walk you out.”
She exchanged a smirk with her sister. Surely, their father didn’t think that vehicle parked behind Del’s shop was really for him. But what stuck in her mind even more than his silliness was that comment about retirement. If he retired, and Chase became the next chief, what would that mean for Oak Barrel Farms? Could Del really run it on her own?
Mia meant to ask him if retirement was truly in his plans when the back door opened again.
“Alex!”
His face split into a wide smile. “Hey there, beautiful. Chief.”
“Good evening, Alex.” Her father looked between the two of them, standing a respectable distance apart with silly grins on their faces, then sighed. “I guess that’s my cue to go.”
“Love ya, Dad.”
“Yeah, yeah, love you, too.” He backed out the door, gaze shifting to Alex. “Take care of my girl.”
“Will do, sir.”
The door closed, and Mia pulled him to her. “I missed you.”
