A Dogwood Christmas by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Parker Hayden Media

She wanted to see him again. Garth couldn’t stop grinning as guided his car into the front of Bella’s townhome. He’d changed into a nice sweater to go with his jeans. Not that Bella would notice beneath his heavy coat. Still, he wanted to look nice for her. Maybe that spark he’d felt hadn’t been all on his side.

He knocked on her door, his pulse hammering. Why was he nervous? He usually wasn’t nervous around most women. But most women weren’t Bella.

She opened the door and greeted him with a smile. She’d changed to a red sweater that hugged her curves. His throat went dry. “Ah, hi.” Yeah, an amazing conversationalist. That was him.

“Come on in for a minute. I’m almost ready.”

He stepped inside and closed the door behind him. She dashed into the kitchen while he admired her small home. Clean, neat, and welcoming. Just like Bella.

She returned with a foil-wrapped plate. “I made cookies,” she said. “To thank you.”

“You didn’t need to do that.” Garth peeked under the foil to see a mound of oatmeal-raisin cookies. “But I’m glad you did. These are my favorite.”

“Good.” Bella left him holding the plate while she pulled a coat from her closet and slid into it. “Shall we go?”

“Yeah. Yeah.” Garth hurried to hold the door open for her, then made sure it was locked as he closed it after them. When had a date mattered so much? Probably never.

They reached Unity Church in a matter of minutes, and joined the crowd forming around the manger scene. Once dark settled completely, the huge star over the nativity would be lit. He loved watching it every year.

Two children approached him as he entered the crowd, his hand at the small of Bella’s back. He couldn’t resist touching her, and acting as a guide provided a good excuse. “Sorry, guys,” he told them. “I’m not packing tonight.”

They shrugged. “That’s okay, Garth. Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas.” He did love this holiday. He glanced at Bella to find her watching the manger.

“I think I’ll always have a fond memory for this nativity after that,” she said. “Especially the decorations.” She nodded toward the damaged gifts that thankfully no one had noticed.

He had to grin. “Me, too.” He’d never forget today. Even after decades with her. Was that possible?

He nestled her against his side as the crowd stirred. Excitement filtered through the air. It was time.

“Silent Night” played over loudspeakers as the star flickered on. Its immense light illuminated the crowd that sang along to the familiar carol. Even Bella joined in. Was that a sign?

To add to the holiday magic, snow started falling, light at first, then pouring down in heavy flakes. Perfect! As the song ended and the gathering broke into chatter, Garth faced Bella. “Come spend Christmas with me and my family tomorrow?” It might be too soon, but he knew she was the girl for him. “It tends to be loud and chaotic, but no fighting.” He held her gaze, sensing the conflict within her.

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