Mason shrugged. “She left my dad a few years ago, and he’s been in a funk since then. Tinseltown is the first thing that’s picked up his spirits, so I want to help give him every opportunity to succeed.”
“That makes sense.”
She tossed the stick into the fire and sat back. So Mason and his father weren’t money-grubbing corporate types trying to steal business from the Woodwards. They were just a family trying to survive, just like hers. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if she didn’t win the contest. But then thoughts of her mother and her brother popped up. Her first loyalty was to them, and with a potential problem with the trees, they needed every edge they could get.
“So what are your plans for decorating the area?” Kristen wondered if he would tell her. She wasn’t expecting him to spill any secrets, but it might be nice to get a general idea to see if she had to up her game.
Mason laughed. “What are your plans?”
Kristen’s gaze narrowed. Was he trying to get her secret plans? But his expression was more amused than anything. It wouldn’t hurt to tell him a few vague details. “Some years, my dad went all out with tons of lights and decorations. Other times, he put up lots of extras like snowmen and blow-up Santas. I’m going to use a simple design with all-white lights. Along with the evergreens, I’m going to really play up the beauty of the oaks and maples.” Especially if there aren’t many evergreens to bring in.
“That sounds nice,” Mason said. “I want to show off Dad’s inventory, but I was thinking about going big on the color. Kind of like our front porch. I mean, I know my dad’s gone overboard there, but I feel like I want to utilize lots of ornaments and garland and lights because that’s what he sells in the store. Of course, I’ll set up a lot of his trees.”
Kristen’s stomach tightened at the mention of the trees, but she pushed away her worries. Of course she would have real trees to decorate the pond with. Ethan would see to it. “That sounds interesting.”
Kristen actually thought it sounded a little too busy. If it came out like their porch, it might be a bit over the top. Would Irene like that better than Kristen’s more subtle approach?
Mason studied Kristen’s face in the firelight. The flames made her blue eyes seem even brighter, and reflected in them, he could see a hint of concern. This contest was important to her, and he sensed she wasn’t sure how much she should tell him about her ideas for the pond design.
He was enjoying talking to her and didn’t want her to leave, so he changed the subject. “Ivy mentioned that you just recently moved back to town. How do you like it?”
“I love it,” Kristen said, her face lighting up. “It’s been really great to be back home and reconnecting with old friends. Even though the winters can be tough, there’s something special about a small-town Christmas.”
Mason nodded in agreement. The holiday season in Pinecone Falls was very different from in the city. In fact, it was different from most other towns he’d lived in. These people took festive to another level, but somehow, it wasn’t over the top—with the exception of his father’s porch. It was enchanting.
“I live in Philly usually. In the city. This is a nice break. I might be kind of sad to leave after the holiday.” Mason was surprised to find it was true. “Where did you live?”
“Chicago. I was a manager at a high-tech company. But my family needed me back here, and I’m glad to be back.”
Mason could get on board with the loyalty to her family. He felt the same about helping his father, though he wasn’t sure he’d actually move here. Kristen must have sacrificed her career, he thought. No wonder winning the skating decorating contest was so important to her.
He also sensed something else in her tone. Was it a hint of worry? Her family had been running the tree farm for generations. It was well established, unlike his father’s business. So what would they have to worry about?
There had been dry pine needles at the wreath-making contest, but he didn’t know if that was normal. He’d heard a few snatches of conversations around town in which people had been wondering when the Woodwards were going to put trees up for sale, but it was still a few weeks before Christmas, so he figured that was normal. But maybe something really was wrong. Then again, her father had just died a few years ago, and she was probably just worried about how things would work without him. Whatever it was, Mason was sympathetic.
“The tree farm must be a lot of work to keep up. My dad’s business is small, but it’s a lot for him to handle on his own.”
“It is,” Kristen said with a sigh. “But our family has been running it for so long I think I have sap in my blood.”
Mason laughed. Things couldn’t be too bad at the farm if she was joking about it. He added another log to the fire. It was getting late, but he didn’t want the conversation to end.
“Hopefully, when we get back, there won’t be any new additions on our porches.” Mason glanced over, hoping that Kristen was as amused as he was about the little contest their parents appeared to be having.
“I don’t know,” Kristen said with a twinkle in her eye. “Your dad seems pretty creative. I wouldn’t put it past him to add a few more things.”
Mason groaned. “Please tell me you’re kidding.”
Kristen laughed. “I am. But I have to admit, it’s been kind of fun seeing how far he’ll go.”
Mason shook his head. His father could be frustrating at times, but he loved him. “He does know how to put on a show.”
“I do owe him some thanks though.”
“You do?”
“Yep. It’s given my mom something to get involved in, and I like that. It’s been hard for her since Dad died, but I feel like she’s turning a corner.”
“I think it might be helping my father too. He’s been in a funk since Mom left. I know it’s nothing compared to losing a spouse, but I’m still glad to see his spirits lifted.”
