by Nancy Fraser
Georgia waved her hand and with a laugh requested, “Indulge me, please?”
Uncle Frank took her phone and said, “Get in the picture. I want one of you with Vera and Tony.”
He stepped back and said, “Smile.”
After a few clicks, Tony hobbled away from Vera. “Your turn.”
“Tony, can you take a couple of me and Mom?”
“Sure.”
Georgia glanced at Tony’s foot. “What happened to you?”
“It’s not a big deal. I just twisted it. But it will be fine.”
Uncle Frank clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Should we swing by the emergency room?”
“Nah. Really, it’s fine. Don’t give it another thought.”
A moment later, another tree-chopping customer came along and volunteered to take a picture of the four of them.
“What a nice family you have.” She held up the phone. “Say PIZZA!”
They clowned around a few more minutes before it was time to cut the tree down. Vera knelt on the ground and looked at Tony.
“Let me show you how it’s done.”
He crossed his arms over his midsection and grinned. “Yup. It’s good practice for when I have kids someday. We’ll buy one cut.” He grumbled, but it was in a good-natured way. He could see the benefits of taking the family out for this annual event.
With a few strokes of the saw on the front and then back of the trunk, the tree was falling. Everyone gathered around and grabbed a branch to drag it back up the hill.
Tony’s limp was almost gone. It was good he wasn’t hurt too badly, but would they still get that sleigh ride she had mentioned?
Once they got back to the overhang, one of the guys took the tree and slid it through the netting machine and deposited it in the back of Frank’s truck.
Georgia said, “Would you two like to take a sleigh ride now?”
Vera looked at her mom and Frank. “I thought we could all go together.” She glanced over her shoulder. “There’s a two-seater and a four-seater.”
“I think we’re going to head home, but you and Tony should go.” She tucked her hand in the crook of Uncle Frank’s arm. “We have a few other things to do.”
“But what about stopping at Trim-A-Tree for our annual ornament?”
Georgia told Frank, “We never miss a year of getting something new for the tree.”
Frank looked at Vera. “We’ll meet you there after we finish my errand. I need to pick something up before dinner tonight. Say, in about an hour?”
Tony took Vera’s hand. “Sounds great. See you in a bit.” He tugged her toward the small food stand, where people were buying insulated cups of hot cocoa. “I get the feeling they want to spend a bit of time alone. And you promised me a ride in the sleigh.”
“I did. I had forgotten how much all of these traditions meant to me.” They waited in line for cocoa. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
“More than I thought I would. I’ve never been a huge fan of the holidays. After my parents died, the magic was gone. Uncle Frank did his best, but two guys bumbling around, trying to bake cookies when neither of us had a clue was tough. We resorted to slice and bakes.”
“From the looks of him cooking this morning, I’d say he got better. But the question is did you?’
“I can feed myself but never did master the art of baking.”
She ordered their hot cocoa with extra marshmallows and then said, “Guess what we’re doing tomorrow?”
He pretended to shudder. “Baking cookies?”
“We are, and I promise it will be the highlight of the week.”
“Only if I can sample as we go.”
They strolled to the horse and sleigh, which stood waiting for its next passengers. “That’s half the fun of baking.” She leaned away from him and said, “You look like a gingerbread man connoisseur.”
“I’ve eaten my share but I don’t know if I can bake them.”
“To get things warmed up, why don’t we volunteer to make dinner tonight? What’s your speciality?”
Tony’s brow furrowed.
“Does that look mean you have so many, you can’t decide, or are you trying to choose the one thing that won’t give us all food poisoning?”
He bumped her shoulder. “Since we’re in New England, is there a good place to get seafood?”
She almost choked on her cocoa. “Of course there is. What are you thinking?”
“Lobster mac and cheese with a green salad and wine.”
She smacked her lips. “I’ll take care of the salad and dessert and we’ll pick out the wine together.”
He held up his hand to give her a high five. “I’m beginning to see the real value in teamwork. You’ll do half the dishes, too.”
Over her shoulder, she said, “That’s still open for negotiations.”
She stepped into the sleigh and slid across the seat. Once Tony was sitting, she pulled the colorful quilt over their legs. The driver snapped the reins and the horse eased the sleigh forward. They rode up the hill and were going around the perimeter of the tree farm. Tony put his arm around her shoulders to keep them both a little warmer from the cool breeze that kicked up.
“I never knew there was this much land to the farm.” They rode in silence for a few minutes.
She sipped her cocoa.
He took his glove off. “You have a whipped cream moustache.”
She ran her tongue over her top lip.
“Let me.” He leaned in closer.
Her heart skipped. Was he going to kiss her? Did she want him to? Yes.
Using his thumb, he wiped the cream off her lip and dried it on his pants. “There. You’re ready for the world of ornament shopping now.”
Had he felt that zing? She looked away from him, hiding the unexpected rush of color on her cheeks.
The air was heavy with unspoken words. She cleared her throat. “This is fun.”
Less than ten minutes later the sleigh pulled back around to their starting point. As far as she was concerned, the ride was way too short and not what she had expected.
Tony got down and held out his hand to help her. She took it.
“In case I trip?” She felt the need to explain the gesture.
As they walked to her car, he didn’t release her hand. He said, “We haven’t had the best track record the last two days with slips and trips.”
“Ready for the next part of the tradition?” she asked.
“Can’t wait.” His eyes twinkled. “This really is the best Christmas I’ve had so far.”
Chapter 5
TRIM-A-TREE WAS ALWAYS something Vera looked forward to. Not that she didn’t visit the charming shop other times, but on tree day it was extra special. When she was little, she remembered coming here with her parents; these trips were some of her fondest memories of her father. The older she got, the more she realized there hadn’t been enough time with him. Shaking off the melancholy, she parked her car right out front. Frank’s truck was a few spaces down.
“What’s your favorite kind of ornament?”
Tony looked at her. The corners of his eyes crinkled. “Round ones?”
Her hand flew to her throat in mock horror. “Please tell me you’ve shopped for special ornaments before today?”
“Sorry, department stores and boxes filled with twenty assorted ornaments is all I’ve done.” He held his hands approximately three feet apart. “Fake tree and this tall.”
With a vigorous shake of her head, she announced, “You’re in for a treat. This place has everything. Glass balls, ornaments made from shells and bits of wood and, well, you’ll see. And you must pick out one. It’s tradition.”
He tapped his index finger to his forehead. “I got it. Yes ma’am.”
With a laugh, they walked up the steps. He kept an eye on her. She placed a hand lightly on his arm.
“You don’t need to worry,” he said. “My ankle feels better.”
She pulled open the door and grinned.
“Are you ready to feast your eyes on the most beautiful decorations you’ve ever seen?”
“I hope this little adventure lives up to your buildup.”
He reached around her and pulled the door wider. She didn’t move, waiting for his answer.
“After you.”
VERA’S EYES SPARKLED when she talked about all of the ornaments as they walked up and down rows of decorated trees, some with a theme and some a hodgepodge. He liked those the best. The blend of colors and textures created an eclectic beauty. He never liked the perfect, themed trees Uncle Frank had done every year. The personality of the family wasn’t on display.
She picked up angel ornaments with feathers for wings, handblown glass bulbs, wreath ornaments made from twigs and berries, to name a few. Most of the decorations she gravitated toward were handcrafted by local artisans. He could see why. The workmanship was exquisite.
“Have you seen anything you like yet?”
Joking, he said, “I can only select one, so I have to take my time and make my choice carefully since this will set the tone for years to come.”
Her eyes were round and held a serious look. “I understand. Do you feel drawn to a specific type?”
He strolled to the front window display. “I like the ornaments that are representative of the town.” He held up a gazebo with a tiny tree under its rafters. “This is nice.”
“But does it call to you?” She picked up a glass angel ornament. “This is beautiful. She’s a wish angel.”
He was intrigued. “What’s a wish angel? Like when you blow out birthday candles?”
She handed the ornament to him. In the center, the angel was holding a star outlined in gold. It was beautiful. He knew he would purchase this for her, but as a surprise.
“My dad used to tell me to make a Christmas wish. The one that is deep in your heart, not for something material, but what you long for.”
“Did you make a wish this year?”
Her eyes were bright. “I did. When we drove through town.”
“What was it?”
She looked away as if he could peer into her and discover her heartfelt wish. “I can’t tell you that.”
The spell was broken and the moment lost.
Vera looked around.
“I’m going to see how Mom and Frank are doing selecting their new ornament, and also let them know we’re cooking tonight.”
She strolled down the aisle and he took the angel ornament to the counter and purchased it before she got back. Then he’d find another one to purchase for the tree.
VERA AND TONY STEPPED into the crisp afternoon air. Flurries were drifting down from the scattered clouds despite the still-shining sun.
“I can’t believe someone bought the last angel ornament.” She jammed her hands into her coat pockets. “But I’m happy with the pewter maple leaf I found, and the replica of the town tree is perfect.”
He opened her car door but she didn’t get in. “I think it is a good first step,” he said. “Almost as if acknowledging I’m ready for Christmas since I had a hand in buying two trees for the day. That is a record.”
“Mom was secretive when it came to what she and Frank bought. I can’t wait to see when we decorate the tree tonight.”
“Is there someplace nearby we can get wine? And I was thinking we’d pick up a bottle of Prosecco for dessert.”
“We’ll swing by the liquor store first and then the market.” She got behind the wheel, closed the door, and pointed to the passenger seat.
When he was buckled, she said, “Let’s do a slow tour of the rest of Main Street to check out decorations. The Library Cat Bookstore window is always a treat to window shoppers. Heather Murphy owns the bookstore, and she knows how to draw customers inside.”
“It sounds like it’s better to stroll down the street than drive.”
She flashed him a grin. “That’s on tomorrow’s plan, oh and caroling. We’re going.”
She hoped her excitement was contagious. Tony needed to have more fun. He was far too serious and it was Christmas, the time to let your inner child out to play.
“You keep adding to our days and we’re going to run out of hours to get everything squeezed in.”
“Don’t you worry. I learned from the best on how to extract every bit of holiday fun from the week before Christmas until New Year’s Day.”
“Your mom?”
“After my dad passed away, she and I had a new adventure, big or small, every single day. This is a magical time of year and Mom helped me believe that anything is possible.”
“Even starting a new business in your hometown?”
She watched the road ahead, but Tony’s question cemented her decision. “Yes. Tomorrow I’m going to talk to Mom about moving home for a while until I can sell my condo. I’ll find a place here and of course set up my business.”
“You’ve set a new course of action. I envy you.”
“Jump in; the water’s warm.” She glanced at him. “I thought you were happy living in the city?”
“Let’s just say you’re not the only one contemplating a crossroad.”
“Tony, remember anything really is possible. You just need to believe in yourself.”
“Thanks. That means a lot and I’m really glad, despite the circumstances, you picked me up off the side of the road.”
She snorted. “It’s a good thing for us that Tom vouched for you. Otherwise you’d have become a six-foot popsicle.”
THE DINING ROOM TABLE was set. The salad greens were tossed and Tony had just checked on the main dish, macaroni in a rich cheese sauce with chunks of fresh lobster. A plate of frosted sugar cookies would cap the meal as they decorated the tree.
Vera walked into the living room. Mollie was snoozing in her favorite spot, oblivious to the excitement going on around her, and Vera had to admit Frank’s tree looked pretty with white twinkle lights. From the street, people could see it through the picture window. Maybe tomorrow she could convince Tony to build a snowman with her. Heck, maybe a snow family with all the white stuff that had accumulated. It was still snowing, too.
She heard him come up behind her.
“It’s big, but it does look good.”
She gestured to the stacked boxes. “I think they’ve combined ornaments. Some of those boxes, I’ve never seen before.”
He knelt down. “This one was from my parents.”
She looked out the window as he wiped his cheeks with the back of his hand. He cleared his throat. “I need to check on dinner.”
Mom and Frank were coming down the stairs. She knew from their conversation it was the last two boxes of ornaments. Even Frank was happy they had come to the end.
“Vera, you look pretty tonight,” Mom remarked as she set down the box that held the angel.
“I changed. My jeans were damp from being outside. Is that a new sweater?”
“Traditions. Frank and I each bought tree trimming sweaters.”
He put his arm around her shoulders. “Your mother has introduced me to the magic of the season. This is my very first Christmas sweater.”
Tony joined them. “What’s going on in here?” He pointed to Frank and Mom’s matching sweaters.
She held up a finger and scooted out of the room, returning with two bags. “For you.” She handed one to Tony and one to Vera. With a gleam in her eye, she said, “For tonight.”
Looking inside, Tony broke into a wide grin. “My very first sweater. It’s a Christmas tree.” He pulled it on over his head. “What’s yours?”
Vera held up a red sweater with two reindeer dancing across the front.
With a hoot, he said, “That is so great. We have trees, snowman, candy canes, and now the reindeer. We need a selfie.” He pulled his cell phone out and gestured for everyone to gather around.
Tony, Vera, Mom, and Frank lined up in front of the fireplace and grinned.
He took a look at the snaps and showed everyone. “I think we got a few good ones.”
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The stove timer buzzed.
“That’s our cue. Dinner is ready.”
FRANK PUSHED BACK HIS chair and patted his belly. “Thank you for making a delicious dinner.”
Mom stood to clear the table.
Vera took the plate from her hand. “Relax. Tony and I have this.”
They cleaned the table and set the plate of cookies in the middle. Tony brought in clean wine glasses and the Prosecco.
Frank said, “Before you open that, can you have a seat?”
Vera looked at Tony. He raised an eyebrow and she turned back to Frank.
HER MOUTH FELL OPEN as he pushed back from the table. As if in slow motion, he dropped to one knee and took her mom’s hand.
“Georgia, this is not the typical way to ask a very special woman a question, but it wouldn’t seem right if Vera and Tony weren’t with us.”
Vera took Tony’s hand and squeezed tight. He wasn’t going to propose, was he?
“We both have been through tough times that made us stronger. The day I met you, I knew I had found the woman I would love for the rest of my life. Georgia Davis, will you marry me and allow me the honor of spending the rest of our days together?”
He pulled a diamond ring from his pocket and waited until she said, “Yes!” before sliding it on her finger. He pulled her from the chair into his arms.
She pecked his lips. “You’ve made me so happy.”
Vera could see her mom was crying and she felt her heart slow. How could she and Tony put a damper on things now, when the relationship had just accelerated?
She felt pressure on her hand. Tony tugged her out of the chair and toward the kitchen. This was not a moment they should continue to intrude on.
Once they were in the kitchen, Vera whispered, “So now what are we going to do?”
“I have no idea.” He put his arms around her and hugged her close.
And she liked it.
Chapter 6
SHE STEPPED FROM THE warmth of his arms and forced a smile.