He turns to go with a nod, seeing I am not wavering. I wonder what it would be like to talk about how much I used to love this night. The night before Thanksgiving when the whole town gathers to celebrate the tree lighting. It was always such a special night, full of joy and hope.
How many nights could we have been there at the same time? What would it be like to go tonight, with those two cute kids? But no. Not even handsome Peter Pan and two cute lostkids could convince me.
I won't ever celebrate Christmas again.
Chapter Two
Niko
Holidays—any holiday at all—are the best time of the year.
Whether it is a birthday party with creepy clowns because my nephew loves them or a huge table of food surrounded by people I love giving thanks, I am all about it. I host parties, I plan it all from start to finish. I never let an anniversary, or a graduation pass without celebrating whoever or whatever deserves celebration.
Christmas has always had a special place in my heart. Growing up, it was a special day full of memories my parents worked hard to make special. Cookies for Santa, full stockings, special ornaments we made together to hang on the tree, it was always a big deal at the Hughes house.
From a young age, I strived to make the best memories with each celebration. Each holiday. Heck, I even go all out for my friends who observe Diwali and Hanukkah. Whatever gives me a reason to cook some food, make some drinks, and laugh with people I care about.
Before the traditional holiday tree lighting, I am taking my two favorite elves—my niece and nephew—to grab a gift for my sister. Because she was born on Thanksgiving, her day often blends into the other holidays. I never let it though, and I want to be sure her kids celebrate her the same way.
“Can we get you flowers too?” My niece, Ava, wonders.
“No, Tink,” I tell her, tugging at her tiny ponytail. “This is just for Sissa. For her birthday, because we never want to forget her special day.”
“Flowers,” her little brother, Evan points at the store front. “For mama. Flowers for girls,” he follows up thoughtfully. Iwon't correct him that guys deserve flowers sometimes too.
“Flowers for everyone,” Ava beats me to it, laughing at him.
They bicker for less than a minute before they're laughing at the carolers passing by. Turning to watch them, we hesitate for a moment. Their voices carry over the shoppers filling Main Street. I smile as the kids tip their heads back, tongues out, as the snow falls heavier.
“Come on, lost boys, let's get those flowers.”
Stepping inside the little shop on the corner, I breathe the sweet air in. It smells of roses and fir wreaths, it is warm the way a greenhouse is. Earthy. Fresh with life. I lead the kids towards the front before I stop in my tracks.
Standing behind the counter staring up at me is the sweetest, prettiest angel I have ever seen. Purple tinted hair is piled on top of her head, a bright pink wrap on holding it back from her face. Some pieces fall loose, framing her face like the soft petals of a flower. Bright, ocean blue eyes focus on me as I stare at her in awe.
With full, pink lips, and dark brows over those pretty eyes, she is a vision of perfection. I note the slight dusting of freckles over her tiny nose, where I see a gold hoop glinting on one side. Oh, cute, edgy a little. I take a step towards her, wanting her name, to hear her voice. Two hands yank at my own, reminding me Iam nothere to sweep this woman off her feet.
“Evening, ma’am,” I stutter as my gaze eats her up. ““We’re here to get a gift for their mother. Thanksgiving is also her birthday. It gets forgotten with all the holiday festivities. I want to be sure we celebrate her.”
Something dims in her bright blue eyes, making my heart seize up. Oh man. No, no way. Glancing down at Ava and Evan, I sigh. Yeah, they could pass as my kids. People often mistake me for their father. I never mind.
I've been their favorite uncle—also their only uncle—sincethey were born because I adore them. I love them. I would do anything for them. I am very close with my sister Sutton and help as often as I can. One day I will give them cousins to play with, to look after the way I look after them.
Once I find the woman I want to celebrate every single holiday with.
Shaken from my thoughts of a future I cannot wait for, I focus on the task at hand. Getting my sister a birthday gift. Blinking down at the beautiful woman who has entirely thrown me off, I follow her through the aisle to a large display. It is the one thing in the store that speaks to the holiday season.
It is beautiful and perfect. Ava and Evan agree, eyes going big as they take in the big, beautiful bouquet. It is just what my sister would want. I am so pleased, I consider the task completed. Now, I can think about perhaps trying to sweep this pretty, talented woman off her feet after all.
“Let me get that, honey,” I offer, moving close to her as if I cannot stay back a moment longer. “It’s so beautiful.”
Those words were meant for her as well. I almost drop the big bouquet when her soft little body presses against mine. It feels as if a bolt of lightning rockets through me. I cannot catch my breath. I clutch the big vase to me as she turns to stare up at me.
Jesus, she’ssobeautiful. We’re so close now I can see flecks of yellow in her light blue eyes. Like cornflowers. She smells not like flowers or even the dirt she must spend her days working in. No, she smells of...linen and warmth, and I move even closer, drawn to her that much more. My hands flex at her hips and I almost want to grab her to haul her close. Before I can, her eyes flash as the tiny creatures beside me murmur about holiday lights.
“Thank you,” her response reminds me I had spoken to praise her work.” I do notdoChristmas usually but...this was inmy head.”
Staring down at her, I almost frown. Does notdoChristmas? Well, I think I might have to do something about that. Who does not do a holiday as important, as special, asChristmas? Well, besides other faiths of course. The spirit of this season, which for me begins tonight with the tree lighting, goes through the weekend with Thanksgiving, and all the way to the new year, should be celebrated to its fullest.
