“Tell me what to do,” Carlisle said, and they went to work.
When they’d finished, Merry checked the time. They had about fifteen minutes before the doors would open to the public. She glanced at the other hairstylist who was looking at something on her phone.
“Coleta, you okay if we take the kids around for a couple of minutes before the festival opens?” Merry asked.
“Go ahead,” the young woman said, shooting an appraising look at Carlisle. She mouthed to Merryeye candyand winked.
She sent Coleta a warning look, but the stylist only grinned. Merry turned toward the children and found Carlisle watching her. Had he been able to make out what the girl had mouthed? How embarrassing. But it also reminded her that his own coworker had said something to Carlisle about Merry. She decided to pretend nothing had happened.
“Let’s take a look at some Christmas trees while we have a chance.” She signaled the children to come over.
The kids chattered happily as they made their way through the festival area, sometimes wanting to stop to watch as others set up their booths.
“This is quite lovely,” Carlisle said when they reached the divider which split the booths from where the trees were displayed.
“The organizers work really hard every year to make sure it looks like a winter wonderland. It’s good marketing because the right atmosphere helps the trees look their best.”
Merry paused. She could almost hear her father’s voice calling Alex to slow down and see Ray chasing after their son. A lump formed in her throat.
“Too many memories?” Carlisle asked, watching her with concern.
“We didn’t come last year, and the year before that my dad and Ray were here with us.”
Carlisle surprised Merry by taking her hand. “I understand completely.”
“How areyoucoping with your own loss?” she asked, her voice soft.
“To be honest, I’ve recently realized that I haven’t been.” Carlisle stared off into the distance. “We’ve been running from our memories. Being in America has made it easier.” His gaze shifted to Merry, and something in it sent a shiver down her spine. “We’ve been doing better lately.”
“Comeon, Mama.” Alex tugged at her free hand with Grace dancing at his side, her little face alight with excitement.
“You hold on to Grace,” Merry said to her son.
“I’ll take care of her.” Alex took the child’s hand, and his gaze shifted to where Carlisle still held Merry’s hand. “Andherpapa can protect you, too.” He and Grace then skipped into the forest wonderland before them.
“Alex has quite the protective instinct, doesn’t he?” Carlisle asked as they followed the children.
“He does.”
Merry hadn’t expected the memories to be so strong, nor how emotional they’d make her. Carlisle’s understanding made her grateful for the support of his hand in hers as they wandered through the trees.
They paused with the children in front of a three-tree collection with a theme around the three kings’ gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
“Remember to look with your eyes and not with your hands.” When Alex still reached toward one of the miniature bottles, Merry added, “If you can’t make your hand behave, put it in your pocket.”
He shot her a sheepish grin but did as she said. They strolled through the trees for a few more minutes, and then Merry suggested they head back to the booth area.
“Thank you,” she said to Carlisle when they stepped out of the indoor forest of Christmas trees.
“It’s been my pleasure. Except for my grandfather’s home, neither Grace nor I have faced visiting places filled with memories of my late wife.”
“Take a friend with you,” Merry said with a smile, her eyes stinging. “It’ll make all the difference in the world.”
* * *
Friend.Carlisle considered the word as they made their way back to the booths. Yes, Merry had become a friend. Would it be wise to take Nia’s advice to make it more? What would happen to their easy relationship if things didn’t work out? And the children? Grace was already wild about Grammy. Would his daughter be crushed if things became awkward?
He shot a sidelong glance at Merry. Would it be worth the risk?
