“Then I wouldn’t have to worry about it eating me!” A dawning of understanding clicked across Jackson’s face. “I was really worried about that, you know. I don’t want to be eaten by a dinosaur. How many eggs do you think Santa Claus can fit?”
“Oh, lots, I bet.” Kate straightened back up. “Now I’m going to go grab those hot chocolates Cody promised.”
“Daddy? Can I go with Kate?” Without reservation, Jackson reached up to grab ahold of Kate’s hand.
“The hot cocoa is just in that little shop.” Kate pointed in the direction of Marla’s farm store. “We won’t be long.”
“As I recall, there are lots of breakables in there, Jack. Why don’t I join you two just to keep an eye on you and make sure nothing gets knocked over?”
“I’m not going to break anything, Daddy.” Jackson’s little grip tightened around Kate’s hand. “That was only the one time.”
“Jackson hasn’t really comprehended the whole ‘look with your eyes only’ thing yet.” The boy’s father moved closer to Kate. “He’s a sucker for shiny things.”
“A hard concept to understand when you’re only…seven?” she guessed.
“Seven and a half,” Jackson corrected. “How old are you?”
“Jackson,” his father scolded. “It’s rude to ask an adult their age.”
“Why?”
“Well, because—”
“I’m twenty-eight,” Kate answered. “And three-quarters.”
“That’s old,” Jackson said without missing a beat. His father’s face instantly paled.
“Not as old as a dinosaur, at least.” Kate shrugged. She bumped the door to the shop with her hip and then held it open for Jackson and his father to pass through. “Come on in. Let’s get ourselves some of Marla Winters’ famous hot chocolate. I hear it’s even better than the stuff Santa’s elves drink.”
There was a lull in the store, all of the crowds enjoying the crisp wintery weather outdoors at the moment. Marla stood behind the counter and when she pushed the register drawer closed, she looked up and caught sight of the chatty trio. “Did I hear someone say they had a hankering for some hot chocolate?”
“No. We just want to drink some.” Jackson lifted his hand to touch a bright red, glass ball ornament on a nearby tree and as quickly as he made the movement, his father was right there to halt him.
“Why don’t you hold onto my hand, too, Jack.” He snatched up his son’s free hand. “That way we can be sure nothing gets broken.”
“How am I going to drink my hot chocolate then?”
“We’ll save that for when we go back outside,” Kate suggested.
Jackson scrunched up his face in a disappointed grimace. “Alright,” he sighed. Then, as quickly as his frown appeared, it flipped up into a smile. “Do you sell dinosaur eggs here?” he asked Marla.
“Hmmm.” She thumbed her chin. “No dinosaur eggs, but I believe Santa can get his hands on those. I hear he’s got some really rare Hot Choc-a-saurus Rex ones that can only be found in the North Pole.”
“You guys sure like to make up dinosaur names around here,” Jackson said with a squeak in his voice. In unison, the adults pealed with laughter. “What? You do.”
“Jackson does know his prehistoric animals, I’ll give him that,” his father noted. “Hey buddy, should we look around for something for Grandma Tori while we’re here? I think she’d like one of those good smelling candles over there on that table. Want to help me pick one out?”
“I’ll grab those hot cocoas while you do that.” Kate let go of Jackson and moved toward the counter. “How’s the morning starting off?”
Marla waggled her shoulders. “Can’t complain. The shop’s a little slow, but Deacon texted and said overall attendance is through the roof. I think everyone’s outside enjoying this gorgeous weather while they can. A big storm is supposed to blow through tonight.”
At the mention of Deacon’s name, Kate felt the hairs rise on the back of her neck. “Has he been by the store yet? I haven’t seen him around much today.”
Their plan had been to cut and haul trees together, but Deacon moved Cody over to that job when the teenage boys that helped out during the season needed some extra assistance with crowd control in the parking lot. She hadn’t realized it would be an all morning sort of thing.
“He actually said he’s on his way over soon for lunch.” A glint in Marla’s eye acknowledged Kate’s question. “If you stick around a few minutes, I’m sure you’ll catch him.”
“Oh, I…” Kate fumbled with her words. “I don’t need him for anything…I was just wondering what he was up to.”
“I’m sure he’d like to see you, too.” Marla grinned and followed Kate’s gaze that landed on the father and son duo at the opposite end of the store. “You’re really good with kids, Kate. When the three of you walked through those doors, hand in hand, well, you almost looked like a little family. It was a very sweet sight.”
That thought shot through Kate’s stomach. “We did?”
“I had to do a double-take.”
“Jackson is a super friendly little guy. I think he takes to anyone who will listen.”
“But not everyone listens to children. Many people outright ignore them. You have a way with kids, Kate. It shows.”
Hearing that compliment made her heart squeeze. She did love children but didn’t often have the opportunity to be around them. “You think so? I don’t have a lot of experience with kids, really. No nieces or nephews to spoil and love on. But I hope to have a whole crew of my own someday. Four or five kiddos, at least. Just haven’t found the right man who shares that hope for a big family. Or the right man in general.”
Marla’s lips curled into a smile. “I wouldn’t think you’d have any trouble in the dating department, sweetie.”
“You’d be surprised. Honestly, sometimes it’s a little hard to know if someone is really interested in me or just in what I do for a living. When it comes down to it, I’m just a local news personality. But it seems like some guys still want their little shot at fame, even if it’s just on local T.V. Sometimes it’s really hard to know a person’s motive.”
“I can understand that. The truth is, you can never fully know someone’s true motive. You just have to trust that good people are out there and that when the timing is right, they’ll show up in your life.”
The chiming bell above the door pulled Kate right out of the conversation. Her eyes landed squarely upon Deacon who took up the entire frame in his Sherpa-lined denim jacket buttoned up near his neck and khaki work pants paired with leather boots to round out his attire. And of course, he had his signature white cowboy hat perched atop his head.
He looked as handsome as she’d ever seen him.
“Speak of the devil,” Marla said through and all-knowing smirk. She clapped a palm to the counter and pushed off. “I’m going to go fetch those cocoas for you all. Be back in a jiffy.”
“Kate.” Deacon locked eyes while he moved across the store to come up by her side. “How have things been going with the trees? I’m sorry I had to leave you in such a rush with Cody like that. There was a fender bender in the lot this morning and I can’t say it wasn’t our parking attendant’s fault. I figured I should stick around there for a while just to make sure nothing else like that happened.”
“Everyone’s okay?”
“Oh, yeah. Thankfully. Just some scratched paint that’ll be easy to fix.”
“Glad to hear it,” Kate said. “And things with Cody have been great, actually. But those trees are sure a lot heavier than they look. My shoulders have never needed a massage more than they do right now.”
“I think I might be able to arrange for that.” The quick, flirtatious remark had Kate practically gasping. Not that the thought of Deacon’s large hands on her shoulders was an unwelcome one. He flipped the subject before she had a chance to become fully flustered. “You eaten lunch yet?”
“Not yet. I was just in here grabbing
some hot chocolate for Jackson and his dad—”
“I think we’ve found the perfect holiday candle for Grandma.” The man and his son stepped up to the cash register with a small, glass jar in hand. “What do you think, Kate?” He unscrewed the cap and waved the candle under her nose. A rich aroma of cinnamon, clove, and sugar emanated from the wax. “Is this the one?”
“That smells like a Christmas kitchen in a jar. The perfect choice,” she agreed.
The man looked around the room almost expectantly. “I thought there was a lady here earlier that might be able to check us out.”
Deacon scooted around the counter. “I can ring you up. Mom’s gone to grab some hot chocolates.” He reached out for the item and then punched a few buttons on the register. “That’ll be ten thirty-seven.”
Jackson’s dad fished through his wallet, tossed a few bills onto the wooden tabletop, and directed his attention back to Kate while Deacon counted out his change. “So, Kate, I hope this isn’t too forward, but Jackson and I both had a really nice morning with you. We were wondering if you might want to hang out with us again sometime. Maybe come over and help us decorate our new tree?”
“Oh.” Kate’s mouth fell open, entirely surprised by the invitation. “I, um…” She could feel the heat of Deacon’s eyes upon her as he quietly watched the exchange from the other side of the counter. “I had a really nice morning, too.”
“My daddy’s asking you out on a date, Kate,” Jackson said bluntly. “So, will you go out with him or what?”
Jackson’s father seemed like a decent man, but Kate didn’t even know his name, much less anything about him. She was used to proposals like this and often had a polite rejection at the ready. But the truth was, in any other scenario, she probably would’ve taken the man up on his invitation. He was everything she often looked for in a guy: caring, good with kids, respectful and even noticeably handsome.
But her heart wasn’t on the market at the moment. It didn’t feel like it was, at least.
“I’m sorry,” she said, after a pause that made the situation even more strained. “I’m currently seeing someone.”
A flush of embarrassment reddened the man’s cheeks. “Oh gosh. My apologies. I figured that would probably be the case, but I would’ve been kicking myself the entire drive home if I didn’t ask. I’ve learned that sometimes you have to just put yourself out there. Seize the day and all. No regrets.”
Deacon slipped the candle into a paper bag stamped with the farm’s logo and slid it across the table top, still silently eyeing the conversation playing out before him.
“I completely understand,” Kate assured. “And I’m very flattered. I had a great morning with both of you. And Jackson? If you successfully hatch any dinosaurs, will you think about naming one Kate-a-saurus?”
“That’s not a real name either.” He slapped his forehead with his palm. “You guys need to read a dinosaur book or something.” The little boy rolled his eyes with dramatic flair. “Finally! There’s our hot chocolate!”
“Sorry about the wait.” Marla scooted up to the group with three Styrofoam cups of cocoa strategically gripped between her fingers like a triangle. She lowered them steadily to the counter, taking great care to make sure no hot liquid sloshed over the top. “Had to make a new batch, but I promise this one is extra chocolaty.”
“What do you say, Jackson?”
The child looked up at Marla. “About time!”
“Jackson!” his father hissed. “That is extremely rude. That’s not how we talk to adults.”
“Sor-ry. Thank you for the hot chocolate,” Jackson tried again in a flat voice.
“Hey, no apologies necessary. I don’t like to wait for my hot cocoa either,” Marla said with a grin.
After a brief goodbye that ended with Jackson rushing back into the store to give Kate a final hug, the space fell silent, save for the chugging sound of the electric toy train that circled the display tree.
“I’m going to head outside to check on Cody real quick,” Marla said, though Kate knew full well that Cody didn’t need checking on. “Be back in a few.”
It wasn’t until the door slipped shut behind his mother and the trill of the bell above it quieted that Deacon broke the silence.
“You’re currently seeing someone?” His strong brow buckled over his eyes that bore just enough intensity to make Kate wary. “Or is that just a line that you use to keep guys from hitting on you?”
“I am seeing someone.” She looked right at him. “I see you right now.”
He laughed a little but it was tight and cautious. “I can’t tell if you’re being serious or if you’re just joking around.”
“I’m being serious.”
Deacon stepped around the counter. “Is this what we’re doing here?” He came up close to Kate, so close she could smell his pine-scented cologne and feel the warmth of his large body as he hovered over her. “Seeing each other?”
“I mean, I’d like for it to be. But I totally understand if that’s not what you want—”
Her words were cut off by his huge arms wrapped around her. The move was so fast, so unexpected, but the act so soft and sincere that Kate nearly melted right where she stood. She had to purposefully lock her knees so they didn’t completely give out beneath her. Deacon was a force, no question, but he held her like she was a precious gift. Like he was afraid she might slip through his arms if he didn’t gather her up and keep her safely there.
If she hadn’t already fallen for the man, this would’ve totally sealed the deal.
“Cody’s fine,” Marla’s cheery voice served as a shockwave that propelled the couple out from each other’s embrace. “Oh!” She all but skidded to a halt at the store’s entrance. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt—”
“You’re not interrupting anything.” Deacon continued his backward steps. His boot caught on a table leg and the items on it clattered like China in a cabinet during an earthquake. He righted a ceramic reindeer figurine just before it had the chance to teeter completely over. “Everything’s good here.”
“I can see that.” Marla’s intonation lifted. “I’ll just leave you two—”
“I’ve actually got to get back to the lot to check on the guys.” Deacon paused. He spun around and aimed his gaze at Kate. “Any chance I’ll see you later?”
“Yes.” Kate beamed. “You absolutely will.”
Deacon
“Stay safe out there.” Deacon drummed against the sedan’s roof with his palms. “It’s really starting to come down. I just heard the forecast for tonight is calling for at least eight inches of snow.”
“Thankfully, we’re only a couple miles down the road. Should be okay.” The driver poked his head out the window and flicked his fingers on his forehead like a salute. “Thanks again for always growing such beautiful trees for us to enjoy. We can’t wait to get this one home and all set up.”
“It’s our pleasure. Merry Christmas to you all.”
“Same to you.”
The sweet, little family of four drove off the property and Deacon followed behind to lock the gate as their taillights disappeared in the steadily drifting snowflakes. It had been a full day with more customers than they’d ever had in a single shift, if Deacon’s mental tally served him correctly. He was dog tired, but he kept repeating the mantra to himself he’d get a break after the new year. This was just the final push.
The thought that used to provide such relief now evoked a different sensation within him. Come Christmas, Kate’s news piece would be wrapped up and she would move on to her next assignment. There would be no reason for her to stick around Yuletide Farm. Deacon wasn’t so foolish as to think a budding new relationship would be enough to tether her here. A future with Kate had a time limit and he wondered if those few weeks would be worth the heartbreak that would inevitably follow.
He wasn’t sure he could survive another one.
As the snowfall picked up, white flurries cascading thr
ough the bitter cold sky, so did Deacon’s steps. The promise of a hearty meal spurred his legs into another gear, and when he finally made it to the main house, that fulfilled hope warmed him more than the fire that blazed inside the pellet stove.
“Just in time, Deac,” his mother called out from the kitchen upon hearing his entry. “Care to come in and help me cut up this roast?”
“More than happy to.” Deacon rounded the corner, not at all surprised by the sight that greeted him. It was much like the one he saw the day before when he and Joshua stopped in for lunch to discover his mother and Kate already preparing a load of sandwiches for the group. Tonight, Kate had a cranberry red apron tied around her slim waist, flour dusted on her pert nose, and her hands wrist-deep in a lump of dough.
“Kate’s making dessert for us.”
“Let me guess,” Deacon pondered. “You spent some time in a pie shop once?”
“Bingo. But as with all of my culinary endeavors, I can’t promise this will taste any good. Or even be edible, for that matter.”
“If you made it, dear”—Marla pressed her shoulder to Kate’s before she skirted around her in the small kitchen—“it’ll be just perfect. Now Deacon, get to carving that roast. I’m going to head to the barn to feed the horses their dinner and when I come back, I’m hoping we can all sit down around the table and do the same. I’m famished.”
“Sure thing, Mom. I’m on it.”
Marla gathered her coat from the hook next to the back door and bundled herself against the storm that picked up outside. “I’ll be back in ten,” she said and Deacon couldn’t help but notice the mischievous glint in her eye. “I’ll knock this time before I barge in.”
“Not necessary, Mom. I’ll just be cutting the roast.”
“And I’ll be finishing up these pies,” Kate added as an alibi.
“Sure. Okay.” Marla winked, cast a nonchalant look above their heads toward the pitch of the ceiling, and pulled the door tightly shut behind her.
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