It took all of Uriel’s willpower not to stare into Joe’s eyes. “I missed you, too,” Uriel said.
“You’re making me allSanta-mental,” Joe sighed.
“That’s my pun. You can’t steal it.”
“Dang,” Joe grumbled. “I forgot I heard that one from you. Hey, we’re here already. And who are those guys talking to West? They look all…businessy.”
West didn’t look happy with his visitors. Uriel understood the situation all too well. He had a certain visitor in town he’d like to get rid of too. Uriel made a mental note to ask Leif about the men before parking in the tree farm’s lot.
Joe bounced out of the car, then dove back in to grab a muffin from the pastry box. “Sustenance,” Joe said. “This is going to be hard work.”
“Morning, West,” Uriel called. “Is Leif around?”
“He’s out checking the younger trees. I’ll give him a call.”
“Thanks.”
The guys in suits climbed into what was obviously a rental car and drove away. West watched them go, then pasted on a smile as he joined Uriel and Joe. “Anything I can do to help until Leif gets here? I do know a thing or two about trees.”
Joe looked around the lot with wide eyes. “I want my first real tree. But I don’t know what I want. Or what size. Uriel says size is important. I happen to agree.”
Uriel coughed as West’s eyes widened. It took Joe a second to realize what he’d said.
“Get your mind out of the South Pole, you two. I meant the size of the tree. Although, other sizes are important as well. Not that I’m a size queen or anything. And oh sweet Santa on a shingle, will someone please shut me up?”
“Why would we do that?” Uriel asked. “This is the most fun I’ve had in days.”
“Note to self, four espressos is three too many.”
“Four?”
“Red-eye,” Joe replied, pointing at his bloodshot eyes.
“That’s what bed is for.”
“No, bed is where size queens…and I’m stopping right now.” Joe shoved half the muffin into his mouth.
“I’m going to give you two a minute,” West said. “Excuse me while I go behind that row of trees and laugh hysterically.”
Uriel shook his head at Joe as West walked away. “You’re going to give me the look later. I’d like to state for the record that there is nothing I can do to stop you.”
“I can think of twelve things. I only read about nine of them in the grinch book. Oh, I said that out loud. Saved by the Leif!”
Uriel turned to see his cousin approaching. When Joe explained the reason for their trip, Leif didn’t waste a single second. He led Joe to a selection of trees, then pointed to one he highly recommended.
Joe nodded, paid him, and then blinked at Uriel until he sighed and helped Leif load the tree onto the top of his car. Joe, meanwhile, sat in the passenger seat with the pastry box firmly in his grip.
“Why is West laughing so hard he’s crying?” Leif whispered.
“Joe might have had a lot of espresso. Don’t ask any more questions. I’m in big enough trouble as it is.”
Leif grinned. “Understood. Also, Javier’s underwear might have accidentally been coated in itching powder. He figured it out before anything dire happened, but still, efforts were made.”
Uriel chuckled. “I appreciate the help.”
After waving goodbye to his cousin, Uriel glanced at the darkening sky before climbing into the car. Joe yawned the entire drive to the carriage house, but he managed to help Uriel get the tree upstairs. Leif had given them a stand and a list of instructions, so they managed to get it into the stand without any mishaps. Uriel went to the kitchen to get water for the base, and by the time he returned, Joe had fallen asleep on the couch.
Uriel itched to curl up with him. His magic sparked. Uriel glanced at the bare tree and closed his eyes, picturing what Joe would most likely want to see when he opened his eyes. Something fun and whimsical, for sure. It had to make him smile, maybe even laugh. It had to be warm and colorful at the same time.
