She fell back against the couch.“What time is it?”
“It’s a little past midnight.Are you all right?”
“I fell asleep.”
Her mother turned to the Christmas tree.“I can’t believe you did this.”
Felicity couldn’t discern if that was a good thing or not.But when she got a look at her mother, she noticed the tears in her mother’s eyes.Oh no.That wasn’t the reaction she’d been hoping for.
“Mom, I’m sorry.I thought you’d like the tree.”
Her mother nodded.“I do.I love it.”She continued to stare at the tree.“I haven’t had one since…” She pressed a hand to chest.“Since your father was here.”
Felicity stood up.She gave her mother a hug.“I’m sorry I haven’t been around.I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too.”
When Felicity pulled back, she said, “I promise I won’t be gone so long next time.”
And she meant it.Life was short and unpredictable.Her father taught her that lesson the hard way.Her mother needed her, and she needed her too.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Hiscreativitywashummingalong.
Saturday morning, Justin was up bright and early.Normally, he’d spend the weekend working on his manuscript, but things were different since Felicity came back into his life.So, he fed Sunny and took her out for a very brief walk before they headed over to his parents’ house.
On the drive there, he couldn’t help but wonder if Felicity losing her job and returning to Kringle Falls was some sort of sign.Maybe this was their second chance to be together.As soon as it had crossed his mind, he was shocked at his train of thought.
He knew better than to hope that Felicity would stick around Kringle Falls.She’d already mentioned that she was looking for a new job in the city.If he was looking for a sign, that was definitely a neon blinking sign to keep her at arm’s length.
He wasn’t going to fall for her again.He wouldn’t let himself.
But he did remember how her face had glowed the night before when he told her they were friends.And friends take care of friends.That was why he had special plans for the day.
He let himself and Sunny in the back door of his parents’ house.His mother looked up from the kitchen table and immediately smiled.“Good morning.It’s good to see you.”Her gaze moved to Sunny.“Both of you.”She got to her feet and rushed over to take Sunny from him while he took off his coat and boots.
“Aren’t you just a cutie?”His mother practically crooned over the dog like she was her grandbaby.
He looked at his mother with the dog in her arms.Maybe he should adopt Sunny.Then his mother could fuss over her and forget about grandbabies—at least for now.
His mother returned Sunny to him.“She’s just as adorable as I’ve heard.”She moved to the sink to wash her hands.“I just made a fresh pot of coffee.”
“Mom, I don’t have time to stay.”
She waved away his words.“There’s always time for coffee.”She opened the cabinet and pulled out a mug.“So, what has you out and about this early on Saturday?”
“I was wondering if I could borrow a rolling pin.”
That got his mother’s brows to rise high on her forehead.“A rolling pin?”When he nodded to confirm, she asked, “I didn’t know you baked.”
“I don’t.”Then he went on to tell her about Felicity putting up the tree for her mother and finding the heirloom ornaments in pieces.
“That’s awful.”His mother moved to the corner cabinet where she kept her baking supplies.“So, you don’t want any old rolling pin.”
He described it to her the best he could.Thankfully, she had some idea what he was talking about.“You want something special.Let me see what I have.”
He quietly waited, hoping that she’d have what he needed—something that would put the smile back on Felicity’s beautiful face.If his mother didn’t have the special rolling pin, his mind raced as he tried to come up with an alternate plan that would make her smile.
