“Why don’t you come over tonight, and we can brainstorm?”
I stepped closer into his warmth. “Sounds great. We can rub each other’s aching feet, and I can tell you all about how I’m falling in love with you.”
Mickey stunned me with a gorgeous smile. “Best Christmas present ever.” He pulled me into him and kissed me until my toes curled. “I’m falling in love with you too.”
As I opened my eyes, smiling, I noticed movement over Mickey’s shoulder. Joe Brewer stared at us, mouth hanging open. Before I could say anything, he turned and hustled away.
“Uh, Mickey, turns out you’ve got one less thing on your to-do list for tomorrow.”
THIRTY-FOUR
MICKEY
“One of my favorite parts of Christmas is all the great desserts,” Theresa said into the camera while a line of people moved along the dessert tables behind her. “So, of course, one of the things I had to do in Maplewood was find the best dessert in town. As I’ve been talking to people, some swore the maple custard pie from Red’s Restaurant was the best, while others claimed the maple cream pie from Sparky’s Diner held the title of best dessert in town.” She smiled mischievously. “You know my sweet tooth, so I’ve got to decide for myself.”
As had been planned in advance, a volunteer serving desserts handed Theresa a plate with a slice of each on it. I watched from the side as Theresa took a bite of our slice and nodded, then repeated the same with the cream pie. Her expression gave no hint of a preference. She was good.
“Well, folks. They’re both delicious, but I’m going to keep my favorite to myself. You’ll have to come to Maplewood yourself and try them to figure out if you’re Team Red’s or Team Sparky’s.” She held her smile for a long moment. “Good?”
Mandeep nodded. “Perfect. Bo said the mayor is about to speak. Let’s set up.”
Watching that scene unfold had done nothing to distract me from panicking over Dad’s reaction to catching Amos and me. I’d been planning to tell him in a controlled environment, after he had a belly full of Aunt Ingrid’s Christmas cinnamon rolls. Not at the end of an incredibly taxing day when everyone was exhausted.
I hadn’t seen him since it happened and had no idea what response to expect when I did, but I wouldn’t have to wonder long because the mayor had asked us and the Flynns to hover nearby while she greeted the attendees.
When I approached the microphone set up at the front of the room, Amos stood with Sage, their parents and grandfathers off to the side to Mayor Axelrod’s right. Dad, Grandpa, and Grandma already stood a bit off to her left. I wished Matty was there with us.
I’d discovered Sage watching me several times throughout the evening. Since Amos told them about his feelings, Sage was probably looking for an opportunity to give me the shovel talk. I smiled at the image of easy-going Sage warning me not to hurt their brother.
“You good?” Dad clapped me on the shoulder and smiled.
“Uh, yeah.” I tried to gauge Dad’s mood. He didn’t seem bothered in the least. I wouldn’t have expected him to be angry, though maybe shocked or even disappointed.
Bo and Mayor Axelrod approached the Flynns. After greeting them, Mayor Axelrod made her way over to us.
“Thank you for joining me up here,” she said to us all, then turned to me. “This event had quite the turnout. What you, Bo, Amos, and the others have done is going to mean a lot for our town. I’m very grateful.” She was a rare breed of politician who was honest and earnest.
“Anything to support the town. It’s been a pleasure,” I said sincerely.
When the mayor took her spot at the microphone, I took the opportunity to seek out Amos and found him watching me. His smile probably appeared benign to anyone watching us, but I saw the affection in it. God, I wanted to stand next to him instead of facing him like an opposing team.
Microphone feedback echoed through the space as the mayor adjusted it to her taller frame.
“Good evening. Is everyone enjoying dinner?” She laughed at people’s raucous cheers. “That’s what I like to hear. I hope you’ve been enjoying the seventy-fifth Holiday Hoopla festival so far. What a milestone!” More people cheered. “The fun isn’t over yet. I expect to see you all at the New Year’s Eve celebration next week.”
Grandma wrapped her arm around my waist. It was so good to have her close. I understood why they’d moved to Florida, but I missed being able to visit her anytime I wanted.
“Thank you toGood Morning, USAfor coming to our charming town. You’ve given us a gift by sharing Maplewood with the world and allowing us an opportunity to share our love of festivals with your audience.”
The camera operator swung the camera from the mayor to Theresa. Standing off to the side from the front row of tables, she faced the crowd and smiled graciously while giving a finger wave.
The mayor continued her remarks by thanking all the volunteers, the festival’s major sponsors, and those supporting tonight’s event. She gave a special thank-you to a blushing Bo for all his hard work. He deserved the eternal gratitude of everyone in this building for how much he poured his heart and soul into this town.
“Now, for tonight’s event, I want to especially thank the people who are responsible for us being here. The fine folks ofSparky’s Diner and Red’s Restaurant.” She spread her arms wide and smiled at the Flynns and us.
Mayor Axelrod continued, “We’re fortunate to have three generations of Flynns and Brewers here tonight.”
A chant broke out in the audience. “Red’s, Red’s, Red’s, Red’s!”
