We embrace and then she pulls Bailey into a hug, too. “What in the world?” Mom presses her hands to her face, clearly adjusting to the fact we’re standing here in the flesh.
“We were just passing by,” Bailey says, taking Harry from my arms and snuggling into him the way he loves. “Thought we’d see what you’re all doing for Christmas since we’re gonna be neighbors.”
Mom wipes her tears as Dad appears, taking his specs off as he bounds toward us. “Princess!” He pulls me into a big bear hug, lifting me off my feet. “You never said anything!”
“Well,” I start, when he eventually sets me down and gives Bailey a hug, too. “I had a lot of things happen in New York, and I didn’t want you to worry.”
Mom instantly frowns. “I know you like us to keep out of your business, but I’ve been looking up employment agencies,” Mom says. “And there’s a ton of better jobs with higher pay. You did the right thing packing your things and leaving, honey.”
Mom’s forgetting that I was the one who was fired.
I clear my throat. “What I didn’t tell you was Kelto didn’t pay the rent, and we were evicted.”
Both my parents stare at me. I continue on anyway. “She left, and I’ve no idea where she is. I had to use all my savings to cover things, but it was too late to save the lease.”
“If you needed money, you should’ve said,” Dad says sternly. “You know we’re here to help you out no matter what.”
Yeah, just what I need, my parents bailing me out again. “I know, Dad, and I love you for it. It was a learning curve,” I say.“I needed to stand on my own two feet. Then Bails told me about this job in Alpine Falls?—”
Mom gasps. “You’ve moved to Alpine Falls?”
I’m about to tell her it’s temporary, but the words don’t come out of my mouth. Instead, I say, “Yep, almost two weeks ago.”
Bailey side eyes me approvingly. “And we thought what better time to surprise you right before you pack for your vacation. We’re only an hour away!”
Mom pats her chest, next she’s gonna need to sit down. She’s never been one for big surprises. “You’re a sneak. In fact, you’re both sneaks. What a wonderful surprise!”
I smile, feeling just a little guilty that I didn’t tell them sooner. But I knew they’d just worry, and at some point in time, I had to handle my own messes. “Well, I thought it would be a nice pre-Christmas surprise, and we can spend Christmas Day together. I tried to find accommodation in Alpine Falls for a few nights, but everything is booked.”
“Don’t you worry about that,” Mom says. “Oh, honey, this is going to be the most magical Christmas ever!”
“Aside from those surprise tickets to New York,” Dad mutters with a shake of his head. My eyes widen. “You didn’t?”
“I did, but what matters is you’re here, and we love you.”
My eyes tear up. “Dad, I’m sorry.”
He embraces me again, kissing me on the head. “You don’t ever have to be sorry, Princess. You are glowing, what have you been doing this entire time?”
I open my mouth, but Bailey answers before I can. “Oh, you know, soaking up the sights of Alpine Falls.” She waggles her eyebrows at me as I shoot her daggers.
My crush on Zane is a little more than a simmering pot by now. Of course, Bailey and Jo-Beth have grand ideas, but I can’t sleep with my boss. It’s unethical, as much as I’ve imagined doing just that.
“I’ve been working hard,” I put in. “At the Lawless Christmas Tree Farm, it’s amazing. I’ve fallen a little bit in love with it.”
“That’s wonderful!” Mom enthuses. “I’m so happy for you, honey.” She glances around. “But where’s Mindy?”
“Oh,” I say. “I left her with Zane at the farm because she doesn’t travel well in the car.”
“Wasn’t that so sweet of him?” Bailey coos. I elbow her in the ribs, but Dad catches on quick.
“Ooh, do I sense a little spark of romance in the air?” He wiggles his eyebrows.
“No,” I say firmly, though my temperature is on the rise. “He’s my boss, Dad, and he’s the grumpiest man I know.”
“Grumps need more loving than most,” Mom warns happily. “I know because your dad used to be one, and still is in the mornings.”
I laugh. Of course, I’ve heard the story time and time again, but it never gets old. Dad is kinda set in his ways, a lot like Zane, but Dad’s far less grumpy. He’s also mellowed with age.
