“You haven’t finished your Christmas shopping?”
If Hannah wanted to distract her sister, all she had to do was mention the ‘S’ word. Shopping was as important to Claire as breathing.
With a flick of her wrist, Hannah opened another sheet of tissue paper. “I’ve only driven into town once since I’ve been here.”
Claire pushed her hair behind her ears. “Say no more. Before you know it, you’ll be in Bozeman, racing between stores.”
Hannah knew she shouldn’t feel relieved, but she was. Looking for Christmas presents sounded so much better than talking to Brett.
***
Later that night, Hannah stumbled through Pat’s front door. Her shopping bags banged against the doorframe, upsetting the boxes she was carrying. She hugged the presents to her chest, hoping she made it to the living room before she dropped everything.
She’d had a great time in town. After she’d wrapped the paintings that would stay in the attic, she’d followed Claire into Bozeman. Convincing her sister that she didn’t need help with her Christmas shopping had taken more than a few minutes. But in the end, Claire had gone home and Hannah had walked from store to store, enjoying every moment of her shopping extravaganza.
She heard voices coming from somewhere in the house. Thomas and Dave must still be here.
“Do you need a hand?”
She turned around. Brett was standing behind her in the kitchen doorway. “I’m okay at the moment. Everything’s balanced against each other.”
He didn’t move. “Are you sure?”
Hannah changed her grip, hoping the boxes didn’t prove her wrong by tumbling to the ground. “I’m fine.” She stepped toward the living room, aiming for the center of the doorway.
“Careful,” Brett’s hands grabbed hold of her shoulders, turning her slightly to the right. “You nearly hit the hall table.”
She sighed. “Thanks. Can I change my mind and ask for help?”
Brett took the boxes out of her hands. “Did you want all the boxes in the living room?”
She nodded. “I was going to take my shopping home, but Claire will squeeze each gift until she knows exactly what’s inside.”
“These are all for Claire?”
“Some of them.” She followed Brett into the living room and stared at the pine tree beside the fireplace. “I didn’t think Pat was going to have a Christmas tree. It’s lovely.”
Brett placed the parcels on the table. “We still need to finish the decorations, but it’s getting there.”
Thomas and Dave walked into the room carrying two plastic crates.
“We’ve got more decorations, boss,” Thomas said. “Mr. McConachie is bringing the garlands for the fireplace.”
“Did anyone find the lights?”
Pat grinned as he came into the dining room. “I’ve got them, too. Good evening, Hannah.” He looked at the bags in her hands. “Is there anything left in the stores?”
She left her bags on the table and smiled. “Bozeman was busy, but I managed to find one or two things.”
“Ida used to spend a lot of time in town each Christmas.” Pat’s gentle smile brought tears to Hannah’s eyes. “She loved listening to the carols and seeing her friends.”
Thomas took the Christmas tree lights out of Pat’s hand. “My grandma said they’ve had people singing carols at the retirement village each day. Has Mrs. McConachie heard them?”
“She has. Be careful of the lights, Thomas. They’ve been in our family for a long time.”
“Okay, boss.”
Dave placed his crate on the floor. “We should put the lights on the tree before adding any more decorations.”
