Chapter Eight
Reluctant for the night to end, Wes wracked his brain for an activity to suggest they do that would keep their date going. They both were full so coffee wouldn’t be a good idea. He’d checked the movies earlier, but there were none appropriate for viewing. Not in his opinion, and from what he knew of Paige, felt certain she’d agree as well.
Bowling? He admittedly wasn’t very good and would embarrass himself. Even Myla, who adored him, wasn’t impressed by his skills in that arena. Skating? That’d be even worse. For being a star athlete in high school—captain of the soccer team—he possessed a surprisingly low level of coordination.
A paint night place had opened last week, but that required reservations. Even if there were walk-ins available, the next session started a half hour ago. He’d investigated it that afternoon for future date ideas.
The only thing that came to mind was a walk. Though the temperature had dropped with the cover of night, it wasn’t insufferable. Would Paige want to? No way to know except asking. Outside of the bistro, he paused instead of leading the way to the car. “Would you like to walk around town for a few minutes? If you’re not too cold.”
“I’d like that.” Her gaze shifted briefly to her clothing. “Between my coat and scarf, I’ll stay warm.”
They walked the square of the downtown area. Only two weeks into November, half the storefronts already had Christmas windows. Painted snow, garland draped inside, baubles hanging from the ceiling. Displays purposely arranged to sell more product.
Paige tightened the scarf around her neck. “I love Christmas, but I also love fall and Thanksgiving. My family complains about Christmas décor going up in November, but I think it’s the best of both worlds.” She pointed to a store ahead. “See, the handbag store still has fall up with the captivating reds and oranges, but next door, the jewelry store has a whimsical winter display.”
“That’s one way to look at it.” The cold began to nip at his fingers. He shoved his hands into his pockets, gleaning what warmth he could. “Personally, I fall into the no Christmas decorations until December camp, but it doesn’t bother me to see them early.”
“What does bother me is when ‘Christmas Sales’ are advertised beginning earlier and earlier. That’s when the commercialism takes over, and I get frustrated.”
“Have you noticed recently there have been more nativities around town and religious-themed outfitting?” He tipped his head in the direction of one he’d seen moments ago. “That gives me hope that our society is coming back to the true meaning of the holiday.”
“I haven’t, but I’ll start looking. How wonderful would that be?” A serene smile settled on her face. “Our church has a live nativity every year, and until I graduated high school, I always participated. One year I was Mary and rode on a donkey. It was only for a short time, yet it left a profound mark on me. I can only imagine how she felt, very pregnant, traveling all that way to Bethlehem.”
“My favorite part of the Christmas story has always been when the angels appear to the shepherds. It’s a fantastical image, and I’ve always thought it gives us a small glimpse of what heaven will be like.”
She shivered and fastened the top button of her coat that she’d previously left undone. “I can’t wait until Christmas, but I don’t want to rush through the next two weeks and forget Thanksgiving.”
“I have an idea. As we pass each store that’s still decorated for fall, let’s count how many turkeys are on each.”
Her eyes lit with intrigue. “Then what?”
He hadn’t thought that far—the idea had been impulsive. “Whichever one has the most, we’ll go there on our next date. It’s like a different version of the penny date.”
She raised a brow and smiled. “Next date?”
“Was I too presumptuous?” He bit his cheek waiting for her answer.
“Not at all.”
Infused with confidence, he reached for her hand, pleased when she didn’t pull away. They continued navigating the square, observing and counting the number of turkeys in each window. It was an absurd game, but it made them laugh.
When all stores had been accounted for, the winner was Lydia’s Bath and Beauty. He grinned at Paige. “I know where Mom’s present will come from this year.”
“You’re really going to come back and buy something?”
He nodded. “That was our rule. Plus, it’s my mom’s favorite store. She has lupus, and Lydia’s carries a line of bath salts that help her feel better when she has a flare-up.”
“My aunt has lupus and has mentioned something about salt baths. Maybe I’ll pick up some for her to try.”
“Mom loves them.” He saw her shiver then noticed her chattering teeth. “It’s getting too cold out here, even bundled up.”
“I tried to ignore it because I’m having fun, but it’s seeping into my bones.” She offered an apologetic glance.
They returned to the car, keeping silent on the way. Once Paige was settled inside, Wes got on the driver’s side and turned on the engine. A blast of cold air hit them. He turned down the heat until the engine had a chance to warm up. Within a mile, they had hot air, and he adjusted the vents to best warm them and then turned on the heated seats.
Paige rubbed her hands together. “The heat is amazing. I didn’t realize how cold I was until the hot air hit me.”
“Fall arrived late, but it sure came with a bang.”
