Season's Greetings : Christmas Box Set

She shrugs. “It was a long time ago.”

“Doesn’t mean it wasn’t painful,” I respond softly, caressing her neck.

“It is what it is, right?” She leans against me for a moment. “You get the room lights, and I’ll get the Christmas tree lights.”

“Deal.” I move to the switch and wait for her to hit the power button on the extension cord before I flip the controller down.

“Oh. It is beautiful.”

A blend of homeliness and charm, the tree is beautiful in its simplicity. A white string of pearl garland and white pom-pom garlands add a bit of whimsy to burlap ornaments, ribbon, and handcrafted ornaments. A snow-dusted wreath and hanger rest beside the door for us to put up later.

“Get in front of the tree. I’ll take a picture of you with your phone.”

After unlocking the phone with her fingers, she hands it to me. Moving in front of the tree, she beams. I snap a few shots and glance down at the screen. I’m tempted to send one to myself. She’s glowing and adorable.

“I got some good ones.” I hand it over.

“We need to get one together.” She waves me over.

“With both our phones or Nona will tan my hide.”

She laughs. “A man as massive as you cannot be scared of that tiny woman.”

“Listen. You don’t know Nona like I do,” I insist.

She throws her head back to laugh. I smile down at her, snapping shots of her in her natural state.

“Stop. You can’t send that.” She grabs my arm.

“Maybe it’s for me.”

Her lips form an O.

“Okay, smile for Nona.” Leaning in, we smile, and I take a few pics. We pull away, then send our texts. My phone vibrates.

“That was fast. Nona is on top of the text game.”

Except I know, she isn’t. Frowning, I pull the phone from my pocket.

Laurene: Surprise! I couldn’t wait to see you, so I caught a flight. I’m at the local airport now.

The floor drops out from under me.

“Everything okay?” She places a hand on my arm.

“No.”

“Caleb?” The worry in her tone snaps me out of my stupor.

“Sorry. My friend just shocked me and caught a flight in.”

“Today?” she whispers.

“Yeah.” I shake my head. “Idiot.”

“Crap. Don’t keep your friend waiting at the airport.” She smiles, and I refuse to let the easy camaraderie we’ve established slip away. I haven’t dated Laurene for over a year. She’s always been impulsive, making choices without thinking them through. I spent years bailing her out of sticky situations. I won’t let this become another one of those times. While leaving her at the airport isn’t an option, not letting her ruin my plans is.

“I was hoping to watch movies and build that gingerbread house Nona sent with me.” I sigh.