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“Then stop asking me so many questions.”
Sometimes I wondered if Addy talked so grown-up because she was around me all the time. She didn’t have any siblings to play with or other kids in the neighborhood. I wondered if I was hurting her by staying close to the house or only signing her up for one or two activities at a time. I did it because I could only do so much as one parent. But maybe I was doing Addy a disservice by not getting out there and trying to find more people who could be part of our lives.
But the thought of signing up for one of those online dating apps made my stomach twist. And every time I thought about dating, Knox’s face popped into my head.
The more entrenched in the Monroe family I became, the harder it would be to switch from friendship to anything more. I liked his family, and I didn’t want to lose that connection.
My phone buzzed with a text from Knox.
We’re starting by the waterfall tonight.
Thank you for including us.
I couldn’t help but think we were invading a sacred family tradition, and I wasn’t sure what it meant that Knox had invited me. Did he truly see us as friends, or was the invitation a sign of how he felt about us?
Ember will love the company, and I will, too. My mom’s excited to have guests.
Just your mom is excited?
I couldn’t help but ask.
I’m looking forward to it. The season feels long sometimes, and it’s these little traditions that remind me why I love the holiday.
I loved that Knox and his family had these traditions. I was even more excited that he wanted to include us. Knox might not see us as being more than friends, but I held out hope that there were feelings simmering under the surface he just wasn’t ready to acknowledge yet.
“Are you ready to head to the farm?” I asked Addy.
Her eyes wide, she nodded. “Is it time?”
“Go to the bathroom and put on your shoes. I’ll fill your water bottle and pack a few snacks.”
I wasn’t sure how long we’d be hiking to find the right tree. Knox mentioned something about hiking the property to find the perfect one. Addy didn’t love the cold, so I wasn’t sure how long she’d hold up.
I packed her snacks and water. Then I grabbed mittens, hats, and jackets, and we headed out to the car.
Every time I saw our decorated porch, I thought about what Knox had done, and my chest filled with affection for him. It was such a nice thing for him to do, and I loved that he wanted to please my daughter.
On the way to the farm, Addy chatted nonstop about the perfect tree and whether we’d be able to see the lights from the road when we visited.
After today, I wasn’t sure we’d have a reason to visit the farm again. We had a tree, and there was no other reason to stop by unless we wanted to shop at the store. And I wasn’t sure it was worth fighting the crowds.
When I reached the gate, a man was at the entrance. He looked like one of the Monroe brothers. I just wasn’t sure which one.
“We’re not letting any more cars in tonight. We have a family party scheduled.” He was larger than Knox, and his tone was brisk.
“Knox invited us to decorate a tree tonight.”
He raised a brow. “You’re Sarah?”
“That’s right, and my daughter, Addy. She’s friends with Ember.”
“I’m Heath, if you don’t remember from the night we decorated your porch. Go ahead and make your way to the main house and park there. I’m not letting anyone else in, so you shouldn’t run into many cars. We’re just waiting for the rest of the customers to pay for their trees and leave.”
It sounded like all the Monroe brothers weren’t too keen on having guests on the property. “We’re excited to see this tradition of yours.”
“Don’t worry. It will be tame. Ember’s nothing like we were at that age.”
“Oh, yeah? And how were you?” I asked, curious to know more.
