“Oh that cuckoo clock is absolutely darling,” Celia said. I followed her gaze up to a brightly colored wooden house on the wall.
“It’s actually a Christmas-themed German Black Forest weather house,” the woman behind the counter, also wearing a Santa hat, said. “Mrs. Claus comes out when it’s dry and Santa comes out when it’s humid.” The tiny A-framed house had a door either side of a candy-cane pole. One side had Santa in the doorway, the other had Mrs. Claus. Out on the decking stood an array of animals that seemed to be sniffing at something under a Christmas tree. It was certainly very festive. And therefore a Celia magnet.
“Oh I see the thermometer now,” Celia said. “It’s so sweet. And it has the Christmas tree and the reindeer and everything.” Celia was almost bouncing with excitement beside me.
“Are you local?” I asked.
The storekeeper shook her head. “Reading. I’m making the rounds of the Christmas markets. Only here tonight and then onto Bath for eight nights, then I’m done for the season.”
Celia was still mesmerized by the weather house. “Is it very expensive?”
“A hundred and twenty-five, but I could sell it to you for a hundred and fifteen.”
Celia deflated next to me. “It’s so beautiful,” she said, disappointment punctuating her words. “Maybe next year.”
I led Celia away from the stall. “Have you made a pledge not to buy any more Christmas decorations?” I asked. “I imagine your place is quite a grotto. Maybe you should open it up to the public next year and charge an entry fee.”
She tugged on my arm and forced her mouth into a smile. “It’s not completely overrun, but you know how I enjoy the season. I just can’t justify a purchase like that. Even for something so unusual.”
She couldn’t afford it. I might hate Christmas, but I hated seeing Celia disappointed more. I wanted to march us both back over there to buy it for her. What was happening to me?
“Well, if you change your mind, she’s in Bath the day after tomorrow.”
“She is? I didn’t hear her say that. So it’s not just local shops that have stalls. Is that a disadvantage or an advantage?”
“It’s something Snowsly could experiment with. Maybe pick a few, select vendors from outside the village.”
Celia’s eyes widened and she reached and pressed a finger on my lips. “You’re going to give us away.”
I laughed, tugging her hand down. “If you’re so worried . . .” I cupped her face in my hands, smoothing my thumb over her cheek. “Maybe I should kiss you again.”
I could feel her blush under my fingers.
“Oh, I’m very worried. Terrified.”
I chuckled then pressed a kiss onto her lips. She was just as warm as I remembered, just as soft as she had been the first time. Desire stirred in my stomach. As I went to step back, she grabbed the front of my coat, pulling me toward her, and slid her tongue between my lips. I groaned as I deepened our kiss, not thinking about anything but how she felt, how she tasted, and how my desire started to slink down my limbs, warming my entire body.
“That was very convincing,” she whispered breathily as our lips parted.
I kissed her again on the top of her head and offered her my arm, in no rush to get back to Snowsly anytime soon.
We wandered through the row of Christmas stalls, including one place selling nothing but gloves. Celia tried and failed to make me purchase a pair. At the end of the run, Celia stood on tiptoes and whispered into my ear. “I’ve had an idea. We should get elf costumes. Really good ones.”
“You and me? Now?” I grinned at her.
She rolled her eyes. “I’m not sure you’d cut it as an elfin prince.”
I clutched at my chest. “A devastating blow.”
“We could have people dress up at the market. You know, like at Disney. Children will want to come to the village and meet them all.”
She’d been having lots of these ideas as we wandered around the market. And they were mostly good, excepting her notion to bring live reindeer onto the village green.
“And have their pictures taken,” I added. “Even set up a festive backdrop to take the pictures in front of. Social media is going to be key to attracting people.”
“Oh yes!” She squeezed my arm. “We could do a treasure hunt with a map and note all the photo opportunities on it.” That was a great idea. I couldn’t help but think that if she didn’t like her job, she’d be good at just about anything she set her mind to. “Ohhh, look. We should definitely try the mulled wine. They have a non-alcoholic version. That’s a great idea when people are driving into the village. I have to remember to tell Oliver.”