"Snap a few pictures of the donations for social media? I can't think of anything else. We mainly just need people there to receive the donations and to thank the donors for participating."
"Sounds easy enough. I'll let the guys know." Steve walked over to the rest of the crew.
"I need to get back to the grandstand and make sure everything else is running smoothly." The panic I felt when I first received the call that town hall wasn't open receded, leaving me feeling a little shaky.
Maddox stood in his Santa suit. "You think I should keep this on?"
I smiled. "It wouldn't be a bad idea. The kids will love it."
He hauled me against the belly of his costume and growled, "You're going to owe me for this."
I grinned. "Somehow I think that will be enjoyable."
Maddox's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Sofia's watching the parade with my parents. I'll tell them where I am."
"Thanks for this, Maddox. I really appreciate the help."
"Of course."
I pulled away from him, feeling lighter than I had in a long time. My plan to work closely with local fire department was becoming reality.
The initial deal was to help Maddox get the promotion, but I was getting to know him as part of our deal too.
I might have been a little out of my element, mixing a relationship with work. And I should have slowed down to consider how my relationship with Maddox might be a problem. But I felt too good to consider the possibilities. Besides, I had a parade to manage.
I walked quickly back to my place at the grandstand, letting out a relieved breath that things appeared to be running smoothly.
When Maddox got to the town hall, he texted me a video of the guys carrying the packages inside. The guys wore their department issued T's and cargo pants, their muscles bulging as they carried boxes.
I quickly saved the video, edited it, and shared it on Christmas Town's social-media page, reminding everyone that they could drop off donations today and receive a coupon to shop at the stores in town.
I hoped we'd get a lot of donations. I wanted the toy drive to be a success. The fact that the fire department was involved was a bonus. It added legitimacy to our cause. Later, Maddox sent images of toys filling the space, and an unknown number—I thought it might have been Steve—sent an image of Maddox in his Santa suit talking to a little boy.
My heart contracted in my chest. I liked seeing Maddox embrace his role in the community. Hopefully, he'd see that itwas fun getting involved and talking to everyone. Satisfied that the toy drive was properly managed, I refocused on the parade itself.
There hadn't been any major mishaps beyond Ford not showing up for the toy drive.
I watched the group of dancers twirl their batons into the air and dance around to fast-tempo music.
Natasha appeared. "You need my help?"
"I think everything's under control. We're almost done."
The music ended, and the girls got into formation to continue along the parade route. The groups that had already performed were weaving their way through the crowd of spectators, searching for their family and friends.
The mood was jubilant, and I was pleased to see people holding hot chocolates and roasted nuts they'd purchased from street vendors.
When the last group performed, I moved toward the podium. "Thanks to everyone who came today. The judges will add up the totals and announce the winner shortly. In the meantime, you are free to enjoy what our little town has to offer. Get a head start on your holiday shopping and support small businesses."
The crowd cheered, and I was relieved that the hardest part of the day was over. I made my way back to Natasha. "What happened to Ford?"
Natasha shrugged. "I haven't talked to him since he left yesterday to work on his bathroom."
I didn't like the sound of that. "You think he got hurt?"
Natasha looked away. "His parents would have said something if he did."
I scanned the area to search for their familiar faces, but it was crowded. "Oh? Did you see them?"
