Page 23 of Big Mistletoe

I put a few straps over the load and then climb into the driver’s seat. Joy already has the heat going and the radio turned up. I pull out of the parking lot shaking my head.

She looks at me. “Don’t even start.”

I give her a pointed look. “I didn’t say anything.”

She rests her hand on the console between us. “You were thinking it.”

I reach for her hand and thread our fingers together. “I was thinking that there are other radio stations.”

She gasps, but I stop her. “But… but I’m actually thinking I might enjoy this after all. I like hearing you sing.”

Her smile widens. “Whatever! I can’t sing, but I do enjoy spreading Christmas cheer.”

I squeeze her hand and bring it closer to my chest. “Well, you do do that.”

We drive the rest of the way like this.

Wrapped on Main is downtown, surrounded by small shops and restaurants. I park and look at the storefront. The snow has started falling again. “You’re doing all of this today?”

Joy nods. “Yep.”

I look at the windows, the door, and the empty display area inside. I point at Joy. “Stay right here.”

I jump out of the truck and then jog around to her side and open the door. “Be careful, it might be slick.”

I walk beside her to the back of the truck and turn her to the storefront. “I’ll bring everything to you. Just point me to where it goes.”

She’s shaking her head. “I can help.”

Because I can’t resist, I lean down and kiss her nose. “Get inside, Joy. I got this.”

She rolls her eyes, but I see the smile on her face. A part of her enjoys that I want to take care of her.

For the next twenty minutes, I carry in totes, boxes, a small Christmas tree, two bags of garland, and more decorations than I knew could fit into the back of one truck.

By the time I’m finished, Joy has already transformed half the front window. I stand back and watch her. She doesn’t hesitate at all. She knows exactly where everything should go and what she wants it to look like.

I smile and look around. “What else do you need me to do?”

She points toward the tree. “Can you move that closer to the window?”

I pick it up from the bottom and move it. “Here?”

She scrunches up her nose and waves her hand. “A little to the left.”

I move it, and she tilts her head. “More.”

I move it again.

She shakes her head. “Too far.”

I look at her and can tell she’s trying not to laugh. “Joy.”

She blinks up at me innocently. “What?”

I point at her. “You’re enjoying this.”

Her smile gets bigger. “Maybe.”