They continued working until all the lights were strung across the rafters, then started along the walls, following behind Hunter to add fairy lights to the greenery he’d affixed to the picture rails. Soon he found himself working next to Hunter as they completed the last step of adding the multicolored baubles.
“I’ll duck out the back and bring in the stuff we need for the tables,” Garrett said, leaving them to it.
With the heating on, the decorating well underway, and carols playing softly in the background, the whole place had taken on a festive air. Aaron found himself smiling as he sorted through the colors and handed them to Hunter to attach. He didn’t even have to explain to Hunter the importance of spacing the various colors out, Hunter naturally making sure they were evenly spread. It was probably the designer in him. Aaron knew Garrett would be hopeless at the task, just wanting it finished and putting the baubles anywhere. He had to admire Hunter’s eye for detail.
“What do you think of the colors?” Aaron asked.
“I like them—oranges, yellows, purples, blues—much brighter than the usual green, red, and silver combo. They work well with the theme.”
He was glad Hunter had picked up on that little detail. “Yeah, rainbow all the way.” He passed a box of pink baubles to Hunter and took a box of pale blue for himself. “Are you hands-on with decorating in your business?”
“Sometimes.” Hunter continued to hang balls as he spoke. “A lot of the work is upfront in the design and planning before a single tool gets picked up. Then contractors are used for major construction and activities like electrics, plumbing, cabinetry, flooring, and painting. But I’m always involved in the actual color and fabric choices and take an active role in final staging. Designing is all I’ve really wanted to do, and it’s always a thrill to see my vision come to life and to see clients get their dream room or home.” Hunter glanced toward him. “Of course, most of my clients can afford to have their perfect homes, but not everyone is so lucky. That’s why it’s great to be able to donate to the auction—there’ll be money for the support service, and someone can hopefully have a refurbishment that they otherwise couldn’t afford. I’ve been blessed, so I’d like to start doing something each year to give back, some sort of program. I haven’t worked out any details yet.”
“That sounds awesome. You know the support service offers some short-term accommodation, a few apartments for homeless young people needing a place to stay for a few months until they can get back on their feet. Maybe they could do with a makeover?”
Hunter grinned. “Thanks. That’s a definitely something worth looking into. What about you and the store? Do you have grand plans for Artisan? Can I expect to see a chain of stores across America?”
“Hell, no! I love my little store just the way it is. The closest I’ve come to expanding is launching an online store. It’s only small and features locally made products.”
“Good for you. I’m glad you’ve found your niche. You should be really proud of what you’ve achieved.”
Aaron nodded, eyes prickling. He was damned proud of how far he’d come. He bent to pick up another box, blinking furiously. He tried to tell himself he was just emotional thinking about his store, not tearing up at Hunter’s praise.
They continued working side by side while Garrett unpacked and sorted table settings. Aaron was conscious of every move Hunter made, every bend, every lift of his arm, but he kept his gaze firmly focused on the task at hand. That was, until he heard the humming.
He looked at Hunter with a raised brow. “Are you humming along to the Christmas carol?”
“Me? No! Of course not,” Hunter said.
“I distinctly heard you humming.” Aaron chuckled. “I never would have pegged you for a Justin Bieber fan.”
“What? You’re joking.”
“Nah-huh. ‘Mistletoe’ by Mr. Bieber himself. I’ll have to get you his latest album as a Christmas present. Or maybe we can do karaoke at the tavern and I’ll select one of his songs for you. Or maybe something more classic. A little Bing Cosby—”
Hunter elbowed him. “You wouldn’t dare!”
“Just try me.”
“I’m not singing Christmas carol karaoke. I will not allow you to taint me with your over-the-top Christmas spirit!” Hunter said, but his voice was full of laughter, and it wouldn’t have surprised Aaron if Hunter actually came along if he really pushed it.
“What’s going on?”
They turned at Garrett’s approach. “Nothing,” they said in unison, then both burst out laughing.
Garrett rolled his eyes. “Just like the old times,” he muttered under this breath. “Anyone hungry?”
Hunter grinned at him. “Sure. Starving, actually. How about I order us a couple of pizzas? Garrett, what do you like on yours?”
A short while later, they were seated around a table with open pizza boxes in front of them. Conversation flowed, and Aaron was impressed with both Hunter’s energy and enthusiasm and the effort he was making with Garrett. Garrett had stood by Aaron through thick and thin, and in doing so, he’d taken a stand—as stand that had told Hunter that Garrett was Aaron’s best friend and no longer his. Maybe all that could change and they’d mend some bridges?
The hall door opened, and Melody Cavendish breezed in, followed by Brooke.
“Well, look at you boys, taking a break.” Melody eyed the pizza with a look of distaste. “I’d have thought the tables would be well underway by now.”
Hunter’s feet hit the floor from the chair where he’d had them propped, and he was up in an instant. “It’s all under control, Mom. We’ve done the most time-consuming part, and we’ll be starting on the tables next. Don’t you think the lights look spectacular?”
“Humph.” She huffed. “I wonder if I should have got one of the ladies to be more involved.”
