A Christmas Bride in Pinecraft by Shelley Shepard Gray

Author:Shelley Shepard Gray
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2015-08-24T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

December 13

If anyone had asked, Beverly would have denied that picking out a tree was an exciting task. To admit such a thing would be childish and vaguely embarrassing.

The miracle of Jesus’ birth should’ve always been first and foremost in her mind. But she couldn’t help considering how a lit Christmas tree, ribbons, and a wreath would make the inn look more welcoming and cozy. They would also erase any stain that remained on the inn’s reputation from the robbery.

But inside, Beverly was practically jumping up and down. She was also taking in every sight and sound around them and depositing them in her memory to revisit on future days when she was sitting alone and feeling a little blue. The pine smelled fresh and reminded her of her childhood home in Ohio and the woods nearby, of growing up and seeing snow covering every surface in December.

That was when she realized Eric really had known what she needed. Sometimes a person had to take a step outside what was comfortable and allow themselves to enjoy something different.

She was glad to not be worrying about police reports and guests’ needs and what to cook. She was glad to be out of the inn, and for once not remembering the damage that had been done to the cozy bed-and-breakfast that had given her so much comfort over the last few years.

As she embraced that thought, she started noticing all sorts of things: children scampering among the trees, pointing out their favorites and tugging on their parents’ sleeves. Some were even playing hide-and-seek among the displays. It was a little bit naughty, but Beverly couldn’t help but smile as she watched them. Their antics reminded her further of growing up and the many enjoyable hours she’d spent in the wide open fields near her family’s farm.

But the sight that struck her most was of a little girl who couldn’t have been more than four or five examining each tree with wide eyes. Compared to her size, the Christmas trees looked stalwart and tall. But her expression mirrored exactly how Beverly was feeling: wondrous. Knowing that she had something in common with that little girl made her heart warm.

Even the arguments taking place near the various parked vehicles made her grin. It seemed that buying the tree wasn’t necessarily the hardest part. Strapping it onto the length of a car in a secure way looked like it was a job and a half.

“You okay, Bev?” Eric asked.

Beverly started, realizing that she’d been staring blankly into the distance. “Oh, I’m fine. My mind went wandering for a minute, but I’m better now.”

His lips tilted up for a moment, but he was still gazing at her with a hint of worry. “Sure?”

“Very sure. This was exactly what I needed, Eric. Danke.”

His smile grew, and she knew she’d pleased him.

“All right, let’s do this.”

Shaking her head at his expression, she led the way, walking up and down the lot. The trees were bunched rather close together, and before long, they were surrounded by the smell of pine.

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