Valerie hugged herself in dismay. “I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m never going to get all this put up.”
Ethan’s heart went out to her. Obviously, she was alone up here. He couldn’t imagine spending Christmas by himself–the thought was as depressing as it was terrifying. “It’s not so much. That big box is the tree. Let’s get it up. I’ll bet half the other boxes are full of tree baubles.”
Her head whipped in his direction. “You don’t have to help. Really.”
“But I’d like to.” The sincerity in his voice must have convinced her because she didn’t argue with him. Or, she was so lonely she’d take an electrician’s help decorating. Or, she’d enjoyed their short time together as much as he had and wasn’t ready to let it go.
Or– ugh! He needed to stop overthinking this!
He marched over to the box and pulled a knife out of his back pocket–the one he always had on him at work. “I bet this thing is pre-assembled. Let’s get it out and see.” He cut along the tape and pulled the three tree sections out of the box.
She wrung her hands.
He kept his head down as he worked, not wanting her to tell him to go away.
“What time do you have to pick up Collin?” she hedged.
“He’s going home with his cousin after practice. You’re saving me from a lonely night of washing laundry.” Could he sound any more pathetic?
Her eyes lit up. “In that case, stay as long as you like.” She clamped a hand over her mouth. “I didn’t mean you should stay all night.” Her eyes got bigger. “That sounded worse. Um...”
He laughed, grateful he wasn’t the only one sticking his stocking in his mouth this Christmas. “How about we decorate and not worry about my pathetic date with laundry or your invitation to sleep over.”
Her jaw dropped. “I did not invite you to sleep over.” She smacked his arm.
“Sounded like it to me.” He winked.
Her cheeks turned a beautiful shade of pink. “I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that because I want your help decorating.”
He laughed. “I’ll pretend you aren’t blushing.”
She rolled her eyes. “Start unboxing, Christmas elf.”
He saluted. Pleased to find that the tree came pre-strung with lights; all he had to do was put them together. “Where do you want it?”
She pulled out a folded paper and held it up for reference. He recognized Charlotte’s sketch paper. She rarely gave away her sketches, and the fact that Valerie held one in her hand spoke to how much Charlotte liked her. He smiled. His next-door neighbor was like a little sister. Their families were tight, made closer by becoming in-laws last Christmas. He valued Charlotte’s opinion of people–even if she’d called him ancient.
“There,” Valerie declared. “Between the window wall and the fireplace.”
He positioned the tree and then reached for the drawing. “May I?” After a quick glance, he’d oriented himself. “I’ll look for the ornaments. Why don’t you put on some music?”
“Music?” Valerie asked, gulping loudly.
“Yeah. We always listen to Christmas music when we deck the halls.” He sang the last part, hoping to lighten the mood.
Valerie nodded numbly as she walked to the electronic pad on the wall.
Deck the Halls, in a quick, acapella version burst out of the speakers. “Sorry!” she called over the sound, repeatedly hitting the button to lower the volume. “That’s weird. I didn’t even have it on when the power went out.” She opened a box, and a soft smile played on her lips as she pulled out a nativity scene piece by piece. “On the shelves, don’t you think?” she asked as she turned to the empty bookshelves.
“For sure. How many nativities did you order?” Ethan asked as he pulled another one from a different box.
Valerie shrugged. “I gave Charlotte free rein. I guess we’ll find out once we unpack.”
He shook his head in mock sadness. “She probably sent seven.”
“Seven?” Valerie asked, a note of alarm in her voice. “Why seven?”
“Because she thinks you should have one for every day of creation.” He huffed as if he was put upon. “I only have three. She calls me a Christmas heathen.”
