“I do. Someone in Friendship needs their Christmas spirit brought back. I consider that an emergency. There are at least twenty moms on that list, and me of course. Hell, we can make them if we have to. Whatever it takes. The flamingos need hats.”
“This is crazy.” She laughed.
“Crazy and amazing, though, right? I mean, you think she’ll like it, right?” I asked. It was totally over the top, but this was a holiday emergency … sort of. I probably should have asked Robin what she thought of the idea before I started procuring yard flamingos from all over the place, but I had an idea and needed to run with it.
“I think it’s going to blow her mind, Jason.” Robin had a thoughtful look.
“You don’t think it will upset her, do you?” That was the last thing I would want.
“Honestly? I think it might bring a tear to her eye.” I must have looked worried because Robin continued right away. “But I don’t think that is a bad thing! Don’t worry. I think it’s time for her to see that she can enjoy the traditions of the old days with our parents and make new memories at the same time.”
“That’s what I’m hoping for here, Robin. I want to make her happy,” I replied honestly. She grew silent and observed me with a bit of a smirk, which gave me pause. “What?” I asked.
“What do you hope to achieve from this grand gesture?” She folded her hands across her chest and narrowed her eyes. “You know she doesn’t live here. So what’s in it for you? I get you shared a moment or a flirtation or whatever, but you’re a really great guy, and she’s my sister. What’s really going on here?”
Thinking back to the things Gabe said, I couldn’t very well tell Robin the whole truth. It wouldn’t make one bit of sense that an old homeless man made it real clear that Samantha needed to be in my life and that I believed him. So I was as honest as I could be without full disclosure. “I like your sister, Robin. I like her a lot. And for whatever reason, one that I can’t even fully explain myself, I’m compelled to help her makethisthe Christmas she chooses to move forward. There’s something about her, and about everything that she’s feeling, that just resonates with me.”
“Okay, I mean I’m going to help you, because she’s my sister and I think she’ll love this. But it’s also my job to get to the bottom of your intentions too,” she said with some sternness.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have some feelings for her, Robin. But you know me. I’m not a bad guy.”
“No, you’re not a bad guy. Which is why I want to make sure you’ve got a clear head here too. I don’t want to see you get hurt either.”
I knew she was trying to be a good friend, but it mattered little to me whether or not winning the girl happened. In that moment, I felt like I’d been given a mission. My assignment was to get Samantha’s Christmas spirit back, and I chose to run with the operation full steam ahead.
“I appreciate your concern, but I’ll work out the details of what might be something amazing with her when the time is right. For now, Operation Festive Flamingo is on, yes?”
I couldn’t think of a better name, but Robin chuckled. “Yes, it is definitely on. I’ll activate the phone tree and keep you posted.”
“I’ll be gathering my supplies today until the concert and working on the display tomorrow while Emily is at Mrs. Partridge’s. They’re building gingerbread houses or something messy that I’m glad isn’t happening at my house.” I would do whatever my little one wanted, but I hated some of the insane messes that would come from our projects.
“My girls will be there too.” She laughed. “I don’t need little bits of candy I’ll be finding all summer long in my kitchen either. Mrs. Partridge is a saint for having all the kids over.”
“Okay, I’ve got a few more calls to make, and I’m going to tell Emily the plan too.”
“Sounds good … see you tonight, Jason.”
Robin took off, and I filled Emily in on what we were doing. Christmas was her favorite holiday, too, so she sounded eager to participate.
“Is Miss Samantha your girlfriend?” she asked me.
“Not yet, Em. But maybe someday. For now, our job is to make sure this is the most special Christmas she’s had in a really long time. You ready for this? It’s a big job to help me, you know.”
Her eyes lit up with enthusiasm. I could tell she enjoyed being a part of a secret operation, and with a heart as big as hers, I knew she’d be all about it. Plus, it had an element of shenanigans that any little girl would want in on. “Oh, I’m ready. I was made for this!”
I laughed. “Made for what?”
“I was made for secret Christmas operations. Come on, Dad. Keep up.”
That kid cracked me up day and night. Sometimes I forgot how young she really was. She was mature for her age, probably from spending so much time with me. I talked to her like a grown-up from the time she was born. I got so lucky with her, and even though it had been just the two of us for most of her life, I was confident that the addition of someone special to our little family would be good for both of us. She was the perfect partner in crime.
Operation Festive Flamingo was a go.
Chapter Thirteen
Samantha
Jason had texted me a few times throughout the day, asking what I was up to and telling me he was looking forward to seeing me at the concert that evening. Our banter was fun, and I felt like a kid again. I was uplifted, almost cheerful even. I couldn’t deny I was smitten. It had been so long since I’d shared a kiss that I had forgotten how wonderful it was. The butterflies, the smiles, the compliments, had shoved my aversion to Christmas under the rug.
