Santa's Secret

“I’ll keep the fire roaring, the drinks flowing and the college games on the television.”

“Sounds good,” Calvin says just as a car pulls in. I rush outside to greet my first customers in over ten years.

Today’s going to be a challenge, I know this, but am secretly hoping word spreads that I’m here and business is booming. Some would frown on me for having an ulterior motive other than volunteering. I’m okay with that. I want people to flock to the tree farm, to buy local and to have fun. If I have to use my star power to make it happen, I’m going to do it.

The morning starts slowly, but by the afternoon business is picking up. My dad and Dominic are here to help people with their tree selection, and to lend a hand cutting and stocking new trees.

“Couldn’t stay away, huh?”

I turn at the sound of a familiar voice and lay my eyes on Aiden and his daughter. Holly gives me a small wave, which I happily return. “I couldn’t. I love this place.”

“Really? Because I remember someone complaining about getting sap in her hair, breaking her fingernails and smelling like trees back in the day.”

I look away sheepishly. “Sometimes it takes not having something like this to make you realize how much you miss it.”

Aiden leans down and whispers something into Holly’s ear. It seems like his blue eyes never leave mine nor does the smile change on his face.

r /> “I know, Daddy. I already met her,” Holly whispers loudly. Aiden looks surprised by Holly’s admission. I rack my brain, trying to remember if I told him about my involvement with the school play.

“I told you, right, because I feel like I did the other day when we were having breakfast.”

He straightens up and ever so slowly, a grin appears. “Are you serious right now? Making me question my sanity on whether or not we’ve had this conversation? You’re lucky there isn’t a snowball in my hand right now.”

Holly giggles, and it’s the best sound in the world. “I hit Daddy with a snowball the other night.”

“You did?”

She nods eagerly. “Yep, we attacked him.”

“Well, I think this is the most amazing news I’ve heard in a long time.” I smirk at Aiden, who rolls his eyes.

“It was so funny. Daddy had snow everywhere.”

I squat down until I’m Holly’s height, which honestly doesn’t take much. I reach for her mitten-clad hand and hold it in mine. “What do you say we go look for your tree and we can talk about how I’m going to seek revenge on your father for making me feel silly?”

“Daddy, may I?” Holly looks up at Aiden, seeking permission. I want to applaud her for not going with me. I’m not so sure I would’ve done the same if my idol were crouched before me, offering to take me someplace.

“Do you mind if I come with you ladies?”

Holly turns to me, and I shrug. “Fine with us,” she says to her father. Still, I don’t let go of Holly’s hand when we start the tour, up and down the rows of trees.

“What kind of tree are you looking for?” I make it a point to ask her.

“I want a big fluffy one that’s really, really tall.”

I look to Aiden for confirmation, but he’s shaking his head. I direct us toward the row where the narrower and shorter trees are, pulling out the first one I see. “How about this one? I named him Arnie.”

“You named the tree?” Aiden questions me.

“I did. I named every tree out here today. It gives them a sense of personality, provides him or her with the hope that they’ll be adopted.”

“Adopted? It’s a tree, Laney.”

“Not just any tree, Fish, but a Christmas tree. It’s going to bring hope, cheer and a lasting impression for years to come.”

“Daddy, why does she call you Fish?”

Aiden and I laugh. I don’t recall when it started, but it was sometime before we started dating. Of course, boys call all their friends by their last name, and I wanted to be different. He, in turn, called me Laney and he’s the only one ever to do so.