Christmas Wishes by Nicole Flockton

Author:Nicole Flockton [Crimson Romance]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: F+W Media
Published: 2016-11-10T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

“Are you sure I can’t help you with those Christmas cookies, Mrs. Turner? Maybe roll out the batter for you?” Tate called from the foyer. He smirked at Amanda. “She loves me.”

Diane poked her head out of the kitchen’s doorway. “No, no. Mr. Turner and Alex could use your help lifting the trees into the trucks. When you get back tonight, I’ll be sure there are cookies and warm cocoa waiting for you.”

“I can’t wait,” Tate said.

Diane pointed to Amanda. “Dear, go introduce Tate to your father and then come help me welcome the volunteers. We’ll be loading the decorations soon.”

“Sure thing, Mom.”

“Chop, chop. We’ve got lots of families to visit.” Diane clapped her hands and disappeared.

Amanda pulled out their jackets from the closet. She was thinking about the conversation Tate just had with her mother. He had lost his mother at an early age. And where was his father? She shouldn’t have teased him yesterday that his family didn’t invite him home for Christmas.

“Here you go.” She handed him his jacket.

“Thanks.” He yanked his zipper halfway up.

“Say, um . . . I’m sorry to hear about your mom.” She looked at him and then down at her Uggs. She was never good at these kinds of conversations.

“It was a long time ago. It’s just—those cookies take me back. Way back. It’s the eggnog, you know.” He rubbed his hands together. “Is this the part where I spend the day outside helping your father?”

She brightened. “Yes, and Alex. Think your southern blood can handle being outside all day?” She opened the door. It was chilly but the sun was shining.

Tate zipped his jacket all the way up to his neck. “I think I can handle it. Remember, I did live here for a bit.”

“Hey, I wonder if we ever ran into each other at the mall or movies or something? How funny would that be?”

He gazed past her up at the snowy hills. “So how many trees are we delivering today?”

Why was he changing the subject? For some reason, he didn’t seem to want to talk about his past. Amanda, let it go. “I’m not sure. I haven’t seen my father’s list.”

“He keeps a list, huh? Checks it twice.”

“Very funny. My guess is around fifty. A tree is delivered complete with a tree stand, decorations, and angel or star for its top.”

“And your parents donate all the decorations?”

“Yep, with the help of local businesses.”

“How in the world do they get fifty trees delivered and decorated in one day?”

Amanda patted his shoulder. “You’ll see.”

“Great.” He clapped his hands together. “I’m ready.”

“You’ll be with my dad and brother this morning, roping firs and preparing them for transport. Then you’ll assist in the deliveries.”

“And what will you be doing?”

“I’m sure my mom’s got me assigned to help with the volunteers. I’ll meet up with you later this afternoon.” She laughed. “Then we’ll come home and I’m sure my mother and grandmother will fawn all over you this evening.”

“I like that part.” He chuckled.

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