Exhausted he barely heard the tapping of little heeled boots as they walked across the hardwood floor. It wasn’t until Merry nudged him that he looked up with tired eyes and gratefully took the drink from her hand.
“Hot cocoa?” he asked.
“Irish coffee, with plenty of whiskey,” she replied coolly.
“Thank you,” he breathed, taking a sip.
“You’re welcome. You should go home and get to bed,” she stated. “You look terrible.”
“You look wonderful,” he responded. “How can that be when you’ve been here for hours?”
“I’m used to it,” she answered.
“Merry, I’m sorry I barked at you today. I was…overwhelmed with the responsibility.”
“I can understand that, but you’d best learn not to bite the hand that’s helping you,” she suggested. “If you’re going to stay, that is?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” he asked curiously as he rose to his feet.
“Well, not everyone is cut out for a job like this,” she stated. “Most of us are born to it. It’s all we know, but humans come here thinking it’s all beauty and light, fun and games, and well…it’s not. We have our share of troubles too.”
“You certainly do, and some you bring on yourself,” he pointed out.
“Is there some sort of hidden meaning in that statement?” she demanded, planting her hands on her hips.
“You could say that, but I’m too tired to explain right now. Come on, I’ll see you home.”
“I can find my own way,” she insisted, tilting up her chin.
“There’s probably not a sleigh to be had,” Bartlett informed her. “We’ll walk. It will do us good.”
Shrugging her shoulders, Merry left him to follow her while she retrieved her things from her workshop. It was a bit of a mess, but she’d tidy it up later. Turning around she was surprised to see the intensity in his eyes as he watched her.
“What?”
“Nothing, nothing that can’t wait until we’ve both gotten some rest,” he replied, taking her arm.
They walked through the crisp night air, watching the beauty of the northern lights and the twinkling stars. Their boots crunched the snow as they moved on, calling out Merry Christmas to friends and co-workers. A chilling wind was beginning to sweep through when they finally got to Merry’s door. Opening it, the warmth enveloped them both and they sighed with gratitude.
“You should stay here,” Merry offered, looking at the snow that was just starting.
“No, it’s all right. I’ll be fine,” he replied, pulling his coat closer.
“Don’t be stupid, Bartlett. It’s freezing out and as you said, you’ll never get a sleigh. I have an extra bedroom.”
There was silence for a moment as he considered her offer.
“If you’re sure,” he finally responded. “I don’t want to tarnish your reputation.”
Merry laughed.
“Humans put much more stock in such things than we do,” she said with a smile. “There’ll be so much humping around here in the next few weeks, we might as well be bunnies.”
“No kidding,” he drawled surprised.
“Yes. Kidding,” she retorted. “The bedroom is on the left,” she said, pointing down the hall. “You know where the kitchen is and you’re room is a suite. Make yourself comfortable,” she continued, yawning. “I’ll see you when you wake up.”
“Thanks, and Merry, thanks for forgiving me.”
