Wrapped Up In Christmas

“Because you’ll have fun.”

Fun. How long had it been since Bodie had done something just because it was fun? How long since he’d even thought about the word “fun” prior to meeting Sarah?

Thinking back, he’d admit these past couple of weeks with Sarah had been the most fun he’d had in years. He truly enjoyed spending time with her and taking in how she looked at the world through her Christmas-colored goggles and belief in ultimate goodness.

Not that Bodie hadn’t enjoyed his time in the military or his off time with his buddies when they’d gone skiing or backpacking. He had. But time with Sarah was a different kind of fun. Lighter, fluffier, more child-like and innocent.

“And because I’d rea

lly like you to be there,” Sarah continued, upping the ante. “I want you to go to the Christmas festival. Please go.”

Her words got to him. Sarah wanted him at the festival. How could he say no?

“If you need my help, I’ll go,” he agreed. He’d pretty much do anything to help her. Wasn’t that his ultimate purpose for being there? That he enjoyed spending time with her was just an added bonus.

“If that’s the only way you’ll agree, then yes, I need your help.” Her smile was brilliant. “Never let it be said that I turned away a volunteer.”

“Never. What do you need me to do?”

“Want to help with the ornament hunt?”

“‘Want’ is a strong word, but why not? What’s the worst that can happen?”

“Great, but first we need to deliver the snowflakes and other ornaments to the booth. It’s early, but they’ll be setting everything up.”

“And you’re not there?”

“Not yet, but I should be, so let’s get a move on.”

Sarah’s smile was so bright at the idea of them going together that he found himself glad he’d given in to her pleas.

Then again, he enjoyed being with Sarah, and if that meant helping with an ornament hunt and attending a booth at a Christmas festival, he would.

It was noon by the time Sarah and Bodie got the boxes of homemade ornaments unloaded. Several volunteers were already there and had set up their booths on the courthouse lawn. The large, commercial-style tent that contained the festival included several tables and boards and backdrops that divided up areas. One section was the homemade ornaments booth, another the Pick a Present game, and another baked goods and hot cocoa.

The Sunday morning ladies’ class from church sponsored the baked goods and the money went to a cause of their choice each year. The proceeds from the game and ornament sales were solely to help fund Sarah’s special projects.

“Slide that last box up under the edge of the table with the others,” she advised Bodie, stepping back so he could see where she meant.

As she stepped back, she bumped into Harry.

“Sorry, boy,” she told him, patting him on the head. “You need to move over there,” she told the dog, pointing to the side of the table. “That way you won’t get stepped on while we’re getting this set up.”

Putting the box on top of another, Bodie straightened. “There you go bossing—I mean, directing—again. Me, Harry, whoever is within hearing range.”

Standing from where she’d been petting Harry, she put her hands on her hips. “Yeah, well, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you liked being bossed—I mean, taking direction, Bodie.”

“The Army taught me well.”

“Let’s see if they taught you about arranging ornaments on this display,” she quipped, handing him a snowflake from the box she’d just opened.

Other volunteers had set up pegboard backdrops painted to look like Christmas trees to separate the ornament booth from the others. Hooks were scattered on the boards. On each hook, she and Bodie hung ornaments, essentially decorating the pegboard trees.

“Not much arranging involved when all we’re doing is hanging them on pre-placed hooks,” Bodie mused.

“We’re not done yet,” she warned, gesturing to the group headed toward them with a live Christmas tree in tow. Harry got to his feet to inspect as the noisy group neared. Two teen boys carried the tree. A few other volunteers carried cardboard boxes. All were singing Christmas carols. Maybelle, Rosie, and Claudia, dressed in matching red coats and Santa hats, led the way and the songs.

“The hornets are here,” he drawled, eyeing the approaching three women and their entourage. “How come I get the feeling things are about to get crazy?”