When she placed the last piece of tape, she turned the final package over.She proceeded to tie each package with twine before tying a bow.It gave the presents an old-world feel.Jessica was thrilled that she didn’t have to wrap them, so it was a total win for both of them.
She’d just handed Jessica the shopping bag when Merry walked through the door.The two women exchanged pleasantries as they passed.Meanwhile, Felicity picked up Sunny and gave her a gentle hug.
“I’m going to miss you.You’re so sweet and have such a gentle soul.”
“What did you say, dear?”
Felicity raised her gaze to find Merry standing across the counter from her.“I was just telling Sunny that she is such a good puppy.”
“Except for the book she tried to eat.”
Felicity turned her head to see her boss standing there with a frown and an arched brow.The breath caught in the back of Felicity’s throat.She thought her boss was okay with the incident.
In the blink of an eye, a smile appeared on Connie’s face.Felicity released the pent-up breath.Obviously, she’d spent too much time at her old job, where people were too serious all of the time.
“I’m sorry,” Merry said.“I’ll pay for it.”
Felicity spoke up.“It’s already been taken care of.”
Merry’s gaze moved between Felicity and Connie.She hesitated before she said, “Well, thank you so much for taking care of Sunny.I really appreciate it.”
“It was no problem,” Felicity said.“She’s a really good dog.Someone is going to be lucky to have her.”
Merry arched a brow.“What about you?”
Felicity shook her head.“Sorry.I really can’t.I’m staying with my mother until Christmas, and then I’m heading back to New York.I can’t have a puppy there.”
Merry hesitated, and then with a deflated look on her face, she nodded her head.“I understand.But would you mind keeping an eye on her for just a couple more minutes?I need to have a quick word with Connie.”
“Sure.No problem.”
The ladies made their way to the back where Connie had her office.Just then a young family entered the bookshop.With Sunny in her arms, she moved to greet them.The two little girls oohed and aahed over the puppy.
She showed them where to find some kids’ books with dogs in them.The parents thanked her as they perused the shelves with their children.
Felicity stepped up to the counter as a couple other customers came through the door.She greeted them and told them if they had any questions to come find her.It was the same greeting she gave all of the bookshop’s visitors.
A few minutes later, Connie and Merry emerged from the office.They paused at the end of the counter where Felicity was busy replenishing the display of bookmarks while Sunny sniffed the floor.
“I don’t know what we’re going to do.”Merry expelled a weary sigh.“If I don’t find someone to finish the costumes, there isn’t going to be a Christmas play.”
Connie frowned.“It can’t be that hard to find someone, can it?”
Merry sighed.“People are either heading out of town for the holidays, or they don’t know anything about creating costumes.”
Felicity couldn’t believe what she was hearing.There had always been a Christmas play.She remembered how much she used to love it as a kid.She was in it every year until she got too old.She was just in elementary school, but she used to imagine herself becoming a famous actress.The memory brought a smile to her lips.
“There has to be a play.It’s tradition.”Felicity clamped her lips together as heat rushed from her chest up to her face.She hadn’t meant to utter the words out loud.It’s just that she couldn’t imagine a Kringle Falls Christmas without the children putting on a play.
Both women looked at her with widened eyes.The fact they only stared and didn’t speak only worsened the uncomfortable moment.
The heat in Felicity’s cheeks increased.“Sorry.I shouldn’t have butted into your conversation.”
“I didn’t know you cared so much about the play,” Connie said.
Felicity shrugged.She couldn’t tell them it felt like everything from her past was disappearing or changing.“I have fond memories of it.”
Merry sighed.“I understand.But I can’t find anyone with the skills to step in and finish the costumes.”
