Christmas in Bayberry

She looked at him skeptically. “When was the last time you tried a craft?”

“Um, junior high?”

The image of the angel ornament came to her mind, and her heart glowed. “That’s right. I have evidence of your artistic ability. Have a seat.” She pulled out a chair for him. “You’re not getting away.”

He snapped his fingers in mock resignation as he gave her a smile that sent her heart tripping over itself. “You can’t blame me for trying.”

She scrunched up her face, trying to scowl, but she failed and instead ended up smiling. How could she not? He filled her with giddiness. “As long as you help, you’re off the hook.”

“Okay, just tell me what I’m supposed to do.”

“We’re going to make Christmas tree and reindeer bookmarks.” There was a slight tremble in her hands as she picked up a couple of bookmarks she’d just completed. She hoped he didn’t notice her reaction to his nearness.

“Bookmarks?”

She nodded. “It’s for the Christmas baskets.”

“That’s an interesting addition. I take it there are a lot of readers in Bayberry.”

“I hope so.” She waved for him to follow her down the steps to the garage. Then she pulled back a tarp that covered case after case of boxes. “The bookmarks go with these.”

He stared at the boxes. “May I ask what’s in them?”

“Books.” She had an extra book that hadn’t been wrapped. She picked it up and handed it to him.

Their fingers brushed. Neither moved for a moment. Did he feel it too—the electrical charge arcing between them?

And then he pulled away. That wasn’t what she’d been hoping for. But he was here with her, so that was a good sign.

Wes glanced at the colorful book cover. “What’s it about?”

She swallowed hard, hoping that when she spoke that her voice didn’t betray her. “It’s a Christmas story about a family finding their holiday spirit. It’s for readers of all ages. And I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did.”

“But how did you get all these? I mean, they must have cost you a fortune.”

“Actually, when I talked to the publishers about purchasing them wholesale for our Christmas baskets, they offered to donate them.”

“You are amazing.” He looked truly impressed.

“That’s one of the things I love about this time of year. It brings out the very best in people. If only it could be Christmas all year long.”

He helped her place the tarp back over the boxes. “So how many bookmarks have you made so far?”

“Um…” She worried her bottom lip. “Well, um, none.”

“Kate, Christmas Eve is almost here. How are you going to get them all done in time?”

“With a little help.” Her eyes pleaded with him. In truth, she welcomed the excuse for him to stay longer. “Come on.”

Once upstairs, Wes volunteered to cut the paper and Kate started gluing the pieces together and adding small googly eyes to the reindeer and sequins to the Christmas trees. Luckily, the patterns she’d picked for the square bookmarks were not that complicated, and they moved through them quickly.

Somewhere along the way, they ordered pizza. She was pleased to learn he liked the same topping she did: pepperoni only. Though she was tempted to see it as a sign that they were destined to be more than friends, she had to laugh at herself. It was pizza. Nothing more.

It was growing close to midnight by the time they called it a night. The table, the kitchen counters and every other surface was covered with bookmarks. On the chairs and the floor were scattered bits of brown, red and green paper, as well as glittery sequins here and there.

As they moved toward the door, Wes yawned. “I hate to leave you with this mess.”

She glanced over her shoulder. It was nothing she couldn’t deal with herself. “Don’t worry. I’ve got this. And you need some rest.”