AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Isaac
“Ithink we’re done,” Bran says as we stand back to admire the work.
There was a small hiccup when we lowered the sphere onto the rotating platform. The weight of the glass caused the belt on the wheel to jam. We had to remove it and reconfigure the pulley, using a bicycle chain and a slightly bigger motor.
The crest of the dome stands seven feet tall. Bran affixed a hook to the top, and Hannah crafted a faux sprig of mistletoe, using leaves from a fake banana plant and white Christmas ornaments for berries. The scene that Bran painted on the sides of the kayaks serves as the ideal base for the snow globe, and the speaker system I installed is hidden perfectly within the bow and stern of the vessels. A wireless microphone is programmed into the speakers so Bran can talk to the crowd above the sound of the music.
I clap him on the back. “I believe you have a winner,” I tell him.
He nods. “Even if I don’t win the ribbon,” he agrees.
“Should we test it out before tomorrow?” I ask. The thought of us launching it into the water and it immediately sinking flashes in my mind.
He shakes his head. “Nope. I don’t want to risk anyone seeing it or us breaking the globe. We’re just going to have to have faith,” he says.
“It’ll float just fine,” Norris assures. “Let’s throw a tarp on her and head out.”
Hannah called earlier and informed us that Keller requested our help with breaking down tables and hauling the baby shower loot and the crib up to the nursery.
We cover the boat, and Bran drives us to the inn.
The driveway is full, and we have to park down the street. It seems that the entire town showed up to celebrate Willa’s little one.
Hannah meets us at the door, followed by a woman I don’t recognize.
“The party isn’t quite over yet. We have one more game to play, and then I’ll hand out the favors,” Hannah informs us.
“Is there any food left?” Norris asks.
“Plenty. You guys can help yourselves once the guests leave,” she says.
“Perfect. I’ll be watching the television. Just holler when you’re ready for us,” Norris announces before walking inside.
“Isaac, this is my mother, Trudy. She came in early for the shower and will be staying with Aunt Trixie through the new year,” Hannah introduces.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I greet.
“Oh, you are handsome,” she says as she takes my offered hand.
“Mom,” Hannah says under her breath.
“I mean, it’s nice to meet you too, Isaac. Your daughter is lovely.”
“Thank you.”
She releases me and gives Bran a warm hug.
“Come on, Mom. We’d better get back to the party,” Hannah says.
She goes up on her tiptoes and kisses Bran, and then the two of them hurry back to the garden.
We go in search of Keller and find him and Bob sitting with Norris in the great room.
The five of us sit and watch Utah play USC in the Pac-12 championship game until Trixie calls for us a little over an hour later.
Cobie runs to me when I step out into the atrium.
“Daddy, I won a prize,” she shouts, holding up a basket containing a selection of cocoa mixes, colorful marshmallow packets, and a dainty pink-and-gold mug, saucer, and spoon.
