“Right? What type of neighbor would I be?”
“And those?” She points to the golden and orange wooden carved pumpkins and candle set that sits on the couch in my office.
I swallow down the urge to curse. I’d forgotten to put those away so no one would see them before I had the chance to drop them off at Ellyn’s. She might not want to decorate for the holiday—or be able to, given her injuries—but when I saw the decorations I knew they matched the wreath Meghan bought perfectly.
“Is it a crime to pick up a decoration or two for your neighbor? A neighbor, who by the way, is currently on bed rest from an injury? I’m just trying to inject a little holiday cheer into the woman’s spirit,” I defend.
“Can you believe she said she’snotgoing to decorate her house for the Christmas neighborhood competition?” I grunt and shake my head.
I still don’t understand it. Especially not after watching Ellyn’s YouTube videos. She has plenty of home decorating videos on her channel, including videos on how to entertain for different occasions.
One would think someone like her would be all about decorating for the holidays. But when it comes to her own home, she’s totally against it.
“Maybe she’s over it.”
Savannah’s comment calls my attention.
“Over it? How can you be over Christmas?”
She bursts out laughing, which makes Amelia laugh.
“Grandpa’s funny, right?” she asks Amelia.
“What’s so damn funny?”
“You. A big, strong, grumpy rancher like you who’s completely baffled that a woman would choose not to go all out for the holidays.”
“It’s not because she’s a woman,” I defend.
Savannah raises an eyebrow. “Isn’t it?”
“No. Christmas is a time for joy, and family, and love, and all of that sh—” I pause and glance over at Amelia who’s now watching this exchange between her mother and me. “... things. All of those things. Why would she not want to participate in that?”
“Maybe she is,” Savannah answers.
I side-eye her.
“In her own way,” she elaborates. “Perhaps she doesn’t need all of the decor and fuss to enjoy her holiday.”
“Nonsense.” I wave my hand, dismissing Savannah’s argument.
“I could be wrong. By the way …” she starts at the same time she goes over to pull Amelia out of the walker, “there is something else I need to tell you.”
My stomach drops.
“No conversation I’ve enjoyed has ever started off with those words.”
Her brows nearly touch her hairline. “No, it’s not a bad thing. I mean, not really. Depending on how you look at it.”
“You’re stalling.”
“I know.” Clearing her throat, she adjusts Amelia on her hip. “It’s about Gabe and Lena.”
My heart rate speeds up.
Savannah must notice the change in my demeanor because she holds out her free hand.
“No, they’re fine. It’s just … I spoke with Lena this morning. She wanted me to tell you that while the family will be able to return home for Thanksgiving, they’ll have to head out right afterwards. For her New York show on Friday night.”
