Serena grinned. “Thanks. I carried them to the other side. I thought I’d save you some effort.”
“Thank you. I might as well get started then.” Coffee in hand, she called Rover and parted the plastic draping. It would have to come down today for the grand opening tomorrow.
The expansion was lit by a strange glow. Serena must have left a light on, though they usually kept them off unless they were working in the space.
She stepped inside and glanced around, searching for the source of light. Her eyes skipped past the stock she’d placed on the shelves the other day. The light didn’t come from a ceiling fixture or cabinet. It came from a space between the front windows, where the entrance used to be.
Her mouth dropped open.
A stunning eight-foot tall blue spruce stood in the space, white lights shining from its branches.
She gasped. Who had done this?
“Serena, did you do this?” she blurted as the youth stepped up behind her.
“Not me, boss. All I did was carry boxes.”
“Who?” She turned to look at Serena who shrugged and flipped on the lights.
Every single shelf was loaded with stock. Not a single box was in sight. Her dream of a Christmas store was fulfilled to perfection.
Grinning crazily, she stepped toward the tree, picking up items and setting them down. It was perfect.
Rover whined low in his throat. She jerked around to see what had disturbed him. A stranger stood by the rear entrance. Her heart lurched to her throat and dropped to her toes. Rover yipped happily and raced toward the man.
That was no stranger.
That was Jesse!
Clean shaven, his pale face was wrapped in a huge smile. He ducked his head. She raced to his side and threw her arms round him. She kissed him, square on the mouth. “You did this? For me?”
“For you.”
He leaned in, taking her lips with his. She poured every ounce of her love, every bit of her gratitude into the kiss and felt his love in return.
“Thank you,” she murmured against his mouth.
Clapping erupted behind her. Face flushed, she pulled away and pivoted to stare at the sound.
Serena, Lincoln, Beth, and half a dozen strangers stood in the adjoining doorway.
Jesse’s arm slid across her back and he pulled her to his warmth.
“We did this. All of us.” His grin was contagious.
“You shaved.”
“I did.”
She adored his new look, even if it was a bit startling. “You didn’t have to do that.” She stroked his smooth cheek and inhaled the enticing spice scent of his aftershave.
“I wanted to. You wanted Christmas; I gave you Christmas. I want to play Santa, not look like him. And I wanted to help you get ready to open, so I called some friends.”
“That’s so incredibly generous of you. Thank you. Thank you all.” She smiled around the room, being sure to catch everyone’s gaze.
“To celebrate the near opening of Christmas Central,” Beth exclaimed, “I’ve brought treats.” She retreated into the other side of the store and came back, pushing a serving cart laden with desserts and coffee. Everyone cheered.
Hailey hugged her friend. “You know you’re amazing, right?” She turned to Jesse. “And you’re wonderful. I can’t thank you enough.” She slipped her arm around his waist and leaned against him. “You’ve made my day.”
