“I know it’s a big ask,” Merry said, “but Kris’s allergies are getting really bad with having the puppy in the house.He said when he dresses up like Santa that instead of saying to the kidsho-ho-ho, it’ll besneeze-sneeze-sneeze.”
Everyone laughed…but Justin.
When he caught Felicity’s gaze, she said, “Please, Justin.”
He felt as though he were losing the battle.He looked at Sunny, who was giving him big puppy eyes.He inwardly sighed.He supposed it wouldn’t be that bad.He met Merry’s gaze.“Just for a day or two.”
She smiled and nodded.“Okay then.I have some things out in the SUV that you’ll need.”
Felicity stepped forward.“I can take care of Sunny while you get those things.”
As he followed Merry outside, he felt as though they’d orchestrated this ambush.But it might be nice to have the puppy around for a little bit.Although when Merry handed him a giant shopping bag filled with puppy stuff plus a dog crate, he started to worry that his offer to help out was turning into more than he’d imagined.
He headed back inside.He turned to Felicity.“Can you watch Sunny now?I need to head to the school to work on things for the Christmas play.”He cast a look at Merry.“I guess I should ask if there’s still going to be a play.”
Merry sent him a reassuring smile.“Yes.We found someone to fill in with the costumes.”
“That’s good.”He turned back to Felicity.“Are you okay to take care of the pup?”
“Actually, I’m going to the school too.”
Wait.What?Why would she be going there?
“Felicity is filling in for the head of wardrobe,” Merry said.“I was just coming over here to let her know about rehearsal this evening.It all happened so quickly that I didn’t have a chance to give her the schedule.”
“No problem,” Felicity said.“I can go after I get done working.”
He was still trying to get everything straight in his head.“But what about the puppy?”
“I can take care of her,” Connie said.“Since business picked up, I’m planning to order pizza and stay open late tonight.”
“You are?”Felicity’s voice held a note of surprise.
Connie nodded.“I am.Sunny and I will be fine.”
Felicity hesitated.“Are you sure?”
Connie smiled and nodded.“Positive.Sometimes I get stuck in a routine.It’s good to mix things up now and then.”
Merry turned to him.“Justin, would you mind giving her a ride?”
“Merry, no.”Color rushed to Felicity’s cheeks.“I’ll find my own way there.”
Merry shook her head.“We aren’t going to let you walk in the snow.And we don’t want you falling again.”
“What?”Felicity was slack jawed.“You know about that?”
Merry smiled.“Oh, yes.You made quite the return to Kringle Falls.”
The color in Felicity’s cheeks increased.“Oh.”
Justin knew where this was headed so he just cut to the chase.He turned to Felicity.“Are you ready to go?”
“Are you sure?I mean, will your wife care?”
Wife?What was she talking about?Wait.Was it possible she hadn’t heard that his wedding had been called off?
If so, that was strange.Everyone in town knew about Nadia walking out on him.The whole debacle had fueled the rumor mill for weeks.At least she’d ended things before they were married.He supposed that would have somehow been worse.
