Christmas Therapy

“There is... one more thing,” Heather said.

“What’s going on?”

“My mother requested that you bring dessert.”

His eyes widened as the light changed. He proceeded down the road. “What?”

“I don’t know what she’s thinking,” Heather said.

“I don’t bake.”

She giggled. “I’m sorry. Maybe I can help.”

“How’s that?”

“I’ll think of something. I won’t tell her I helped. Deal?”

***

Heather painted the candy canes at her selected table. Bing Crosby’s “O Holy Night/The Holly and the Ivy” played in the background. She tried not to stare at Allen across the room as he helped with the Twinkle Tunnel.

He got along with the townspeople. Even Abigail brought him some chocolate chip cookies while Emily coaxed him into a dance. Allen didn’t do much since he didn’t dance in public, but it warmed Heather’s heart that he didn’t disappoint the little girl.

“I’m here,” Sonia said as she took off her coat.

Heather didn’t reply but made eye contact with Allen who gave her a smile.

“Heather?” Sonia waved her hand in front of her face.

Heather jerked at the motion. “Sorry, what? Hey, when did you get here?”

Sonia’s eyebrows etched together. “Just now.” Then she looked in Heather’s direction. “Oh, I see now.”

?

?Sonia, don’t.”

“Will you please admit that you like this man?”

Heather sighed. It was inevitable. “Fine, I like the guy.”

Sonia clapped her hands. “Yay!”

“Don’t get excited. It’s not like he made it past my six-week rule.”

“He should. I think he’s proven himself.”

Heather shrugged. “In a way.”

“I can't wait to have him over for dinner.”

“For what? We haven’t even had an official date yet. Nothing's official.”

“Doesn’t matter. He’s new in town and I know Mom wants to get to know him better. She’s still stoked about him calling to get everyone to decorate your home.”

Warmth spread through Heather’s chest. “That was sweet of him.”

“So, I think dinner’s going to be amazing,” Sonia said wiggling her eyebrows.