“I know. But it all happened so fast. I wasn’t expecting it.”
“Love comes in its own time.”
“Steve said almost the same thing. But didn’t use the word love.”
“But he cares about you?”
Holly nodded even though Lynn obviously couldn’t see her. “I think he does.”
“You care about Steve?”
“I think I do. No, I do. He’s amazing. You should see him with Josh. He’s a single dad and has done such a great job raising his son.”
“Wow, Holls, I just love hearing your voice sounding like this. I think I’m brilliant for finding you this temporary job for Christmas. No, it’s okay. You can thank me later.”
“It has been good to get away. Away from the clinic where Dave worked. I miss you tons though.”
“Miss you, too. Hey, just a sec.”
Holly heard Lynn talking to someone in the background.
“Holls, I gotta run. Puppy who ate a plastic Christmas ornament just arrived. Call me soon. Keep me updated. Oh, and Holls? Don’t feel guilty. Feel happy.”
Holly slipped the phone into her coat pocket. A peace settled over her. She felt better. Much better. Talking to Lynn always helped her sort her feelings out.
CHAPTER EIGHT
“Miss Holly. Miss Holly.” Josh rushed into the clinic right before closing. Louie, of course, was right at his heels. “I told my dad we should get you a Christmas tree. You don’t have one. That’s not right. Everyone has a Christmas tree.”
Steve came into the clinic, obviously trying to keep up with the boy and Louie. He smiled at her and her heart did a little flutter. A flutter like she hadn’t felt in ever so long. She felt her face break into a smile right back at him.
“Slow down, Josh. Give Miss Holly a chance to talk.” He turned from the boy, back to her. “Would that be okay with you? A tree?”
The beginnings of resistance tugged at her but, to her surprise, the feeling just melted away. She was helpless to resist the boy. “I think that would be lovely.”
“You sure?” Steve cocked one eye-brow.
She knew Steve was aware of her original hide-from-the-holidays plan, but he probably hadn’t been able to resist Josh’s pleas either.
“I’m sure.”
“Tonight? Can we do it tonight?” The boy danced from one foot to the other. Louie gave one quick bark.
“Okay. That sounds good.”
“Yes. Hear that, Louie? We’re doing another tree tonight.”
The dog wagged his tail in answer.
“Hey, look what I taught Louie.” The boy ping-ponged onto another subject. “Sit. Down. Sit. Down.” The dog obediently followed the commands. “Now watch this! Roll over.” The dog rolled over then jumped up.
“That’s great, Josh.”
“Okay. We’ll be over tonight.” Jumping again on his subjects. “Come on, Dad. We have to get the tree.” The boy tugged at his father’s hand.
Steve turned to her. “My sister has lights and ornaments stored in the closet in the back room. We’ll use those. Six-thirty okay? I’ll pick up something for us to eat. Sandwiches from The Magnolia Cafe.”
“Sounds good.”
She watched Steve and his mini clone walk out the door. Josh was looking up at his dad and chattering away. She smiled. Decorating a tree. She couldn’t believe she was not only going to have a tree this Christmas, but she was looking forward to it.
* * * * *
Steve and Josh entered the Christmas tree yard beside his friend Gil Amaud’s hardware store, The Feed and Seed. Gil kept the town supplied with a plethora of trees and evergreen roping each Christmas. The lot was decorated with brightly lit trees at the entrance and big red bows tied along the temporary split rail fencing lining the lot. Christmas music drifted through the air from an old boombox—no fancy MP3 player here.
Gil always had a big urn of hot chocolate for the shoppers. His sister, Bella, often dropped off plates of Christmas cookies. The Feed and Seed had been in their family for years.
“I’m going to go look at the big ones over there.” Josh pointed and headed off with Louie.
“Hey, didn’t I already sell you a tree at a bargain price?” His friend walked up and clapped him on the back.
“That you did. It’s already up and decorated. But I’m picking one up for Holly.”
“Ah, the fill-in vet for Doc Benson. The one you introduced me to at the tree lighting ceremony. I heard you’ve been hanging out with her.”
“We’ve just had her over a few times.”
“Which is a few more times than you’ve had any other female over in years.” Gil pinned him with a don’t-deny-it look. “You like her, huh?”