“Sure, but that means we’ll just have to start our own traditions then.”
“For our fake mail-order marriage?” She arches an eyebrow.
Undeterred, I say, “For the next thirty days. Beginning with finding the perfect tree. There’s a farm on the edge of town that I’ve been wanting to check out.”
“When you commit to something, you go all in, huh?” She’s studying me again, like I’m a character she’s trying to understand.
“Some people like hockey. I love it. Some people like writing. You should see my penmanship. My mom says it looks like a chicken trying to draw with a crayon. Some people go nuts for Christmas. I’m a big fan.” I shrug, unapologetic about my enthusiasm. “It’s the one time of year when everything seems possible. Even fake marriages—” I catch myself before I saysomething too revealing and scare her off, because is it really so bad? Okay, from the outside, it’s straight-up loony, but we’re talking about Bree and me. “Well, you know what I mean.”
For a moment, I swear I see a crack in her Grinchy armor, a hint of something softer. Then it smooths over like a Zamboni resurfacing the rink. But I look again and a small smile plays at the corners of her mouth. It’s not quite holiday cheer, but it’s a start.
COBBITON DAILY CALLER
CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN CORNER
We are kicking off what’s looking a lot like a holly-jolly hockey Christmas season here in town with events to keep your schedule full. Be sure to check in daily as we count down to the big day.
Usually, we share highlights, features, and specials you don’t want to miss, but this year we have love on the calendar, Christmas romance in particular, and we don’t just mean the books stocking the shelves at Once Upon a Romance.
The kindling is just starting to spark around town and we’re eager to see it turn into a blaze—unless everything isn’t as it seems.
Cobbiton has a new power coupleand as we count down to Christmas, will they get gifts from Santa or wind up on his naughty list?
THE CORN HUSKER
[PRIVATE GROUP]
A hub for the Cobbiton community to connect, discuss concerns, and share upcoming events. Please read the “About” section for advisement about sharing direct sales marketing, self-promotion, and work-from-home opportunities. Remember, corny compliments are allowed, but friendly feuds will be deleted. The rules are here to foster engagement and fun while maintaining positivity. Enjoy connecting with your neighbors!
[Post: Monday 8:01 am]
Jessica Ellis
I like to keep up to date on local happenings as much as the next girl, but was the Cobbiton Daily Caller sold to the town gossip, involved in a hostile takeover, or has there been a series of misprints in the Christmas Countdown Corner?
I usually check it out for fun things to do with the kids, but it’s been unhinged lately, practically a gossip column and we hear enough of that at All Ears! Someone, please tell me I’m reading the wrong paper or imagining things.
[Comments]
WhitneyReddford: I have my suspicions.
HeidiFederer: Me too.
MarshaSimmons: Do you think someone needs a home-cooked meal and is printing that content to get attention? If they’re lonely, I can bring by a casserole baked with love. I’m happy to help.
BarrySmeltz: If you ask me, no one should be reading the drivel in that rag, anyway. Did you hear what they wrote about Harold Olsen’s cow? I mean, have some dignity. But I’m never one not to provide a solution, if not a substitute. Positivity, people! I wrote a book called Attack of the Voalcan Army and it’s available now!
JessieDunnO’Conner: No one asked youBarrySmeltz!
TaylorTipton: I suggest bringing your concerns to Mrs. GormelyJessicaEllis
CaraBadaszekArsenault: Or you could paint a target on your back.
JessicaEllis: Did you just do the same?
CaraBadaszekArsenault: No, she’s blocked from this group.
WhitneyReddford: You’d better believe she has spies!
