“Like getting together ruined ours?” she shot back. “We know better than anyone how easily years can go by without admitting that there’s something there. Do we want Imogen and Lincoln to be old and gray before they finally see what’s right in front of them?”
“Well, of course not.” George sighed. “But not everyone is us.”
“No, but sometimes people need a little push to find their way back to each other. Just like we did,” Mabel insisted.
“Well, you might be onto something,” George admitted reluctantly. “Just make sure you give them space. Don’t push too much.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Mabel huffed, but she saw the way Vanessa chuckled. Everyone was on to her, but it didn’t bother her a bit. If anything, it warmed her heart that her partner and granddaughter knew her so well.
“So we’re really doing this?” Vanessa asked, picking up a piece of bacon. “The Secret Santa scheme?”
“We’re really doing this,” Mabel confirmed. “But we’ll need to be subtle about it. We can’t let on that we’re orchestrating anything, or they’ll both run in opposite directions out of sheer stubbornness.”
“Lincoln’s not stubborn,” George protested mildly. “He’s just… cautious. Especially when it comes to matters of the heart.”
“And Imogen’s been hurt before,” Vanessa added, her voice growing thoughtful. “Katie’s father left when she was just a baby. I think Imogen’s built up some pretty strong walls to protect herself and her daughter.”
“As she should,” Mabel said firmly. “But Lincoln is different. I know this is what they both need, they just need help to see it.”
“Well, there’s definitely no stopping you when you have your mind set on something,” George said with a laugh. “So we’ll just help in whatever way we can.”
“Right this second, the only person I’m worried about helping isyou,” Mabel said, reaching up to touch the back of her hand to George’s forehead. “You still feel like you’re running a bit of a temperature.”
George frowned. “This flu has really knocked me flat. I can’t remember the last time I felt this bad.”
“Maybe I should call the doctor,” Mabel said worriedly. “I don’t like that you’re still so sick.”
“It’s just a flu. I’ll be fine in a day or two.” George caught her hand and squeezed it gently. “But I do appreciate having my own personal nurse.”
“Well, your personal nurse insists that you eat every bite of this breakfast and then go straight back to bed,” Mabel said firmly. “And no arguments.”
“Sure. But,” George began, setting down his mug, “there is something I need to ask you. Something I’ve been worrying about.”
The serious tone in his voice immediately caught Mabel’s attention. “What is it?”
George gestured vaguely toward the window. “The Christmas tree farm. I hate to ask, but with this flu knocking me down, I’m going to need someone to handle things for the next few days. Maybe longer. It’s our busiest time of the year, and I can’t afford to lose customers because I’m too sick to help them findthe perfect tree.” He chuckled wryly before smothering another cough. “I guess I suffered from the same thing you did, not really wanting to hire help. But I haven’t really needed it before this.”
Mabel didn’t hesitate for even a moment. “Of course I’ll help. You don’t even need to ask.”
“I just don’t want you to overwork yourself.” George frowned. “I know you have your hands full with the toy shop, even with Vanessa’s help. I feel bad asking you to take on extra work with the farm.”
“You’re not asking,” Mabel said firmly. “I’m offering. And it won’t be a burden at all. I love helping parents find the perfect Christmas gift, and this is no different. Helping people pick out the perfect tree will be fun. And Vanessa knows her way around the store blindfolded by now. I’m sure she can handle things at the toy shop a bit more for a while, until you’re back on your feet.”
“Absolutely,” Vanessa agreed. “I can run the place whenever I need to, so Mabel can look out for the farm. We’ll make sure everything runs smoothly until you’re feeling better.”
George gave them both a rare smile. “Well, I can’t say what I did to deserve so much help, but I really appreciate the two of you. I can give you a rundown of what needs to be done at the farm—” He broke into another bout of coughing, and Mabel shook her head.
“Why don’t you just write it down for me.Afteryou’re settled back in bed.”
“I’ll clean up,” Vanessa offered. “And then I can get to the toy store while Mabel heads over to the farm.”
“Well, that’s settled.” Mabel clapped her hands. “All right. George, let’s get you settled, and you can give me some notes on how to handle things. Vanessa, you’re sure you’ve got all of this?”
“Absolutely,” Vanessa agreed. “I’ll be ready to go when you are.”
George gave Mabel another smile as she helped him up, walking with him to the stairs. “Thank you,” he said gruffly. “For breakfast, for offering to help with the farm, for everything. I love you.”
Mabel felt her heart skip, and she smiled brightly right back at him. “I love you too,” she said, giving him a quick kiss on the temple. “More than I ever thought I’d love anyone again.” Her heart swelled with gratitude for this unexpected chapter in her life as she said it, this second chance at happiness that had come when she’d least expected it.
