Page 29 of A Second Chance Christmas Kiss

He grinned and moved back toward his buddies. “You’ve always got to have someone you like in your life. Keeps things interesting.”

“Yes, it does.”

It’d been a long time since I’d been interested in any woman.

Around four-thirty, Gretchen and Kent walked in the back door. “Hello?” Gretchen called out, and then she caught my eye. “Charles? What are you doing here?”

Kent followed. “Charles? It’s good to see you.” He stuck out his hand.

I shook his hand. “Well, I’m covering for you guys. Melody was busy next door. I took over here, and she stayed there.”

Kent lifted his eyebrows. “I like your moves.”

Gretchen swatted his shoulder. “What moves? He’s just being a fellow citizen and helping.”

I chuckled. “Sorry to tell you this, but I did bargain for dinner.”

Gretchen looked puzzled and then laughed. “Nice.”

“How are you guys?” I felt guilty as I remembered I hadn’t spoken to these guys in years.

Gretchen’s expression fell. “Our youngest son, Max, is a sophomore at the high school, and he’s just been getting into trouble. He was caught fighting and was suspended again.”

Kent shook his head and then moved to get himself some coffee. “That boy. I know it’s not just him; there are some other rowdy boys causing problems. They have this stupid rule these days that when anyone fights, everyone gets suspended.”

I frowned. “That’s frustrating.”

“It is.” Gretchen hung up her coat and then grabbed some coffee. “The good thing is it means our son must help in the store. And we won’t need you to cover the next two days.” She flashed a smile.

“I really didn’t mind it. In fact, I like the operation you guys have going here.”

Ken gestured over to where the old men still sat. “I see you have the town wise men over there.”

“I like those guys.”

Kent’s smile widened. “I do too. It seems like I help them solve all the world’s problems every day.”

Gretchen swatted him. “They get him out of a lot of work.”

I smiled at them. “You two look happy. I’m glad I could help.”

Gretchen’s eyebrows lifted. “Well, there’s always time to start stopping by more.” She glanced at the wall that was adjacent to the doll shop. “Especially since you two are both single.”

Kent chugged out a laugh. “My wife is very subtle, isn’t she?”

I laughed too. “I’m trying to take her to dinner tonight, but she’s been tough to talk to. Any suggestions?”

Gretchen steepled her fingers. “Get her talking about her son, Will. But you’re going to have to get her talking without bringing up the fact that he’s not coming for Christmas.”

“Okay.” So that was why she’d shut down the other day. Why wasn’t he coming?

Melody poked her head through the door. Her eyes widened. “Gretchen, Kent, you’re back?”

Kent put his hands on his hips, looking stern. “What kind of yahoo did you have watch our store for us?”

It was clear that Melody wasn’t worried about it. “Just someone off the street.”

Gretchen moved toward her and gave her a hug. “You’ve been busy today?”

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